Melissa in the Morning: The History of the Tournament
Dee Young was the business manager of WICC 41 years ago when the idea of a bluefish tournament was born. She takes a look back at the history of the tournament and shared why it's still so popular today.
7m Aug 25, 2023
7m
Melissa in the Morning: Vaping Pens Disguised as School Supplies
The Former US Drug Czar is warning parents about vaping pens disguised as school supplies like highlighters and USB drives. Gary MacNamara joined the conversation and discussed the importance of talking to your kids about the dangers of vaping. ((00:00)) For the first time on WICC, we welcomed Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker. We spoke with her about the upcoming school year. We ...
46m Aug 25, 2023
46m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Chris Murphy Has a Point
Friday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli started with thoughts on the increasing political divide in the U.S. (0:30). Businessman John Kleinheinz - subject of author Josh Haven's new book, "The Siberia Job" -  joined us to chat about his experience dealing with Russia's business environment (13:04). Former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso weighed in with his thoughts on another recent U...
36m Aug 25, 2023
36m
Melissa in the Morning: The Unofficial 2023 Bluefish Winner, Ben Sheen
We spoke with Ben Sheen of New York, who was this year's unofficial winner of the WICC Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth.
9m Aug 28, 2023
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Premature?
Earlier this year, news broke about an audit looking at state police potentially falsifying thousands of traffic tickets. But the Connecticut State Police Union says the findings were shared prematurely. Andrew Matthews of the union shared the aftermath to troopers in the state and discrepancies in the report. ((00:00)) It’s an illness that can destroy the liver – but the major problem is what...
56m Aug 28, 2023
56m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Gas Goes Up and Up
Monday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli welcomed local gasoline and oil industry analyst Mike Fox to chat about the prices at the pump (0:25). CT News Junkie and Substack blogger Terry Cowgill returned from vacation for his weekly update (11:23) and Paul had a few opening thoughts on repeat criminals (22:17). Image Credit: Getty Images
36m Aug 28, 2023
36m
Melissa in the Morning: Can You Hear Me?
Scam Alert: BBB Serving Connecticut has noticed a trend coming back with a vengeance. The "Can You Hear Me?" scheme is fooling people left and right. Kristen Johnson with the BBB shares why you can't just pick up the phone and what to say instead of "yes." ((00:00)) Forbes recently highlighted the importance of listening and empathy when it comes to building strong working relationships. Couns...
45m Aug 29, 2023
45m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: A Break For Medicare Enrollees?
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli welcomed Quinnipiac University Management Professor Angela Mattie to talk about news that Medicare will start negotiating prices on some key drugs (0:26). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio stopped by with her weekly update (12:57), while Paul had a few thoughts on more crime issues (22:56). Image Credit: Getty Images
40m Aug 29, 2023
40m
Melissa in the Morning: School Safety
We are in the midst of back-to-school season and we want to talk about safety inside and outside of school. Bridgeport School Resource Sgt. Tresha Parks gave us insight to what is done in the city outside and inside the building. ((00:00)) There is no such thing as tick season; ticks are in Connecticut all year round. What should parents do to make sure ticks aren't impacting their kids on the...
40m Aug 30, 2023
40m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Enough Heating Assistance?
Wednesday's midweek "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli welcomed State Senate GOP Leader Kevin Kelly of Stratford regarding a controversy surrounding low-income heating assistance funding (0:23). Hearst Connecticut Media editor and columnist Dan Haar joined us for his weekly check-in (11:54) and Paul had some thoughts on the continued immigration mess (23:57). Image Credit: Getty Images
34m Aug 30, 2023
34m
Melissa in the Morning: Guess Who's Back?
COVID-19 Hospitalizations are up by another 19-percent. According to the CDC, deaths also saw a large jump by 21-percent in one week. More than half of US states saw a "substantial" jump. South Dakota had the biggest spike, with hospitalizations surging more than 127-percent in one week. A new booster shot targeting the newest strain of the omicron variant is on its way, but isn't expected to b...
12m Aug 31, 2023
12m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: A Case of Suspicious Timing?
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured the "Only in Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi, who raised his concerns about a Hearst Connecticut Media story regarding a Bridgeport absentee ballot issue (0:20). We also had our monthly check-in with columnist Chris Powell (13:16). Image Credit: Getty Images
25m Aug 31, 2023
25m
Melissa in the Morning: A Crazy Fish Tale
Northford resident, Eddie Carroll, was hoping to catch the biggest blue in our annual Greatest Bluefish Tournament. But she caught something much bigger! Hear his story about catching a brown shark on a paddleboard! ((00:00)) One of the biggest stories this summer in Connecticut is the audit exposing falsified tickets filed by state troopers. We heard from the co-author of the audit, Ken Baron...
