Melissa in the Morning: Dennis House
He is the only journalist who sat down for a one-on-one with the Cheshire teacher who stepped down from her job after a politically charged Snapchat video was leaked to the public. Award winning anchor and reporter, Dennis House from News 8, sat down with Annie Dunleavy. He spoke to us about it before his exclusive interview plays in full this weekend. Image Courtesy of Dennis House and WTNH
12m Nov 15, 2024
12m
Melissa in the Morning: EV Mandate Off the Table
Governor Lamont told reporters earlier this week that he has no intention of talking about an electric vehicle mandate in our state for the upcoming legislative session. Senator Kevin Kelly, who has fought hard against an EV mandate, joined the show to talk about the announcement this week. Image Credit: Getty Images
15m Nov 15, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: The Fight “We” All have Waited for
Tonight, Mike Tyson will take on Youtube sensation, Jake Paul, in a boxing match the nation has long waited for. One of the big reasons people are interested in the Netflix special includes questions about whether the event is rigged. We asked our local sports expert, Rob Adams, about the big event and the likelihood of it being staged. Image Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
15m Nov 15, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: “Assessment Hill 2024”
The Bridgeport Police Department’s Domestic Violence unit deployed a sweep called Operation Assessment Hill 2024. What is it and how does this help in the fight to end domestic violence? We spoke to Police Chief Roderick Porter. Image Credit: Getty Images
8m Nov 15, 2024
8m
The Mike Cerulli Show - November 16, 2024
2hr 2m Nov 16, 2024
2hr 2m
Melissa in the Morning: Tone Deaf over School Threats?
Since the start of the school year, dozens of fake school threats have been detected online, many of them created by students. And this month, two UConn students are accused of staging a fake school shooting at the campus dining hall all for a TikTok trend. It begs the question, despite being the state where one of the worst school shootings in US history happened, is Connecticut youth becoming...
13m Nov 18, 2024
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Porch Pirates Part 2
A new survey by CNET found 1 in 6 people have been dealing with porch pirates already this year. It comes as billions worth of gifts will be on the porches of many in the weeks to come during the holiday season. Our crime prevention expert, Jim Perez, taught us how to keep our homes from becoming a target to porch pirates. Image Credit:  Getty Images
10m Nov 18, 2024
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Employee Rights with Social Media
It was the story that took center stage in Connecticut last week – a former Cheshire teacher who posted in a private Snapchat account her rage following the election results. That video was leaked and went viral. She has since stepped down from her job and publicly apologized but still faces backlash, including threats. We wanted to use this example as a conversation surrounding worker rights w...
12m Nov 18, 2024
12m
Melissa in the Morning: Rideshare Safety
Rideshares, like Uber and Lyft, are popular during the holiday season and the winter travel months here in Connecticut. Whether it’s an option to get home safely after drinking at a party or saving money to get to and from the airport, Connecticut residents love to use rideshares. But how do we protect ourselves when we order an Uber or Lyft ride? Gary MacNamara shared advice on that, including...
13m Nov 18, 2024
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Sen. Steve Harding
A Connecticut Inside Investigator report revealed administrative officials at Central Connecticut State University were looking for “creative ways” to pay undocumented students for internships without the mention of employment or requirement of a social security number. This revelation comes as a separate investigation into potentially fraudulent marriages conducted in cities like Bridgeport an...
15m Nov 18, 2024
15m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Democrats Should Look In The Mirror
Monday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli opened with Paul's thoughts on the continued soul-searching by local, state, and national Democrats over this month's election results (00:34). CBS News correspondent Scott MacFarlane joined us to chat about anticipated changes in the House for the upcoming session of Congress (14:11), while CT News Junkie columnist and Substack.com blogger Te...
