Podcasts about connecticut department

Connecticut is cracking down on prediction markets offering sports wagers. The state issued nine cease-and-desist orders and nearly 30 subpoenas as officials investigate alleged illegal gambling. The state says these platforms bypass Connecticut's regulated sports betting system and may accept wagers from prohibited betters. We talked about this in depth with Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner, Bryan Cafferelli.

Connecticut farmers impacted by severe weather in 2023 and 2024 can now apply for disaster relief. The state has $52.9 million in federal funding available, with eligible farmers able to receive up to 95 percent of qualifying losses. Round one applications are open now through October 7. We are chatting now with Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.

From Sunday's storm that wreaked havoc on Fairfield County to a deadly collision involving a tow truck driver last week, we checked in with Josh Morgan of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. We also got an update on one of Connecticut's biggest transportation projects is entering another important phase in Norwalk: the WALK Bridge project.To submit a form for flood damage: https://crisistrack.juvare.com/public/CTDEMHS/request.htmlTo learn more about project: https://www.walkbridgect.com/

Third spaces are those social spaces that aren’t your home or your workplace. They’re those great in-between environments where you can come by just to hangout with your community. They can act as the building block of a healthy, thriving community. Although many of these spaces have disappeared, there’ are efforts to bring them back. Today, we take a look at third spaces in Connecticut and beyond. Plus, heading into the long Labor Day weekend, we get an update on a "Where We Live" favorite third space — Connecticut parks and forests! Guests: Mason Trumble: Deputy Commissioner with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Melissa Whitson: Professor of psychology and licensed psychologist at the University of New Haven Michael Brown: Owner of Third Space in New Haven, a gaming lounge, creative community space and event venue Sydney Williams-Brown: Co-owner of Third Space Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jay Lockaby is a Transportation Supervising Engineer in the Traffic Signals Unit within the Connecticut Department of Transportation Division of Traffic Engineering. He joined the podcast to talk about what the work of traffic engineering involves and his work across the State partnering with local communities to manage traffic. He shared how he has worked with communities to support vision zero or pedestrian initiatives and deploying new connected vehicle technology. He also discussed roundabouts, including the safety benefits and the communications and engagement challenge those projects can pose. Host: Marissa Baum

Over 40% of Connecticut drivers admitted to speeding, at least sometimes. Some say they speed to avoid holding up traffic, while others are simply trying to reach their destination faster. Speeding might be considered the new normal, but it’s still dangerous. Last year, there were over 7,000 speeding-related crashes in the state. Today, Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto joins us to talk about the state of our roads and what we’re seeing on Connecticut roadways. Labor Day is the busiest travel weekend of the year. We hear what you need to know to stay safe on the roads. Plus, updates on rail lines, highway construction and speed cameras. Guests: Garrett Eucalitto: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation Brianna Gurciullo: transportation reporter at CT Insider Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right now, Connecticut residents can pay homage to distinguished veterans from across the state. Do you know a veteran who has continued making positive impacts in their communities after leaving military service? If so, you can nominate them for induction into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. For more on this statewide honor, we connected with Commissioner Ron Welch, Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs.To nominate a veteran: https://portal.ct.gov/dva/pages/ct-veterans-hall-of-fame?language=en_USFor more resources to support veterans: https://portal.ct.gov/dva?language=en_US

The Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) program has become one of the nation's most important investments in infectious disease preparedness, strengthening the workforce, laboratory capacity, and data systems that health departments rely on every day. In this bonus, long form episode, ASTHO President and Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani explains how ELC funding helped build a disease-agnostic data platform that gives local health departments real-time surveillance data. Michigan's Deputy State Epidemiologist Joseph Coyle discusses how ELC supports the specialized workforce, laboratory testing, and IT infrastructure needed to detect outbreaks, track emerging threats, and respond more quickly. Finally, CDC's Alvin Shultz traces the evolution of the ELC program over three decades, highlighting how flexible funding, strong governance, and cross-sector collaboration have created a national infectious disease response system that is ready for whatever comes next.INSPIRE: Readiness | ASTHO

In the last month we have seen a flurry of warnings that lettuce might be infected with cyclosporiasis. To date, there have been over 60 cases here in Connecticut. Wildfires from the west brought smoke to the East Coast, leading to air quality warnings and recommendations for residents to stay inside, if they can. Today, we get updates on these public health situations, and hear what you need to do to stay well. GUESTS: Dr. Manisha Juthani: commissioner, Connecticut Department of Public Health Scott Dolch: President and CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant and Hospitality Association Connecticut State Senator Dr. Saud Anwar: East Hartford, South Windsor, East Windsor, and Ellington Indu Upadhyaya: Food Safety Extension Specialist, UConn Extension Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly released data from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) is providing a closer look at child deaths and other critical incidents involving children across the state. News 8 investigative reporter and anchor, Kathryn Hauser, did a deep dive into this and joined us to break down the key takeaways.To see her full story: https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/dcf-database-details-63-child-deaths-in-connecticut-including-20-cases-with-prior-agency-involvement/