59m Sep 01, 2023
59m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: More Absentee Ballot Debate
Friday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured more discussion about a 2019 Bridgeport absentee ballot controversy with GOP State Sen. Rob Sampson (0:33) and Rowena White, communication director for Mayor Joe Ganim's 2023 re-election campaign (12:51). We heard from former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso with his weekly update (21:50), while Paul had a few thoughts on a st...
47m Sep 01, 2023
47m
Melissa In The Morning: One New Message
With crime on the rise in Connecticut news, cities are debating taking law enforcement into their own hands. Hartford announced last month that a group of gunowners want to bring back neighborhood watches while armed.  We spoke with crime prevention expert, Lt. Jim Perez, about the dangers of this and why community policing programs need to be part of the solution. (0:00) A new study says mos...
53m Sep 05, 2023
53m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Undue Criticism for Chris Murphy?
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured a discussion about a rather pointed Hearst Connecticut Media editorial criticizing U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (0:30). Quinnipiac University Professor of Interactive Media John Powers talked about the latest social media challenge that turned deadly for a Massachusetts boy (11:30). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio stopped by for he...
33m Sep 05, 2023
33m
Melissa In The Morning: A Look At What Killed Jimmy Buffett
Significant changes in FDA eligibility officially started at the Red Cross has recently implemented. John Godin with the Connecticut chapter explains the major changes and what it could mean for donations nationwide. He also touched on national preparedness month and what to have in your hurricane kit. (0:00) Adam’s House is a non-profit organization in Shelton providing support to families gr...
46m Sep 06, 2023
46m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - What's The Rush?
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli raised a few questions regarding media inquiries connected to an ongoing State Police ticket data investigation (00:28). Greenwich GOP State Sen. Ryan Fazio joined us to chat about the latest controversy surrounding the ongoing State Pier project (12:00). Finally, Hearst Connecticut Media columnist and editor Dan Haar dropped by for his wee...
33m Sep 06, 2023
33m
Melissa In The Morning: The Heat Goes On
Connecticut schools are off to a weird start as temperatures have been so hot, they've had a string of early dismissal's due to lack of an ability to keep kids cool. Dr. Brown of Griffin Health joined Melissa to get his opinion on the effects of the heat, both in and out of the classroom, as well as other risks associated with the crazy temperatures. Image Credit: Getty Images
16m Sep 07, 2023
16m
Melissa In The Morning: Connecticut's Response To Maternity Wards Shutting Down
Hospitals across Connecticut have been filing requests to shut down their labor and delivery units. We want to know why and how is the state responding? Comptroller Sean Scanlon shared his insight about the problem and what officials are doing to protect families living in rural Connecticut need a hospital nearby. (0:00) Tonight, is the annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony for families impacted by...
38m Sep 07, 2023
38m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - A Marijuana Love Affair?
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at the state's continued push for more marijuana businesses (00:32). "Only in Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi stopped by with the latest on the upcoming Bridgeport mayoral primary (12:19). Sacred Heart University Government and Political Science Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Gary Rose talked about efforts to keep Donald Trump off the 2024 b...
36m Sep 07, 2023
36m
Melissa In The Morning: What To Know About The Latest Vaccine
The maker of the spicy 'One Chip Challenge' pulled product from store shelves following the death of a Massachusetts teenager. We talked to a social media expert, Quinnipiac Professor John Powers, about these viral challenges and why they gain popularity even though the average person knows they’re reckless. (0:00) A first-of-its-kind school for the LGBTQ+ community in Connecticut had to delay...
38m Sep 08, 2023
38m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli: A Double Standard On Gun Violence?
We wrapped up another week on "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli wondering if state officials really care about urban gun violence in cities like Bridgeport (00:20). Wealso heard from former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso with his weekly update (11:46) Image Credit: REUTERS/ Rebecca Cook
23m Sep 08, 2023
23m
Melissa in the Morning: Narcan And Health Care
Over the counter Narcan is now available in pharmacies across the country, including here in Connecticut. Law enforcement expert, Gary MacNamara, shared why this is an essential tool for all families to have and what it means for the war on fentanyl. (0:00) We have a new scam alert! The Better Business Bureau says the latest problem stems from Bed, Bath and Beyond. Kristen Johnson shared how t...
37m Sep 11, 2023
37m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli: Barnum Festival Big News
"Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli jumped right into a new week with a visit from 2024 Barnum Festival Ringmaster Dr. Camelia Lawrence (00:32). We welcomed CT News Junkie columnist and Substack blogger Terry Cowgill with his weekly update (10:05). Paul also reported on his participation in a state tax study that could change the way that state transportation repair money is generated in...
