Melissa in the Morning: Smoky Air Hurting Animals
The unhealthy air quality isn't just impacting people, but also animals. We spoke with both Gregg Dancho of the Beardsley Zoo and Tom Anderson of CT Audubon Society about the smoky air impacting animals and birds. ((00:00)) A Trumbull native always wanted to be a professional baseball player. But after losing sight in one eye, how did Vinny DeRubeis conquer his injury and still get picked up b...
31m Jun 08, 2023
31m
Melissa in the Morning: Breathing in Smoky Air
June has been a hard month to swallow...no seriously! The smoke in our atmosphere carrying over from wildfires in Canada is impacting people in Connecticut. But it's not just people with breathing issues or of older age. Dr. Browne shares why kids need to be careful with too much outdoor exposure and also what kind of masks could be helpful to wear outdoors. IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images...
10m Jun 08, 2023
10m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: A Zoning Stalemate?
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli welcomed www.ct169strong.org spokesperson Maria Weingarten to chat about the last-minute zoning bill that was approved by the General Assembly (0:34). Heritage Foundation analyst Steven Bradbury gave us his thoughts on the Canadian wildfires (12:42). We welcomed www.OnlyInBridgeport.com blogger Lennie Grimaldi for his weekly update (20:46), while...
42m Jun 08, 2023
42m
Melissa in the Morning: Budget Breakdown
Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly came in studio to do a deeper dive into the two-year, 51-billion-dollar approved during this session. We talked about the tax cuts, the education investments and one thing that wasn't snuck into the 832-page document...((00:00)) A groundbreaking today is paving a new future for Connecticut veterans at Homes for the Brave. Vince Santilli, the executive directo...
41m Jun 09, 2023
41m
Cooking with Claud: Lemon Bars
INGREDIENTS: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch ¾ cup of butter 4 eggs (lightly beaten) 1/5 cups granulated sugar ¼ cup of half & half, light cream, skim milk (whatever you prefer) 1 tablespoon of lemon peel (fresh preferred -- can use lemon juice if needbe) Bake 350 degrees 18-20 minutes for crust
9m Jun 09, 2023
9m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Another Trump Indictment
A jam-packed Friday edition of "Connecticut Today" featured host Paul Pacelli diving into former President Donald Trump's criminal indictment with an analysis from our midday host Erick Erickson (0:37). Fairfield GOP State Sen. Tony Hwang explained the new red light and speed camera law coming to Connecticut (9:25). We were joined by Wes Davis, author of, "American Journey: On the Road with Hen...
45m Jun 09, 2023
45m
Melissa in the Morning: Housing Bill Troubles
We know the 2023 legislative session ended with approval for Senate Bill 998. Senator Ryan Fazio was not too keen on the bill and shared his concerns surrounding the language, especially its implications for fair housing legislation. ((00:00)) Take two: David Eldridge announced he's throwing his hat in the ring again to run for Shelton Mayor. Why run again, what is different this go around and...
36m Jun 12, 2023
36m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Please, Take a Breath and Relax
Host Paul Pacelli kicked off a new week on "Connecticut Today" by discussing the latest indictment of former President Donald Trump and his defenders (0:24). Former Time Magazine D.C. reporter and Professor Emeritus Alain Sanders shared his thoughts on the Trump indictment (11:28). CTNewsJunkie columnist Terry Cowgill stopped by for his weekly update (23:31). Image Credit: Reuters
34m Jun 12, 2023
34m
Melissa in the Morning: Farm Fresh Connecticut
Connecticut learned in 15 months, one million pounds of locally grown, healthy food made it to people who rely on food pantries in our state. Commissioner of the Dept. of Agriculture, Bryan Hurlburt, talked about the significance of these findings. We also learned about resources to explore the more than 5,000 farms in our state. ((00:00)) Now that Twitter is becoming a more common place for n...
