WICC The Voice of Connecticut

Monday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured a chat with GOP State Sen. Eric Berthel on a bill expanding job opportunities for younger workers (0:22). Paul also had a few thoughts on word that the origin of Covid-19 might be coming into clearer focus (12:00).

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Some schools in Bridgeport are showing very low test scores, high absenteeism rates and overcrowded classrooms. How is that possible that we have schools performing so poorly in Connecticut in 2023? Fran Rabinowitz, executive director of CT Association of Public School Superintendents, comments on this reality. And Fran agreed with Melissa about bringing CPR training to health class curriculum. ((00:00))

Crime on the Mind: Jim's Wish List. Crime Prevention Expert, Jim Perez, shared the must-have items people should buy to stay safe at home and on vacation. ((18:58))

The co-founders of CT169Strong shared the details they know about a "Fair Share" bill being discussed in Hartford. What you need to know ahead of a public hearing this week. ((35:34))

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Friday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli wrapped up the week taking a look at some potential plans for early voting in Connecticut (0:28). Fairfield GOP State Sen. Tony Hwang talked about the proposed installation of sound barriers along some Connecticut highways (12:46). Operation Fuel Executive Director Brenda Watson updated her organization's assistance pause (21:11).

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INGREDIENTS:

-- 1/2 cup of Worcestershire sauce

-- 3 tablespoons of brown sugar

-- 3 tablespoons of olive oil

-- 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar

We got a check-in with the Department of Transportation. Josh Morgan talked about I-95 and Merritt Parkway concerns as well as the possibility of re-testing people for their driver's license. ((00:00))

We met celebrity Disney artist, Brian Blackmore. Brian has created artwork at the theme parks and Disney properties for the last 29 years. Originally from New England, we learned about his journey to Mickey. ((15:40))

For the last 10 years, local non-profits have participated in Fairfield County's Giving Day to raise money. But this year was the event's last. Why?? We learned what's happening from the communications director. ((31:35))

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Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli wondered if a recently-passed law aimed at catalytic converter theft is working (0:30). GOP State Rep. Holly Cheeseman joined us to talk about a push to eliminate Connecticut's new "truck tax" (9:39). Finally, Heritage Foundation Nuclear Deterrence and Missile Defense analyst Patty-Jane Geller updated the current state of U.S.-Russia nuclear arms talks (19:21).

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We are hearing that infectious diseases will be on the rise inhe next couple of weeks in Turkey and Syria following the earthquake this month. Dr. Browne explains why and how the aftermath matters to the US. 

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Human trafficking is one of the Department of Justice’s top priorities. Here in Connecticut, it's a huge problem that's not publicly talked about enough. Jamie Manirakiza with Partnership to End Human Trafficking shares a snapshot of the issue in our state and how officials are working to combat it. ((00:00))

Some 16 million people struggle with chronic back pain. But there's a solution that could solve major problems. Dr. Rajat Sekhar is a pain medicine specialist with Hartford HealthCare Spine Wellness Center. He explained the intracept procedure and who qualifies for it. ((12:22))

Strike up the band! Milford annual St. Patrick's Day Parade is coming back March 11th. We got the details for this year's event from chief organizer, Michael McCabe. ((18:46))

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We featured exemplary individuals who are inspiring Connecticut and the world. In honor of Black History Month, we found Connecticut natives who deserve to be honored and highlighted:

1. Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities

2. Colonel Adele Hodges ((13:41))

3. Aaron Johnson with the Narrative Project ((30:11))

4. Brad Rumble -- Zabbai ((44:13))

5. Dr. Camelia Lawrence ((01:01:01))

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Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured #CT169Strong co-founders Maria Weingarten and Alexis Harrison to explain several housing bills being considered at the State Capitol (0:32). CBIA President Chris DiPentima returned to talk about a proposal allowing trade and other groups broader ability to purchase health insurance (13:15). Paul also had a few thoughts about the controversy surrounding CNN host Don Lemon (25:25).

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