Starting today, bus service will temporarily replace trains on the Metro-North Waterbury Branch. The replacement will last until next spring as upgrades are made to the Derby-Shelton, Ansonia, Beacon Falls and Seymour stations. For all the details, we checked in with Josh Morgan from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.For more information: https://www.mta.info/

During our monthly check-in with Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli, we talked extensively about locksmith scams. How do they work and what can you do to avoid being duped? We also discussed Military Consumer Month and avoiding scams tied to the military this month. Cafferelli is the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.For more information/verify a licensed professional: https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/verify-a-license?language=en_US

New data is shedding light on the state of Connecticut's economy and labor force. On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord joins host Amanda Marlow to talk about new Connecticut Department of Labor data that highlights the mismatch between increased job openings and a shrinking labor force. Connecticut job openings jumped 2.6% in May to 87,356—however, since May 2025, 37,700 people have left Connecticut's labor force. Nord breaks down some of the reasons for this mismatch and what needs to be done to address Connecticut's economic challenges. He also shares insights into a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report showing Connecticut's economy expanded 1.8% in the first quarter of 2026.

It takes a lot of work to help preserve Connecticut's nearly 140 parks and forests. Today, we learn what that looks like across our state. We hear from the Connecticut Forest and Park Association and learn about their efforts to pass down land stewardship to the next generation. Plus, Connecticut state parks are a treasure trove of Indigenous history. A local author shares their guide on hiking Indigenous lands across the state. To explore more or plan a park trip, visit ctparks.com. GUESTS: Joey Listro: Executive Director of Connecticut Forest and Park Association Jay Levy: Author of "Hiking Indigenous Lands of Connecticut and Massachusetts," tribal consultant for the New England Trail and an archeologist for the Mohegan Tribe Mason Trumble: Deputy Commissioner at Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment Protection (CT DEEP) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Tuesday, June 23rd, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson and Timothy Reed Pray for Leah Sharibu's release in Nigeria Eight years after 14-year-old Leah Sharibu was kidnapped by Islamic extremists, along with 109 others from a girls' school in Nigeria's Yobe State on February 19, 2018, she is the only remaining captive. Evangelical Focus reports that Leah, now age 22, refused her captors' demands to deny Christ and convert to Islam in order to be released after the attack by Islamic State West Africa Province on the Government Girls' Science and Technical College in Dapchi. Most of the other kidnapped girls have been released, with some dying in captivity. Leah's parents, Nathan and Rebecca Sharibu, said that she has chosen to remain true to Christ at great cost. In their words: “For this courage, she has endured unimaginable hardship in the wilderness. Reports from those who escaped speak of forced marriage, repeated trauma, childbirths in captivity, and the constant shadow of sexual violence used as a weapon of war and control.” Please pray for Leah's freedom from captivity. Brazilian homeschoolers sentenced to 50 days in prison Brazilian parents Audato and Ieda Denardi have been sentenced to 50 days in prison for homeschooling their daughters. The Christian parents were convicted of “intellectual neglect” because the judge said their program failed to include lessons on “gender and sex education” and “tolerance and diversity.”  The Denardis are appealing their case to a higher court. The mother told Alliance Defending Freedom, “As a mother, I cannot conceive a more dictatorial state than the one that wants me in jail because I chose to exercise my right to direct the education and upbringing of my daughters.”  Over 70,000 children are being homeschooled in Brazil today.  Trump-endorsed Columbian conservative wins presidency Colombian right-wing politician Abelardo de la Espriella won the Columbian presidential runoff on Sunday. He garnered 49.6% of the vote compared to leftist Iván Cepeda who took 48.7% of the vote.  De la Espriella was endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump and promised to take his country in a more conservative direction.  Connecticut liberals require homeschoolers to seek state permission The state of Connecticut is doing its part to keep parents from teaching their own children. The Connecticut Legislature passed House Bill 5468, a bill requiring parents to receive permission from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families in order to homeschool. Regrettably, Democrat Governor Ned Lamont signed the restrictive bill into law.  Attorney Kevin Boden of the Home School Legal Defense Association said, “This profound shift transforms Connecticut from a state where parents had significant freedom to the only state that imposes mandatory background checks on fit parents before they can teach their own children in their own home. By requiring every parent to be pre-screened before they can begin homeschooling, it ceases to acknowledge parents as trusted actors and instead casts them as risks to be managed.”  American farmers in trouble American agriculture is in crisis. Since 2020, the United States has lost almost 150,000 farms and 21 million acres.  Bankruptcies were up 50% year-to-year between 2024 and 2025, according to the State of the American Farmer Report, 2026. Only about half of farmers expect to be profitable this year. And 60% of farmers believe that farming as we know it today will cease to exist without a course correction.  Plus, the U.S. cattle herd is at a 75-year low -- roughly one-quarter cow per person today vs. one-half a cow per person 40 years ago. Deuteronomy 28:1-4 reminds us of God's blessings upon nations:  “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the Earth.   “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: ‘Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground, and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle, and the offspring of your flocks.'” Franklin Graham: Ebola outbreak in Congo much worse Evangelist Franklin Graham is calling for prayers as the most recent Ebola outbreak continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The first symptoms are usually fever, sore throat, muscle pain, and headaches. These are usually followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and renal dysfunction, at which point some people begin to bleed both internally and externally. Outbreaks of the disease have had a mortality rate of between 25% and 90%, averaging 50%. According to Graham, “We believe the Ebola outbreak is much worse than we initially thought. We think it's spread much more because it went undetected for several weeks, and it's very difficult.” Graham added, “We need prayer. Our 70 staff members, they're there for a month or so and then [we] rotate them out and then they get a new team in. This is complicated because the borders are closed between [Congo] and Uganda. If you come back into the United States from [Congo], you could be quarantined and so forth. It's not easy. … We just ask people to pray and that God would continue to guide and direct us.”  Fewer women are attending church Women are leaving the Christian church.  Barna.com reports the largest gender gap in recorded history — with only 36% of women attending church compared to 43% of men. The gender gap at the beginning of the 21st century was 50% women attending and only 37% of men. The reversal dates back to 2018. Married dads now lead the charge with 41% attending church in the last week. By contrast, only 30% of married moms attended church in the last week and only 24% of single moms. Witchcraft-themed shows on the rise And finally, NARRATOR: “Once the world was full of wonders, but it belongs to humans now. We have all but disappeared: demons, vampires, and witches hiding in plain sight.” Witchcraft is dominating in the media today — with at least 20 witchcraft-themed shows emerging in the 2020s, and over 50 shows that incorporate occasional witchcraft themes. Examples include: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, the Charmed reboot, A Discovery of Witches, Mayfair Witches, Agatha All Along, The Owl House, Fate: The Winx Saga, The Worst Witch, The Bureau of Magical Things, Motherland: Fort Salem, and The Witcher. Witchcraft communes and retreats are on the rise, reports The Guardian.  Women are seeking more avenues for power in the rising age of what they call “patriarchy.” Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns, “There shall not be found among you any one that makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that uses divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, June 23rd, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

