Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: The Zoning Battle Continues
We kicked off a new week on "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli by getting an update from www.ct169strong.org spokespersons Alexis Harrison and Maria Weingarten on the current zoning debate in Hartford (0:30). www.ctnewsjunkie.com columnist Terry Cowgill joined us for a new weekly segment (12:30). We also chatted about some brutal new poll numbers for President Biden (23:52). Image Cred...
31m May 08, 2023
31m
Melissa in the Morning: Social Media and Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we continue to tackle different topics around this with our morning show counselor, Julius Dudics. This week, we tackled social media and screen time hurting people's mental health and how to detect if you're consuming too much! ((00:00)) Several deadly crashes happened last weekend in Connecticut including a few motorcycle riders killed. We spoke with ...
46m May 09, 2023
46m
Connecticut Today With Paul Pacelli: A Border Conundrum?
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli welcomed Heritage Foundation immigration expert Simon Hankinson to chat about this Thursday's impending end of Title 42 at the U.S. southern border (0:22). Paul also wondered if the U.S. needs a uniform, nationwide "adult age" (10:56). Image Credit: Reuters
25m May 09, 2023
25m
Melissa in the Morning: Getting Mom back to Work
A pair of Westport mothers left their corporate jobs for motherhood. Ever since, they teamed up and created a recruiting business to help moms get back into the workforce. Meet Runa and Jasmine of FoundHER and what prompted them to help other mothers. ((00:00)) Fire safety 101: We spoke with Bridgeport Fire Chief Lance Edwards about smoke and CO detectors as well as fire escape plans and safet...
36m May 10, 2023
36m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: The Border Battle
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli welcomed back nationally known immigration attorney Renata Castro to talk about the end of Title 42 at the U.S. Southern Border and the overall state of American immigration law (0:26). Hearst Connecticut Media columnist and Senior Editor Dan Haar (12:45). Image Credit: Reuters
23m May 10, 2023
23m
Melissa in the Morning: Puppy Mill Bills
Senator Richard Blumenthal has presented two bipartisan bills in an effort to eliminate puppy mills in the US. The problem? It's not enough of a priority for lawmakers or even the everyday person. We hear the point of these bills and why the average American has no idea the scope of the problem. ((00:00)) Norwalk Hospital is one of the only sites in Connecticut offering tattoo-less radiation t...
42m May 11, 2023
42m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: A Change Is Coming
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli talked about the state moving closer to "no-excuse" absentee ballots (0:17). We also chatted with www.OnlyInBridgeport.com blogger Lennie Grimaldi (12:33). Image Credit: Getty Images
21m May 11, 2023
21m
Melissa in the Morning: Teacher Appreciation Week
We start the week looking at the teacher workforce here in Connecticut. Fran Rabinowitz, the executive director of the CT Association of Public School Superintendents, gave us a report card on teacher recruitment and retainment in the state. Plus, she gave us a picture of a teacher's job in today's world impacting people staying in the education industry. ((00:00)) In Trumbull's school distric...
56m May 12, 2023
56m
Melissa in the Morning: Bear Legislation in CT
Bear encounters continue to be a problem in Connecticut. Senator Steve Harding is a ranking senator on the Environmental Committee. He shared the current legislation being debated in Hartford and says he's confident it will pass with bi-partisan support, that is IF it gets out of committee. ((00:00)) It takes a village to raise a child and one group in Ridgefield is hoping to help. It's called...
45m May 12, 2023
45m
Cooking with Claud: Banana Cake
INGREDIENTS: -- 1/4 lb of butter (room temperature) -- 1 1/2 cups of sugar -- 2 cups of flour -- 1 teaspoon of baking soda -- 2 teaspoons of baking powder -- 2 eggs (beaten) -- 8 tablespoons of sour cream -- 2 teaspoons of vanilla -- 2-4 over ripe bananas -- walnuts (optional) IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus
8m May 12, 2023
8m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Is There Enough Money?
