WICC The Voice of Connecticut

Friday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli started with news of another suburban black bear encounter that, fortunately, ended with no casualties (0:20). Greenwich GOP State Sen. Ryan Fazio briefed us on the latest tax and spending talks in Hartford (11:53).

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INGREDIENTS:

-- 1 cup of dates

-- 1 teaspoon of baking soda

-- 1 cup of boiling water

((mix together and let dates sit))

--1/2 cup of shortening (oil)

-- 1/2 cup butter (soft)

-- 1 cup of sugar

-- 1 teaspoon of vanilla

((mix together))

-- then add 2 eggs, 1 3/4 cups of flour and 2 tablespoons of cocoa

((mix in the date mixture))

BAKING:

Pour everything into a greased pan. Add chocolate chips and chopped walnuts on top. Put in the oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. 

If you are in the market for a new dog, beware of buzzwords. Elizabeth Menegon who created the Hands 2 Paws app shared how words like "hypoallergenic" "teacup" or "pocket" are not always accurate when describing dogs. Most times they are just attractive, deceptive words. ((00:00))

The state Board of Pardons and Paroles has stopped reducing prison sentences for violent criminals. Many people have been upset for awhile after the parole board reduced over 70 sentences of people convicted of violent crimes last year, including 44 guilty of murder. Senator Kevin Kelly joined the show applauding Governor Lamont's decision to pause the program. ((17:21))

At the young age of four, one Milford girl wanted to clean up her local beach. And now 15 years later, that cleanup is bigger than ever. We met Mackenzie Powers to learned all about her annual clean up and what triggered her passion to do it so many years ago. ((26:32))

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Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at the first observance of "4/20" since the state's legalization of recreational marijuana with Fine Fettle COO Ben Zachs (0:28). Blogger Lennie Grimaldi joined us from www.OnlyInBridgeport.com (11:56). We chatted with Journal Inquirer of Manchester columnist Chris Powell (22:38), while Paul also had a few thoughts about the tax and budget talks at the State Capitol (32:15).

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The FDA on Tuesday authorized a second dose of Omicron-targeting COVID-19 vaccines for older adults as well as those with a weak immune system. The agency has advised people aged 65 years and older to receive a second dose of the updated booster four months after the first. Immunocompromised people can get an additional shot of the updated vaccine after two months. 

Many listeners who fall into those categories had questions about the shot. We spoke with Dr. Browne about the recommendation and his outlook on it. 

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We met John Gomes for the first time. He is a frontrunner as direct competition for Mayor Joe Ganim this election to take his seat. We learned about his past with Ganim, his vision for Bridgeport and the highlights of his campaign. ((00:00))

Connecticut's LARGEST college and career fair is back for its ninth year! We heard from the lead organizer and creator of the event, Andy Alcosser, about who will be featured and how the event has expanded over the years. ((17:25))

Zoo Minute: Fairfield University students uncovered animal secrets at the Beardsley Zoo including if monkeys can function iPads and why anteaters love sound machines. ((25:48))

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Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured Connecticut Catholic Conference Executive Director Chris Healy on the status of the latest "Aid In Dying" bill at the Capitol (0:26). Hearst Connecticut media columnist Dan Harr gave us his thoughts on the state's political scene (9:40). Paul also had a few thoughts on the continuing geriatric disfunction in Congress (20:08). 

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Domestic violence cases are on the rise and have increased exponentially since the pandemic. Here in Connecticut, The Center for Family Justice supports domestic violence victims, survivors and their kids. Local musician, Rob Fried, got connected to CFJ and created an original song dedicated to domestic violence survivors. Learn the inspiration behind the song and where it will be used in future. 

IMAGE CREDIT: Center for Family Justice

Twice in one week there have been unauthorized events held at Seaside Park that have gotten out of hand. Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim stopped by with a message to crack down on these issues and remind the public about city rules ahead of summertime. ((00:00))

We've seen an uptick of poser delivery drivers attacking homeowners across the nation, including here in Connecticut. Gary MacNamara of Sacred Heart University shared some tips on how to detect posers and why you need to retrain your brain from just "opening your door." ((16:57))

A local musician created an original song dedicated to domestic violence survivors. It's not being recognized nationally. We met Rob Fried, the creator of the song, and spoke with Deb Greenwood of Center for Family Justice about the impact this song will have on others. ((32:35))

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Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at a controversy regarding a recent "unsanctioned" car show at Bridgeport's Seaside Park (0:36). Connecticut Energy Marketers Association head Chris Herb briefed us on a proposed bill allowing a state commissioner to set broad environmental policy without legislative approval (10:22). Commuter advocate Jim Cameron talked about the implementation of new State DOT construction zone speed cameras (21:48).

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