For such a small state, Connecticut is a powerhouse of outdoor recreation, fisheries, and conservation success stories that could serve as a model for the entire country. In this special episode, Tony is joined by Mason Trumbull, Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and Jeff Shaw, Director of the Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences. Together, they reveal how Connecticut's innovative approach is turning ecological health into vibrant economic growth, demonstrating that sustainable fisheries and accessible outdoor spaces are the ultimate win-win.

What does Connecticut need to do to prepare high school students for the careers of today, and tomorrow? That's the mission of the newly formed Connecticut Career Pathways Commission. In this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima joins host Amanda Marlow to break down the commission. DiPentima is one of the 30 members of the commission selected by the Lamont Administration—which also includes representatives from the business, education, and public sectors. Episode Highlights: • Commission members and goals • Miguel Cardona's role and leadership • Tight timeline • Breaking down silos • Creating pathways for students who don't go to college • Importance of collaboration with the business community 2026 Human Resources Conference The episode also features a portion of a conversation into the state's expanded paid sick leave and FMLA laws with Connecticut Department of Labor attorneys Jennifer Devine and Heidi Lane. Headlines You May Have Missed • Rising Unemployment, Shrinking Labor Force Cloud Job Gains • Ari Santiago Appointed Interim CSCU Chair • A New Era for Regulatory Reform? The CBIA BizCast is made possible through the generous support of Google. Subscribe to the BizCast wherever you get your podcasts. Please rate the podcast and leave us a review—we appreciate your support! And be sure to give us your feedback and share guests you'd like to hear at bizcast@cbia.com.