Friday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli broke down a growing controversy regarding state funding for the anticipated start of early voting in 2024 (0:36). Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Steve Stafstrom joined us for a legislative update (13:35). Taylor Kiland, co-author of, "Unwavering: The Wives Who Fought to Ensure No Man Is Left Behind," stopped by to talk about a little-known ...
47m May 12, 2023
47m
Melissa in the Morning: Presumption Bill
It has bi-partisan support but may be stalled again. We tackled the presumption bill which is meant to better protect firefighters when they are diagnosed with cancer. Connecticut is just one of two states without a presumptive law in place. We heard from local firefighters why this needs to pass now. ((00:00)) What are invisible disabilities and how do we handle people diagnosed with them? Th...
42m May 15, 2023
42m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Drop The Vehicle Tax?
Host Paul Pacelli kicked off a new week on "Connecticut Today" with news of a possible move to get rid of the state's motor vehicle property tax (0:35). Sacred Heart University political science professor Dr. Gary Rose checked in with his monthly update (10:28). We had remarks from CT Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy - on NBC's "Meet the Press" - regarding the current immigration situation at the S...
44m May 15, 2023
44m
Melissa in the Morning: Food Insecurity
According to estimates from Feeding America, more than 490,000 Connecticut residents struggle with hunger; more than 131,000 children are food insecure. Coming to the Greater Danbury Area in the fall: Food Farmacy. Learn about this new center and what it means for those facing hunger in our state. ((00:00)) May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we are tackling a common issue every week with...
40m May 16, 2023
40m
Connecticut Today With Paul Pacelli: Connecticut's DUI Problem
"Connecticut Today" host Paul Pacelli welcomed commuter advocate Jim Cameron to chat about his latest column on the state's drunk driving problem (0:22). Paul also had a few thoughts on the latest GOP presidential primary numbers (12:45). Image Credit: Getty Images
25m May 16, 2023
25m
Melissa in the Morning: Regulating Artificial Intelligence
Earlier this week, the CEO of ChatGPT, testified on Capital Hill practically begging for regulation over free open A.I. We spoke with our cyber security expert, Vahid, about the hearing and whether the request for oversight is promising or sketchy. ((00:00)) Bridgeport city officials are hoping the FAA will give a thumbs up to the CT Airport Authority to take over operations of Sikorsky withou...
38m May 17, 2023
38m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Missing Out On Billions?
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" featured our weekly check-in with Hearst Connecticut columnist and Senior Editor Dan Haar, who talked about a Yale study on the state's less-than-stellar investment strategy (0:47). Family Institute of Connecticut Director of Public Policy Leslie Wolfgang briefed us on a controversial bill making its way through the General Assembly (11:45), and we got an additio...
47m May 17, 2023
47m
Melissa in the Morning: Animal Cruelty in CT
Two recent cases this month of animal cruelty brings a question about oversight for in-home rescues and dealing with a mental health crisis. We spoke with UNH professor of forensic science, Virginia Maxwell, about these crimes and what can be done to combat the problem. ((00:00)) About 1 in 50 children are diagnosed with a peanut allergy. That's why news of a promising skin patch exposing todd...
38m May 18, 2023
38m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: What's The Bridgeport Buzz?
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" featured our regular check-in with www.OnlyInBridgeport.com blogger Lennie Grimaldi (0:41). Sacred Heart University History Prof. Dr. David Thompson discussed the current debt ceiling controversy in Washington (9:42). Twenty-six-year CIA veteran Daniel J. O'Connor talked about his new book, "A True American Patriot," as well as current world events (20:10). Paul a...
45m May 18, 2023
45m
Connecticut Today: A Look Into What's Going On In Hartford
Joe Aguiar filled in for Paul Pacelli on Connecticut Today, as Paul filled in for Melissa. He welcomed Bob Duff, Majority Leader of the Connecticut State Senate, to talk about what's going on in Hartford, as well as some issues that he feels that the Republican Party is shooting themselves in the foot on (0:00). Next, Barth Keck of CT News Junkie came on to talk about media literacy and artific...
