Our focus on the issue of COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes and care facilities across Connecticut starts with a national expert from AARP talking about how that organization is pursuing legislation to better support and protect residents of those facilities.

Then we'll take a very personal look at a tragic COVID-19 nursing home experience that affected State Rep Michelle Cook of Torrington, and how her experience helped initiate a sweeping investigation into why so many seniors were being infected by and dying from it.

We'll follow touching base with Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County to learn how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the outlook of area high school seniors and their future educational or career plans.

Finally, we'll remind you about an important event coming up at the Burroughs Community Center July 9 - and how a regional nonprofit called Save a Suit is aiming to help veterans who may be more food insecure because of the virus health emergency.

Our first encore segment features U.S. Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams talking about the first new national report on smoking cessation since 1990, and ways to begin kicking the habit today.

Then we'll replay a difficult but important conversation with the CEO of Regional Hospice - which is working to complete the fifth in-patient children's hospice center in the entire nation right in western Connecticut.

Our final replay will highlight a partnership between Hazelden Betty Ford and Shatterproof that's utilizing Shatterproof's Just Five web program to promote awareness, reduce stigmas, and share information about addiction prevention and treatment.

We're going to help gently bend you into better shape with Connecticut's Yoga In Our City movement, and let you know how you can tap into free virtual yoga classes to stay in shape and achieve peace of mind from the comfort of your home while gearing up for the 2021 season of outdoor community yoga classes designed by Civic Mind - and sponsored by ConnectiCare.

Then it's time for some really big news as we introduce the new executive director and get a sneak peek at what's in store for the 2021 International Festival of Arts & Ideas, which is ramping up its predominantly virtual festival May 14 - June 27, offering over 200 events — with 8 out of 10 available for free!

And we're circling back to Operation Hope - zeroing in on this nonprofit's efforts to help educate state residents who may be at risk of losing their home due to foreclosure - and we'll chat with Senator Tony Hwang about how he is supporting that effort at home, and in the statehouse.