29m Nov 18, 2024
29m
Melissa in the Morning: Crash Responder Safety
This week is Crash Responder Safety Week and we spoke with Josh Morgan of the Department of Transportation about one of our biggest problems: abiding by the Slow Down, Move Over law. Image Credit: Getty Images
12m Nov 19, 2024
12m
Melissa in the Morning: Travel Trends for Thanksgiving
We are set to break records for Thanksgiving travel this year according to AAA. We spoke with Lauren Fabrizi from AAA Northeast about the data and how to prepare if you plan to leave for the holiday. Image Credit: Getty Images
10m Nov 19, 2024
10m
Melissa in the Morning: National Adoption Month
November is National Adoption Month and we learned more than 1,100 kids are in Connecticut’s adoption system right now. We spoke with Kamilah Bunn, Chief Executive Director of the National Adoption Association. For more information: adoptuskids.org Image Credit: Getty Images
9m Nov 19, 2024
9m
Melissa in the Morning: W-A-I-T
Following the 2024 election, many people are posting online or at their office place their political views. But what’s the end goal of this and is the risk of losing your job worth it? Career strategist, Julie Bauke, taught us about the acronym WAIT (Why Am I Talking) and its significance when it comes to sharing your political views at the workplace. Image Credit: Getty Images
17m Nov 19, 2024
17m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - A Line In The Sand?
Host Paul Pacelli opened Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" talking about comments from State Attorney General William Tong regarding some likely Trump White House immigration policies (00:32). State House GOP leader Vin Candelora also offered his thoughts on the Attorney General's statements (07:59). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio detailed a push by state employee unions to preserve jo...
27m Nov 19, 2024
27m
Melissa in the Morning: Linda McMahon
Former WWE Executive and someone with deep ties to Connecticut, Linda McMahon, is being tapped to become the next US Education Secretary. If her nomination is approved, she would be replacing Connecticut native, Miguel Cardona. We did a deeper dive into this news with CBS Reporter, Christopher Cruise. Image Credit: Reuters
10m Nov 20, 2024
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Holiday Heads Up
In our monthly check-in with The Department of Consumer Protection, we talk about food safety and shopping scam alerts. We spoke with Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli. IMAGE CREDIT: Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
15m Nov 20, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: New Teacher Campaign
The Connecticut Education Association, which represents teachers across the state, recently launched a new public awareness campaign to highlight the dedication of educators. The timing of the launch is pretty fitting considering budget cuts expected for districts at the end of the school year. We spoke with CEA President, Kate Dias. To view the campaign videos: https://cea.org/go-the-extra-mi...
15m Nov 20, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Candy Cane in the Sky
The decommissioned former coal fired power plant on the Bridgeport shoreline has a new owner and big plans for the near future. We got more details about the property and project from Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim. Image Credit: Getty Images
11m Nov 20, 2024
11m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Some Intrigue Concerning Migrants?
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" welcomed Hearst Connecticut Media columnist and senior editor Dan Haar talking about how the state's "TRUST Act" might come into play with some migrants over the next few months (00:39). CBS News correspondent Linda Kenyon had the latest on the Trump White House transition, including more on Connecticut's Linda McMahon's anticipated new role (07:36). The Yankee Ins...
24m Nov 20, 2024
24m
Melissa in the Morning: Chronic Pain
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the share of Americans who say they are suffering from chronic pain has jumped for the first time in years. We asked Dr. Browne of Griffin Health about that. IMAGE CREDIT: Dr. Fred Browne / Griffin Hospital
11m Nov 21, 2024
11m
Melissa in the Morning: Success Village Update
There have been a lot of moving parts lately at Success Village between Bridgeport and Stratford. Attorney Barry Knott, the receiver overseeing the management and finances of the 924-unit complex, gave us all the up-to-date details. Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz
13m Nov 21, 2024
13m
Melissa in the Morning: A Civil Thanksgiving
Following the 2024 election, some people have decided to forego spending Thanksgiving with family and friends. We wanted to equip people with a game plan to rise above being triggered by others who don’t align with your political views. Counselor Julius Dudics provided advice ahead of the holiday. Image Credit: Getty Images
15m Nov 21, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Sen. Richard Blumenthal
The Connecticut Education Association is speaking out about the nomination of Linda McMahon as the next US Education Secretary. Their biggest fear if she gets the job is that money meant for public schools with be invested instead to private schools. We asked Senator Richard Blumenthal about this. Image Credit: Reuters
9m Nov 21, 2024
9m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - A Parting Immigration Shot?
Host Paul Pacelli opened Thursday's edition of "Connecticut Today" with reports of an impending immigration policy change from the Biden White House (00:28). We heard from Connecticut State Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto (15:43) and former State House Republican leader Themis Klarides on the passing of former Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell (23:18). "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Gr...