42m Jun 13, 2023
42m
Connecticut Today With Paul Pacelli: Analyzing the Trump Case
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked into the federal charges now facing former President Donald Trump with University of New Haven criminal justice Professor Mike Lawlor (0:33), while Paul also had some opening comments on the former president's continuing popularity (11:47). We also welcomed Tom McMillan, author or, "Our Flag Was Still There: The Star Spangled Banner that Su...
37m Jun 13, 2023
37m
Melissa in the Morning: 99 Problems, but Cash Isn't One
The governor signed a two-year, 51-billion-dollar state budget that included more than 300-million dollars invested in education. But do those dollars actually make it to the classroom? We got some perspective from Fran Rabinowitz about this. ((00:00)) A Sacred Heart University graduate is focused on protecting tow truck drivers on CT highways. We met Salena Khan and learned about her business...
39m Jun 14, 2023
39m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Flag Day 2023
Host Paul Pacelli kicked-off Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with a chat about Flag Day 2023 (0:22). "No Labels" co-founder Holly Page joined us to talk about the possibility of a third-party White House ticket in 2024 (9:11). Image Credit: Getty Images
21m Jun 14, 2023
21m
Melissa in the Morning: Employment Scams
The Better Business Bureau is warning job seekers about employment scams. A new report shows early figures for 2023 show job scam reports nearly tripled compared to the same period last year. What do these scams look like and how can you protect yourself? Kristen Johnson of BBB shares insight on this. ((00:00)) According to US data, 1.6 million adults and 283-thousand children in the U.S. have...
35m Jun 15, 2023
35m
Melissa in the Morning: Continuous Fever
In the last couple of weeks, several people have reported that their young children are battling high fevers for days without any other symptoms. What is this virus? Is it new? Can adults get it too? And is there such a thing as over medicating for this? Dr. Browne of Griffin Hospital shares what type of virus this sounds like and tackles the debate on how much is too much medication. IMAGE CR...
16m Jun 15, 2023
16m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Who Killed the Bill?
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured CT Inside Investigator reporter Marc Fitch on questions being raised about a failed piece of health care legislation at the State Capitol (0:26). "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi stopped by with his weekly update (11:42), while Paul had some thoughts on a visit by President Joe Biden (22:03). Image Credit: Getty Images
36m Jun 15, 2023
36m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Gun Law Politics
Friday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli wrapped up the week looking at President Biden's visit to Connecticut regarding gun safety laws (0:24). Former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso stopped by with his weekly update (13:43), while Cory Doctorow, author of, "Red Team Blues: A Martin Hench Novel, chatted about his new book that has many real-world parallels (23:54). Image Credit:...
36m Jun 16, 2023
36m
Melissa in the Morning: Recruiting Paraeducators
There are about 1300 paraeducator positions open in the state of Connecticut. So, the state labor department is offering a career fair specifically for these teachers. Find out how you can become a paraeducator, what the job entails and how the state is looking to better support these workers. ((00:00)) It's summer and your kids need routine. Counselor Julius Dudics shares how to handle your k...
47m Jun 20, 2023
47m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Gun Hypocrisy From Congress
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" started with host Paul Pacelli calling out the reluctance from some members of Congress to say what needs to be said about gun violence (0:26). New Haven Independent Editor and Publisher Paul Bass updated us on a controversial move to record passenger audio on some municipal buses (13:18). Image Credit: Getty Images
23m Jun 20, 2023
23m
Melissa in the Morning: Shades for Migraine
Migraine is one of the world’s most common health conditions and its most common neurological disease. Roughly 39 million people in the United States and 1 billion people worldwide have migraine. We spoke with a Hartford Healthcare migraine specialist about common triggers and treatments for migraine. We also learned about a new company awareness project normalizing migraine issues for workers....
39m Jun 21, 2023
39m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: New Gun Arrest Numbers
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli welcomed Wallingford GOP State Rep. Craig Fishbein to chat about the latest state report on gun crime prosecutions (0:26). We also heard from foreign policy expert Sean Mirski, author of, "We May Dominate the World: Ambition, Anxiety, and the Rise of the American Colossus" (13:47). Image Credit: Getty Images
26m Jun 21, 2023
26m
Melissa in the Morning: Investigating the Merger
Earlier this month, the PGA announced it will merge with the Saudi-backed LIV Tour. Senator Richard Blumenthal is not a fan and has requested both leaders of their respective groups to come to DC for questioning in July. We talked to him about the concerns around this partnership and what it means for American sports moving forward. ((00:00)) Tonight, Senator Tony Hwang is hosting a panel disc...
