Taking antidepressants like Prozac while pregnant can hinder a child’s brain development and possibly cause mental disorders later in life. That’s the findings in a new study published last week in the journal Nature Communications. Experts say antidepressants that raise serotonin levels can influence how the brain learns and adjusts. How accurate is this study and what is the correlation between these findings and vaccine effectiveness in pregnant women? We asked Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health.
Wednesday’s “Connecticut Today” with Paul Pacelli offered a few thoughts on a push at the State Capitol to possibly weaken the rights of landlords (00:25). GOP State Sen. Paul Cicarella talked about the current controversy involving school busses in Bridgeport (12:39), while Hearst Connecticut Media editor and columnist Dan Haar stopped by for his weekly chat (20:34)
Ted Novicki, UI’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, explains Connecticut’s Rate Adjustment Mechanism, part of the electric bill covering public policy programs that the legislature required UI to implement, which UI explains are out of UI’s control and only collaboration with the legislature could resolve any issues.
Image Credit: Paolo Cordoni / iStock / Getty Images Plus
More and more Connecticut residents are spreading their wings and becoming bird enthusiasts. Miley Bull from CT Audubon Society shared tips on feeding birds in your backyard and which birds to keep an eye out for in our state. (0:00)
The Goshen Public Library’s Board of Directors is scheduled to meet to discuss the decision to remove “Gender Queer,” a 2019 memoir that touches on gender issues and sexuality. We spoke broadly about book banning and censorship with Quinnipiac University’s Jordan Jefferson. (14:52)
Science You May Not Know: getting ready for the total eclipse in April. Find out where you can best spot the spectacle in the sky and how University of Bridgeport students have a hand in a huge NASA project during the eclipse. (28:30)
Today’s Pet of the Week is going to be Nipsy! Here’s a bit about this sweet 5-year-old, domestic medium hair, neutered male:
~ I am a quiet and cuddly kitty. I would prefer a peaceful home. ~ I want to live with adults with cat experience. ~ I would prefer to be the only pet in the home so I can get all the attention.
~ I am an indoor-only cat.
Nipsy is a sweet easy-going cat who would love nothing more than to lie about the house snoozing the day away. While he loves to be near his human companions, he is not a lap cat and will come to you when seeking affection and pets but then he is off to do more snoozing. Nipsy is an indoor-only cat and would love a window or two to perch on to watch the birds safely from inside. Nipsy can startle at sudden movements or loud noises so he would love a low-traffic quiet home to reside in. At the shelter, Nipsy’s favorite spots to rest on are the office printer or in our desk baskets so if you work from home, he would be the perfect office buddy. He would also love to sit near you as you binge-watch your favorite show!
Tuesday’s “Connecticut Today” with host Paul Pacelli started with a look at some disturbing stats regarding Bridgeport drivers who regularly pass stopped school busses (00:26). New State Senate GOP leader Stephen Harding of Brookfield stopped by to talk about his new post (14:04), while Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio offered her weekly Hartford update (27:16)
Should smartphones be eliminated in Connecticut classrooms? A pilot program to nix smartphones from certain middle schools, including in Stamford, is set to roll out next school year. Senator Ryan Fazio is behind that move and explains what lawmakers are looking to accomplish. (0:00)
We do a deep dive into absentee balloting with CT Mirror investigative reporter, Andrew Brown. Find out what he has uncovered in the last few months following all the drama surrounding the Bridgeport mayoral race. (14:00)
Recent national studies show Connecticut isn’t making the grade with elder care options. One of the reasons it ranked so low is because people don’t really know the options on the table. We spoke with CarePatrol CT to learn how you can get advice and advocacy from a senior care agent FOR FREE. Advisor, Chris Curran, explains. (29:23)
In a recent national study, hundreds of families over two decades were asked about toxic in-laws and their impact on marriages. The results showed more than 60 percent of women reported that their female in-laws caused long-term unhappiness and stress in their relationships. Counselor Julius Dudics shared how we can better handle difficult in-laws in a healthy way. (44:42)
Friday’s “Connecticut Today” with Paul Pacelli opened with more of Paul’s thoughts on the recent shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl celebration (00:35). Former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso checked in with his weekly update (13:04), and we talked rock-n-roll with David Hamilton Golland, author of, “Livin’ Just to Find Emotion: Journey and the Story of American Rock” (21:10)
Should Connecticut adopt an electric vehicle mandate? We ask auto expert, Paul Miller, about the findings from automakers and dealerships here and across the country. (0:00)
Should Connecticut expand the paid sick leave program to all companies, no matter how many employees are on the team? It may sound like a slam dunk idea but is that the case? CBIA’s Ashley Zane shares why this could be a disaster, especially for small businesses. (14:19)
Keeping those fiscal guardrails in place is a battle right now in Hartford. What does that actually mean and is there an alternative to messing with the guardrails? We spoke with Comptroller, Sean Scanlon, to hear his ideas to reach a compromise. (29:32)
We still have a housing crisis in Connecticut, so what is already on the books and what could happen during the session to improve the issue? We spoke with CT169Strong founders, Alexis Harrison and Maria Weingarten. (43:20)
A piece of legislation is being discussed in Hartford during this legislative session. The bill focuses on pay for hospitality workers. A national coalition, One Fair Wage, says this legislation needs approval, while the Connecticut Restaurant Association reports the potential law would destroy wait staff and bartenders. Hear both sides of the argument right here featuring: Saru Jayaraman, President of One Fair Wage (56:05) & Scott Dolch, President and CEO of CT Restaurant Association. (1:09:27).
The Hometown Foundation, Inc. is a national, non-profit charitable organization committed to raising money to support a broad range of programs that meet community needs, including emergency response personnel. This year, we found an entry very close to home at the top of the list for the foundation’s K9 grant. We met Easton police officer Tamra French and K9 TJ to learn why they applied for the money and the importance of supporting K9 officers. (0:00)
A group of bi-partisan lawmakers have proposed legislation that would force private health insurers to cover a non-invasive heart test. Senator Heather Somers explained the proposal and why it matters to all Connecticut residents. (14:52)
Have you ever heard of State Street Debating? It’s a group that was founded in 1947 that provides financial support to local high schoolers. We heard from Mike Cacace, chairman of State Street Debating, to learn more. (28:14)
