Melissa in the Morning: Turtle Crossing
Did you know: May through July is the nesting season for many turtles. We have many turtle species in Connecticut, a lot of them on the endangered species list. Gregg Dancho of the Beardsley Zoo shared tips on how to help if you spot a turtle crossing this season. We also touched on parrots and otters for their world awareness celebrations this week! IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus
18m May 30, 2024
18m
Melissa in the Morning: Minding Motorcycles
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the Department of Transportation shared safety tips for both motorcycle operators and drivers. But there are a lot of misconceptions people have about motorcycles, sharing the roads with them and detecting a licensed motorcycle operator from non-licensed, non-registered riders. We get insight from our motorcycle expert, Luis Valbuena, who is also a l...
13m May 30, 2024
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Getting Kids on a Summer Schedule
As the 2023-24 school year comes to a close in the next few weeks, what can we do to get our kids on a new routine for the summer? We had our life organizational expert, Don Wetmore, back to get some tips on preparing for summer routines. He talked about the importance of “starting at the end of the summer” creating goals with your kids. What does that mean and how do we include our kids in the...
18m May 31, 2024
18m
Melissa in the Morning: The Trump Verdict
Donald Trump is the first American President to stand trial and be found guilty in a criminal case. The New York jury has found him guilty on all 34 counts in his hush money case. Now what happens to the former president and what do American voters need to know ahead of the November election? We spoke with Wayne Unger, assistant professor at the Quinnipiac University School of Law, about the Tr...
16m May 31, 2024
16m
Melissa in the Morning: Struggling Athletes
Professional golfer, Grayson Murray, died by suicide this week. Despite his two PGA championship wins and his growing career, he was struggling under the surface and most people didn’t know it. That’s a similar story to a Fairfield Warde High School athlete,  Kevin Kuczo, who died by suicide three years ago. His family created a non-profit in Kevin’s honor and to better support youth mental hea...
19m May 31, 2024
19m
Melissa in the Morning: Supporting Scam Victims
Recent research highlights the negative toll scams have on people. The BBB Institute says the data shows respondents reported feeling anger (69.0%), anxiety/stress (66.7%), loss of trust (58.0%), shame/embarrassment (39.4%), loss of confidence (28.7%), guilt (19.6%), strained relationships (7.5%), and loss of reputation (4.6%) after being scammed. That's why the BBB launched a new toolkit to he...
11m May 31, 2024
11m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - So ... Does The White House Race Change?
Friday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli talked about the previous day's guilty verdicts in former President Donald Trump's New York City "hush money" trial (00:39), while Sacred Heart University Political Science Professor and Scholar in Residence Dr. Gary Rose talked about how the case could affect the upcoming November election (15:10). Quinnipiac University Distinguished Professor of ...
40m May 31, 2024
40m
The Mike Cerulli Show - June 1, 2024
It's the first edition of the Mike Cerulli Show on WICC! On today's show, Mike discusses president Trump's conviction, ‘24 election looms, Congress campaigning and more with Congressman Jim Himes (0:00). Then, he breaks down Connecticut Republicans game plan for ‘24 with Senate Republican Leader, State Sen. Steve Harding (45:55). Finally, in the third hour, Mike breaks down Bridgeport's state l...
2hr 17m Jun 01, 2024
2hr 17m
Melissa in the Morning: Success Village President
Since early May, WICC has been inundated with emails, phone calls and social media messages from residents of Success Village. They have been reporting no hot water for weeks, compounded with many units having no heat for months. We have pressed politicians on this problem on-air, including Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim and Governor Ned Lamont, but they have all said they can only do so much becau...
24m Jun 03, 2024
24m
Melissa in the Morning: Riddled with Violations
A new report revealed that the state-run Connecticut Mental Health Center in New Haven is rife with sexual abuse and other violations. How long has this been going on and who is to blame for allowing things to get so out of hand? We asked State Senate Minority Leader, Steve Harding, about the report and how the problem should be investigated now. For more on the initial report: https://www.dis...
13m Jun 03, 2024
13m
Melissa in the Morning: The Heart of Marriage
We often hold many different views about what a marriage should be. In fact, husbands and wives might even have different views, not only about what a marriage should be but what their marriage really is. According to our marriage coach, the foundation of a marriage is its heart. The HEART of a marriage starts in the MIND regarding how you think about your marriage, and not your emotions. But d...
