WICC The Voice of Connecticut

Friday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured more discussion about a 2019 Bridgeport absentee ballot controversy with GOP State Sen. Rob Sampson (0:33) and Rowena White, communication director for Mayor Joe Ganim's 2023 re-election campaign (12:51). We heard from former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso with his weekly update (21:50), while Paul had a few thoughts on a statement from State Attorney General William Tong on Connecticut's gun laws (33:47).

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Northford resident, Eddie Carroll, was hoping to catch the biggest blue in our annual Greatest Bluefish Tournament. But she caught something much bigger! Hear his story about catching a brown shark on a paddleboard! ((00:00))

One of the biggest stories this summer in Connecticut is the audit exposing falsified tickets filed by state troopers. We heard from the co-author of the audit, Ken Barone, about the audit process and what happens now. ((08:30))

How do teachers manage artificial intelligence when it comes to student homework assignments? Matt Mervis of EdAdvance weighs in on the conversation. He calls AI a "crisi-tunity" in the classroom. ((27:29))

Like most theaters across the country, Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport has struggled to stay afloat with ticket sales after the pandemic. We spoke with executive producer of the theater, Hugh Hallinan, about the history of the venue and why it remains a gem in the city. ((42:47))

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Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured the "Only in Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi, who raised his concerns about a Hearst Connecticut Media story regarding a Bridgeport absentee ballot issue (0:20). We also had our monthly check-in with columnist Chris Powell (13:16).

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COVID-19 Hospitalizations are up by another 19-percent. According to the CDC, deaths also saw a large jump by 21-percent in one week. More than half of US states saw a "substantial" jump. South Dakota had the biggest spike, with hospitalizations surging more than 127-percent in one week. A new booster shot targeting the newest strain of the omicron variant is on its way, but isn't expected to be approved until the end of September.

We spoke all about the latest on covid with Dr. Browne. 

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Wednesday's midweek "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli welcomed State Senate GOP Leader Kevin Kelly of Stratford regarding a controversy surrounding low-income heating assistance funding (0:23). Hearst Connecticut Media editor and columnist Dan Haar joined us for his weekly check-in (11:54) and Paul had some thoughts on the continued immigration mess (23:57).

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We are in the midst of back-to-school season and we want to talk about safety inside and outside of school. Bridgeport School Resource Sgt. Tresha Parks gave us insight to what is done in the city outside and inside the building. ((00:00))

There is no such thing as tick season; ticks are in Connecticut all year round. What should parents do to make sure ticks aren't impacting their kids on the playground and what products can be helpful to prevent tick bites? Our tick expert, Jessica Snajder, shared information on all of this. ((15:32))

Science You May Not Know: Don't miss the Blue Supermoon TONIGHT! ((30:32))

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Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli welcomed Quinnipiac University Management Professor Angela Mattie to talk about news that Medicare will start negotiating prices on some key drugs (0:26). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio stopped by with her weekly update (12:57), while Paul had a few thoughts on more crime issues (22:56).

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Scam Alert: BBB Serving Connecticut has noticed a trend coming back with a vengeance. The "Can You Hear Me?" scheme is fooling people left and right. Kristen Johnson with the BBB shares why you can't just pick up the phone and what to say instead of "yes." ((00:00))

Forbes recently highlighted the importance of listening and empathy when it comes to building strong working relationships. Counselor Julius Dudics explained why humans aren't always the best listeners and how to get better at it. ((13:37))

Julie on the Job: How can job candidates make sure a hiring manager isn't lying to them? ((28:24))

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Monday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli welcomed local gasoline and oil industry analyst Mike Fox to chat about the prices at the pump (0:25). CT News Junkie and Substack blogger Terry Cowgill returned from vacation for his weekly update (11:23) and Paul had a few opening thoughts on repeat criminals (22:17).

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Earlier this year, news broke about an audit looking at state police potentially falsifying thousands of traffic tickets. But the Connecticut State Police Union says the findings were shared prematurely. Andrew Matthews of the union shared the aftermath to troopers in the state and discrepancies in the report. ((00:00))

It’s an illness that can destroy the liver – but the major problem is what’s called “invisible symptoms” that are downplayed by doctors and loved ones. We spoke with Dr. Charles Cha about PBC and why you need to medically advocate for yourself. ((15:11))

Ahead of the new school year, all parents worry about their kids being bullied. The Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities shared statutes in place at schools and protections on chromebooks used by students. ((25:11))

A vision-impaired Connecticut couple is taking their experience with blindness and educating the public about making communities safer and understanding the importance of guide dogs. Meet Phil and Honorata for their community inspiration story. ((40:58))

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