Tuesday's edition of "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli hit the hot-button issue of municipal speed cameras in both Milford and Fairfield, with a lot of folks criticizing their setup and implementation (00:31). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio dropped by to chat about a recent move by the Connecticut Department of Labor, ensuring compliance with a state law (08:09)

We wrapped up the 2026 legislative session and are heading into one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. It was a good time to talk to Josh Morgan of the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Tick activity is on the rise. Connecticut scientists are seeing unseasonably high levels of tick activity in the state this year. That uptick carries big potential impacts for human health. Lyme disease is one of the many diseases these parasites can carry. We ask what you can do to protect yourself. We’ll also get the latest on another environmental hazard with big health impacts in Connecticut – air pollution. Guests: Katie Dykes: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Dr. Neeta Connally: Professor at WCSU and director WCSU Tick-borne prevention Laboratory Goudarz Molaei: Research scientist, medical entomologist and director of Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance Program at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation is launching a statewide driving awareness and enforcement campaign to crack down on distracted drivers. We spoke with Josh Morgan from the DOT about this as well as local matters like the Cribari Bridge in Westport and millions of dollars for upgrades to certain Metro North branch lines.Public Comment for Cribari Bridge until April 17th: Public EngagementImage Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Beavers are known as a "keystone species" contributing to biodiversity wherever they set up their habitats. Today, Connecticut author and journalist Leila Philip joins us to talk about her book "Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America." We’ll also hear from one student working to map beaver habitats throughout Connecticut. Have you seen beavers where you live? Guests: Leila Philip: Author of "Beaverland: How One Weird Rodent Made America" Evan Zocco: PhD Student at UConn Natural Resources and the Environment Akiebia Hicks: Wildlife Biologist with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Morgan from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) discussed the recent storm response, highlighting the efforts of crews who worked through the night to clear highways by late afternoon. Crews cycled in and out to ensure continuous operations. Mr. Morgan mentioned potential weather systems that could bring 1-3 inches of snow, prompting strategic deployments. The ban on commercial trucks was lifted in coordination with neighboring states, and compliance was generally high, with some exceptions. Enforcement falls under the Connecticut State Police and DMV, with a $100 fine for non-compliance. Josh emphasized the importance of public cooperation and safety.

This month, The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection announced a new liquor education program for permit applicants. We learned more about that from Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli.

It’s been nearly five years since recreational cannabis was legalized in Connecticut. Since then dozens of dispensaries have opened across the state, making purchasing products easier than ever. But new research says cannabis use among teens is rising, and that evidence doesn't support using cannabis as a medical cure-all. Today, an update on cannabis use and regulation in our state. GUESTS: Lila McKinkley: Cannabis Control Division Director at Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Dr. Sarah Feldstein Ewing: Professor at UConn Health and Vice Chair of Research Dr. Deepak Cyril Dsouza: Professor of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine Ryan Vandrey: Professor in the Department of Behavioral Psychiatry at John Hopkins University School of Medicine Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Along the Lines, Ben Limmer reflects on his role as Bureau Chief of Public Transportation at the Connecticut Department of Transportation and signs off as host. He highlights major rail and bus milestones, innovation, and the people behind Connecticut's transit system. Ben shares gratitude, lessons learned, and optimism for the future of mobility across the state as he bids a heartfelt farewell.

I don't see a partridge in a pear tree, but we do see a lot of scams out there to be aware of. We spoke with Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection about the 12 Scams of Christmas to look out for.

Changing federal guidance on vaccines has Connecticut health officials in an uproar. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine committee recently altered long-standing guidance on how newborns are vaccinated. Meanwhile, doctors say more patients fear vaccine side effects, which doctors are addressing on a case-by-case basis during consultations. Public health experts are concerned that fear and confusion could bring back diseases that the U.S. had forgotten. We’ll dig into the history of vaccines in America, check in with Connecticut doctors and ask the state's top public health official what's next. Guests: Jason L Schwartz: associate professor at the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Yale School of Public Health; associate Professor in the History of Medicine, Yale University. Dr. Manisha Juthani: commissioner, Connecticut Department of Public Health Dr. David Banach: head of infection prevention at UConn Health Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One day we're an ‘F' and a few days later, an ‘A.' A recent article looked at all the states in the US with legalized marijuana laws on the books, which includes Connecticut. The article specifically looked at warning labels on cannabis products and originally gave our state a failing grade. But the article has since been corrected. What happened? We asked Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. For the original article: https://www.statnews.com/2025/12/02/cannabis-product-safety-warnings-states-analysis/v Image Credit: Melissa Sheketoff

From your Thanksgiving table to the tree you chop down days after and of course, the many gifts you plan to buy, there's a push by state leaders to shop local but especially, shop local farms. We spoke with Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. To find a farm near you: https://ctgrown.org/

The governor just signed a bill into law this week, that strengthens and improves resources in Connecticut for children's behavioral health (HB 8004). We spoke with Dr. Manisha Juthani, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health. DPH is involved in a part of this behavioral health bill, including the section regarding school-based health centers.