40m Jun 22, 2023
40m
Melissa in the Morning: Summer Sickness
It's officially summer! But with the change of seasons, comes the common illnesses. So what should you be thinking about when it comes to food, the sun and spreading germs? Dr. Browne outlines what typically happens during this time of year and how you can protect yourself. IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus
14m Jun 22, 2023
14m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Do We Value Citizenship Anymore?
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli looked at whether or not the concept of citizenship means anything, anymore (0:31). Fairfield GOP State Sen. Tony Hwang talked about a special panel discussion in Fairfield on preserving the state's coastline (9:40), while "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi stopped by with his weekly update (18:09). Image Credit: Getty Images
28m Jun 22, 2023
28m
Melissa in the Morning: Report Card for Long Island Sound
This week, Save the Sound released its 2023 water quality and beach report. While some beaches earned high marks, others fell short. We spoke with the organization's Director of Water Quality, Peter Linderoth, about the findings and how people can help combat the issue of pollution and unhealthy water. ((00:00)) A Connecticut attorney honored his father's boxing legacy by creating a boxing clu...
55m Jun 23, 2023
55m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Questions On Bail Reform
Friday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured a chat with local law enforcement veteran and author Greg Dillon about his CTMirror op-ed regarding new state bail reform guidelines (0:29). We welcomed Avi Goldwasser, co-author of, "Betrayal: The Failure of American Jewish Leadership" (12:03) and we also heard from former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso with his weekly thoughts (...
33m Jun 23, 2023
33m
Melissa in the Morning: Don't Land in the ER
According to the CDC, we see an increase in emergency room visits during the summertime and a large number of patients are kids! We spoke with Dr. Shea Gregg about the summer trends, the most common issues and prevention. ((00:00)) AAA is predicting a record-high amount of travelers taking off for the July Fourth holiday weekend. Fran Mayko of AAA breaks down the 50 million people leaving this...
41m Jun 26, 2023
41m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Paul Has Been Selected!
Monday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli started a new week with news that Paul has been selected to participate in a major transportation study (0:33). We checked in with international affairs expert Dr. Matthew Schmidt from the University of New Haven regarding political unrest in Russia (10:02). Paul also welcomed back 2023 Barnum Festival Ringmaster George Estrada to chat about a...
31m Jun 26, 2023
31m
Melissa in the Morning: More AI Cameras
Fairfield wants to invest in more AI security cameras around town and in close proximity to schools. Apparently, these cameras have been utilized in surrounding communities already like Bridgeport, Westport, Norwalk and Stamford. Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras shares the reason for the request and how the cameras have already started helping with criminal cases in town. ((00:00)) We c...
38m Jun 27, 2023
38m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Cafeteria Catholics in Congress?
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" featured host Paul Pacelli's thoughts on a statement signed by Third District Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro concerning abortion (0:19) and another case of some hypersensitive college students (13:23). Image Credit: Getty Images
24m Jun 27, 2023
24m
Melissa in the Morning: Beyond Hot Car Danger
For summer safety week, we profile the importance of never leaving a kid or pet in a hot car. Fran Mayko of AAA shared the average temperatures in a hot on a hot day, even with the windows down. ((00:00)) Retired Lt. Jim Perez shared the Connecticut law on the books prohibiting parents from leaving children 11 and under in a car alone, even with the air conditioning on and the car locked. Find...
41m Jun 28, 2023
41m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Connecticut's "Maverick" Governor
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli started with breaking news about the passing of former Connecticut U.S. Senator and Governor Lowell Weicker (0:31). Paul also welcomed Sacred Heart political science and government professor Dr. Gary Rose (13:13) and Hearst Connecticut editor and columnist Dan Haar (23:01) to chat about former Governor Weicker's passing. We also welcomed Thomas ...
