Melissa in the Morning: Burglary Markings
According to US data, Connecticut is in the top 10 list for lowest number of home burglary cases. However, a new trend spotted in California could be coming to Connecticut in a matter of time, making home burglaries more likely to happen. Jim Perez told us about ‘burglary markings.’ IMAGE CREDIT: Jim Perez
8m Apr 07, 2025
8m
Melissa in the Morning: Toll Scam Messages
Scammers are apparently impersonating road toll collection services in text message scam. According to the Better Business Bureau serving Connecticut, these fraudsters may even use AI technology to create more convincing fake websites and messages. Kristen Johnson of the BBB gave us tips to recognize the scam and avoid getting duped. For more information: Find and Report a Scam | Better Busine...
7m Apr 07, 2025
7m
Melissa in the Morning: Energy and Living Costs
Earlier this month, Eversource Energy warned Connecticut officials that it needs to raise over three-billion-dollars in new revenue from ratepayers in the coming years.  Eversource indicated that customers will begin feeling the pain in 2027 and will likely involve a big increase in delivery charges on power bills. We asked Senator Ryan Fazio, ranking senator on the Energy and Technology Commit...
14m Apr 07, 2025
14m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Maybe Connecticut Is Out Of Touch?
Host Paul Pacelli ushered in a new week on Monday's "Connecticut Today" wondering if the anti-Trump protesters all across the state the previous weekend were out of synch with the rest of the country (00:35). CBS News reporter Zak Hudak (15:15) and University of New Haven Finance Lecturer David Sacco (19:40) both shared their thoughts on the impending Trump White House tariffs. CTNewsJunkie col...
39m Apr 07, 2025
39m
Melissa in the Morning: Nursing Home Worker Strike Looming?
After contracts expired for thousands of homecare and nursing home workers, there are talks about a possible strike. We spoke with Rob Baril, President of SEIU 1199NE, a union that represents 30,000 caregivers between Connecticut and Rhode Island. He shared the demands of these workers and the potential for a strike in the future. Image Credit: Getty Images
12m Apr 08, 2025
12m
Melissa in the Morning: The Alien Enemies Act
The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a partial victory to President Trump that allows the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members. At issue in the case Alien Enemies Act, a controversial law that allows for the detention and deportation of foreign nationals from countries actively invading the United States. We spoke with CBS Legal analyst, Thane Rosenbaum, about the court’s decision and whe...
12m Apr 08, 2025
12m
Melissa in the Morning: Patience over Panic
The tariff talks from the Trump Administration continue to spark worries and fear-based headlines across the country. But what is the history of tariffs in the country and are we overreacting before knowing all the facts? We got perspective on this from Professor Jim Mohs, associate professor of accounting, finance, marketing, and taxation at UNH. Image Credit: Getty Images
15m Apr 08, 2025
15m
The Hands Off Rally
The Hands Off rally took place this past weekend in Stamford, as well as in many other towns in CT and across the country! Jon Kamal has the full report
3m Apr 08, 2025
3m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Should Local Politicians Criticize A Private Business?
Host Paul Pacelli kicked off Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with his thoughts on public statements from New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and State Attorney General William Tong regarding Avelo Airlines' agreement with the federal government for deportation flights (00:43). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio talked about a proposal to spend millions of dollars on early childhood education an...
27m Apr 08, 2025
27m
Melissa in the Morning: Governor Lamont
Governor Lamont joined us for the latest on legislative moves happening up in Hartford during the legislative session. We talked about DCF and oversight for homeschool children, backlash towards Avelo Airlines, a potential nursing home strike in the state, high utility costs and state investments in non-profit organizations. Image Credit: Reuters
18m Apr 09, 2025
18m
Melissa in the Morning: Senator Somers
A bill that would regulate the controversial deep fake images that are created by AI got unanimous approval in the Judiciary Committee. Senator Heather Somers created that legislation and talked about what happens next. Image Credit: Getty Images
15m Apr 09, 2025
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Bridgeport Schools
A superintendent search now on hold and the search for a company to conduct a financial audit underway; two big headlines for the Bridgeport school district. We spoke about the moving parts for Bridgeport schools with interim superintendent, Dr. Royce Avery. Image Credit: Getty Images
11m Apr 09, 2025
11m
Melissa in the Morning: Childcare Focus
New data released by 211 Child Care shows that 80% of Connecticut’s childcare programs are operating at their legally authorized capacity. This represents a 6% increase that has helped Connecticut families find needed childcare. While this is good news, we still miss the mark on filling childcare worker jobs and making facilities more affordable for Connecticut parents. We spoke about this with...