37m Sep 11, 2023
37m
Melissa in the Morning: The American Red Cross Makes A Change
The American Red Cross national blood supply has fallen to critically low levels and potentially threatens the medical care of patients with an emergency need for blood or those living with critical conditions. We got the latest detail on this from Trevor Riggen, President of Humanitarian Services of the Red Cross. He also commented on the impact of the FDA guidelines updated expanding the dono...
45m Sep 12, 2023
45m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli: Young People And Politics
Tuesday's Primary Day edition of "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli welcomed SCSU Professor Dr. Jonathan Wharton to talk about getting more young people involved in local politics (00:27). Stratford resident and local musician Gene Zwicharowski talks about a local fundraiser coming up (13:01) and Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio stopped by for her weekly update (23:21) Image Credit...
34m Sep 12, 2023
34m
Melissa in the Morning: The Ever Expanding Entertainment World Of Bridgeport
Reading comprehension and literacy rates haven’t been the best in Connecticut recently. We wanted to talk about the importance of reading at a young age and even as adults. Melissa Hickey is the reading and literacy director of the Connecticut Department of Education; she talked about reading milestones and if forced reading is still a thing in state schools. (0:00) More entertainment venues a...
38m Sep 13, 2023
38m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Recapping Bridgeport's Big Primary
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli took a look at the previous day's Bridgeport Democratic mayoral primary (00:21). "Only in Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi (10:55) and Hearst CT Media columnist and editor Dan Haar (23:40) also shared their thoughts on that race Image Credit: REUTERS/Gary I Rothstein US ELECTION MS
36m Sep 13, 2023
36m
Melissa in the Morning: Little Pink Lie
Mosquitoes infected with EEE have now been detected in six Connecticut towns. What does that mean for people outdoors trying to avoid mosquito bites? Dr. Browne talks about the impact of EEE. He also touched on decongestants. An FDA advisory panel says a decongestant found in popular over-the-counter cold medicines doesn't work.  The panel unanimously agreed about the ineffectiveness of phenyle...
14m Sep 14, 2023
14m
Melissa In The Morning: Searching For A Reason
The trail over Google is underway. The DOJ says the tech giant is a monopoly blocking any entities from creating competition and more search engine options for consumers. Senator Richard Blumenthal talked about the importance of this case and what it could mean for other industries in similar hot water. (0:00) The Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish new year and the beginning of t...
38m Sep 14, 2023
38m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli: Another DACA Standoff
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured a chat with Quinnipiac University Law Professor Sheila Hayre on the latest legal ruling regarding the controversial DACA program and its possible effect on about 11,000 undocumented migrants in Connecticut (00:35). Landmark Legal Foundation Attorney Mike O'Neill explained the theory behind an impeachment push by House Republicans (0...
29m Sep 14, 2023
29m
Melissa In The Morning: Prisoner Swap With Connecticut Connections
Congressman Jim Himes gave us the latest details on a massive prisoner swap. One of the people impacted is from right here in Weston, CT. (0:00) Sixteen current and former staffers of the Jimmy Fallon show say it’s a toxic work environment to be in. Employment attorney, Gary Phelan, shared his insight into why more and more people are dealing with toxic workplaces and if there’s hope to curb t...
52m Sep 15, 2023
52m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli: Would You Live at a Mall?
Friday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at new plans to possibly convert a building at the Connecticut Post Mall into apartments (00:25). We welcomed Loren Grush, author of, "The Six: The Untold Story of America's First Women Astronauts" (12:12). And Chris Caruso offered up his latest thoughts as well (24:41) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus
37m Sep 15, 2023
37m
Melissa In The Morning: Road Etiquette 101
Crime on the Mind: Driving etiquette 101 with Lt. Jim Perez. We got answers to common questions about the rules of the roadways in Connecticut. (0:00) The school year is already underway, and some schools have detected mold in buildings. We spoke with Natural Home Solutions about how to detect mold, how it works and why it needs to be tested for in homes, schools and businesses. (15:55) Where...
42m Sep 18, 2023
42m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Another Bridgeport Controversy
We started a busy new week on "Connecticut Today" where host Paul Pacelli talked about the latest absentee ballot controversy in Bridgeport (00:26). We also heard from "Only in Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi (12:13) and former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso (23:43) on the same news. CT News Junkie and Substack columnist Terry Cowgill stopped by for his latest update (36:21) ...
48m Sep 18, 2023
48m
Melissa In The Morning: Wagering New Locations
The state opened its newest sports betting venue in Hartford and another one is set to be announced in Bridgeport soon. We thought it was a great time to check in with the CT Counsel on Problem Gambling. Find out why they are seeing an influx of calls and who seems to be struggling with gambling addiction the most. (0:00) A millionaire property developer has issued a brutal wake-up call to 'ar...
41m Sep 19, 2023
41m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - How Do We Increase Absentee Ballot Security?
