Voice of CT

Melissa in the Morning: Healthcare Takeaways

We continue to look at the aftermath of the 2024 legislative session; this time we focused on healthcare legislation. Senator Jeff Gordon talked about the ongoing drama surrounding Prospect Medical Holdings impacting three Connecticut hospitals and a call from the governor for lawmakers to return to the table. We also discussed the big winner: Senate Bill 1 addressing homecare worker safety and new testing requirements and coverage. We also looked at one of the biggest misses: the bipartisan Association Health Plan bill couldn’t get across the finish line, again!

IMAGE CREDIT: Adam Liegeot / Connecticut Senate Republicans

Melissa in the Morning: Online Crime Map

Bridgeport has officially rolled out a new interactive crime map for residents to keep track of crime statistics in and around their neighborhoods. We spoke with Police Chief Roderick Porter about the LexisNexis technology, how it works, and why he feels it needed to be a priority for city residents.

To view that map, click on this website and zoom into Bridgeport: https://communitycrimemap.com/

IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff

CT Today With Paul Pacelli – The Debates Are On … ?

Wednesday’s “Connecticut Today” with Paul Pacelli discussed news of two debates tentatively scheduled between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump (00:20). Hearst Connecticut Media editor and columnist Dan Haar dropped by for his regular update on the biggest stories around Connecticut (13:29)

Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

The Lisa Wexler Show – Senator Stephen Harding Wraps-Up CT’s “Short-Session”

Senate Republican Leader, Stephen Harding, joins Lisa Wexler to talk about take-aways from CT’s “short-session” & signs on to Lisa’s push for changes in women’s health legislation.

Image Credit: demerzel21 / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Melissa in the Morning: Consumer Protection Legislation

We had our monthly check-in with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli gave us some legislative updates impacting businesses and consumers in the state following the 2024 legislative session. He spoke about THC-infused beverages, House Bill 5236 concerning professional licensing, and improvements on the “pharmacy experience.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Kaitlyn Krasselt / CT Department of Consumer Protection

Melissa in the Morning: The Northern Lights in Connecticut

Earlier this month, a super rare geomagnetic storm happened making the Aurora visible even here in Connecticut! David Mestre of Science You May Not Know talked about the May 10th Northern Lights event seen across the northeast. We also compared it to the “Carrington Event” of September 1 to 2, 1859 when the Aurora was so intense that it could be seen as far South as Havana, Cuba.

PHOTO CREDIT: David Mestre

Melissa in the Morning: Success Village Fail

For about a week now, Melissa has been inundated with calls from WICC listeners who live in Success Village. This is a 900+ unit apartment complex with aging boilers impacting heat and hot water. Residents have reported having no hot water for 10 days despite news outlets reporting the problem would be resolved earlier this week. We talked about the problem with Mayor Joe Ganim at length and got an update on the temporary fix and long-term plans to address this.

Photo credit: Mayor’s Office, City of Bridgeport

CT Humane Society Pet of the Week

Looking for a couple of adorable Guinea pigs to add to your family? Meet Pistachio and Pecan! They are still waiting in their foster homes for the right family.

Pistachio: A charming 6-month-old with a striking black coat and a cute white blaze.
Pecan: An 11-month-old tri-colored sweetheart.

Guinea pigs have become increasingly popular as pets over the past few years, and it’s no wonder why—they’re friendly, social, and fun! However, they do require significant care and attention.

Before you decide to adopt, please make sure you and your family are ready for the commitment. Guinea pigs need:

Daily feeding of pelletts, hay and veggies
Regular cage cleaning-Almost daily!
Ample space to move around
Social interaction and companionship
Vet visits for health check-ups

If you’re ready to provide a loving home and dedicated care, Pistachio or Pecan would make a delightful addition to your family. Contact us today to meet them at cthumane.org/adopt

CT Today With Paul Pacelli – Yes, Race Is A Factor

Tuesday’s “Connecticut Today” with host Paul Pacelli talked about a growing debate over the reasons for Caitlin Clark’s anticipated influence in the WNBA (00:29). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio stopped by with further commentary on a controversial bill passed as the General Assembly wrapped up this year’s session (11:58). We also checked in with State Senate GOP leader Steve Harding of Brookfield regrading a new report on healthcare costs in Connecticut (23:38)

Image Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect / Kevin Jairaj

The Lisa Wexler Show – Did The State Legislature’s Budget Adjustments Violate The Constitution?

Republican House Minority Leader, Vincent Candelora, joins Lisa Wexler to talk about what bills passed and didn’t in CT’s short legislative session, and why he and Senator Steve Harding sent a letter to Attorney General William Tong outlining how the legislature violated the constitution by adjusting the budget that triggered changes in revenue caps.

Image Credit: Amy Sparwasser / iStock / Getty Images Plus