8m Apr 09, 2025
8m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Is There A Push To Ground Avelo?
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" featured host Paul Pacelli wondering out loud if some state lawmakers are trying to put Avelo Airlines out of business, due to their impending contract with the federal government for migrant deportation flights (00:46). Yankee Institute for Public Policy President Carol Liebau joined us to talk about Gov. Ned Lamont's support for a controversial so-called "Wareh...
28m Apr 09, 2025
28m
Melissa in the Morning: Milford Ed Rally
Milford residents are rallying this evening to send a message to the Board of Alderman. A current proposal could mean closing down one of the city’s middle schools. We spoke with Kara Flannery of Milford Ed Advocates to learn more. For more information: https://milfordedadvocates.org/ IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
10m Apr 10, 2025
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Multi-Family Housing Bill
A proposal to block towns and cities from banning multi-family housing options either permanently or temporarily has advanced from both the Housing Committee and Planning and Development Committee. Senator Jeff Gordon is a Ranking Member on the Planning & Development Committee and explained how this bill really impacts towns, like Fairfield and Trumbull, that have housing-related moratoriums in...
9m Apr 10, 2025
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Suing Firearms Companies
There’s a house bill that advanced out the Judiciary Committee – making it easier for Connecticut residents to sue members of the firearms industry. The act cleared mostly along party lines this week. State Representative Steve Stafstrom, the House chair and representing Bridgeport, explained the legislation and what it really means for Connecticut residents. Image Credit: Getty Images
11m Apr 10, 2025
11m
Melissa in the Morning: Strep Throat
A decade-long study of around 35 million Americans in 10 states has found that group A strep throat infections have more than doubled by 2022. What’s also alarming is that data shows that treating strep is becoming a bigger challenge as it is more resistant to common antibiotics. Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health weighs in on what’s happening with these infection upticks and how to treat them p...
12m Apr 10, 2025
12m
Fines For Mushrooms
A new bill in the general assembly would make possession of small amounts of psilocybin decriminalized! Jon Kamal has the full story.
2m Apr 10, 2025
2m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - More Drama From The Bridgeport City Council
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured our weekly check-in with "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi on calls for a member of the Bridgeport City Council to step down (00:34). Both Paul (11:46) and Trumbull GOP State Rep. Dave Rutigliano (25:56) talked about the pressure being brought to bear on Avelo Airlines by some state officials. CBS News reporter Stacy Lyn ...
40m Apr 10, 2025
40m
Melissa in the Morning: Autism Double Checked Certification
In the United States, an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults are diagnosed with autism. Bradley International Airport is the first airport in the United States to become ‘Autism Double-Checked’ certified. Brian Spyros with the Connecticut Airport Authority which oversees Bradley explained why this certification is essential to have and what it means for all passengers moving forward....
8m Apr 11, 2025
8m
Melissa in the Morning: Quinnipiac Poll
The latest Quinnipiac poll revealed what the American people think about tariffs. We spoke with Quinnipiac polling analyst, Tim Malloy, about the findings. For the full poll results: 4/9/25 - Voters More Than 3 To 1 See Trump's Tariffs Hurting U.S. Economy In The Short-Term, But Less Bearish On Long-Term Impact, Quinnipiac University National Poll Finds; The Biggest Economic Worry Right Now? V...
9m Apr 11, 2025
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting
The Office of the Inspector General is determining whether a deadly officer-involved shooting in Bridgeport was justified. Meanwhile, the attorney representing the victim’s family says already released surveillance footage proves the shooting death of Dyshon Best was not justified. We spoke with Attorney Darnell Crosland. Image Courtesy of Attorney Darnell Crosland
13m Apr 11, 2025
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Smoking and Cancer
Tens of millions of Americans smoke cigarettes regularly and something that has become clear in the last couple of decades is the direct correlation between smoking and cancer diagnoses. But is that message actually resonating enough with the general public? Nearly half of patients diagnosed with cancer in 2023 had a history of smoking, and 15% were smokers at the time of their diagnosis. That’...
7m Apr 11, 2025
7m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Can Sen. Chris Murphy Win The White House In 2028?
Host Paul Pacelli kicked off Friday's edition of "Connecticut Today" wondering just how good Sen. Chris Murphy's chances might be if he launched a 2028 White House run (00:27). Former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso also joined us to talk about his nearly fatal recent battle with norovirus (13:47) Image Credit: REUTERS
24m Apr 11, 2025
24m
Wake Up With Bill Finch - April 13, 2025
As we get ready for Earth Day, Bill chats with Samantha Dynowski, State Director of Sierra Club and Jameson C. Davis, Environmental Justice Advocate.