19m Jun 03, 2024
19m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - What Happened To Free Speech?
Host Paul Pacelli started another week on "Connecticut Today" talking about a war of words between state legislators regarding the recent conviction of former President Donald Trump in a so-called "hush money" case (00:31). Quinnipiac University Assistant Professor of Law Wayne Unger analyzed that "hush money" trial verdict and possible avenues for a Trump appeal (12:42). CT NewsJunkie columnis...
36m Jun 03, 2024
36m
Melissa in the Morning: Dangerous Roads and Bad Behavior
Connecticut lost Trooper First Class Pelletier last month after he was making a traffic stop on the highway. He did nothing wrong; he was pulling someone over to make sure they were safe. And the suspected driver responsible for the trooper death sped off. What can we take away from this tragedy and what is the bigger picture problem with driver behavior? We spoke with Department of Transportat...
16m Jun 04, 2024
16m
Melissa in the Morning: Mental Health Sick Days
Test Prep Insight (https://testprepinsight.com/) , an online education company, conducted a survey among 3,000 parents, focusing on absences related to mental health. The study showed 71% of parents in Connecticut believe children should be allowed to take days off school for mental health reasons (compared to a national average of 73%). Is it OK to allow your kids to take mental health breaks ...
16m Jun 04, 2024
16m
Melissa in the Morning: 100 Deadliest Days
The “100 Deadliest Days” is the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes involving teen drivers are the highest. According to data, inn Connecticut, 151 teen drivers were involved in fatal crashes from 2013 to 2022, resulting in 175 fatalities. More than 40% of those fatal crashes occurred during the “100 Deadliest Days.” We spoke with Alec Slatky at AAA about driver behavio...
13m Jun 04, 2024
13m
Melissa in the Morning: If you Hate it, Why Stay?!
Career strategist, Julie Bauke, tackles an elementary question that most people can’t answer: “Why do people stay in jobs they dislike/hate?” She shares reasons why people stay stuck and how to overcome it. Image Credit: Getty Images
18m Jun 04, 2024
18m
Melissa in the Morning: Deeper Dive into Steelpointe
In the last decade, Bridgeport has gained new life at the waterfront. Steelpointe Harbor has been attracting more businesses and people to the Park City and the work is far from over. We spoke with Bobby Christoph Jr, President of the RCI Group, responsible for Steelpointe Harbor and more projects in the pipeline. IMAGE CREDIT: Robert Christoph Jr. / RCI Group
17m Jun 04, 2024
17m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - More Border And Immigration Controversy
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli welcomed nationally known immigration attorney Renata Castro to chat about President Biden's immigration and border executive order (00:24). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio dropped by to talk about the latest per-pupil public school spending in Connecticut (11:18) Image Credit: REUTERS
21m Jun 04, 2024
21m
Melissa in the Morning: Lonely Workers
A recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted the connection between modern workdays and an epidemic of loneliness in the average worker. Gary Phelan gave us perspective and got advice for employers and employees regarding isolation. Phelan is an employment attorney in Stratford and a professor of law at Quinnipiac University. Image Credit: Getty Images
10m Jun 05, 2024
10m
Melissa in the Morning: New Hospital Unit
Bridgeport Hospital’s Milford Campus unveiled its new state-of-the-art post-surgical orthopedic care unit. The rooms are reportedly equipped with the latest technology and designed with patient and family comfort in mind. We learned about this latest addition and what it means for patients and staff from orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Amit Lahav. Image Credit: Getty Images
10m Jun 05, 2024
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Swimming Safety
Drowning deaths are on the rise in the United States, following decades of decline. That’s according to the CDC and its new Vital Signs Study released last month. The data shows – more than 4,500 people died due to drowning between 2020 and 2022; up 500 victims per year compared to 2019. Each year, the American Red Cross and its training providers teach more than 2.5 million people to swim thro...
12m Jun 05, 2024
12m
Melissa in the Morning: The Future is Bright
Bridgeport education officials say there are a lot of great education stories in the pipeline for students and teachers. We looked at data surrounding student performance and a lack of teacher support right now. But we also looked at the pockets of success Bridgeport is seeing now and some new investments coming soon. We spoke with the city’s new chief academic officer, Jennifer Murchison, and ...
