WICC The Voice of Connecticut

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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It’s uncomfortable, it’s downright awful, and I guarantee you don’t want to talk about it. But we have to. January is Human Trafficking Prevention month. We continue our conversation today discussing this issue here in our state and how we can educate ourselves and our kids about the dangers of trafficking. Sarah Malhotry, Director of Education at The Rowan Center in Stamford, talked about the curriculum being taught in schools for students, parents and teachers to address this. (0:00)

Maybe you loved seeing the recent snowfall this past weekend. But for some, the weather change triggered instant depression. How do we manage the winter blues? We asked counselor Julius Dudics. (16:00)

Ahead of another rain storm, we want you to be prepared for flooding in your home. Tri-City joined us with tips to mitigate a flooding situation and ways to protect your home during storms. (31:45)

Julie on the Job: if remote workers are not getting promoted, what should you do? Julie Bauke weighs the debate of sacrificing happiness to make more money depending on where you get your work done. (45:47)

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Monday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli looked at new numbers from a pilot program for speed cameras at three highway construction zones (00:30). Former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso updated us on the current absentee ballot status for the January 23rd mayoral primary (11:49). CT NewsJunkie columnist and Substack.com blogger Terry Cowgill stopped by for his first update of the new year (26:43)

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January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, meant to bring awareness to the problem in America. And Connecticut is not excused from the issue. Local non-profit, PEHT, shared the reality in our state and signs to detect sex and human trafficking cases. (0:00)

It may be fashion forward but it’s a real crime prevention fopaux. Retired Lt. Jim Perez shares information about see-through plastic bags and coats attracting a lot of buyers. Find out why you need to avoid buying these products! (15:38)

New year, lingering problems…We got an update from Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber about major issues in town including more spending on Penfield Pavillion, the fight over UI monopoles and the aftermath of the SantaCon party at the beach last month. (26:53)

Do this ONE THING in 2024 to improve your marriage: FOCUS. What do you mean and why does that make a difference? We spoke to marriage coach Bob Donovan. (43:39)

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We love our family and want to know as they age, they have the best support possible in our state. Well, that may not be the case based on new data revealed in a recent Department of Social Services report. Find out why lawmakers are outraged about the report. State Senator Kevin Kelly, former co-chair of the Aging Committee, shares details from the report and why it’s unacceptable for our most vulnerable population (0:00).

Here’s a link to the report: https://wp.cga.ct.gov/apa/wp-content/cgacustom/reports/performance/PERFORMANCE_Department%20of%20Social%20Services-Community%20First%20Choice%20Compliance%20Report_20240103.pdf

We learned more about the Right to Read law. By July 2025, all Connecticut school districts need to provide evidence that they are incorporating strong literacy instruction to students. Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker shares some alarming statistics about our kids reading and writing skills, including that more than half of our third graders don’t know how to read proficiently. (15:44)

The state certificate on domestic violence begins January 9th. This 40-hour online course provides training and information about the problem in Connecticut and can lead to volunteer opportunities helping victims of abuse. Deb Greenwood with the Center for Family Justice shares the information about this course and why it matters combatting the problem. (33:48)

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During the final hour of Melissa in the Morning on WICC 600 AM and 107.3 FM, Bridgeport City Counselwoman Maria Pereira agreed to give an exclusive interview with Melissa to talk about a controversial email that was sent out by her. Following the conclusion of that interview, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim as well as President Pro Tempore City Council Ernie Newton gave their rebuttals to the interview.

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Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli looked at another controversy from the Bridgeport City Council with "Only in Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi (00:45). Paul also had some thoughts on the coming months of campaigning in the 2024 White House race (13:09). DEI expert Kent Heckenlively, author of, "The Diversity Con: The Secrets and Lies Behind the Shady DEI Industry," talked about the situation surrounding former Harvard University President Dr. Claudine Gay (26:44) and Brad Schaeffer, author of, "Life in the Pits: My Time as a Trader on the Rough-and-Tumble Exchange Floors" stopped by as well (39:37)

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As we start this new year, there is still a major housing shortage in our state. We spoke with Renee Dobos, the CEO of Connecticut Housing Partners. CHP is an award-winning affordable housing developer and property management firm in our state. The non-profit has big goals that are attainable for the new year. Find out what they are, who needs the housing and how you can play a role in helping.

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