Many Americans are feeling the pressure of rising grocery bills. Meanwhile, an estimated $550 million worth of food will go to waste this Thanksgiving alone. That’s according to the nonprofit ReFed. This hour, we’ll hear about statewide efforts to reduce, reuse and rethink what we throw away. And later, we’ll hear from experts on the front lines of food recovery — people working to get good food out of landfills and onto kitchen tables instead. GUESTS: Katie Dykes: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Jennifer Heaton-Jones: Executive director, Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority Lori Martin: Co-founder and executive director, Haven’s Harvest Karen Saggese: Fairfield county co-site director, Food Rescue US Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we're joined by Cortni Desir, Executive Program Manager for Public Transportation at the Connecticut Department of Transportation at the Mpact transit + community conference in Portland. We discuss her international influences, upgrading bus stops, customer experience, homelessness and transit, and being curious. +++ Get the show ad free on Patreon! Follow us on Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, YouTube, Flickr, Substack ... @theoverheadwire Follow us on Mastadon theoverheadwire@sfba.social Support the show on Patreon http://patreon.com/theoverheadwire Buy books on our Bookshop.org Affiliate site!  And get our Cars are Cholesterol shirt at Tee-Public! And everything else at http://theoverheadwire.com

Dr. Manisha Juthani, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, joins the show for the first time as ASTHO's president to discuss her plans for the new term; Dr. Karen Hacker, health policy fellow at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, co-authored an article for the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice with Dr. Susan Kansagra, Chief Medical Officer at ASTHO, Chrissie Juliano with Big Cities Health Coalition, and Lori Freeman with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, about the way forward for state and local public health; on October 27th at 2:00 p.m. ET, ASTHO and the Public Health Foundation (PHF) will host a webinar about academic health department partnerships in Vermont; and on Wednesday, November 12th, ASTHO and PHF will hold an interactive Q&A session for their final webinar in the academic health department partnership series. ASTHO Article: Manisha Juthani, MD, Commissioner of Connecticut Department of Public Health, Announced as Next ASTHO President JPHMP Article: Where Do We Go From Here? The Way Forward for State and Local Public Health ASTHO Webinar: Strengthening Academic Health Department Partnerships for Student Success in Vermont ASTHO Webinar: Ask Me Anything: Academic Health Department Partnerships  

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is marking the launch of the state's first bus shelter installations under the new Bus Stop Enhancement Program. We got the details on this program from Josh Morgan at the DOT. For more information: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/programs/bsep?language=en_US Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Connecticut teens and their high schools can win up to $26,000 in prizes by entering a submission into Connecticut's 17th annual Teen Safe Driving Video Contest, hosted by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and Travelers. We spoke with DMV Commissioner, Tony Guerrera, about the contest and its effectiveness. To learn more and enter the contest: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/video-contest?language=en_US Image Credit: Getty Images

Francesca Provenzano, Public Health Section Chief of the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, discusses themes and insights from her term as Chair of ASTHO's Director of Public Health Preparedness Peer Network; Dr. Sara Collins, Senior Scholar for Expanding Coverage and Access and Tracking Health System Performance at The Commonwealth Fund, walks through some of the trends found in the 2025 Scorecard on State Health System Performance; ASTHO President Dr. Scott Harris, State Health Officer for the Alabama Department of Public Health, was recently quoted in a story for CNN about the record-breaking number of measles cases across the country; and on Wednesday, October 22nd, ASTHO will host session four of the Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab series with a focus on leveraging partnerships.   ASTHO Web Page: Peer Networks The Commonwealth Fund: 2025 Scorecard on State Health System Performance CNN: Measles outbreaks across the US continue to add to record case count ASTHO Webinar: Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab - A Series  