17m Jun 05, 2024
17m
Melissa in the Morning: Lollipops in Fairfield
Governor Ned Lamont recently went to Dwight Elementary School and met with students who had a hand in approved legislation making lollipops the state candy. We spoke with Superintendent Michael Testani about it. Image Credit: Getty Images
9m Jun 05, 2024
9m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Will We Ever Fix The Border Situation?
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at Congressional reaction to the current Biden White House border policy (00:26) and discussed what the next steps might be with Quinnipiac University Associate Professor of Law Sheila Hayre (13:24). We also welcomed commuter columnist and advocate Jim Cameron on the latest road and mass transit news in Connecticut (24:11) Image Credit: ...
38m Jun 05, 2024
38m
Melissa In The Morning: Maria Welcomes Us To Curley's!
Melissa in the Morning kicked off the Attorney Tom Ganim (https://tomganim.com/attorney/) Melissa in the Morning Diner Tour with their first stop, Curley's Diner in Stamford! There was no better way to kick off the show than with Maria, the owner of Curley's Diner. She shared stories of battles to keep the diner open as well as some of the famous people who stopped into the diner over the year....
15m Jun 06, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Stamford History Center
Melissa welcomed Thomas Zoubek, the Director of the Stamford History Center, to the Attorney Tom Ganim (https://tomganim.com/attorney/) Melissa in the Morning Diner Tour. They talked about the center's history and what to expect when you visit it. Image Credit: Dee Ortiz
11m Jun 06, 2024
11m
Melissa In The Morning: Transportation In Stamford
To Get To The the Attorney Tom Ganim (https://tomganim.com/attorney/) Melissa in the Morning Diner Tour Live In Stamford, You Have To Get There Somehow. That's Where Luke Buttenwiser, Transportation Planner, Comes In. He Spoke To Melissa About Vision Zero And Road Safety In Stamford. Image Credit: Dee Ortiz
14m Jun 06, 2024
14m
Melissa In The Morning: SoundWaters
Bob Mazzone, Vice President, Development of SoundWaters, stopped by Curley's Diner in Stamford to be a part of the the Attorney Tom Ganim Melissa in the Morning Diner Tour. Image Credit: Dee Ortiz
18m Jun 06, 2024
18m
Melissa In The Morning: Breakfast With The Mayor
Melissa welcomed Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons To the Attorney Tom Ganim Melissa in the Morning Diner Tour to talk about the city and all that's going on. Image Credit: Dee Ortiz
14m Jun 06, 2024
14m
Melissa In The Morning: What's Going On Stamford?!?!
Alive @ Five? The Stamford Farmers Market? It Must Be Annette Einhorn, the Stamford Downtown Director Of Markketing! She Joined the Attorney Tom Ganim Melissa in the Morning Diner Tour Image Credit: Dee Ortiz
14m Jun 06, 2024
14m
Melissa In The Morning: Stamford Fire Chief
Stamford Fire Chief Rex Morris stopped by Curley's Diner for the Attorney Tom Ganim Melissa in the Morning Diner Tour to talk about his time as a fire fighter and just everything having to do with the fire department! Image Credit: Dee Ortiz
14m Jun 06, 2024
14m
Melissa In The Morning: Matt Quinones
Next up on the Attorney Tom Ganim Melissa in the Morning Diner Tour is Matt Quinones, the Director of Operations for the city of Stamford. He spoke to Melissa about the Parks in Stamford and the Parks Community Partnership. Image Credit: Getty Images
7m Jun 06, 2024
7m
Melissa In The Morning: Mike Moran
To wrap up the first stop on the Attorney Tom Ganim Melissa in the Morning Diner Tour was Mike Moran of the Palace Theater. Image Credit: Getty Images
14m Jun 06, 2024
14m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Eighty Years Since D-Day
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" opened with host Paul Pacelli talking about the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion that turned around World War II for the Allies (00:25), while Yankee Institute columnist Andrew Fowler talked about Connecticut's contributions to the World War II fighting force (12:32). Blogger Lennie Grimaldi from "Only in Bridgeport.com" also stopped by with his weekly updat...
