WICC The Voice of Connecticut

New data shows that Google searches for AI to help with college essays has skyrocketed 110% in the last year! But is the headline deceiving? We ask our cyber security expert, Dr. Vahid Behzadan, about the findings. We also talked about artificial intelligence in the classroom and how teachers can strike a balance with students using it. (0:00)

Earlier this week, four women who attended the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London told a congressional committee of sexual abuse they experienced. The hearing was led by Senator Richard Blumenthal as chair of a Senate investigative panel. We spoke with Senator Blumenthal about the investigation and the next steps for abuse allegedly tied to all branches of the military. (14:49)

A well-known voice actor with ties to Connecticut is back to reprise his role as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. We spoke with John Ratzenberger, born in Bridgeport and best known for his role as Cliff Clavin on Cheers and voicing Hamm in Toy Story, about his role on stage at Sacred Heart University. (26:28)

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Flu cases are surging, especially in the south. A lot of Connecticut residents will travel south for the holidays or in the winter months. So, what do people need to do ahead of their travel plans? How important is testing? Do the tests expire? How accurate are they? Dr. Browne addresses all of that.

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Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" opened with host Paul Pacelli updating some possible national movement on the immigration issue (00:32). Hearst Connecticut Media editor and columnist Dan Haar dropped by to talk about the hot issues of the day (13:06), while Quinnipiac University social media expert Prof. John Powers talked about a push for parental control over certain smartphone applications (22:02)

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Host Paul Pacelli kicked off Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with his thoughts on a controversial "invitation" issued by Gov. Ned Lamont (00:30). New Haven Independent reporter Laura Glesby talked about a growing controversy surrounding marriage licenses for immigrants (12:48). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio joined us with her report on state lawmakers being honored by the Communist Party (25:34)

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There were several street takeovers in Connecticut earlier this month and we want to know what lawmakers are doing to eliminate the problem or better protect residents. Senator Paul Cicarella is the Ranking state Senator of the Public Safety and Security Committee. He shared concerns over a lack of penalties and whether task forces make a difference in curbing the issue. (0:00)

Just days ahead of the Sandy Hook tragedy anniversary, how do we handle trauma and fear? We get advice from morning show counselor, Julius Dudics. (17:54)

Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house or just away for the holiday we go! We get the latest AAA data on travel trends for Christmas and New Years. Plus, we discuss new data about older drivers and what to discuss as a family with safe mobility. (32:28)

More than 1,100 lobster traps have been removed from Long Island Sound in the last year. Where do those traps go after they’re removed? What’s the goal for next year? And do we need more fishermen to get involved in this conservation effort? We spoke with the Conservation Project Manager from Maritime Aquarium. (49:27)

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Monday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured a chat with Quinnipiac University Associate Criminal Justice Professor Kimberly Przeszlowski on an estimated 1,500 drivers from out of state who took part in massive "street takeovers" in North Haven and other areas (00:36). Sacred Heart University Communication and Media Studies Professor Dr. Bill Yousman joined us to chat about the reinstatement of Alex Jones' account on the "X" social media platform (13:34). Paul also had a few thoughts on recent Congressional testimony from college presidents regarding campus anti-Semitism (26:45)

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Local author and volunteer firefighter, Paul Albert, created a new book honoring law enforcement and remembering two of our own. In the children’s book ‘True Blue Heroes,’ find out how Lt. Dustin DeMonte and Sgt. Alex Hamzy are remembered and the lesson behind respecting those in uniform. To pre-order the book: https://www.sillybrainbooks.com/product-page/true-blue-heroes

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Crime on the Mind: How do I handle a street takeover if I’m caught in one? Jim Perez shares why you should invest in dashboard cameras and how to keep from engaging with suspects.

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Fairfield residents are outraged after college students trashed Penfield Beach after a Santacon party. We asked First Selectman Bill Gerber what action comes next for the students responsible.

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December 10th marked the 75th anniversary of Human Rights Day. But as a society, are we falling short of respecting people no matter what? We spoke in length with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities.

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Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli looked at the previous night's embarrassing GOP Presidential Primary Debate (00:29). "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi joined us for his weekly update (14:19) on the local political scene. We also chatted with Lowell Baier, author of, "The Codex of the Endangered Species Act, Volume I: The Last Fifty Years & Volume II: The Next Fifty Years." (27:56)

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Finding available and affordable housing continues to be a major struggle for Connecticut. We invited Renee Dobos back in studio. She is the CEO of non-profit, CT Housing Partners. We outlined the problem at hand and what ‘affordable housing’ actually means for Connecticut residents. Renee then explained how CHP is part of the solution.

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