WICC The Voice of Connecticut

Last week, we spoke with retired police officer, Rebeca Garcia, about life after leaving the force. Her plans include a run for city council. She faces incumbent city council member, Jeanette Herron, for the 133rd district seat.

We spoke with Herron about her roles on the city council and her plans if re-elected this year. Herron is currently the Majority Leader, Co-Chairs the Committee on Contracts and works with the Committee on Budget and Appropriations as well as serving as the liaison to Fire Commission. She was first elected in 2015. 

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Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi with his thoughts on the Park City's political scene and his former boss, Donald Trump (0:35). University of New Haven Senior Lecturer Ken Gray gave us his perspective on the indictment of former President Trump (12:59). Quinnipiac University Graduate Cybersecurity Program Director Dr. Fred Scholl checked in regarding a reported cyber-attack on Waterbury Hospital (24:06).

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Seeing news headlines that warn the public about leprosy sounds like something from Biblical times. But it's 2023, and health officials say there is an increase in cases detected in Florida. We asked Dr. Browne about the cases, how you can contract it and how to treat it. 

We also discussed parasites detected in the water at several beaches in Greenwich causing swimmers itch. Also, concerns over vibrio from raw or undercooked oysters.

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Bridgeport Superintendent Carmela Levy-David has officially started in her new role this week. Learn her career story and her plans for the city's student body. ((00:00))

Oh-Oh-NO, Ozempic! A new lawsuit was filed against the makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro for claims of causing stomach paralysis in users. We spoke with Dr. Andrew Wong, Fairfield Region Medical Director of Hartford HealthCare Primary Care. He came back on to discuss the health concerns with this drug if people are solely using it as a weight loss solution. ((14:18))

There are new colon cancer screening guidelines and it's causing MAJOR confusion! Dr. Charles Cha with the Cancer Institute at St. V's explains the new recommendation and how many doctors are responding. ((30:31))

Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured a chat with Hearst Connecticut media author and columnist Dan Haar on a strange story regarding a house and lot in Fairfield (0:28). Paul had some thoughts on the latest legal problems facing former President Donald Trump (11:15), as did Sacred Heart University Professor and Scholar in Residence Dr. Gary Rose (21:53).

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According to estimates from Feeding America, 1 in 10 Connecticut residents struggle with hunger; more than 83,000 children are food insecure. Chadwick Schroeder is the sustainability manager in Bridgeport. He spoke to us about the health food initiative in the city as well as the paramount work being done at the East End NRZ Market and Café. ((00:00))

Last month, the Connecticut Airport Authority officially said it was backing away from operating the Sikorsky Airport. We talked to BRBC President, Dan Onofrio, about the new developments in offloading the airport costing Bridgeport $500,000 a year! ((15:29))

The American Red Cross Connecticut chapter made its monthly stop on the morning show. John Godin spoke about hurricane season happening now through the end of November and being prepared for anything! Plus, he shared the latest on blood donations. ((28:28))

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Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" started with host Paul Pacelli calling out a pair of state lawmakers for an editorial they co-authored about the "No Labels" movement (0:31). Quinnipiac University Management Prof. Angela Mattie joined us to chat about thousands of layoffs announced by pharmacy giant CVS Health (11:58), while Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio dropped by for her weekly update (23:24).

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Chobani is the latest company to add childcare to its suite of benefits to better support working parents. Will offering childcare benefits help companies attract and retain workers? We asked career strategist, Julie Bauke, about this model of benefits. ((00:00))

At the end of the month, the annual Step Up for Vets event is back for Homes for the Brave. We spoke with executive director, Vince Santilli, about the event and how the organization has expanded since opening in 2002. ((13:23))

Stamford Restaurant Weeks is back August 14th. We got the scoop from organizers. ((22:12))

A big win for the owner of Little Pub in Stratford. Doug Grabe shared the update on an open lot becoming a food truck park in town, ((33:26))

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Monday's edition of "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured CT News Junkie columnist Terry Cowgill's thoughts on term limits for members of Congress (0:30). Motor Transport Association of Connecticut President John Blair talked about a growing controversy surrounding a new highway user fee (11:52). Paul also had a few thoughts on former President Trump's 2024 poll numbers (21:57).

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Earlier this summer, Pfizer warned of a nationwide shortage of penicillin that could last well into 2024. So what does this mean for the millions of Americans who rely on the antibiotic? We spoke with Dr. Listy Thomas is a practicing emergency medicine physician at Hartford Healthcare St. Vincent's Medical Center. She shares what prompted the shortage and options for patients. ((00:00))

Over the weekend, many recognized World Day Against Trafficking In Persons highlighting the problem of human trafficking, including here in Connecticut. Partnerships to End Human Trafficking is a non-profit organization in Connecticut. The executive director of the organization shared how parents can discuss this problem with kids and whether schools should join in educating the public about it. ((14:25))

Connecticut passed a state law requiring high school students to complete a financial management/literacy course ahead of graduation. It goes in effect starting with the class of 2027. Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County is a local non-profit lending a helping hand in this effort. We spoke with them to find out how. ((26:00))

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