Are you doing any leaf peeping where you live? The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection joins us to talk about making the most of the fall season in Connecticut and the best spots to see all the natural wonders of our state. And bird lovers, this show is for you! Fall is a big migration time for birds. Connecticut Audubon Society joins us, too. Later, have you been feeling a little stuffy or sneezy? Got itchy eyes? It might be fall allergies. We learn what you can do to combat it. GUESTS: Katie Dykes: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Tom Anderson: Director of Communications, Connecticut Audubon Society Dr. Josh Mosdale: Primary care physician and medical director of clinically integrated network at Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doctor Gen Meredith, Associate Professor with the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health at Cornell University, Associate Director of the Master of Public Health Program, and Director of Cornell's Health Impact Score, explains how their new Public Health Strategic Skills Guide can help professionals in public health navigate changes to their roles and build upon their existing skillsets; Nick Jakubowski, Chief Operating Officer at the Connecticut Department of Public Health, shares how his agency used PHIG funding to upgrade their procurement and grant management systems and deliver monies to the community more efficiently; on Wednesday, October 29th, ASTHO will hold art one of a two part series on The Importance of Environmental Health Preparedness and Response; and subscribe to Public Health Review Morning Edition to start each weekday morning with a daily dose of insight from public health leaders across the country.  ASTHO Blog: Tennessee and Connecticut Are Transforming Procurement and Grant Management Systems Cornell University: Enhancing Public Health Strategic Skills Guide ASTHO Webinar: Weathering the Storm: The Importance of Environmental Health Preparedness and Response Part I ASTHO Newscast: Public Health Review Morning Edition  

In today's installment of the PHIG Impact Report, Celeste Jorge, epidemiologist and evaluator with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, discusses how her department is using the Public Health Infrastructure Grant. PHIG Partners Web Page PHIG Newsletter  

We’re in another government shutdown. The federal government shut down at the start of October following a standoff between Senate Republicans and Democrats. Now, the Trump administration is proposing more federal worker layoffs, calling it an “unfortunate consequence to a government shutdown.” Today, we hear how the government shutdown could impact local government services, programs and workers in Connecticut. Later, Christianity in America is at a crossroads. We hear from two Connecticut church leaders on how the current political climate is influencing faith communities locally, and across the U.S. GUESTS: Andrea Barton Reeves: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Social Services Scott McLean: Professor of Political science and Faculty Director of the Honors Program at Quinnipiac University Kate Dias: teacher at the Manchester School district and is president of the Connecticut Education Association Pastor Shawn Fisher: Bloomfield Congressional Church Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr.: Minister of United Church on the Green in New Haven Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As kids get back to school, the political debate around who should get shots for COVID other illnesses is once again bubbling up. But another debate has risen as well. Last week, President Trump urged pregnant women to “tough it out” and use Tylenol sparingly during pregnancy. The administration claimed an unproven link between the painkiller acetaminophen and autism. It’s a statement that has been widely discredited by medical experts. Today, Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani joins us to answer your questions on vaccines, Tylenol use and more. We also hear from the Autism Self Advocacy Network. GUESTS: Dr. Manisha Juthani: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health Colin Killick: executive director of the Washington-based Autistic Self Advocacy Network Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria Courogen, Executive Director for the Center for Access to Whole Person Care at the Washington State Department of Health, explains how her state worked to enable the continued support of Community Health Workers (CHWs) by developing a sustainable funding model; Dr. Heather Krasna, Associate Dean of Career and Professional Development at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, breaks down the nuances of applying to governmental public health roles and discusses ASTHO's checklist resource, which walks applicants through the process; today is the third session of ASTHO's Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab series focused on public health nursing residency programs and leadership pathways; and ASTHO President-Elect Manisha Juthani, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and ASTHO alum Dr. Umair Shah, will participate on a panel at Health Systems Implementing Climate Action, a Climate Week NYC 2025 event.  ASTHO Web Page: Community Health Workers ASTHO Resource: Your Guide to Navigating the Governmental Public Health Job Search Process ASTHO Webinar: Public Health Nursing Workforce Learning Lab - A Series Climate Week NYC 2025: Health Systems Implementing Climate Action  

Dr. Joseph Kanter, ASTHO CEO, and Kate McEvoy, Executive Director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors, discuss a new partnership between the two organizations; Dr. Joseph Kanter, ASTHO CEO, Dr. Susan Kansagra, ASTHO Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Scott Harris, ASTHO President and State Health Officer for the Alabama Department of Public Health, Dr. Ayanna Bennett, Director of the District of Columbia Department of Health, and Dr. Manisha Juthani, ASTHO President-Elect and Commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Public Health, held a deskside briefing discussing ACIP recommendations amid preparations for the upcoming respiratory virus season; a new ASTHO report analyzes recent Medicaid data to determine causes of commercial tobacco use in Washington State; and ASTHO will host a webinar with the PHIG National Partners to introduce Wave 2 of the Public Health Data Modernization Implementation Center Program on August 26. NAMD Web Page: National Committee for Sustainable Medicaid and Public Health Partnerships ASTHO YouTube: ASTHO Respiratory Virus Season Deskside Media Briefing ASTHO Report: Tobacco Use in King County Washington: A Medicaid Data Analysis Report ASTHO Webinar: Public Health Data Modernization Implementation Center Program  

