WICC The Voice of Connecticut

This week, a legislative hearing is set to discuss the findings from an audit surrounding fake tickets submitted by state police in the last decade. We spoke with Senator Herron Gaston who co-chairs the Public Safety and Security Committee overseeing the hearing. ((00:00))

Governor Lamont announced a $3 million state grant to support the remediation of a vacant Fairfield site and construct a transit-oriented development. It will include 240 housing units, retail, co-working, and public amenity space at the site adjacent to the Fairfield Metro train station. Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick explained the history of the site and addressed some residential concerns. ((17:12))

Since affirmative action was recently eliminated by the Supreme Court, we spoke to the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities about what happens next.. Mike Roberts discussed the trickle down effect not just for college enrollment, but also for jobs, housing and much more. ((34:34))

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Friday's "Connecticut Today" opened with host Paul Pacelli chatting about the death of legendary singer Tony Bennett (0:24). Paul also spoke with St. Peter's University Professor Emeritus Alain Sanders about the current situation in Washington (15:57), and with former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso for his weekly wrap-up (26:08). 

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The Bridgeport Police Department is furthering their initiative surrounding recruitment by hosting physical agility exam demonstrations. The demonstration is being used as a tool to encourage and help prospective candidates successfully pass the physical agility course; a requirement needed to become a Bridgeport Police Officer. We spoke with Police Chief Roderick Porter. ((00:00))

Earlier this month, the Attorney General filed a lawsuit against Stone Academy and we learned the results from the audit of the school. Senator Kevin Kelly shared more on the findings and what it means for Connecticut. He also touched on a newly released report showing how Connecticut is doing in the workforce sector... ((13:11))

Former interim Bridgeport Police Chief Rebeca Garcia retired after being passed over for the permanent position. We found out how life has been since she left the force and her plans to run for city council. ((27:07))

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Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli kicked off with Paul's thoughts on the latest controversy surrounding Bridgeport politics (0:25). Journal Inquirer of Manchester columnist Chris Powell (13:49) and "Only in Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi both checked in for their regular updates (24:13).

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PBS News Hour published an article this week titled "Warming planet may have overwhelming impact on infectious diseases." It discussed the changes in climate impacting things like bug populations, fungi, bacteria and algae. There are a lot of reasons human illnesses could be on the rise. Dr. Browne shared his voice of reason on the matter. He also spoke about the new FDA approved RSV vaccine and a new covid study suggesting certain genes protect people from contracting covid. 

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Dozens of Connecticut farms are struggling to recover after recent flooding in our state and across New England. Ag Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt gave us a picture of the problem and shared how we can help support our farms. Check out CTGrown.org for more information. ((00:00))

There's been an increase of people experiencing dry eye or getting a stye this summer. We learned the Canadian wildfires are to blame. Dr. Scott Spector shared prevention and treatment options to help! ((14:31))

A Connecticut company has created a one of a kind, innovative toilet seat to secure older adults and people with disabilities. SedMed CEO and Founder, Jeremy Bronen, shared the product details with us and what consumers think of the product available for pre-order now! ((22:29))

Zoo Minute: It's Zookeeper Week! Gregg Dancho talked about the job requirements and how the role has changed over the last 30 years. ((32:42))

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Wednesday's midweek "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli talked about a controversy in the U.S. House involving New Haven-area Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (0:28). University of New Haven Senior Lecturer of Criminal Justice Ken Gray talked about the Gilgo Beach serial killer investigation (12:35). Hearst Connecticut columnist and editor Dan Haar joined us for his weekly update (21:47).

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July 23rd kicks off Shark Week on Discovery Channel. We had a local expert shark scientist with Sacred Heart University here to answer all of our shark questions from shark attacks to what sharks are attracted to and are there topicals that turn sharks off? Find out here! ((00:00))

After a deadly blaze in Bridgeport that claimed the lives of two elderly people, we spoke with Fire Chief Lance Edwards about fire safety. ((13:37))

Workout Wednesday: if you want to improve your physical, mental and emotional health, look no further than your own backyard! Amy Llinas highlights the benefits of gardening. ((27:49))

We got a check with the Bridgeport Regional Business Council about some major local business news including a stop order for demolition of the former Testo's Restaurant and a pitch for a new black box theater in Stratford. ((35:10))

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Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli started with word of more legal hurdles facing former President Donald Trump (0:27). Quinnipiac University Adjunct Law Prof. John Pavia talked about the "target letter" sent to former President Trump by a special prosecutor (12:49). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio stopped by with her weekly update (23:58).

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This month, the World Health Organization deemed aspartame a "possible carcinogen." What are carcinogens? What are the concerns around aspartame? And how much is too much? We speak with Hartford Healthcare Medical Weight Loss Physician, Dr. Jackie Cameron. ((00:00))

The northeast has seen its fair share of flooding so far in July. The Better Business Bureau wants you to be careful of sketchy contractors following flood damage. Here's what you should look out for. ((13:43))

Why do we speak without thinking and say things that we regret? Counselor Julius Dudics discussed the power of the tongue and why we need to practice controlling it. ((23:38))

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