40m Nov 21, 2024
40m
Melissa in the Morning: The Kindness Crusader
In a world that seems ever more divided, anxious, and lonely, this holiday season cries out for someone to be a cheerleader for kindness and connection across Fairfield County and beyond. We spoke with the man considered to be the “kindness crusader” in Stamford, Rabbi Daniel Cohen. He spoke about a new initiative that’s been around for a year and how you can get involved with acts of kindness....
13m Nov 22, 2024
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Bible-Based Learning
It’s a decision that the nation is watching carefully today: will Texas public schools be allowed to offer Bible-based curriculum to students? CBS Reporter Chris Fox has been covering Board of Education matters in Texas for more than a decade and shared insight on the matter from both sides of the debate. Image Credit: Getty Images
12m Nov 22, 2024
12m
Melissa in the Morning: Lung Cancer Rates in CT
The American Lung Association just dropped its "State of Lung Cancer" report. The data looks at how lung cancer varies by state. How did Connecticut fare? Dr. Roy Herbst, lung cancer physician and expert at Yale Cancer Center gave us some key takeaways for our state. For the full CT report: https://www.lung.org/research/state-of-lung-cancer/states/connecticut Image Credit: Getty Images
8m Nov 22, 2024
8m
Wake Up With Bill Finch - November 24, 2024
Probation and Pardons with Lisa Crespo Gerald, News review with Frank Recchia, and Banned Books with Victoria Woodard.
37m Nov 24, 2024
37m
Melissa in the Morning: Robotic Umpires
Major League Baseball will be experimenting with robot umpires during spring training in 2025. If it’s successful, we could see them used in the 2026 season. We asked our local sports expert, Rob Adams, about the news. Image Credit: Getty Images
9m Nov 25, 2024
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Problem Gambling
The third Fairfield County sports betting venue opened in Norwalk this month. It was a good reason to invite the Connecticut Counsel on Problem Gambling back on the show. We spoke with Valerie Tebbetts, Helpline, Training and Recovery Manager at CCPG. For more information: https://ccpg.org/ Image Credit: Getty Images
10m Nov 25, 2024
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Avoid Crime this Thanksgiving
You may be planning to enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday travel plans, but you can’t forget about criminals hoping to target your property. Crime prevention expert, Jim Perez, shared advice on how to protect your homes and cars while you’re away. Image Credit: Getty Images
15m Nov 25, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety, lithium-ion batteries have caused 25,000 fires in the last five years. What people don’t realize is lithium-ion batteries are in a lot of children’s toys, almost every handheld device, and everyday household items. We spoke with PACT President Rodger Mort, who has created solutions to avoid and fight these types of fires. Image Credit: Getty Images
10m Nov 25, 2024
10m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Raise The Penalties For Endangering School Busses?
Host Paul Pacelli opened Monday's "Connecticut Today" with some startling new numbers regarding recent accidents involving Connecticut school busses (00:34). We also aired remarks from State DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto about safety on Connecticut roads and the continued installation of wrong-way driver alert systems (14:39). Former CBS News Moscow Bureau Chief Beth Knobel discussed the o...
27m Nov 25, 2024
27m
Melissa in the Morning: CT Unemployment Rates
A recent report showed Connecticut Unemployment Rates are the lowest they've been in 23 years. How is that happening and is that a good thing? We did a deeper dive into the data with Patrick Flaherty, Director of Research at Connecticut’s Department of Labor. For more information for job seekers: https://portal.ct.gov/cthires Image Credit: Getty Images
8m Nov 26, 2024
8m
Melissa in the Morning: Slow Down, Move Over
Sen. Richard Blumenthal’s bipartisan Slow Down Move Over resolution was passed by the US Senate last week. We spoke with Fran Mayko of Flagman Inc. about the recent national attention and its significance to Thanksgiving week. Image Credit: Getty Images
11m Nov 26, 2024
11m
Melissa in the Morning: AI on School Buses
AI Technology has come to Bridgeport as the first city to bring these cameras online in a widespread way. Investigative reporter, Jeff Derderian, took a closer look at this new technology helping catch violators bypassing school buses illegally. For Jeff’s full story: https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/fairfield/bridgeport-buses-use-ai-cameras-to-catch-violators/ Image Credit: Melissa Shek...