Dr. Joseph Kanter, ASTHO CEO, Dr. Susan Kansagra, ASTHO Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Scott Harris, ASTHO President and State Health Officer for the Alabama Department of Public Health, Dr. Ayanna Bennett, Director of the District of Columbia Department of Health, and Dr. Manisha Juthani, ASTHO President-Elect and Commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Public Health, held a deskside briefing on the preparations for the upcoming respiratory virus season; Ericka McGowan, Senior Director of Emerging Infectious Disease at ASTHO, explains the importance of case investigation and contact tracing, and how ASTHO's Foundations in CICT course can help prepare public health providers; a new ASTHO brief breaks down succession planning to help public health departments develop strategies to address workforce challenges; and ASTHO will hold the first webinar of a three-part series on Thursday, September 4th, to explore building a future-ready public health workforce through succession planning.  ASTHO Blog: Strengthening Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Skills: Q&A with Ericka McGowan ASTHO Brief: Demystifying Succession Planning ASTHO Webinar: Succession Planning Part 1 of 3: Building the Case for Succession Planning  

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, ASTHO member and Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan, explains how Michigan's multifaceted approach has reduced overdose deaths across the state; Heidi Westermann, Director of Public Health, Data Modernization and Informatics at ASTHO, shares how ASTHO's new Data Modernization Primer and Tactical Guides can help public health departments improve data modernization efforts by giving them a place to start; Dr. Jewel Mullen, ASTHO alum and Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, earned the W. Neal Kocurek Health Advocacy Award from the People's Community Clinic for outstanding leadership and dedication to health equity; Dr. Ngozi Ezike, ASTHO alum and President and CEO of Sinai Chicago, will be a speaker at the upcoming 2025 TEDxArlington Heights “Under the Surface” Conference; and ASTHO will host the third session of the Accelerate series in the Ignite, Accelerate, and Activate workshop on August 14th, discussing accountability and feedback.      Bagdasarian Op-Ed: We must work to keep overdose deaths down in Michigan ASTHO Resource: Data Modernization Primer and Tactical Guides People's Community Clinic: 2025 There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch - Honoring Dr. Jewel Mullen TEDxArlington Heights  ASTHO Webinar: Ignite, Accelerate, and Activate: Series 2, Session 3: Accountability, Performance, Feedback  

  The Redding Encampment, Connecticut's first State Archaeological Preserve, is located in Putnam Memorial State Park. Understanding of the Revolutionary War has emphasized the battles, maneuvers, and war meetings; but far more time was expended during the long periods of winter encampment. The winter months were a brutal test of individual fortitude, unifying command, and local support. In the journal Joseph Plumb Martin kept at the time, he wrote, “We arrived at Redding about Christmas or a little before and prepared to build huts for our winter quarters. And now came on the time again between grass and hay, that is, the winter campaign of starving.” Compared to Valley Forge or Morristown, the archaeological evidence supports the poor conditions described by Martin. The site remains intact and is a relatively unknown archaeological gem, administered by Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Our publisher Dr. Kathy Hermes chats with Ellery Leary, the official park historian of Putnam Memorial State Park and a member of the Friends & Neighbors of Putnam Memorial State Park in Redding, Connecticut.  They studied history and art history, and they hold an MA in archaeology. They also served as a consultant on a National Park Service Battlefield Interpretation Grant obtained by Cris Radio to create an app with a downloadable audio tour for Putnam Park and a website that tells the stories of people of color at the Redding Encampment. We discuss the importance of Putnam Park as a historical site, the experiences of the soldiers and camp followers, and the efforts at historic preservation of the site.  Visit the websites, Dr. Kathy Hermes, et al, Forgotten Voices of the Revolutionary War: People of Color and the Redding Encampment, 1778-1779 at https://forgottenvoicesrevwar.org/ and Cris Radio, Forgotten Voices of the Revolutionary War, which offers audio recordings of narratives and documents. https://crisradio.org/voice/forgotten-voices-of-the-revolutionary-war/ For more about Abimelech Uncus, see: www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/abimeleck-uncus   ---------------------------------------------- Like Grating the Nutmeg? Want to support it? Make a donation! 100% of the funds from your donation go directly to the production and promotion of the show. Go to ctexplored.org to send your donation now.   This episode of Grating the Nutmeg was produced by Kathy Hermes and engineered by Patrick O'Sullivan at highwattagemedia.com. Follow GTN on our socials-Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and BlueSky.   Join us in two weeks for our next episode of Grating the Nutmeg, the podcast of Connecticut history. Thank you for listening!  

