WICC The Voice of Connecticut

Following the abrupt closure of Stone Academy, we spoke with the executive director of the CT Office of Higher Education. Tim Larson shared what led to the closures and what the state is doing right now to help the 800 students wondering what's next. ((00:00))

Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim is speaking out about a storage facility proposal to take over what used to be a popular supermarket in the city. He also answered some listener questions. ((14:56))

Beware of bogus blue badge applications! The BBB sent out a warning following news of Facebook creating a monthly subscription for people wanting the blue checkmark on their profile. But it's not offered yet in the US. Kristen Johnson shares how scammers are already trying to profit off of this change. ((29:50))

Workout Wednesday: in honor of Heart Health Month, Amy Llinas shares what foods and supplements are game changers for your heart. ((38:03))

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Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at new bills under consideration at the State Capitol that might enforce statewide rent control (0:21). University of New Haven Professor Dr. Howard Stoffer offered his thoughts on President Biden's trip to Ukraine (10:28).

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Brookfield First Selectman Tara Carr has been thrown off Twitter over a post considered to be threatening. Tara Carr exclusively joined Melissa to defend her words and explain what she meant in her recent tweets. ((00:00))

A pair of firefighters came on the show to talk about proposed legislation to better protect firefighters. We learned what the state is debating and if lawmakers actually have data to backup a refusal to fund supportive programs. ((15:36))

Right now, as little as 40% of patient premiums go to dental care.  As much as 60% goes to insurance company overhead. Under the proposed legislation, if an insurance carrier failed to invest most of premiums to oral health, the difference would be refunded to the patient. We heard from Kathlene Gerrity, Executive Director of the Connecticut State Dental Association. ((34:01))

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Friday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli wrapped up the week talking about a controversial idea to pay striking workers in Connecticut unemployment compensation after two weeks on a picket line (0:25). Fairfield GOP State Sen. Tony Hwang updated the current controversy over Connecticut beach fees (14:09). Journal Inquirer of Manchester columnist Chris Powell stopped by with his monthly check-in (25:44).

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You can make meatballs from scratch or get them storemade.

SAUCE:

-- 3 tablespoons butter

-- 3 tablespoons flour

-- 2 cups of beef stock

-- 1/4 cup sour cream

-- 2 tablespoons lingonberry, red currant, raspberry or cranberry sauce

-- pepper

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Health advocates are calling on the FDA to deliver a historic victory for Black health by quickly finalizing a proposed ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. These products have reportedly long targeted the Black community. We spoke with advocates fighting to get the ban approval. ((00:00))

Is testing the cognitive abilities of workers after they turn 65 permissible or unlawful discrimination? It's become a national question ahead of the presidential election. And earlier this week, a panel discussion on this happened at Quinnipiac University and we spoke with attorney Gary Phelan about it. ((13:41))

A beach bill could offer access to coastal community beaches and parks outside of town residents. Activist, Alexis Harrison, shared details of the bill and why people need to speak up about it at a public hearing about it. ((28:59))

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Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli started with an update from President Biden on the recent shoot downs of flying objects traversing the U.S. (0:26). Quinnipiac University Professor Mark Gius discussed the overall effectiveness of gun control laws across the U.S. (7:24). State Senate GOP leader Kevin Kelly updated his party's proposals to try and lower healthcare costs (19:05).

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What is Marburg virus? Can animals get covid? What do you mean tick season never left us?? So many stories from central Africa back to the US. We asked about it all with Dr. Browne. 

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We connected with Governor Lamont following major education stories, including the closing of Stone Academy and UConn's rally at the state capital. We asked about those stories and took a deeper dive into some of the items in the budget address. ((

Millions of babies worldwide are born with a heart defect. We spoke with a cardiologist about the statistics and interventions used for child care. ((13:36))

Eversource is reporting record profits from 2022. We asked Senator Blumenthal about that and the FAA investigation into close calls on airport runways. ((20:38))

Zoo Minute: meet Taylor!! She's the newest member of the Beardsley Zoo; a red wolf!

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Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" featured host Paul Pacelli lauding four of the state's big city mayors for their ideas to battle repeat gun crime offenders (0:33). GOP State Rep. Greg Howard - who's also a police officer - weighed in on that subject (13:23). CTNewsJunkie columnist Terry Cowgill offered his thoughts on a controversial bill in Hartford that would mandate that all citizens vote in Connecticut elections (25:37).

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