WICC The Voice of Connecticut

Friday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli opened with word of some raised eyebrows over a reported business relationship involving Connecticut First Lady Annie Lamont  (0:27). We welcomed Steve Conn, local author of, "Yale Sports Stories: The Unique and Crazy Things I Witnessed as Sports Information Director" (12:35). Former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso checked in with his weekly update (26:17).

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Piping Plovers are tough little birds who rely on beaches to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, in such public space, that poses major threats for the birds and their nests. But this year, we are seeing some record setting numbers for piping plovers nests and babies. Tom Anderson of CT Audubon Society shares this success story. ((00:00))

Congressman Jim Himes was out of this world! We talked about the possibility of UFO sightings as well as an update with a cryptocurrency protections bill. ((13:54))

The 36th annual Swim Across the Sound marathon is back this weekend and already records are being broken this year! Karen Kaiser, VP of Philanthropy for Hartford HealthCare St. Vincent’s Medical Center, shared more than 200 swimmers are signed up for this year. And one of the swimmers is a 14-year-old boy honoring his mom beating breast cancer. We also spoke with Lisa Rubio about her story. ((26:17))

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Connecticut Housing Partners is a non-profit organization that provides housing and services to enhance the quality of life for low- and moderate-income families. CHP developments and programs have produced more than $100 million in community investments and provided safe, secure, affordable housing to more than 1000 residents. This morning, CEO Renee Dobos, shared testimonies from Connecticut residents who benefitted directly from CHP and why people should support their work.

Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli talked about the increasing use of license plate readers by some cities and towns across the state (0:29). "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi stopped by with the latest on the Bridgeport mayoral race (12:06). Quinnipiac University Adjunct Law Prof. John Pavia weighed in on the latest developments in the Hunter Biden situation (24:31).

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A Connecticut company partnered with another to create the world's first lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher. We spoke to Rodger Mort with PACT about the product, the partnership behind it and why it matters in today's world with all of the lithium-ion battery product at risk of starting a fire. ((00:00))

Another hearing was held in Washington DC over the concerns of artificial intelligence. In order to put safeguards in place, Senator Blumenthal says lawmakers need training and an oversight committee should be formed for the country. ((14:03))

Governor Lamont is touting that over 500 residents are now ambassadors spreading the good news about manufacturing jobs in the state! Paul Lavoie is the Chief Manufacturing Officer in our state and shared more on the ambassador program and debunked misconceptions about this line of work. ((27:06))

Election season is heating up in the city of Bridgeport. Jeanette Herron is the incumbent city council member for the 133rd district. She shared her platform and hopes to keep her seat, despite facing a well-known name in the city. ((38:08))

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Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured a chat with Bridgeport Republican mayoral candidate David Herz (0:26). Hearst Connecticut Media columnist and editor Dan Haar stopped by for his weekly chat (11:48). Quinnipiac University Finance Professor Osman Kilic talked about the latest Federal Reserve interest rate news (21:03). Paul also had a few thoughts regarding the Bridgeport mayoral race (29:13).

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There's a lot of buzz around the release of the new movie 'Sound of Freedom.' The film highlights human trafficking and how big a problem it is in our world. We spoke with the founder of non-profit Partnership to End Human Trafficking (PEHT), Elizabeth Koldyke Boolbol. She shared human trafficking statistics in Connecticut and what we need to do better to eliminate the problem. ((00:00))

Bridgeport Police revealed new crime statistics in the city showing shooting crimes are down compared to last year. But not everything in the crime report was something to celebrate. Hear more from Chief Roderick Porter. ((15:44))

The Trumbull Mall is the latest Connecticut mall to impose a weekend curfew starting next month. We gained insight on the decision from BRBC President, Dan Onofrio. ((24:47))

In recent months, air travel troubles are now looking at the air traffic controller shortages nationwide. We spoke with a travel expert about worker shortages and other issues for the airline industry. We also got tips to minimize headaches at airports. ((35:07))

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Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured a bizarre story from the White House regarding the First Family's dog (0:28). Commuter advocate Jim Cameron joined us to chat about the possibilities of Metro-North fare increases and service cuts (8:58). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio stopped by for her weekly update (20:50).

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The writers and actors in Hollywood are still on strike and one of their biggest concerns surround artificial intelligence. For writers, they worry AI will replace them for script jobs. And for actors, they worry AI versions of themselves will be used without their permission and without making more money. We talked about AI in the workforce more generally and whether there will be hiring discrimination in the future with employment attorney Gary Phelan. ((00:00))

According to the National Marriage Project, more and more people in their 40's don't want to get married. In fact, the number of couples in that age range NOT putting a ring on it is at an all time high. Counselor Julius Dudics reacts to these facts and turns to a dynamite tool that can help build confidence in relationships. ((13:44))

Bye, bye birdie! Twitter is ditching the blue bird icon and Instagram has rolled out a new program called 'threads.' What's up with both of these changes? We spoke with social media consultant Krista Carnes. ((27:55))

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Monday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured a chat with Chris Caruso regarding allegations in Bridgeport politics (0:34). CT News Junkie and Substack.com blogger Terry Cowgill joined us for his weekly update (9:08). University of New Haven Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Paul Bleakley talked about the investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders on Long Island (21:21) and Paul had a few thoughts on another controversy at the U.S. southern border (33:08).

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