11m Nov 26, 2024
11m
Melissa in the Morning: The *Cringe* Job Question
How do you connect to the young people around the Thanksgiving table without being shut down in conversation immediately? We spoke with career strategist, Julie Bauke, about alternative conversation starters instead of work-related topics. Image Credit: Getty Images
14m Nov 26, 2024
14m
Melissa in the Morning: Teacher Burnout
Teacher burnout is still a big problem in Connecticut. The Connecticut Education Association (CEA), the state's largest teachers' union, released results from its latest statewide survey, highlighting an ongoing crisis in the teaching profession and the urgent need for greater support for public education. CEA President, Kate Dias, did a deeper dive into the challenges an average teacher faces ...
13m Nov 27, 2024
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Fighting the Opioid Crisis
Seven million dollars in federal grant money is being invested into opioid response strategies in Connecticut. We noticed four of the seven municipalities getting in on this money, are right here in Fairfield County (Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford and Greenwich.) We spoke with Luiza Barnat is the Opioid Services Director at the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services about what ...
9m Nov 27, 2024
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Crashes Involving Buses
A new report from the Hartford Courant, highlighted the alarming amount of crashes involving school buses in our state. According to UConn Connecticut Crash Data Repository (https://www.ctcrash.uconn.edu/) , there have already been more than 570 of these crashes in 2024. That data does not include the near misses! Senator Jeff Gordon, who serves on the Public Safety and Security Committee, shar...
9m Nov 27, 2024
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Wrong Way Driving in CT
We met Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner, Ronnell Higgins, about the state of our highways and making them safer. We especially did a deep dive about wrong-way drivers. IMAGE CREDIT: Eric Urbanowicz
13m Nov 27, 2024
13m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Get Those Numbers Right!
Host Paul Pacelli opened Tuesday's edition of "Connecticut Today" with word of a Hearst Connecticut Media investigation into some discrepancies connected to recent Connecticut election results (00:52). CBS News correspondent Chris Fox, in Austin, TX, talked about a visit earlier in the day to the U.S. southern border by incoming White House Border Czar Tom Homan (16:10). We welcomed Dr. Robert ...
52m Nov 27, 2024
52m
The Mike Cerulli Show - November 30, 2024
This week, Mike Cerulli chats with WTNH News 8’s Jeff Derderian, Hearst Connecticut Media’s Dan Haar, Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, CT Republican Chair Ben Proto, State Senator Ryan Fazio, and State Rep Chris Rosario.
2hr 8m Nov 30, 2024
2hr 8m
Wake Up With Bill Finch - December 1, 2024
Adult Adoptees with Karen Caffrey and Rep. Cristin McCarthy-Vahey, News review with Frank Recchia, and Banned Books with Victoria Woodard.
38m Dec 01, 2024
38m
Melissa in the Morning: Warming Up a Cold Case
Monroe Police are feeling hopeful they can finally give closure to the family of Renee Freer. The 8-year-old girl was murdered back in June 1977 and 47 years later, a Facebook group has given new life to the case. Erik Hanson is a Monroe native and an author who is pursuing the story for his new book. But what he discovered in his work led him to something much bigger than he expected. Image C...
20m Dec 03, 2024
20m
Melissa in the Morning: Facilities Closing Constantly
Since the pandemic, Connecticut has seen an alarming rate of nursing home closures and healthcare sector layoffs. What is the direct impact on our senior population in the state? We dive into it with Senator Kevin Kelly. Image Credit: Getty Images
13m Dec 03, 2024
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Thanksgiving Stats
Connecticut State Police investigated over 500 vehicle crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Police say around 30 of those crashes involved injuries, including a motorcycle crash in Wallingford where the rider was killed. We got a full breakdown of the statistics and key takeaways from Sgt. Luke Davis. Image Credit: Getty Images
8m Dec 03, 2024
8m
Melissa in the Morning: Goodbye Alive at Five
After a 27-year run, the popular outdoor summer musical festival, Alive at Five, will not continue in 2025. We spoke with Michael Moore, President of Stamford Downtown, about the announcement. IMAGE CREDIT: Stamford Downtown
11m Dec 03, 2024
11m