Sunday hunting is officially expanding in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, marking a major victory for hunters, conservationists, and rural communities. In this episode, Fred is joined by representatives of each state's fish and wildlife agency to break down the new legislation that opens up Sunday hunting opportunities, explore how it impacts hunter access, and discuss what it means for the future of hunting and wildlife conservation.   Steve Smith, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission joins us to look at Pennsylvania's recent rescinding of the Sunday hunting prohibition in PA, tracing the decades-long legislative battle and the positive ripple effects it's already creating for hunters and wildlife management.   Jenny Dickson, Director of Wildlife, Bureau of Natural Resources, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection then joins the show to share insights on the Connecticut Sunday hunting bill, its potential to boost youth hunting participation, and how it benefits local economies tied to the hunting and fishing industry.   Whether you're passionate about deer hunting, turkey hunting, or waterfowl hunting, this conversation explains how expanded hunting days can help sportsmen and women spend more time in the field, strengthen family traditions, and contribute even more to conservation funding.   Key Takeaways for Hunters and Anglers: CSF has been a leading champion of removing restrictions on Sunday hunting for well over a decade – passing over 20 pro-Sunday hunting bills in 9 states. Sunday hunting legislation expands hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, small game, and more. Youth hunting participation is vital for the future of hunting traditions and conservation funding. Sportsmen and women contribute significant revenue to conservation efforts through license fees and excise taxes. The economic impact of hunting reaches far beyond license sales, benefiting local outfitters, retailers, and tourism businesses. Connecticut's new Sunday hunting law takes effect October 1st. Waterfowl hunting regulations remain unchanged despite the new law in Connecticut. Hunters must secure landowner permission before hunting on private land, in Connecticut. More flexible hunting days help optimize hunting strategies and time afield. Pennsylvania's Sunday hunting law is expected to boost hunter participation and conservation dollars. Decades-long legislative efforts led to successful Sunday hunting legalization in Pennsylvania. Expanded hunting days support better wildlife management and sustainable game populations. Repealing Sunday hunting restrictions provide families more time to hunt together and introduce new hunters to the outdoors. Connecticut and Pennsylvania could become models for other states considering Sunday hunting bills. Get the FREE Sportsmen's Voice e-publication in your inbox every Monday: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/newsletter                Sign up for FREE legislative tracking through CSF's Tracking the Capitols tool: www.congressionalsportsmen.org/tracking-the-capitols/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode SummaryThe latest episode of the “The Stream by AASHTO” podcast features Garrett Eucalitto, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the 2024-2025 president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, discussing his commitment to “safer communities, safer users, and safer workers” and federal surface transportation reauthorization as part of his emphasis areas for his one-year presidential term.Episode NotesThis podcast series is part of the AASHTO Environmental Management technical service program operated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and it explores a wide array of environmental topics that affect state departments of transportation and the infrastructure programs they oversee.In this podcast episode, Eucalitto delves into his family's connection to the transportation industry, how his career path shifted from foreign relations to transportation policy, and why he's made “centering safety” a key focal point not only for his AASHTO presidential emphasis areas but as the nucleus of his transportation career. He also discusses the critical importance of ongoing surface transportation funding reauthorization work by Congress and how that legislative effort impacts safety. He explains on the podcast that reauthorization “impacts everything we do” as state DOTs, especially in the safety arena. That's why it is critical to ensure that the current reauthorization package maintains – if not expands – the current level of federal funding to fully support the nation's transportation systems.Eucalitto is also AASHTO's first openly gay president and discusses how this part of his identity has helped make him more empathetic about protecting people physically, mentally, and emotionally – especially in terms of fostering a level of comfort so people can live openly in the workplace. Finally, Eucalitto looks to the future as part of his podcast interview – examining the ways state DOTs are seeking to broaden their “non-traditional” partnerships, along with ways state DOTs are working to improve the exchange of information between one another for disaster response and other needs. 

About this episode: The Department of Health and Human Services's abrupt termination of $11 billion in health funding to states has interrupted projects across the country. In this episode, a look at one state—Connecticut—where the state with federal approval had been using the funding to upgrade aging technology and respond to urgent threats like measles. Note: This conversation was recorded prior to a federal judge's issuing of a temporary restraining order blocking the cuts—for now. Guest: Dr. Manisha Juthani is the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a faculty member in health policy, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department. Show links and related content: U.S. Judge blocks $11 billion Trump administration health funding cut for now—Reuters CT has 69 public health contracts canceled after Trump funding cuts, issues stop work orders—CT Insider Transcript information: Looking for episode transcripts? Open our podcast on the Apple Podcasts app (desktop or mobile) or the Spotify mobile app to access an auto-generated transcript of any episode. Closed captioning is also available for every episode on our YouTube channel. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @‌PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Instagram @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @‌PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.