WICC The Voice of Connecticut

We started 2024 on Tuesday's edition of "Connecticut Today" with the latest developments - and language - surrounding U.S. border policy (00:26). Southern Connecticut State University Political Science and Urban Affairs Professor Dr. Jonathan Wharton dropped by for a chat on state and national politics (14:00) and we also welcomed Yankee Institute blogger Meaghan Portfolio for her regular weekly update (25:27)

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The investigation into a large explosion last week in Bridgeport could take months to complete. The blast last Friday at Tradebe Environmental Services injured three people and rocked a nearby residential neighborhood. We got the very latest on the incident and aftermath from Bridgeport Fire Chief Lance Edwards. (0:00)

Connecticut State Police certainly didn’t take a holiday. New data released by CSP, shows troopers were out in full force from Christmas to New Years and this past weekend, dozens of people got in trouble for drinking and driving. We talked to Sgt. Christine Jeltema about the findings, trooper numbers and goals for 2024. (15:38)

January is known as “Dry January” for some to take a break from drinking. We talked about the hold alcohol has on so many in our society and how to better deal with the problem at hand. Counselor Julius Dudics offered insight and tips to overcome bad habits. (26:24)

Maybe travel plans are part of your 2024. But before you book, do you have your passport in check? We spoke with AAA about wait times to get your passport, different passport rules for different countries and why having a travel agent could help in the long run! (42:39)

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Help Our Military Heroes had an incredible year helping service men and women get outfitted vans for their war injuries. Laurie Hollander, CEO and Founder of the organization, shared the success of 2023 and goals for the new year. (0:00)

Did you know the stretch between Christmas and New Years brings an uptick in heart attacks? We learned why that is from Hartford Healthcare cardiologist Dr. Jaffer and what signs to look out for. (14:56)

A new poll shows overwhelming concern from Connecticut residents surrounding a potential ban on gas-powered vehicles. Senator Kevin Kelly shares the significance of the data and what that means for conversation among lawmakers in 2024. (24:03)

Hear the biggest animal stories from Norwalk’s Maritime Aquarium in 2023 from Emily Lavin. (36:13)

Several scientists are sounding the alarm after cases of an infection known as zombie deer disease have spread to 32 states. The deadly brain parasite, which is formally named chronic wasting disease, causes symptoms including loss of coordination, weight loss, lethargy, and uncontrolled drooling. The disease mainly infects deer, elk, and moose. U.S. officials started voicing concerns over chronic wasting disease after a deer was found with the infection in Yellowstone National Park in November. That has left many scientists concerned that the parasite could eventually mutate and spread to humans who eat infected meat. Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health explained the issue at hand and what it means for you.

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Ahead of New Years weekend, Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter shared tips and warnings to keep you safe this holiday. (0:00)

Before we head in to 2024, we take a look back at some of the biggest Connecticut business stories of 2023. And Dan Onofrio of the BRBC shares advice for refocusing and restarting jobs for people heading back to work after the holidays. (15:05)

Science You May Not Know: From small butterflies to monster-size whales, we recap the biggest science discoveries of 2023 according to David Mestre. (29:27)

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Host Paul Pacelli wrapped up "Connecticut Today" for 2023 on Friday talking about the mainstream media's description of what's going on at the U.S. Southern Border (00:19). We also got our weekly update from former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso (14:32)

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Zoo Minute: Gregg Dancho shared a lot of reindeer facts ahead of Christmas! They may not fly, but you won't believe how magical reindeer are in real life. ((00:00))

Is cursive writing making a comeback in Connecticut classrooms? A new state law is encouraging teachers to bring back this nostalgic skill to the curriculum. Fran Rabinowitz talked about the need to cursive but not the way it was taught in the past. ((16:58))

Hundreds of Fairfield County students will soon have access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive thanks to $347,500 in funding announced today by the Fairfield County Business Collaborative for Education Equity. We got the details about this organization and who is benefiting from the funding. ((34:20))

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With the news of a new strain of Covid-19 starting to become more prevelent, Dr. Browne joined Melissa to talk about what to know and how to prepare for it.

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Wednesday's midweek edition of "Connecticut Today" with host 

Paul Pacelli opened with Paul's thoughts on a move to keep former President Donald Trump off of Colorado's 2024 GOP primary ballot (00:25) Landmark Legal Foundation attorney and analyst Mike O'Neill also shared his thoughts on the Colorado situation (14:18). We also got our weekly update from Hearst Connecticut Media columnist and editor Dan Haar (24:24)

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Cannabis retailer, Budr, is looking to open a new location at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport. Good idea or bad for surrounding businesses? We got perspective from Bridgeport Regional Business Council President, Dan Onofrio. (0:00)

Officials say a new COVID-19 variant is on the rise this holiday season. The CDC says cases of the new variant, been dubbed JN.1, now account for one in five new infections. We heard from Dr. Hussain about hospitalizations in Connecticut and what doctors are seeing. (13:44)

It’s the darkest time of the year, but it doesn’t have to be so depressing! Tom Andersen with Connecticut Audubon Society shares how birds and nature can turn your frown upside down this winter. (23:23)

It’s one of the most common, unenjoyable parts of pregnancy: morning sickness! Researchers have discovered what’s to blame for it. OB/GYN Dr. Daniel Gottschall explains the GDF15 hormone and why it’s creating such havoc in women at the start of pregnancy. (34:14)

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