Voice of CT

Melissa in the Morning: The Weight of Fear

Our state data shows we are the fourth safest state in the country. But recent crime has a lot of people scared. Gary MacNamara of Sacred Heart shares why that demographic of people should be considered when passing laws. ((00:10))
We are entering the end of hibernation season for black bears. What you need to know and tips to keep yourselves and the bears safe this spring. ((15:24))
https://lisabernard.wordpress.com/2022/03/18/here-there-wheres-my-little-bear/
A bill in Hartford would restrict the use of two pesticides in CT. Both reportedly kill birds and beneficial insects that birds rely on for food. Patrick Comins of CT Audubon Society shares how you can help. ((30:45))

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Melissa in the Morning: Media Bias

1. The Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities highlighted data from EJI looking at media coverage and if stories tip a certain way based on race. ((00:10))
For the initial report: https://eji.org/news/report-documents-racial-bias-in-coverage-of-crime-by-media/
2. Is there a correlation between faith and marriage? Bob Donovan looked at research surrounding this parallel and how to improve both declines. ((09:33))
3. Senator Bob Duff talked about solitary confinement as well as more talks about potential tax cuts for CT residents. ((25:04))
4. Senator Tony Hwang talked about outdoor dining extensions and post-incarceration programs. ((36:04))

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Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Hiding The Details?

On Friday’s edition of “Connecticut Today,” host Paul Pacelli wondered why the governor’s office has pushed back on a media request to see the details of the latest state employee contract proposal (0:43 ). CTNewsJunkie columnist Barth Keck joined us to talk about improving media literacy for high school students (7:08). The University of New Haven’s Dr. Matthew Schmidt analyzed the current situation in Ukraine (20:43). Finally, Quinnipiac University Journalism Professor Rich Hanley offered his thoughts on Hearst Connecticut Media’s move to cover the Great Hartford area (32:42).

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Melissa in the Morning: Sleep Deprived?

1. Whether the clocks changing, or your own anxiety keeps you up, how do we fix our sleep deprivation? Sleep medicine specialist, Dr. Christina Abavana shared her advice. ((00:10))
2. Cyber security expert, Damon Petraglia, says he feels positive about America’s cyber crime vulnerability. What makes him feel so confident about it and how can you best protect yourself online? ((16:06))
3. Yay, we got the gas tax holiday until June 30th…but what else? Senator Kevin Kelly shares what more can be done to relieve taxpayers in CT. ((23:05))
4. Governor Lamont made a proposal to bulk up our nursing workforce in CT. We heard from Marcia Proto, executive director of the CT League for Nursing, about this monumental proposal and what solutions lie ahead. ((36:22))

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Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: The Covid-19 Phonies Among Us

On Thursday’s “Connecticut Today,” host Paul Pacelli wondered why exceptions are constantly made in society for athletes and entertainers, especially in the era of Covid-19 (0:38). Law enforcement veteran and local author Greg Dillon talked about his book, “The Thin Blue Lie: An Honest Cop vs the FBI” (7:16). Quinnipiac University Executive Director of Religious Life Father James Lenaghan detailed his recent trip to Ukraine (20:50).

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Melissa in the Morning: The Latest with Governor Lamont

1. Governor Lamont stopped by to answer our latest state questions including zoning bills, pension troubles, state trooper numbers, carjacking situations and the gas tax. ((00:10))
2. Governor Lamont’s $18 million in proposed funding to address domestic violence. Deb Greenwood of Center for Family Justice shares why this money is needed, especially after many were trapped during the pandemic. ((16:47))
3. Senator Blumenthal shared his latest push to alleviate pain at the pump. ((27:14))
4. Yankee Institute published a new article, CT’s Growing Problem, co-authored by Ken Girardin. He explained population numbers in our state and why the focus on people leaving the state is misplaced. ((37:24))

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Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: More Lawmaker Lunacy

Wednesday’s “Connecticut Today” featured host Paul Pacelli highlighting another proposal in Hartford that could make prospective businesses avoid locating in Connecticut (0:30). We were joined by American University Professor Jane Hall, author of, “Politics and the Media: Intersections and New Directions” (9:08). Outgoing Greenwich Republican Town Chairman Dan Quigley talked about a controversial bill in Hartford aimed at modifying local zoning control (20:57).

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WICC Pet of The Week

Meet Peony, a 1 year old female rabbit! She is grey and white and weights just over 9 pounds! She is the size or more than a lot of cats we have at the shelter! Peony comes over to engage takes treats from your hands gentle and all around a sweet rabbit. She can probably be around respectful kids, since rabbits are delicate and can get hurt easily. To learn more about Peony and other pets ready for families, visit CThumane.org/adopt!

Melissa in the Morning: Ukraine Missions

1. We met Robbie and Frank Pack, a Fairfield couple who have spent the last 22 years doing mission trips to Ukraine. What they’re doing to help since the Russian invasion. ((00:10))
2. The federal government is awarding over $500,000 to clean up lobster traps in Long Island Sound. We found out why this effort is decades in the making. ((13:41))
3. Science You May Not Know: Fish sounds ((22:12))
4. Happy 35 years on Webe108, Danny Lyons! ((30:43))

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Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Avoiding The Real Issue…Again!

On Tuesday’s “Connecticut Today,” host Paul Pacelli talked about a proposed bill targeting Connecticut landlords under the guise of energy efficiency (0:52). Yankee Institute of Connecticut President Carol Platt Liebau returned to the show to talk about a possible threat to the privacy of tax returns in Connecticut (8:52). Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, talked about a pro-life march taking place in Hartford (18:06). U.S. Air Force Major (ret.) Sam Peters joined us to chat about the ongoing military situation in Ukraine (29:13) and Connecticut Energy Marketers Association President Chris Herb updated us on Wednesday’s scheduled vote regarding a proposed gas tax holiday in Connecticut (39:30).

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