Melissa in the Morning: The Future of Six Bridgeport Schools
Earlier this month, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Carmela Levy-David, recommended closing down six city schools due to poor conditions and academic performance. Since then, a study is being conducted and a consulting firm is helping out with the process. We got a better understanding of what Dr. Levy-David found in these schools prompting the proposal, how many students and teachers will be im...
19m Mar 27, 2024
19m
Melissa in the Morning: 3 Lifestyle Changes
For this week’s Workout Wednesday, Amy Llinas shared three easy lifestyle changes you can make today that will have a huge impact on your overall health goals. Find out why hydration in the morning, protein for breakfast, and getting steps in daily will make the difference for all people. Image Credit: Getty Images
8m Mar 27, 2024
8m
Melissa in the Morning: It’s Not Dead After All?
The March 20th deadline was reached for the Insurance and Real Estate Committee with not a single piece of legislation voted on or passed through. One of the bills would have created more affordable health insurance plans for Connecticut families. But at the CBIA Business Day this week, we learned that legislation and other health-related measures may be resurrected during this session once aga...
12m Mar 27, 2024
12m
Melissa in the Morning: My Pets are Doing What?!
As we count down to the April 8 solar eclipse, biologists are asking the public for their help to document the behavior of animals during the event. David Mestre says for major events in the sky, often times, even your pets will act differently. This is YOUR chance to add to a national science project. Find out what you need to do! Biologists are asking for the public's help in adding their ani...
12m Mar 27, 2024
12m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Not Good Enough?
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli started off with Paul's thoughts (00:27) on a key election reform bill being discussed at the State Capitol by many legislators, including Wolcott GOP State Sen. Rob Sampson (13:51) Hearst Connecticut Media editor and columnist Dan Haar talked about the hottest stories around the state, including Connecticut's latest population loss (26:58)...
40m Mar 27, 2024
40m
Melissa in the Morning: CT Creating Madness in March Madness
Yale Men’s Basketball busting brackets nationwide…UConn men going for back-to-back titles…UConn women potentially taking on superstar Caitlin Clark…WOW! Connecticut has a big hand in a lot of college basketball headlines this year for March Madness. We dive into those stories with our local sports expert, Rob Adams, and get predictions about UConn’s teams bringing home hardware for this year’s ...
12m Mar 28, 2024
12m
Melissa in the Morning: Breast Cancer Risk Assessment
According to American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It accounts for about 30% of all new female cancers each year. Recently, actress, Olivia Munn, made a public statement encouraging women to get a breast cancer risk score. But what is this assessment? When should women start getting their score? And where do we g...
14m Mar 28, 2024
14m
Melissa in the Morning: Historic Births at The Beardsley Zoo
Some new faces have joined the Beardsley Zoo family. Connecticut’s only zoo announced the birth of five baby Cotton Patch Geese. They were born on March 21st and it marks the first time this threatened heritage breed has been born on zoo grounds. Zoo Director, Gregg Dancho, shared the details behind the big news and what it means for the population and conservation efforts. And ahead of Easter,...
16m Mar 28, 2024
16m
Melissa in the Morning: Antibiotics in my Chicken???
Chick-fil-A is going to allow some antibiotics in its food. The fast-food giant announced on its website it will be switching from " No Antibiotics Ever” to “No Antibiotics Important To Human Medicine." What does this mean for people consuming these food items? We asked our peace of mind in the medical field, Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health. We also talked about the alternatives for patients ...
14m Mar 28, 2024
14m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Remembering Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli reflected on the life and times of former Connecticut Democratic U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman with Sacred Heart University Political Science Professor/Scholar in Residence Dr. Gary Rose (00:36). We got all the latest Bridgeport news from "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi (09:52), while Quinnipiac University men's hockey play-by-play man ...
30m Mar 28, 2024
30m
Melissa in the Morning: Teacher Shortages
Connecticut lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are sounding the alarm about getting more mental health experts in our schools. There’s strong bi-partisan support to pass a law forcing the state to invest in filling these roles. But how can we do that when we are still struggling to fill basic teacher shortages in our state? We asked Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director of the Connecticut Ass...
18m Mar 29, 2024
18m
Melissa in the Morning: Let the Bunny Deliver the Basket, NOT sit in it…
Statistically, animal shelters across the country see an uptick in abandoned animals during the springtime. One reason: Easter gifts that don’t work out! If you are debating a bunny, chick or duckling to go in your child’s Easter basket, think again. We talk about this in length with Kathryn Schubert of the Connecticut Humane Society. We also did a deep dive into the commitment of adopting an a...
