WICC The Voice of Connecticut

We are one week out from the Bridgeport primary redo for the mayoral race. Before people head to the polls, we spoke with Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas. Find out what you need to know before January 23rd and what this election process means for voting in Connecticut during the presidential election year. (0:00)

Stamford public schools has a budget with a more than six percent increase, but it means dozens of staff cuts. We spoke with Mayor Caroline Simmons about the budget proposal and got the latest on updates to the Stamford Train Station. (15:37)

A recent blog shared statistics about cluttered homes. It found that a quarter of Americans have so much stuff in their garages that they cannot park a car inside. And data shows that 80% of items in a person’s home are never used. We spoke with counselor, Julius Dudics, about why people struggle to let go of stuff and how to do it more effectively. (24:28)

Julie on the Job: A new report shows nearly 4 in 10 employers avoid hiring college grads for older workers instead. What does that mean for YOU in the workplace? (39:18)

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Monday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli opened with more new poll numbers that should make Republican primary and caucus voters take notice (00:27). Columnist and blogger Chris Powell talked about what he sees as a misguided proposal for a new soccer stadium in Bridgeport (14:45), while CT NewsJunkie and Substack.com blogger Terry Cowgill had some thoughts on the Iowa caucuses (26:44)

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The trial of Michelle Troconis is expected to resume tomorrow in Stamford Superior Court. There’s no body, so what’s the worst that can happen to Troconis? And has anyone noticed that the other person of interest, Kent Mahwinney, has basically disappeared in the media lately…why? We got legal perspective from Bill Bloss of Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder on the Dulos case and what could play out in the Troconis trial.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health has awarded seven organizations throughout the state funding to reduce community gun violence. One of those organizations is right here in Bridgeport. We spoke with Nancy Kingwood with Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention Program about the funding for one of its programs focused on teens missing father figures.

Comptroller Scanlon shared new information on the ArrayRx prescription drug discount card, including data on consumer savings and usage. Launched on October 2, more than 15,000 Connecticut residents have already signed up for the program. Visit ArrayRxCard.com to learn more.

Crime on the Mind: beware of your key fobs!

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Friday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured a discussion and calls regarding the possibility of state money being used to partially fund a new pro soccer stadium in Bridgeport (00:31). We were also joined by Dustin Dunbar, author of, "You’re Doing Great! (And Other Lies Alcohol Told Me)" (13:50) and Quinnipiac University Associate Professor of Law Sheila Hayre discussed the observance of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day (28:01)

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One of the top resolutions for many is to embrace a healthy diet. But our headache expert is encouraging people to eat better not only to lose weight, but also to reduce headaches. Dr. Fred Cohen shares some timely research on foods that can trigger migraines and how to have a pain-free 2024. (0:00)

January is National Mentoring Month and we want to know the impact of mentorship. We spoke with Shasity Rios, Director of Site-Based Programs of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Connecticut. Find out how to also become a mentor and what you can bring to the table. (15:10)

Earlier this week, the Defense Secretary went to the hospital for prostate cancer and not even the President knew about it. We wanted to get perspective on sharing health information with our jobs from our employment attorney, Gary Phelan, on this topic. (27:32)

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Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi's update about more proposed tax relief in Bridgeport (00:30). Sacred Heart University Political Science Professor/Scholar in Residence Dr. Gary Rose stopped by with his thoughts on the national political scene (15:08), while Paul had a few thoughts on an email from the Secretary of the State's office (31:05)

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After all the rainfall we’ve had since the summer, Connecticut’s farms have had a rough year. We spoke with Department of Agriculture Commissioner, Bryan Hurlburt, about the challenges aquaculture farmers and field farmers are facing with flooding. Plus, he shared a program that will support local farms and your health goals for the new year. (0:00)

January is Radon Action Month and many people do not test their homes for radon often enough, if at all. We spoke with Melanie Miranda from Pillar to Post about the dangers of this odorless, invisible gas and why testing is a non-negotiable. (21:47)

Zoo Minute: Famous people at Connecticut’s only zoo. Gregg Dancho takes us back to 2000 when The Sopranos shot a scene at the zoo. He also shared other run-in’s with some big names over the years. (36:37)

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Have you heard of covid toes? We asked Dr. Browne about that and some new research suggesting that vegans are less likely to get covid-19. A study published in the journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health found that a diet low in meat and dairy while rich in veggies, legumes and nuts could lower the risk by nearly 40 percent.  Researchers speculate that plant-based diets may offer more nutrients that strengthen the immune system.

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Wednesday's midweek "Connecticut Today" kicked off with host Paul Pacelli noticing a few "magic words" from Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas (00:27). U.S. Army Col. (Ret.) Joe Buccino talked about the current controversy surrounding Defense Secretary LLoyd Austin (13:56), while Hearst Connecticut Media editor and columnist Dan Haar stopped by for his regular update (27:43)

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The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Jocelyn Hillard from the Connecticut chapter discusses the problem and how you can be part of the solution. (0:00)

Bridgeport is getting a professional soccer team and a new stadium to go with it. The Connecticut United Football Club will be a part of MLS NEXT Pro and the team is scheduled to launch next year. We spoke with Dan Onofrio of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council about this development, traffic concerns and what it means for other professional sports in Connecticut. (13:33)

To encourage young people to explore and enter the farming industry, the New London County Farm Bureau is starting a new program to encourage young people, under the age of 19, to become farmers. Here in Bridgeport, David Mestre has been working with high school students to build a 21st century farm, called a FarmBot. We learn all about this robotic farm system in Science You May Not Know. (29:27).

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