51m May 19, 2023
51m
Melissa in the Morning: The Opioid Crisis
A Connecticut father lost his son to an opioid overdose and created a non-profit to spread awareness. It's called Tears From Heaven. We learned all about it from founder Sinco Steendam and got a preview of the Four Corners challenge coming up June first. ((00:00)) Could Connecticut see a return of professional hockey to Hartford? Governor Lamont is meeting with the NHL this week about the pote...
40m May 22, 2023
40m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Vindictive Politics?
Monday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured a few thoughts from Paul on a continuing controversy regarding Gov. Ned Lamont's nominee for the State supreme Court (0:27). CTNewsJunkie columnist Terry Cowgill joined us for his weekly check-in (16:24), and Heritage Foundation analyst Joel Griffith talked about the current showdown over raising the nation's debt limit (27:38). Imag...
39m May 22, 2023
39m
Melissa in the Morning: Addressing CT's Housing Crisis
It's no secret; we have a severe housing crisis in our state. We don't have enough housing for young professionals starting their post graduate career or for aging seniors needing to downsize but not necessarily in need of assisted living. We also are dealing with essential workers living far from the municipalities they serve because it's so unaffordable to live here, especially in Fairfield C...
17m May 23, 2023
17m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Riots On Wheels?
"Connecticut Today" host Paul Pacelli kicked off Tuesday's show with some thoughts on recent "street takeovers" across the state, including one seen on video (0:23). University of New Haven MBA David Sacco offered his thoughts on the current debt limit issue in Washington (15:35). Image Credit: Getty Images
24m May 23, 2023
24m
Melissa in the Morning: Twitter News Network?
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to announce his run for President today...ON TWITTER! But this is just one of the many recent examples of powerful people using the social media platform as a news network. But now, with the option to buy a blue checkmark, are we heading down a dark path of reporting? We speak with Ben Bogardus, a journalism professor at Quinnipiac University about the ...
33m May 24, 2023
33m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Metro-North Service Cuts?
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today with host Paul Pacelli featured a chat with Association of Commuter Rail Employees General Chairman and Executive Board Director Ed Valente on proposed Metro-North schedule cuts (0:33). GOP State Sen. Paul Cicarella stopped by to talk about recent "street takeovers" in some municipalities (10:13), while Paul had an update on the invetigation into those incidents (...
44m May 24, 2023
44m
Melissa in the Morning: "It's Creepy"
Senator Richard Blumenthal did a deep dive into his concerns over artificial intelligence. He also addressed what kind of regulation can be in place to better control it and who would be in charge of oversight. ((00:00)) May is mental health awareness month and we want to know if Connecticut has enough resources in place for residents. Comptroller Sean Scanlon shared what the state is doing to...
39m May 25, 2023
39m
Melissa in the Morning: Handling Ticks
Recently, Melissa plucked a tick off of her son and like many, she has questions. Dr. Browne discussed getting ticks tested, which types of ticks carry Lyme, signs of infection and what other issues ticks can carry beside Lyme. IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus
17m May 25, 2023
17m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Updated Zoning In Norwalk
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured a chat with Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling on some proposed city zoning changes (0:28). OnlyInBridgeport.com blogger Lennie Grimaldi joined us for his weekly update (11:26). We replayed Erick Erickson's interview with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (23:08) and Paul had some initial thoughts on Budweiser, Target, boycotts and store violence ...
50m May 25, 2023
50m
Melissa in the Morning: Not-So-Tech-Savvy
K-12 school districts are on edge after a federal program under the CARES act is set to expire. It is leaving CT schools less equipped to make the technology investments needed to operate efficiently. We spoke to Executive Director of CT Association of Public School Superintendents, Fran Rabinowitz, about this and what the legislature needs to do. ((00:00)) A new breakthrough procedure for str...
33m May 26, 2023
33m
Melissa in the Morning: One is the Loneliest Number...