15m Mar 29, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Physician Shortages
Tomorrow is National Doctor’s Day; it was created back in 1933 to honor the men and women who are filling our physician positions in our hospitals and doctor’s offices. But in recent years, we continue to see physician shortages. According to national data -- primary care shortages are one major driver. The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projects that the U.S. will face a shortag...
11m Mar 29, 2024
11m
Melissa in the Morning: Flooding Concerns
Paul Pacelli is in for Melissa this week, and chats with Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim about reporting illegal establishments, flooding concerns, and paving potholes. Image Credit: MattDeCola / iStock / Getty Images Plus
10m Apr 03, 2024
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Did you feel that?!
Last Friday, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake in New Jersey around 10:23 in the morning was felt in Connecticut; specifically in our listening area. Is that magnitude significant? Are earthquakes that size rare in the Northeast? How can Connecticut residents prep for earthquakes in future? For all that and more, we spoke with Jeffrey Park, Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Yale University....
14m Apr 08, 2024
14m
Melissa in the Morning: Solar Eclipse and Your Eyes
It’s the moment in the skies we’ve all been waiting for: the 2024 Solar Eclipse! The National Weather Service reports the eclipse is expected to be visible in Connecticut with approximately 92-94% sun coverage with the max coverage set for 3:27pm. Even though the eclipse means unusual darkness when it’s usually brighter in the afternoon, it doesn’t mean you can look directly at it without prote...
10m Apr 08, 2024
10m
Melissa in the Morning: America Saves Week
This week is National America Saves Week (April 8-12). The Better Business Bureau is joining more than 3,000 entities, including financial institutions, government agencies, local government, and other nonprofit organizations in the call to action for everyday Americans to commit to saving successfully. We got tips from Kristen Johnson of the BBB in Connecticut to learn how we can prioritize sa...
10m Apr 08, 2024
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Don’t Stay Stuck in your Marriage
According to the most recent US findings, the top reasons a marriage ends includes lack of commitment and constant arguing. Those two things happen a lot of times because someone or both parties feel stuck and unsure how to move forward in their relationship. We got some perspective from marriage coach, Bob Donovan, about why we feel stuck and what are some solutions to get out of a rough seaso...
16m Apr 08, 2024
16m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Watching The Solar Eclipse
"Monday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli welcomed Quinnipiac University Assistant Teaching Professor of Physics Dr. Robert Fischetti to talk about the big solar eclipse (00:25). CT NewsJunkie columnist and Substack.com blogger Terry Cowgill stopped by for his weekly chat (04:17) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus
16m Apr 08, 2024
16m
Melissa in the Morning: Keep Work-Stress out of your Marriage
According to Men's Journal (https://www.mensjournal.com/news/employees-blame-work-stress-breakups-divorces) , a new survey finds work-related stress is leading to an abnormally high rate of breakups and divorces, with 71 percent of respondents reporting that work stress caused a personal relationship to end. How can you keep work-related stress from impacting your marriage? We asked career stra...
15m Apr 09, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Spring Showers of Sadness
Did you know more than half of the American population reports experiencing loneliness. While the winter is usually associated with seasonal affective disorder, a lot of studies and reports have shown that “winter blues” can happen anytime of year, especially the spring. But how can that be? We find out from our morning show counselor, Julius Dudics, and tackle the process of facing the truth t...
11m Apr 09, 2024
11m
Melissa in the Morning: Change the Stranger Danger Conversation
A teacher at Strawberry Hill Elementary School in Stamford is accused of sexually assaulting a dozen students (https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/stamford-strawberry-hill-elementary-andrew-park-19388420.php) . According to reports, the investigation into this person started with young female students speaking up. This news story sparked a conversation about detecting potential threat...
17m Apr 09, 2024
17m
Melissa in the Morning: Melissa Longo
Melissa Longo announced her candidacy for State Representative of the 134th District, representing parts of Fairfield and Trumbull. We got to know her personally and politically and tackled some of her biggest priorities if she is elected in November. Image Courtesy of Melissa Longo
15m Apr 09, 2024
15m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - EV Survey Says?
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli looked at a new Gallup survey concerning the consumer market and current attitudes surround electric vehicles (00:29). Blogger Chris Powell checked-in regarding a recent controversy at the State Capitol on how "mothers" are referred to in an appropriations bill (12:32). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio stopped by to update the latest...
33m Apr 09, 2024
33m
Melissa in the Morning: But how Bad is it?
When you look at national statistics, it’s scary to see how prevalent domestic violence is in America. Up to date data shows 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner abuse in some regard, according to The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. But does that really reflect how big the problem is here in Connecticut? We asked Deb Greenwood, CEO and President of the Ce...
