WICC The Voice of Connecticut

Last week was National Infertility Week and we wanted to do a deeper dive into the real life statistics for women trying to get pregnant. Dr. Andrew Levi of Park Avenue Fertility shared if infertility is becoming more common and if there are elements impacting the issue in today's world. ((00:00))

A new study showed 22 melatonin gummies were mislabeled and is worrying parents, especially, who give those products to their kids for sleep. Sleep specialist, Dr. Steven Thau, does a deeper dive into the study and alternatives for kids struggling to go to bed. ((14:53))

A whistleblower complaint revealed potential animal neglect and abuse at a local aquarium in Trumbull. PETA shares the latest issues popping up at Seaquest. NOTE: We have made several attempts to speak with Seaquest about these complaints and have not heard back. ((28:59))

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Wednesday's midweek "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli lauded the voters who spoke up against a controversial climate bill (0:23). Landmark Legal Foundation attorney Mike O'Neill talked about the latest from the U.S. Supreme Court (10:18). We also had our weekly update from Hearst Connecticut Media editor and columnist Dan Haar (20:30).

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During Mental Health Awareness Month, we learned there are online resources for parents and caregivers to have healthier conversations with their kids tackling the topic. ((00:00))

We also talked about a new campaign addressing mental health for veterans. Learn how VA hospitals here and across the country are using their "Today I Am" campaign effectively for vets and their families. ((06:28))

A social worker program is showing great success at the Bridgeport Police Department and now other municipalities are wondering how they can apply the program to their towns. Mayor Joe Ganim and Police Chief Roderick Porter give more specifics about the program. ((12:57))

Sound the Alarm! Find out how the American Red Cross serving Connecticut is installing free smoke detectors in some homes and how volunteers can visit any home for a safety check. ((28:19))

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For the first time in forever, some GOOD statistics on underage drinking! We spoke with Fairfield Cares about a recent report showing nationwide and locally, less kids are indulging in alcohol before turning 21. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and each week we will speak with counselor, Julius Dudics, about different, common issues people face. This week, we talked about combating obsession and control disorders. 

High cholesterol plagues so many Americans, but there are ways we can lower our levels naturally. Registered dietician, Melissa Keeney, shares how to have a healthier heart. 

Julie on the Job: Should your appearance be your demise in a career? We tackle the controversy over hair color, tattoos, piercings and general dress code impacting your workforce future. 

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Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli opened with Paul's thoughts on a new poll that should be a wake-up call for state Republicans (0:31). GOP State Senate Leader Kevin Kelly joined us to chat about the current tax and spending battle at the State Capitol (15:44). We also talked with Erika Ahern, associate editor and co-host of LOOPcast at CatholicVote.org, on the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs case leak (26:57). 

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Host Paul Pacelli kicked off a new week on "Connecticut Today" discussing remarks from a couple of lawmakers regarding the state's growing black bear problem (0:23). University of New Haven Finance Instructor David Sacco talked about another bank collapse (17:55).

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We are down to about one month left before the 2023 legislative session wraps up. Senators James Maroney and Tony Hwang spoke about their biggest items they are working on right now:

1. Senator Maroney explained the Baby Bond Bill and his hopes for advancing legislation on early childhood education. ((00:00)) Senator Tony Hwang spoke about the budget discussions and hundreds of bills left on the table. ((15:22))

2. After Bed Bath and Beyond filed for bankruptcy, the Better Business Bureau of Connecticut talked about how to make sure you get your money's worth before missing out. ((30:01))

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 INGREDIENTS:

-- 2 tbsp olive oil

-- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)

-- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 

-- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock

-- 1/2 cup of half & half

-- 1 package of peas

-- 1 lemon (zested)

-- (optional) mint 

Friday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli wrapped up the week wondering if the "No Labels" group will be able to get a line on Connecticut's 2024 White House ballot (0:23). Former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso joined us in the 5 p.m. hour to chat about some of the week's big stories (13:00).

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This week, we focused on domestic violence in Connecticut:

Deb Greenwood of the Center for Family Justice outlined the problem at hand and how organizations, like CFJ, are helping victims. ((00:00))

Amanda Posila spoke about the impact domestic violence has on children and the importance of programs like Camp Hope. ((13:10))

Angela Schlingheyde talked about laws that are and ARE NOT on the books to protect victims in CT. ((27:07))

Kayte Cwikla-Masas did a deeper dive into child abuse and detecting the signs of your child being mistreated. ((39:14))

Gary MacNamara talked about the importance of Walk a Mile in Her Shoes and getting men involved with promoting healthy relationships. ((50:36))

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