A new report from the Surgeon General says that social isolation’s effects on mortality are equivalent to smoking up to 15 cigarettes every day. Loneliness can reportedly contribute to a person having a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression and dementia. Counselor, Julius Dudics, talks about why isolation has become more prevalent and how can it be fixed. ((00:00)) The Jimm...
40m May 30, 2023
40m
Connecticut Today With Paul Pacelli: Another Bad Bill?
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured the Yankee Institute's Carol Platt Liebau on a key climate bill still to be decided on in the final days of the current General Assembly session (0:25). We also featured a segment from MSNBC with Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy on the new debt limit deal in Washington (13:23). Image Credit: Getty Images
21m May 30, 2023
21m
Melissa in the Morning: The End of an Era
All good times come to an end. Chief Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin signed off WICC today for the very last time. He announced his retirement after spending decades in weather broadcasting, including his history with WICC. ((00:00)) The WICC family said goodbye to one of the most legendary voices in the station's history. John Labarca passed away on Memorial Day. His longtime co-host and friend,...
38m May 31, 2023
38m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: A Sentence Commutation Controversy
Wednesday's midweek "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured a chat with Brookfield GOP State Sen. Stephen Harding on a controversy surrounding policy changes on future prison sentence commutations (0:29). Hearst Connecticut editor and columnist Dan Haar stopped by for his weekly update (11:47), while Paul had a few thoughts on possible Metro-North service cutbacks (19:28). Image Cr...
33m May 31, 2023
33m
Melissa in the Morning: The Jimmy McGrath Foundation
We spoke with Jimmy McGrath's father, Kevin, about the foundation created out of tragedy. Jimmy was killed in 2022 after trying to break up a fight at a house party. The Fairfield Prep student and athlete was beloved by so many and helped so many peers before he died. His family created the non-profit to support young people with mental health needs and young athletes. We also learned about the...
9m Jun 01, 2023
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Dyslexic Thinking
According to national data, more than 40 million US adults have dyslexia, with only 2 million of them receiving a diagnosis. When you learn your child is dyslexic, it can feel so overwhelming to determine what happens next. Weston mother, Jennifer Bernheim, created Right to Read Advocacy, to support families touched by dyslexia. ((00:00)) Tick 101: we spoke with our Lyme expert, Jessica Snajde...
49m Jun 01, 2023
49m
Melissa in the Morning: Fungal Infection Spreading
A dangerous fungal infection is spreading at an alarming rate across the United States, including New York and New Jersey. The CDC says Candida auris is a form of yeast that is typically not harmful to healthy people but can be a deadly threat to those who are immunocompromised. It easily spreads and can infect wounds, ears, and the bloodstream. We spoke with Dr. Browne about this and how you c...
16m Jun 01, 2023
16m
Melissa in the Morning: Community Goals
After winning a state high school hockey championship this year, a Fairfield Prep turned his attention to helping a fellow team. James Murphy organized a three-on-three charity tournament at Wonderland of Ice in Bridgeport, with all proceeds benefiting the Southern Connecticut Storm Special Hockey team. We spoke with James and his coach about the tournament and why it's a priority of the school...
11m Jun 01, 2023
11m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Is $15 An Hour Too Much?
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured news of the state's minimum wage increasing again (0:22). Connecticut Commuter Rail Council Chairman Jim Gildea chatted about possible Metro-North service cutbacks (14:25). Image Credit: Getty Images
25m Jun 01, 2023
25m
Melissa in the Morning: Street Takeovers
We are seeing a huge uptick in street takeovers across Connecticut. What are they and why are they so dangerous? We spoke with former Fairfield police chief, Gary MacNamara about the issue at hand. ((00:00)) Our nation is identifying more and more children struggling with mental health. A Milford daycare center is making behavioral, social and mental health a priority for their students. Bill ...
44m Jun 02, 2023
44m
Cooking with Claud: Cornish Hens
Melissa's mom was inspired by her daughter's upcoming wedding menu that includes Cornish hens! Here's her take on the classic recipe.
