WICC The Voice of Connecticut

Starting in 2023, Connecticut raised its standards for lead-based paint and lead piping in older homes. State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg was chair of the Public Health Committee when the legislation was approved last year. What does it mean and how should homeowners report potential exposure? ((00:00))

Governor Lamont is set to outline his proposals surrounding gun violence in Connecticut. There doesn't seem to be a lot of talk about mental health resources. Senator Tony Hwang weighed in on why that needs to be included and get better funding fast. ((12:30))

According to national statistics:85% of US employees have some level of conflict at work but managers don't spend nearly enough time working it out. We wanted to relate that issue of conflict resolution to marriages. Bob Donovan shares how to look in and not out at problems between spouses. ((28:33))

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Friday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at a proposed bill to lower the physical strength requirements for new female firefighters in the state (0:26). Litchfield County GOP State Rep. Karen Reddington-Hughes chatted with us about the continued push to allow limited bear hunting in Connecticut (13:11). University of New Haven Professor Dr. Howard Stoffer analyzed  the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine (24:45).

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Ingredients:

2 tbsp fig preserves

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 

bone-in pork chops

2 tsp canola oil

chopped parsley and figs, for garnish (optional)

It is estimated that there are at least 10,000 puppy mills in the United States, fewer than 3,000 of which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That's according to the Humane Society of the United States. One Connecticut woman created an app to connect people to available rescue dogs that have already been vetted. ((00:00))

More and more people want to get CPR certified after the near death experience of Buffalo Bills player, Damar Hamlin. We met Luis Valbuena, a volunteer firefighter, who created Two Brothers CPR. He will come to your home or business to teach CPR classes. ((18:58))

In Connecticut, 178 victims lost a record $6 million to romance scams in 2021. We spoke with Kristen Johnson of the BBB shared ways to protect yourself from these scams. ((36:22))

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Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured news of a bill that would allow kids as young as 12-years-old to consent to vaccinations in Connecticut (0:33). We were joined by Dr. Georgette Bennett, co-author of, "Religicide: Confronting the Roots of Anti-Religious Violence" (12:44). Quinnipiac University Associate Professor of Journalism Rich Hanley talked about the announcement that a long-running Connecticut newspaper is going to a once-per-week print edition (25:49).

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Grounding, also called earthing, is a therapeutic technique that involves doing activities that “ground” or electrically reconnect you to the earth. This practice relies on grounding physics to explain how electrical charges from the earth can have positive effects on your body. We asked Dr. Browne about it.

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Fights breaking out after high school games is becoming too common in Connecticut. Glenn Lungarini of the CIAC stopped by to talk about the problem and weighed in on the debate over neck guards for hockey players. ((00:00))

Bear care in Connecticut has been top of mind for animal advocates recently. A recent viral video shows a bear hibernating under a Connecticut man's pool deck. Did DEEP give the right advice in handling this bear? Annie Hornish with The Humane Society of the United States weighs in on the situation. ((15:06))

Zoo Minute: we learn the history of the prairie dogs at the Beardsley Zoo and why the habitat needs upgrades. ((23:21))

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Collection: The Image Bank 

Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured an update on whether or not the state should initiate a limited black bear hunt in Litchfield County (0:30). Greenwich GOP State Sen. Ryan Fazio joined us to chat about a Republican package of proposed energy cost relief measures (6:25). CT NewsJunkie Columnist Terry Cowgill offered his thoughts on the first week of recreation marijuana sales in Connecticut (16:36).

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It's "lights out" for six more Broadway shows including The Music Man. COVID is still undermining ticket sales and it's bringing down the curtain for incredible shows. So, what about our local theaters? We asked Dan Onofrio from the Bridgeport Regional Business Council about that. ((00:00))

It's January and so far so good when it comes to winter storms. But predictions show they are coming. In order to prep in time, Scott Appleby with Bridgeport Emergency Management shares the important points you need to know. ((15:59))

Beginning this month, energy bills are going up for Eversource and UI customers. How can we cut down on energy costs? Laundry and energy expert, Cyndi Bray, shared some tips on simple changes you can make to your laundry to save you money! ((25:08))

Science you may not Know: Talking to dogs and if the way you speak is sinking in for Fido. ((33:13))

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Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured the first-person accounts of life-saving action taken at a recent college hockey game in Bridgeport (0:33). Journal Inquirer of Manchester columnist Chris Powell weighed in on Connecticut's high electric rates and the start of recreational marijuana sales (13:29). Former Bridgeport mayoral candidate and state legislator Chris Caruso analyzed the state of the Park City's mayoral race (27:35).

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