43m Jun 28, 2023
43m
Melissa in the Morning: A Check-in with Governor Lamont
Governor Lamont stopped by to catch up following the wrap up of the legislative session. We talked about a lot of topics including the baby bonds program, pot plants in homes and whether an NHL team is returning to Connecticut. ((00:00)) Ticks are getting more bang for their buck this summer following a mild winter and we want to make sure you are protected from them. Tick expert, Jessica Snaj...
41m Jun 29, 2023
41m
Melissa in the Morning: Malaria in the Area
The CDC is warning that malaria is spreading locally in the United States. Cases have been seen in Florida and Texas, the first documented cases of local transmission in 20 years. The disease is most commonly spread by mosquitoes but can also be spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, needle-sharing and from mother to fetus. While rare in the U.S., there are more than 240 million ...
16m Jun 29, 2023
16m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Affirmative Action in College Admissions is Struck Down
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured news about a U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down affirmative action in college admissions (0:30). We welcomed Aaron Withe, author of, "Freedom is the Foundation: How We are Defeating Woke Crazies, Teachers' Unions, and Progressive Tyranny by Taking on the Government Unions" (16:12) and "Only in Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi w...
38m Jun 29, 2023
38m
Melissa in the Morning: Meet Captain Jim
Captain James Morgia of Stratford, a 100-year-old WWII veteran and Silver and Bronze star winner, will ride in the Barnum Festival Great Street Parade, July 2nd as the Honorary Grand Marshal. We found out how Captain Jim earned his military honors and even heard his beautiful singing voice on air. ((00:00)) The death of a prominent local woman has Fairfield residents calling for safety improve...
47m Jun 30, 2023
47m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Two More Big SCOTUS Decisions
Host Paul Pacelli wrapped up a very busy week on "Connecticut Today" with news of two more U.S. Supreme Court rulings (0:32) that we also got additional analysis on from Supreme Court pundit Mike O'Neill (12:09). We welcomed Leon Wagener, author of, "The Hunter Elite: Inside America's Secret Force Against Terror" (21:25), as well as former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso with his weekly upda...
45m Jun 30, 2023
45m
Melissa in the Morning: Amazon Prime Scammers
SCAM ALERT! This week, the two-day annual Christmas in July sale is back for Amazon Prime members. Ahead of the online sales, Kristen Johnson with the BBB shared red flags to look out for to better protect yourselves from scammers. ((00:00)) We recently experienced some severe heat in Connecticut. It's important to understand heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as the signs, symptoms, tre...
41m Jul 10, 2023
41m
Melissa in the Morning: Donny Osmond is Coming to CT!
We had the honor of an exclusive interview with legendary artist and performer, Donny Osmond. He spoke with us one week ahead of his national tour, kicking off in Waterbury, Connecticut. We spoke with him about the show, what audiences can expect and more about his six decades of work. ((00:00)) According to national statistics, 72% of caregivers are providing help to a parent or grandparent. ...
45m Jul 11, 2023
45m
Melissa in the Morning: Game Changer Drug
The FDA is granting full approval to a potential breakthrough Alzheimer's drug. Leqembi is the first drug proven to slow the memory-loss disease. Other approved drugs only target its symptoms. We spoke with one of the investigators behind the hefty clinical trial around this drug, Dr. Sharon Cohen, as well as one of her patients who has been trialing the drug. ((00:00)) Several Connecticut vol...
29m Jul 12, 2023
29m
Melissa in the Morning: This Sounds Shady
Earlier this week, PGA Tour officials were grilled for a three-hour hearing in Washington DC. The committee overseeing the hearing wants to better understand the recent announcement of a PGA and LIV merger. The subcommittee chairperson is Senator Richard Blumenthal. He spoke to us about the hearing. ((00:00)) A new initiative has been launched by the Milford Food Bank to help homebound individ...