17m Apr 10, 2024
17m
Melissa in the Morning: The Leading Disaster in America
Most of us don’t realize we have just two minutes to escape a home fire, which is the nation’s most frequent disaster, according to the American Red Cross. Home fires claim seven lives every day in the U.S. — but having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half. We spoke with Becky Johnson, Regional Disaster Officer of the American Red Cross Connecticut, about the need for function...
18m Apr 10, 2024
18m
Melissa in the Morning: Cannabis at Concerts
Cannabis company, Budr, is not giving up its effort to land a permanent spot at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport. After the city council rejected its initial bid last year, Budr came back with a call for zoning changes. We wanted to get some business perspective on this story from Dan Onofrio of The Bridgeport Regional Business Council. We also asked him what the future holds ...
12m Apr 10, 2024
12m
Melissa in the Morning: Free Bus Fares in Bridgeport?
A proposal in Hartford would allow students in 16 underserving districts across Connecticut to ride public transit for free for afterschool jobs and activities. Bridgeport is one of the districts that would benefit IF the bill gets approved. But would it make much of a difference? We asked Mayor Joe Ganim and he shares specific examples of entities who have requested inexpensive transportation ...
12m Apr 10, 2024
12m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - It's Not A Hard Question
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" kicked-off with host Paul Pacelli's thoughts on Education Secretary Miguel Cardona's handling of two key issues (00:24). We also got a perspective on the biggest stories around the state with Hearst Connecticut Media columnist and editor Dan Haar (13:16) Image Credit: REUTERS/Leah Millis
24m Apr 10, 2024
24m
Melissa in the Morning: How to Become an Aborist
There’s a common misconception that when your kids graduate from high school, the next step is college. But that’s actually not be true for all. In fact, more and more studies show kids go to college without a vision of their future, leave with a lot of school debt, and get a degree that doesn’t connect with the jobs they end up getting. So, we are exploring other opportunities for kids when it...
13m Apr 11, 2024
13m
Melissa in the Morning: A Knockout Event
This weekend, Stratford High School’s gymnasium will be transformed into a Vegas-style boxing arena. On Saturday, April 13, 2024, a regulation-sized boxing ring will allow competitors to take center stage for the Chick Rosnick Boxing Club’s first Next Level Champion Boxing Show. What is the Chick Rosnick Boxing Club and what does the sport do for local youth? We spoke with Martin Chisholm, the ...
15m Apr 11, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: A Required Screening for Newborns
According to reports, there is strong bi-partisan support for House Bill 5321: An Act Requiring Newborn Screening for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. If passed, the law would require every newborn in Connecticut to get screened for this starting in July of 2027. We asked Senator Jeff Gordon about the significance of this for families. We also asked about the concerns around hospital consolidations...
15m Apr 11, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Comptroller in Studio
For the first time, we had Comptroller Sean Scanlon in studio and we wanted to do a check-in on some major programs his office has been working on. First, we tackled MyCTSavings to see how many businesses are now offering retirement plans for their employees. Learn more at: https://myctsavings.com/ We also talked about ArrayRX and people’s access to a discount card for prescription drugs at the...
15m Apr 11, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Gamers Unite
A new study suggests that teenagers who spend too much on computers and video games may turn psychotic. A new paper published in JAMA Psychiatry says researchers studied over 12-hundred participants who spent a lot of time online as teenagers and found they were up to seven percent more likely than their peers to have a psychotic experience, such as delusions or hallucinations, before age 23. W...
14m Apr 11, 2024
14m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - The O.J. Effect
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli welcomed Quinnipiac University Interim Associate School of Communications Dean Professor Ben Bogardus to chat about the death of O.J. Simpson and the lasting effect that coverage of his murder trial had on TV news (00:26). "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi also stopped by with the latest news and buzz from the Park City (08:23) I...
22m Apr 11, 2024
22m
Melissa in the Morning: Freedom of Information
Connecticut Insider highlighted what’s been happening behind closed doors with the Freedom of Information Act and many residents have no idea what it means for you when it comes to accessing public information. Colleen Murphy is the Executive Director and General Counsel for Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Commission. She shared the Freedom of Information Act, what it means for Connecticut...
17m Apr 12, 2024
17m
Melissa in the Morning: What is Agriscience?
Anyone who has spent time in a classroom can tell you about the value of student engagement. According to a recent Gallup poll, students who are engaged in their learning are 2.5 times more likely to say that they get excellent grades and do well in school. With 150 students now participating in the Stamford Agriscience Program, we learned why this type of instruction is so effective for local ...
15m Apr 12, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Melissa Errico
 Broadway is coming to Fairfield! We met Melissa Errico ahead of her show happening this month at the SHU Community Theatre. Melissa Errico is a Tony Award-nominated Broadway star. She is an actress, singer and author who contributes regularly to The New York Times. We got to chat with Errico about her journey to getting on stage and what to expect with her upcoming show on April 20th! We even ...