41m Apr 13, 2025
41m
Melissa in the Morning: Karen Read Case
A woman accused of hitting and killing her boyfriend, a Boston police officer. Did she do it or was she framed? The high-profile case out of Massachusetts is back before a judge with a new jury in now a second trial for Karen Read. And now, a new docuseries on HBO Max has taken the case to a whole new national level. Legal expert on the show, Attorney Bill Bloss, weighed in on the case. IMAGE C...
12m Apr 14, 2025
12m
Melissa in the Morning: Clean Air in Schools
According to national health studies, if you don’t have good air flow or clean air in the classroom, it can lead to students not focusing, and dealing with health problems like headaches, drowsiness and even confusion in people. That’s why there is a huge push for House Bill 6922 to pass, since it highlights the HVAC grants program in the state. We spoke about this with Joslyn Delancey, CEA Vic...
13m Apr 14, 2025
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Financial Cuts to Veterans?
After announcement about federal cuts to VA’s across the country, we wanted to know if Connecticut veterans are already or set to feel the pinch. We got perspective from Charlie Pickett, Senior Vice Commander of Connecticut’s VFW. IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
15m Apr 14, 2025
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Avelo Airlines Controversy
Is it a business deal that people aren’t keen of or is it so unethical it’s worth pulling support and partnership? That’s the lingering question surrounding Avelo Airlines since we learned of the company’s agreement to work with the federal government in helping to facilitate deportation flights out of Arizona. One of the loudest critics of this decision is Attorney General William Tong who add...
16m Apr 14, 2025
16m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Higher Taxes To Pay For School Meals In Connecticut?
Host Paul Pacelli opened a new week on "Connecticut Today" talking about a proposed tax on sweetened beverages to help pay for universal school breakfasts and lunches in Connecticut (00:47). Commuter advocate and columnist Jim Cameron dropped by with his thoughts on the current Avelo Airlines controversy and the airline's agreement to fly some future deportation flights for the Trump White Hous...
34m Apr 14, 2025
34m
Melissa in the Morning: Soda Tax
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would add a new tax on soda and juice to pay for free meals in schools.  The proposal would add the tax on sweetened beverages, syrups and powders to fund free breakfasts and lunches for all public school students in Connecticut. What is the likelihood of this bill moving forward this session? We asked News 8 political reporter, Mike Cerulli. IMAGE C...
14m Apr 15, 2025
14m
Melissa in the Morning: Proactive about Cancer
There’s a new cancer prevention program for hundreds of firefighters across Connecticut. Starting May 1, career firefighters who are enrolled on the state employee health plan or Partnership Plan will be eligible for a free preventative scan every two years. We got more details on this new program and its purpose from Comptroller Sean Scanlon. We also asked about firefighters not covered by the...
9m Apr 15, 2025
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Helicopter Crash Perspective
The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded the New York helicopter tour company that operated the sightseeing tour that crashed into the Hudson River last week, killing all six people aboard. And as the investigation into the crash continues, we wanted to get perspective on what went wrong in this situation. We spoke with former FBI Agent and pilot, Ken Gray, who also teaches at the Unive...
10m Apr 15, 2025
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Bridgeport School Cuts
Bridgeport may eliminate up to 40 teacher positions to close a projected 28-million-dollar budget shortfall. The city may also furlough all school employees for a week without pay to help address the massive budget deficit among other proposed cuts. We spoke about what we can expect next from Vice Chair of the city’s Board of Education, Joe Sokolovic. Image Credit: Getty Images
10m Apr 15, 2025
10m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Do Connecticut Prison Text Messages Cost Too Much?
Host Paul Pacelli kicked off "Connecticut Today" with his view that the $3.5 million spent yearly on text messaging for prison inmates is well worth it and should be maintained and not eliminated (00:43). Connecticut Inside Investigator reporter Marc Fitch dropped by to chat about a proposed "soda and sweetened beverage tax" being considered at the State Capitol (15:57). Yankee Institute blogge...
40m Apr 15, 2025
40m
Melissa in the Morning: Proposed Sweetened Beverage Tax
State lawmakers are considering a bill that would add a new tax on sweetened beverages to raise enough money to cover the 110-million-dollars a year needed to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students. State Representative Moira Rader explained the proposal and addressed concerns people have surrounding the need for consistent revenue. Rep. Rader is the Vice Chair of the Finance, Revenue...
8m Apr 16, 2025
8m
Melissa in the Morning: Premiums going up?