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" provided further discussion on the Bridgeport absentee ballot probe with host Paul Pacelli (00:22) as well as Stratford GOP State Senate leader Kevin Kelly (10:50). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio stopped by as well for her weekly update (22:07) Image Credit: REUTERS/Linda So
33m Sep 19, 2023
33m
Melissa in the Morning: Ballot Box Bust
The Bridgeport city worker accused of stuffing the absentee ballot box before last week's mayoral primary has been placed on leave. Wanda Geter-Pataky was informed on Monday that she would remain on leave until an investigation is complete. Meanwhile, state lawmakers want to install an election monitor in Bridgeport to oversee the vote for mayor on November seventh.  State House Speaker Matt Ri...
38m Sep 20, 2023
38m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Another Bridgeport Update
Host Paul Pacelli kicked off another edition of "Connecticut Today" with the latest on the Bridgeport absentee ballot investigation (00:26). Connecticut State Republican Party Chair Ben Proto talked about some proposed changes he'd like to see regarding absentee ballots (11:32). Hearst Connecticut Media editor and columnist Dan Haar also stopped by for his weekly update (24:26) Image Credit: i...
37m Sep 20, 2023
37m
Melissa In The Morning: The Kids Are Not Alright?
Melissa welcomed Dr. Browne back to the show to talk about multiple stories around the country including babies being born with Syphilis in Mississippi as well as fentanyl killing a child at a daycare in the Bronx. Image Credit: Getty Images
15m Sep 21, 2023
15m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Is Anyone Paying Attention?
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli highlighted a recent wave of migrants crashing the U.S. Southern Border (00:23). Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ray Andrewsen joined us to chat about a big event for North Haven and Wallingford businesses (13:03). "Only in Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi had the latest regarding Bridgeport's absentee ballot irregularit...
39m Sep 21, 2023
39m
Melissa In The Morning: Making The Grade
Families want to know that when they drop kids off at school in the morning, that the children will return home at the end of the day. We talked about resource officers at schools as well as building safety tools with Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas. It comes after Westport recently added three more officers to the school security beat in the district. (0:00) Unsportsmanlike conduct is bec...
1hr 6m Sep 22, 2023
1hr 6m
Melissa In The Morning: Stephanie Thomas On Connecticut Voting
When Cindy Iodice lost her brother in a tragic accident on a Connecticut Highway, she launched the Flagman Safety campaign. The organization works to teach people about the importance of the Slow Down, Move Over law. Last spring, a pilot program launched in Fairfield Public Schools. We got an update on how the program went and what’s on the horizon? (0:00) Following the fallout of the alleged ...
48m Sep 22, 2023
48m
Melissa in the Morning: Taste of Wishes
Join local award-winning, celebrity chefs and wish kids in the kitchens of Aitoro Appliance for an evening of food, fun and celebrating local wishes! Our 3rd Annual Event will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023! This incredible evening will be filled with cooking demonstrations from local celebrity chefs and Connecticut wish kids, as well as tasty cuisine from other local hot spots. We spoke ...
7m Sep 22, 2023
7m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Does Anyone Really Care About The UAW Strike?
Host Paul Pacelli started Friday's "Connecticut Today" wondering if the UAW strike is resonating with Americans (00:28). Author Doug McIntyre joined us to chat about his new novel, "Frank's Shadow" (13:30). Former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso stopped by for his weekly update and his latest thoughts on the Bridgeport absentee ballot controversy (28:23) Image Credit: iStock / Ge...
42m Sep 22, 2023
42m
Melissa In The Morning: A Horse's Tail
The Clydesdale horses are best known for their roles in Anheuser Bush advertisements. However, calls to stop tail mutilation of these animals is finally addressed. We spoke with PETA about the problem and the beer company’s decision to change its animal treatment practices. (0:00) In a matter of months, Connecticut will have results for both its equity and disparity studies. It’s been about tw...
41m Oct 02, 2023
41m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - We're Not Serious About Crime Prevention
Monday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli highlighted a high-profile case involving a gruesome murder (00:31).  Opinion columnist Chris Powell stopped by for his monthly update (12:36) and GOP State Sen. Tony Hwang talked about a DOT "pop up meeting" concerning possible rate hikes and service cuts for train and bus service in Fairfield County (25:15) Image Credit: REUTERS
39m Oct 02, 2023
39m
Melissa In The Morning: Examining The Coworker Generational Disconnect
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and according to national statistics, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the US. Deb Greenwood with The Center for Family Justice shares the uptick in cases in Connecticut and resources available to people impacted. (0:00) As of October first, many Connecticut laws went into effect, including several laws cha...
53m Oct 03, 2023
53m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Republican Chaos In D.C.
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at the moves that finally ousted Congressman Kevin McCarthy as U.S. House Speaker (00:23). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio checked in with us for her weekly update (12:07) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus
23m Oct 03, 2023
23m