16m Apr 12, 2024
16m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Is Connecticut Still Worth It?
A busy Friday edition of "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli started with a new look at the startling amount of taxes paid by Connecticut residents over their lifetimes (00:34). Connecticut Food Association President Wayne Pesce joined us and responded to allegations of grocery store price gouging (13:32). We welcomed Mike Papantonio, co-author of, "Suspicious Activity: A Legal Thriller"...
54m Apr 12, 2024
54m
Melissa in the Morning: Talking about Wages
A Connecticut company is in hot water this morning after a man w allegedly fired for sharing his wage with a fellow colleague. Earlier this month, a filed lawsuit highlights an employee was terminated after being asked not to share news about a pay increase with other employees, but he did. Is it illegal to share wage information and can employers even ask employees to keep pay hush hush around...
10m Apr 15, 2024
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Manufacturing in Connecticut
Earlier this month, Quinnipiac University hosted a workforce roadshow highlighting manufacturing jobs. Many students including some from Ansonia and Milford attended the event and it made us want to dive into manufacturing jobs in our state. What is the perception of manufacturing and what opportunities are available in our state? We welcome to the show Chief Manufacturing Officer, Paul Lavoie,...
17m Apr 15, 2024
17m
Melissa in the Morning: Fentanyl Exposure
Earlier this month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation to increase penalties on those who expose law enforcement officers to fentanyl. It made us wonder ‘do we have anything like this on the books in Connecticut?’ We know fentanyl is being trafficking all over the country, including here in Connecticut, at a rapid rate and putting first responders at a higher risk responding to an...
14m Apr 15, 2024
14m
Melissa in the Morning: A New Norwalk School
Construction is underway for a new South Norwalk Elementary School. This new school will be the neighborhood’s first in 40 years and provide all South Norwalk children, ages PreK to 5th grade, with the option to attend a brand new, first-class school once the project is complete. We get the details from Superintendent of Norwalk Public Schools Dr. Alexandra Estrella. Image Credit: Getty Images
15m Apr 15, 2024
15m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - More Budget Nonsense?
Host Paul Pacelli kicked off another week on "Connecticut Today" by welcoming GOP State Sen. Jeff Gordon to talk about the latest budget controversy at the State Capitol and how it might affect UConn's tuition (00:31). Former GOP Congressman and U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Francis Rooney dropped by to talk about the current world hotspots in the Middle East and Ukraine (11:40), while Paul a...
36m Apr 15, 2024
36m
Melissa in the Morning: The Five Mistakes Professionals Make at Work
Career strategist, Julie Bauke, highlights what she believes are the five mistakes professionals make at work. What are they and are you guilty of this in the workplace? Find out during Julie on the Job. Text the word Careerhappy to (888) 241-2385 for more information. Image Credit: Getty Images
15m Apr 16, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Housing Proposals 2024
We are down to just weeks left for the 2024 legislative session and there is a lot of movement in Hartford when it comes to potential housing changes. We got an update on the legislation being tracked by CT169Strong, a grassroots organization, brining transparency to Connecticut residents about troubling bills. To learn more, go to https://ct169strong.org/ Image Credit: Getty Images
15m Apr 16, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Senior Benefits
Did you know there are benefits available to seniors in Connecticut that most people don’t know exist? The National Council on Aging reports that $30-billion dollars are left on the table every year for benefits seniors don’t realize they qualify for. We got the details on benefits available and how to know if you qualify from Josh Hodges, NCOA Chief Customer Officer. For more information: http...
9m Apr 16, 2024
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Meet Rep. Sarah Keitt
State Representative Sarah Keitt is running for re-election in November. Keitt represents the 134th district which includes Fairfield, Trumbull and Southport. Find out what she has worked on during her first term, goals for Connecticut and why she wants to continue working in this role for another term. Image Courtesy of Sarah Keitt
13m Apr 16, 2024
13m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - What's Happened to the Republican Party?
Host Paul Pacelli wondered on Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" whether Republican lawmakers in Congress have completely lost their ability to govern (00:25). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio joined us to chat about the latest buzz on the so-called "Green Monster" omnibus environment bill at the State Capitol (13:07) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus
24m Apr 16, 2024
24m
Melissa in the Morning: Spring Consumer Scams
As we celebrate the spring weather, be ready for the seasonal scams that pop up this time of year. We learned about the Lemon Law program here in Connecticut and what that means for people buying a car. We also looked at home improvement projects and how to avoid shoddy contractors. We spoke with Bryan Cafferelli, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Image Credit:...
15m Apr 17, 2024
15m