Access Health is sounding the alarm about federal subsidies set to expire at the end of the year. It could mean Connecticut residents on exchange plans see their premiums skyrocket more than a thousand dollars than their prices now! We talked to Congressman Himes about the likelihood of extending the subsidies. Image Credit: Getty Images
9m Apr 16, 2025
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Walk Out
Marissa Gillett has been confirmed by the state Senate to continue as chair of the Public Utility Regulatory Authority. All eleven Republican state senators walked out of the chamber before yesterday's vote, claiming the process is corrupt. We got the scoop from Senator Steve Harding about what happened and why. Image Courtesy of Senator Steve Harding and the Senate Republicans
11m Apr 16, 2025
11m
Melissa in the Morning: Drug Take Back Day
Prescription Take Back Day is coming up on Saturday April 26th. What is “Drug Take Back Day” and how can people participate? We asked Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli of the CT Department of Consumer Protection about the upcoming event. We also talked about a recent jury duty scam detected last month. Image Credit: Getty Images
13m Apr 16, 2025
13m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - The Fairfield County ATM ... Again?
Host Paul Pacelli opened Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" commenting on a Tax Day proposal from General Assembly Democrats to hike taxes on many upper-income earners (00:45). Hearst Connecticut Media Senior Editor and Columnist Dan Haar chatted with us about energy policy and a controversy surrounding Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas (13:51). CBS News correspondent Olivia Rinaldi joined u...
35m Apr 16, 2025
35m
Medical Mushrooms
With the FDA currently testing medical benefits of magic mushrooms, and the general assembly debating it's decriminalization, Jon Kamal did a deep dive on how this controversial substance can help people struggling with mental health
6m Apr 17, 2025
6m
Melissa in the Morning: Library Money
The Connecticut State Library is losing $2.1 million in federal funding that has already been allocated. What is the State Library and how does this money impact the local level libraries across the state? We asked State Librarian, Deborah Schander. Image Credit: Getty Images
13m Apr 17, 2025
13m
Melissa in the Morning: META Antitrust Trial
Mark Zuckerberg testified for more than 10 hours in Meta's blockbuster antitrust trial this week in Washington DC. The Federal Trade Commission alleges Meta "helped cement" its illegal monopoly in the social media market with its acquisition of Instagram and the messaging app WhatsApp more than a decade ago. The case follows a nearly six-year investigation across multiple administrations. Imag...
7m Apr 17, 2025
7m
Melissa in the Morning: Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is on the rise in America right now. We talked to Dr. Browne about it from Griffin Health. We also talked about the latest news surrounding autism diagnoses and the unknown cause of it. Image Courtesy of Dr. Fred Browne
12m Apr 17, 2025
12m
Melissa in the Morning: Documents to Vote
There are major moves happening in Washington DC regarding voting and election handling in the country. Those actions include executive orders and the SAFE Act. We talked about the trickle-down effect these could have on Connecticut with Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas. Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz
16m Apr 17, 2025
16m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Whose Side Is The "Environmental Lobby" Really On?
Host Paul Pacelli wondered out loud - after seeing opposition at the State Capitol to lower electric bills - if the so-called local "environmentalists" actually want higher energy bills for state consumers (00:46). Wilton Republican Registrar of Voters Annalisa Stravato talked about recent comments made by Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas regarding a Trump White House voting proposal (14...
42m Apr 17, 2025
42m
Melissa in the Morning: CT Cold Case Closure?
A Connecticut cold case that dates back twenty years now has some closure. Police believe they found the killer in a 2005 murder case in Windsor Locks. And what’s surprising is this case doesn’t just involve Connecticut. For the investigative report, we spoke with News 8 reporter, Jeff Derderian. For Jeff’s story: https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/hartford/suspect-in-2005-windsor-locks-mur...
8m Apr 18, 2025
8m
Melissa in the Morning: Autism Diagnosis Rates
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he wants to move away from what he calls an "ideology" that the rising rate of autism in the U.S. is the result of better diagnoses. The Secretary of Health and Human Services contradicted the CDC after releasing its latest report of rising autism diagnoses in the nation. We got perspective on the report from Dr. Fred Volkmar, Director of the SCSU Center of Excellence...
14m Apr 18, 2025
14m
Melissa in the Morning: Artificial Intelligence Poll
QU just released its latest poll this week – this time tackling artificial intelligence. It looked at feedback from Americans about AI impact on our lives and the worries around that – but also the medical advances thanks to AI. We spoke about the key takeaways from the poll with Tamilla Triantoro, associate professor of business analytics and information systems at Quinnipiac University. For ...
10m Apr 18, 2025
10m