WICC The Voice of Connecticut

Over the counter Narcan is now available in pharmacies across the country, including here in Connecticut. Law enforcement expert, Gary MacNamara, shared why this is an essential tool for all families to have and what it means for the war on fentanyl. (0:00)

We have a new scam alert! The Better Business Bureau says the latest problem stems from Bed, Bath and Beyond. Kristen Johnson shared how to spot a fake online sale. (13:21)

It’s official…insurance rates will go up significantly in Connecticut this year and state Republicans are livid. Senator Tony Hwang explains why more and more residents will not invest in health care coverage and the consequences to that decision. (26:49)

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We wrapped up another week on "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli wondering if state officials really care about urban gun violence in cities like Bridgeport (00:20). Wealso heard from former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso with his weekly update (11:46)

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The maker of the spicy 'One Chip Challenge' pulled product from store shelves following the death of a Massachusetts teenager. We talked to a social media expert, Quinnipiac Professor John Powers, about these viral challenges and why they gain popularity even though the average person knows they’re reckless. (0:00)

A first-of-its-kind school for the LGBTQ+ community in Connecticut had to delay its opening this year. We found out why from school officials and asked what happens to the students enrolled for this academic year. (14:34)

We could see the newest covid vaccine as early as next week and many want to know what it’s all about. Hartford Healthcare’s Dr. Passalaqua shared the details on the shot and who will need it. (30:27)

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Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at the state's continued push for more marijuana businesses (00:32). "Only in Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi stopped by with the latest on the upcoming Bridgeport mayoral primary (12:19). Sacred Heart University Government and Political Science Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Gary Rose talked about efforts to keep Donald Trump off the 2024 ballot in Connecticut (23:04)

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Hospitals across Connecticut have been filing requests to shut down their labor and delivery units. We want to know why and how is the state responding? Comptroller Sean Scanlon shared his insight about the problem and what officials are doing to protect families living in rural Connecticut need a hospital nearby. (0:00)

Tonight, is the annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony for families impacted by the 2001 terrorist attacks. The Lt. Governor stopped by to discuss the importance of the ceremony location and why it’s still relevant two decades later. (16:36)

A first-ever partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the Town of Fairfield has led to a groundbreaking for affordable housing. Carolyn Vermont, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County, gave us the details about these four units set to open in 2024. (25:27)

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Connecticut schools are off to a weird start as temperatures have been so hot, they've had a string of early dismissal's due to lack of an ability to keep kids cool. Dr. Brown of Griffin Health joined Melissa to get his opinion on the effects of the heat, both in and out of the classroom, as well as other risks associated with the crazy temperatures.

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Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli raised a few questions regarding media inquiries connected to an ongoing State Police ticket data investigation (00:28). Greenwich GOP State Sen. Ryan Fazio joined us to chat about the latest controversy surrounding the ongoing State Pier project (12:00). Finally, Hearst Connecticut Media columnist and editor Dan Haar dropped by for his weekly update (21:46)

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Significant changes in FDA eligibility officially started at the Red Cross has recently implemented. John Godin with the Connecticut chapter explains the major changes and what it could mean for donations nationwide. He also touched on national preparedness month and what to have in your hurricane kit. (0:00)

Adam’s House is a non-profit organization in Shelton providing support to families grieving the loss of a loved one. We learned about its purpose, the programming and upcoming events meant to support their work. (12:54)

Singer Jimmy Buffett, died last week at the age of 76 after reportedly battling a rare form of skin cancer. We spoke to Dr. Jill Rubinstein with Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute St. Vincent’s Medical Center. She explained merkel cell carcinoma and how rare it is compared to melanoma. (26:06)

The Bridgeport Film Festival is returning this weekend. It got us thinking about the arts in the Park City. Dan Onofrio from the Bridgeport Regional Business Council talked about integrating the arts with business. We also talked about the latest with the Barnum Museum since it was designated a National Historic Landmark. (34:27)

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Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured a discussion about a rather pointed Hearst Connecticut Media editorial criticizing U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (0:30). Quinnipiac University Professor of Interactive Media John Powers talked about the latest social media challenge that turned deadly for a Massachusetts boy (11:30). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio stopped by for her weekly update (21:33)

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With crime on the rise in Connecticut news, cities are debating taking law enforcement into their own hands. Hartford announced last month that a group of gunowners want to bring back neighborhood watches while armed.  We spoke with crime prevention expert, Lt. Jim Perez, about the dangers of this and why community policing programs need to be part of the solution. (0:00)

 

A new study says most cancer screenings don't actually end up extending life. But experts still say you should have them. We spoke with Dr. Vipra Sharma with the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. She explained the new study and why screenings are still essential for people. (14:22)

 

According to national statistics, nine out of ten fears reportedly amount to nothing happening. So, how do we handle fears that we have? Counselor Julius Dudics gave us tips on how to better control fear. (22:17)

 

 Julie on the Job: passive-aggressive messaging. A new report revealed roughly 83% of workers say they’ve received a passive-aggressive email or message at work, while 44% admit to being passive-aggressive. Julie Bauke talked about what phrases to avoid in your next work email. (35:50)

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