WICC The Voice of Connecticut

 INGREDIENTS:

-- 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt

-- Banana (sliced)

-- 2 cups of frozen pineapple chunks

-- 2 teaspoons of lime 

We got a check in with Bryan Hurlburt who is the Commissioner of the CT Dept of Agriculture. We looked at a USDA report on milk production in the Northeast then hyper focused on Connecticut farmers and milk prices. ((00:00))

Legendary, award-winning actor, Bruce Willis, was recently diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. We spoke with dementia specialist, Julianne Ramia, about this type of dementia and learned about what typically happens with this diagnosis. ((16:48))

Part II on Sugar Substitutes: Dr. Andrew Wong came back to talk about more "sugar" chemicals and took specific sugar questions pertaining to diabetics and children. ((30:08))

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A couple weeks ago, Melissa told you about a non-profit based in Massachusetts honoring a mother of 3 and registered nurse who died by suicide after struggling with depression for years.

Six months after the passing of Annie Varney, her aunt, Barbara Buckley, teamed up with Annie’s daughters to create something beautiful out of a horrific event. 

Buckley spoke with Melissa about the loss of Annie and what sparked what is now a national movement of spreading kindness and offering support through Annie's Kindness Blankets.

She also touched on the expansion of their mission with a new book called 'If You Give A Kid Some Kindness.' For any teachers, parents or adults who want the book or to get involved with Annie's Kindness Blankets: annieskindnessblankets.org

Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli welcomed Family Institute of Connecticut head Peter Wolfgang on a recent public hearing for the latest "aid in dying" bill (0:25). Sacred Heart University Political Science Professor Dr. Gary Rose took a look at the state and national political landscapes (11:34). Paul also had a few thoughts on the area's continued crime issues (22:30).

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Close to thirteen million Americans are doing the Keto diet. What's concerning: the sugar substitutes involved in the eating plans. Dr. Andrew Wong, a primary care physician with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group in Westport, shares the dangers in the sugars and what YOU need to look out for. ((00:00))

Creator of Hands 2 Paws app, Elizabeth Menegon, was back to talk about combatting the support of puppy mills. Learn what you need to look out for and how to detect deceptive ads. ((15:38))

Zoo Minute: The Mexican Wolf Recovery Program -- how the Beardsley Zoo is a critical player in a national effort to bolster wolf populations. ((30:53))

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The CDC is warning the public about a drug-resistent stomach bug called Shigella. What is it? How common is it? How do you contract it? And if drugs don't work, how do you cure it? Dr. Browne answers all our questions.

Plus, he touched on an FBI theory that covid spread from a lab in China. And he shared his recommendation for an FDA recommended RSV vaccine for the elderly. 

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Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli welcomed the Samford Police Association's Officer of the Year, Michael Montanaro (0:28). Former Derby Fire Chief Chuck Stankye looked back at the infamous Sponge Rubber plant fire in downtown Shelton 48 years ago today (10:45). Finally, Paul had some additional thoughts regarding the continued affordable housing debate in Hartford (21:12).

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For the last 80 years, March is recognized as Red Cross Month. Did you know: Every eight minutes, Red Cross volunteers respond to a disaster in the US? We spoke with John Godin from the Connecticut chapter about Red Cross volunteers and donors. ((00:00))

There are a lot of moving parts in Bridgeport's infrastructure. Tom Gill and Bill Coleman with the Office of Economic Development and Planning shared the details on entertainment venues, housing, re-use of historic buildings and what in the world is happening with the former Holiday Inn and Park City Grill? ((13:19))

Science You May Not Know: we may have a ninth planet...and we aren't talking about Pluto. David Mestre explains Planet X. ((29:46))

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Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at whether there's anything that can be done legislatively to address the state's affordable housing issue (0:23). Landmark Legal Foundation analyst Mike O'Neill analyzed the student loan forgiveness case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court (13:36).

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CBS shared a story this week that teens are using TikTok to self-diagnose mental health issues. We spoke with our social media consultant, Krista Carnes, about the dangerous trend. Plus Hartford Healthcare Dr. Andrew Wong, chimed in on the conversation with some tips for people online. ((00:00))

This week, the communications team for US Senator John Fetterman shared the senator is doing well since publicly sharing his struggle with depression and need for treatment. We spoke with Chair of Psychiatry at St. Vincent's, Dr. Andre Newfield, about exposing mental health at this level and how it can relate to many other people. ((16:09))

Don't let thieves rob your fob! Fran Mayko of AAA shared a dangerous trend we are seeing with newer cars using fobs for keys. ((27:54))

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