WICC The Voice of Connecticut

There have now been two confirmed deaths in Connecticut and another in New York linked to Vibrio bacteria in the water. Vibrio has not been detected in Connecticut waters or from raw shellfish consumed by residents, but we're seeing an uptick in cases. Dr. Browne explains why the warmer waters play a huge role in that. We also talked about the incredibly rare brain-eating amoeba and West-Nile virus detected in CT mosquitoes. 

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We had an exclusive interview with one of the ten volunteers from our local Red Cross chapter directly helping wildfire victims in Hawaii. Lori Merker-Chapman has been a volunteer with the Red Cross in Connecticut for six years and this is the first time she's had this role as a virtual volunteer connecting families around the globe with loved ones in Hawaii. ((00:00))

After years of fighting to shut them down, The PETA Foundation is celebrating the permanent closure of SeaQuest in the Trumbull Mall. It's set to close the only Connecticut location August 20th. Michelle Sinnott has been on the morning show the last four years talking about the issues they've seen with the aquarium chain. She came back on just hours after the news broke in Trumbull. ((10:16))

Senator Richard Blumenthal stopped by to discuss the latest on abortion pill regulation, a push to ban flavored vaping products, health concerns surrounding easy access to Ozempic and what can be done about SeaQuest staying in business across the US despite leaving CT. ((21:24))

Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at the continued wave of crime committed by repeat offenders in the state (0:17). Paul also welcomed Hearst Connecticut editor and columnist Dan Haar for his weekly update (13:19).

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For more than 100 years, this historic Palace Theater building in Waterbury has quite the story. And next year makes 20 years since the theater reopened to the public after shuttering decades ago. CEO Frank Tavera shared his story of bringing this old gem back to life and what it is offering for the upcoming 2023-24 season. ((00:00))

Bridgeport was one of eight municipalities that just received grant money to recreate the post office square. We got the details from city officials about the project and a timeline of when we can start to see some major changes to the space. ((13:12))

The Connecticut Hurricanes has a great opportunity for students 12 years and older to strike up the band. Find out about the group and the upcoming clinic to get in on this month. ((24:10))

Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured Paul's thoughts on the latest criminal indictment facing former President Donald Trump (0:25). Quinnipiac University Adjunct Law Prof. John Pavia also offered his take on the latest Trump indictment (13:58). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio dropped by with her weekly update (25:20).

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In the latest blow for SeaQuest at the Trumbull mall, the USDA cited it for having insufficient distance and barriers between an animal and the public. PETA got its hands on agency's inspection report and shared the details on this latest complaint. Michelle Sinnott also shared why such a controversial chain company is still doing business if it's so bad. ((00:00))

The latest Travel Scam targets people doing a google search for an airline’s phone number because of a cancelled or delayed flight. Fran Mayko of AAA explains what’s happening and how to detect a fraudster airline number. Also, she touched on adjusting Hawaii travel plans due to the wildfires and the specifics of the new European Travel Visa Requirements are expected to start in 2024. ((16:45))

According to national studies, up to 25% of parents will experience empty nest syndrome. With kids heading off to college this month, counselor, Julius Dudics, shared what you can do to grieve properly and move on with your life without the kids at home in a healthy way. ((32:53))

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Monday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured State Senate GOP leader Kevin Kelly of Stratford on ways to make the voting process smoother for state residents (0:25). Paul also had a few thoughts on comparisons between the Watergate scandal during the Richard Nixon years and the current Donald Trump controversaries (11:22).

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Analytics students at University of Bridgeport played a huge role in helping a Stratford start-up business. We spoke with UB Associate Professor, Mike Lohle, about the program and what skills students are gaining at UB. ((00:00))

Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick stopped by to clarify why the town was investigating credit card use by town employees. She also commented on an archaic law impacting redistricting for Fairfield elementary school students. ((12:380)

Local sports announcer, Rob Adams, followed Trumbull's Babe Ruth team during the 2023 season and even down to Virginia for a shot at a World Series title. He joined the show to share the team's success story and why baseball is so strong in Connecticut. ((30:45))

Host Paul Pacelli wrapped up another busy week on "Connecticut Today" with some thoughts from a prominent New York Times columnist on former President Trump's enduring popularity with GOP voters (0:31). We welcomed Dr. Barry Latzer, author of, "The Myth of Overpunishment: A Defense of the American Justice System and a Proposal to Reduce Incarceration While Protecting the Public" (9:08). Former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso stopped by for his weekly update (21:55).

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Governor Lamont wants all automakers to sell electric cars by the year 2035. But is it too lofty a goal? We asked the governor about that and many other state matters including elder protections, affordable housing options and teacher shortages. ((00:00))

The Flynn Foundation, located in Stamford, is making waves in the oncology and palliative care front in our state. The founder, Fred Flynn, shared the mission of the foundation, what it has accomplished in the last ten years and goals for the future. ((16:01))

Concerns over redistricting and reconfiguring schools are heating up in Fairfield. The district needs to approve a redistricting plan no later than October 30th of this year. Senator Tony Hwang, who represents the town, shared why an archaic racial balance law is to blame for the potential changes. ((30:53))

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