39m Jul 13, 2023
39m
Melissa in the Morning: Norovirus Outbreaks
There have been 13 outbreaks of norovirus on cruises this year according to the CDC. According to reports, that's the highest number of norovirus outbreaks on cruises recorded since 2012. And it's only July! We asked Dr. Browne about this common stomach bug, how to treat it and prevention. IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus
16m Jul 13, 2023
16m
Melissa in the Morning: Military Bargaining Chip
Are politicians really trying to push their agendas using the military as a bargaining chip? It seems that way! Overnight, the House voted 221 to 213 to overturn a Pentagon policy guaranteeing abortion access to service members regardless of where they are stationed. It comes just days after the Marine Corps General stepped down leaving the military branch without a confirmed leader for the fir...
39m Jul 14, 2023
39m
Melissa in the Morning: Kindergarten Age Cutoff
There's a lot of talk around the new state law changing the requirement age month for kids to enter kindergarten in Connecticut. Starting in 2024, kids have to be five years old by September first. That's a big shift from the former law of a January first age cut off. Education leader, Fran Rabinowitz, shared the concerns of childcare options and cost. She also spoke to the need to change the l...
40m Jul 17, 2023
40m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Changing Social Norms?
Monday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at a new survey surrounding the use of gender-specific pronouns in everyday life (0:27). SAG-AFTRA member and former Connecticut radio personality Jaki Lauper joined us from Los Angeles to talk about the ongoing Hollywood strike (11:46). Connecticut News Junkie columnist Terry Cowgill stopped by for his weekly segment (23:46). Image Credit:...
35m Jul 17, 2023
35m
Melissa in the Morning: Aspartame Woes
This month, the World Health Organization deemed aspartame a "possible carcinogen." What are carcinogens? What are the concerns around aspartame? And how much is too much? We speak with Hartford Healthcare Medical Weight Loss Physician, Dr. Jackie Cameron. ((00:00)) The northeast has seen its fair share of flooding so far in July. The Better Business Bureau wants you to be careful of sketchy c...
36m Jul 18, 2023
36m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: More Trump Legal Trouble
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli started with word of more legal hurdles facing former President Donald Trump (0:27). Quinnipiac University Adjunct Law Prof. John Pavia talked about the "target letter" sent to former President Trump by a special prosecutor (12:49). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio stopped by with her weekly update (23:58). Image Credit: Reuters
33m Jul 18, 2023
33m
Melissa in the Morning: Learn Some-fin New about Sharks
July 23rd kicks off Shark Week on Discovery Channel. We had a local expert shark scientist with Sacred Heart University here to answer all of our shark questions from shark attacks to what sharks are attracted to and are there topicals that turn sharks off? Find out here! ((00:00)) After a deadly blaze in Bridgeport that claimed the lives of two elderly people, we spoke with Fire Chief Lance E...
43m Jul 19, 2023
43m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Another GOP Mistake?
Wednesday's midweek "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli talked about a controversy in the U.S. House involving New Haven-area Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (0:28). University of New Haven Senior Lecturer of Criminal Justice Ken Gray talked about the Gilgo Beach serial killer investigation (12:35). Hearst Connecticut columnist and editor Dan Haar joined us for his weekly update (21:47). Ima...
33m Jul 19, 2023
33m
Melissa in the Morning: Flooded Farms
Dozens of Connecticut farms are struggling to recover after recent flooding in our state and across New England. Ag Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt gave us a picture of the problem and shared how we can help support our farms. Check out CTGrown.org for more information. ((00:00)) There's been an increase of people experiencing dry eye or getting a stye this summer. We learned the Canadian wildfire...
43m Jul 20, 2023
43m
Melissa in the Morning: More Heat, More Disease?
PBS News Hour published an article this week titled "Warming planet may have overwhelming impact on infectious diseases." It discussed the changes in climate impacting things like bug populations, fungi, bacteria and algae. There are a lot of reasons human illnesses could be on the rise. Dr. Browne shared his voice of reason on the matter. He also spoke about the new FDA approved RSV vaccine an...
17m Jul 20, 2023
17m