9m Jun 02, 2023
9m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Don't Rush The Process
A very busy Friday edition of "Connecticut Today" started with host Paul Pacelli wondering if state lawmakers need to have more time to do their jobs (0:43). Journal Inquirer of Manchester columnist Chris Powell stopped by for his monthly check-in (13:39). Connecticut Energy Marketers Association (CEMA) President Chris Herb updated us on a last-minute push for a climate law change in Hartford (...
56m Jun 02, 2023
56m
Melissa in the Morning: 3AM Drop
1. We are down to the last couple of days for the legislative session and the budget STILL hasn't been voted on. We learned from Senator Tony Hwang that the 800+ pages of the proposed budget dropped Monday morning at 3am and is expected to be voted on by the afternoon! We get the details live. ((00:00)) 2. Crime on the Mind: What does NOT NORMAL look like and when should you report something t...
41m Jun 05, 2023
41m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: From Milford to the NHL Hall of Fame
Monday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured a chat with Milford native Dan Rusanowsky - radio voice of the NHL's San Jose Sharks - who talked about being named the 2023 Foster Hewitt Memorial Award winner from the Hockey Hall of Fame (0:00). www.CTNewsJunkie.com columnist Terry Cowgill joined us for his weekly update (13:12), while meteorologist Paul Piorek stopped by to chat a...
43m Jun 05, 2023
43m
Melissa in the Morning: Has Anyone Read the Whole Thing?
Overnight, the House passed a budget agreement and now it's down to the state Senate approving the 800+ page document. We spoke with Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) before he went up to Hartford this afternoon. What's in the agreement and have lawmakers read it enough to feel confident before voting? ((00:00)) National statistics show 31% of adults are afraid to fail; and that doesn't includ...
42m Jun 06, 2023
42m
Melissa in the Morning: Fairways to Hope
The Center for Family Justice supports women and children impacted by domestic violence. Later this month, the Connecticut non-profit is hosting its annual golf fundraiser to help support the Center for Child Advocacy. We spoke with CFJ's CEO Deb Greenwood and the center's board chairman, Matt Reale, about the organization and the June tee off. For more information: https://centerforfamilyjust...
14m Jun 06, 2023
14m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Acting Like Adults
"Connecticut Today" host Paul Pacelli opened Tuesday's show with news of a budget bill that passed the State House relatively quickly (0:35). Later on, New Canaan/Darien/Stamford GOP State Rep. Tom O'Dea talked about his vote to approve that budget (12:05). Quinnipiac University Associate Professor of Journalism Emeritus Rich Hanley discussed the purchase of the Journal Inquirer of Manchester b...
33m Jun 06, 2023
33m
Melissa in the Morning: What do you Mean Merging?!
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf will merge. The once-rivals will now combine into a new, yet-to-be-named company. Did this unexpected decision really come down to the God Almighty buck? Local sports announcer, Rob Adams, reacts to the news. ((00:00)) Tonight marks the 10th annual gala for Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. We spoke with the non-profit's CEO and co-founder, Nicole Hockley, about the last...
32m Jun 07, 2023
32m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Here Come the Red Light and Speed Cameras
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli looked at a new bill allowing cities and towns to set up red light and speed cameras (0:28). Pastor Rodney Wade, senior pastor of the Long Hill Bible Church in Waterbury, discussed recent use-of-force issues involving the Waterbury Police Department (14:06). Hearst Connecticut editor and columnist Dan Haar stopped by for his weekly update (...
35m Jun 07, 2023
35m
Melissa in the Morning: Housing Bill Bust?
 The legislative session has officially ended and housing legislation didn't see an awful lot of progress made. What good and not so good points came out of Senate Bill 998? Now that the state is out of it, can municipalities do more to step up and create workforce housing opportunities? Renee Dobis, CEO of Connecticut Housing Partners, dives into these inquiries.
14m Jun 08, 2023
14m