WICC The Voice of Connecticut

Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly came in studio to do a deeper dive into the two-year, 51-billion-dollar approved during this session. We talked about the tax cuts, the education investments and one thing that wasn't snuck into the 832-page document...((00:00))

A groundbreaking today is paving a new future for Connecticut veterans at Homes for the Brave. Vince Santilli, the executive director at Homes for the Brave, shared the details of this expansion project and what it will mean for serving more vets in the state. ((17:48))

"If there are age minimums, should there be age maximums?" A NYT article highlighted the question of age playing a role in the workforce. Employment attorney, Gary Phelan, discussed the issue with age discrimination and whether there's a gray line between age and ability for jobs. ((29:02))

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Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli welcomed www.ct169strong.org spokesperson Maria Weingarten to chat about the last-minute zoning bill that was approved by the General Assembly (0:34). Heritage Foundation analyst Steven Bradbury gave us his thoughts on the Canadian wildfires (12:42). We welcomed www.OnlyInBridgeport.com blogger Lennie Grimaldi for his weekly update (20:46), while Paul had some thoughts on the just-concluded legislative session in Hartford (30:49).

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June has been a hard month to swallow...no seriously! The smoke in our atmosphere carrying over from wildfires in Canada is impacting people in Connecticut. But it's not just people with breathing issues or of older age. Dr. Browne shares why kids need to be careful with too much outdoor exposure and also what kind of masks could be helpful to wear outdoors.

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The unhealthy air quality isn't just impacting people, but also animals. We spoke with both Gregg Dancho of the Beardsley Zoo and Tom Anderson of CT Audubon Society about the smoky air impacting animals and birds. ((00:00))

A Trumbull native always wanted to be a professional baseball player. But after losing sight in one eye, how did Vinny DeRubeis conquer his injury and still get picked up by a professional team? Here's his story! ((18:14))

This weekend is Connecticut Open House Day! What can you can expect from the annual event Saturday June 10th? We spoke with the office of tourism to get you the scoop! ((30:43))

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 The legislative session has officially ended and housing legislation didn't see an awful lot of progress made. What good and not so good points came out of Senate Bill 998? Now that the state is out of it, can municipalities do more to step up and create workforce housing opportunities? Renee Dobis, CEO of Connecticut Housing Partners, dives into these inquiries. 

Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli looked at a new bill allowing cities and towns to set up red light and speed cameras (0:28). Pastor Rodney Wade, senior pastor of the Long Hill Bible Church in Waterbury, discussed recent use-of-force issues involving the Waterbury Police Department (14:06). Hearst Connecticut editor and columnist Dan Haar stopped by for his weekly update (26:38).

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The PGA Tour and LIV Golf will merge. The once-rivals will now combine into a new, yet-to-be-named company. Did this unexpected decision really come down to the God Almighty buck? Local sports announcer, Rob Adams, reacts to the news. ((00:00))

Tonight marks the 10th annual gala for Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. We spoke with the non-profit's CEO and co-founder, Nicole Hockley, about the last decade of work and significance of tonight's ceremony. ((08:20))

It's CPR and AED Awareness Week and the American Red Cross is sharing the importance of CPR training, especially ahead of the summer season. ((16:49))

Today is Global Running Day and we highlighted a Connecticut woman who kept her love for running going, even after losing her vision. Meet Karen and her guide dog, Flint! ((25:28))

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"Connecticut Today" host Paul Pacelli opened Tuesday's show with news of a budget bill that passed the State House relatively quickly (0:35). Later on, New Canaan/Darien/Stamford GOP State Rep. Tom O'Dea talked about his vote to approve that budget (12:05). Quinnipiac University Associate Professor of Journalism Emeritus Rich Hanley discussed the purchase of the Journal Inquirer of Manchester by Hearst Connecticut Media (20:15).

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The Center for Family Justice supports women and children impacted by domestic violence. Later this month, the Connecticut non-profit is hosting its annual golf fundraiser to help support the Center for Child Advocacy. We spoke with CFJ's CEO Deb Greenwood and the center's board chairman, Matt Reale, about the organization and the June tee off. 

For more information: https://centerforfamilyjustice.org/

Overnight, the House passed a budget agreement and now it's down to the state Senate approving the 800+ page document. We spoke with Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) before he went up to Hartford this afternoon. What's in the agreement and have lawmakers read it enough to feel confident before voting? ((00:00))

National statistics show 31% of adults are afraid to fail; and that doesn't include children. As the school year wraps up and students enter their final exams, how do we handle failing in a healthy way? Counselor Julius Dudics shares the fine line between failure being a great teacher or major debilitation for people and how to cope. ((11:33))

We are in what's known as the 100 deadliest days on the road for teen drivers. AAA's Fran Mayko shares alarming data about the summer season and what factors play major roles in the problem. ((24:30))

Congratulations to 45 local teens honored for their community projects with the Girl Scout Gold Award. Diana Mahoney shared the significance of this award and some of the projects highlighted this year. ((33:22))

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