34m Jun 06, 2024
34m
Melissa in the Morning: Phishing Scams
Despite being one of the oldest and most well-known scam techniques, phishing scams continue to be successful. The BBB Scam Tracker reports totaled over 9,000 in 2023, more than double the previous year and a record high. With the current year’s reports trending toward another record, phishing is clearly on the rise as scammers adopt new technologies. We spoke with Kristen Johnson of the Better...
12m Jun 07, 2024
12m
Melissa in the Morning: Are Bus Fares, Fair?
A recent CT Mirror article highlighted ridership on city buses across the state and the impact of reinstating bus fares last year. We spoke with Josh Morgan with the Department of Transportation to better understand some of the data showing a drop in ridership and whether eating the cost of bus fares makes sense for Connecticut. IMAGE CREDIT: Eric Urbanowicz
16m Jun 07, 2024
16m
Melissa in the Morning: Taylor Swift 101
Quinnipiac University is launching a new course led by Professor Ari Perez (https://www.qu.edu/faculty-and-staff/angel-perez/) , focusing on the cultural and societal impact of international pop sensation Taylor Swift. The three-credit course will cover Swift's rise to fame, her artistic evolution and her impact on contemporary culture and industry standards. We got more specifics from Professo...
16m Jun 07, 2024
16m
Melissa in the Morning: Housing Crisis Update
The housing crisis in Connecticut is a similar problem most of the country is seeing so lawmakers in Washington are pushing to pass more legislation to help! We spoke with Renee Dobos, CEO of CT Housing Partners, about the proposals. We also looked at the challenges Connecticut is specifically facing and how we can do a better job creating affordable workplace housing opportunities. Image Cred...
16m Jun 07, 2024
16m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Will We Embrace Ranked Choice Voting?
Host Paul Pacelli wrapped up another busy week on "Connecticut Today" wondering if Governor Ned Lamont's push for "ranked choice voting" will be successful (00:26). Fairfield GOP State Sen. Tony Hwang dropped by to chat about a recent audit of the State Department of Motor Vehicles (13:30). Former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso talked about another election controversy in the Park City (26:...
39m Jun 07, 2024
39m
The Mike Cerulli Show - June 8, 2024
On today's Mike Cerulli Show, Mike chats with Connecticut State Comptroller Sean Scanlon on the end of fiscal year, the state of Connecticut's economy, and the political outlook looking toward November. (0:00) Then, Mike previews the upcoming political battles in Greenwich with Nick Simmons, Democratic candidate for State Senate (45:30). Finally, Frank Ricci, conservative commentator and Fellow...
2hr 20m Jun 08, 2024
2hr 20m
Melissa in the Morning: A Deep Dive into Seized Weapons
A new study looks at seized weapons at Connecticut public schools within an academic school year. The findings we are alarming and led officials to say “we need more mental health services in our schools!” News 8 Investigative reporter, Jeff Derderian, did a deep dive into this work and shared more detail what he learned and how the state should respond. If you missed Jeff’s initial report, ca...
14m Jun 10, 2024
14m
Melissa in the Morning: On Par for Jimmy
17-year-old Jimmy McGrath was an innocent bystander when he was killed at a house party in 2022. The Fairfield Prep athlete impacted so many people and his death was so tremendous, it led his family to launch The Jimmy McGrath Foundation. Jimmy’s dad, Kevin, joined us to talk about the impact of the foundation since its creation and gave us the details on their annual golf tournament June 24th....
15m Jun 10, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Legit Lawsuit?
A Bridgeport Councilwoman was sued for telling her constituents not to pay for common charges. Maria Pereira represents many of the Success Village residents in Bridgeport who went most of May without hot water. Now, the president of the board, Ty Bird, filed a lawsuit demanding an apology and compensation for “damages” following her direction to residents about withholding their payments. We s...
21m Jun 10, 2024
21m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Dan Hurley Staying At UConn
Host Paul Pacelli kicked off Monday's edition of "Connecticut Today" with breaking news of UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley deciding to stay in Storrs (00:35). National Taxpayers Union Foundation Vice President of Research Demian Brady talked about the future of the Internal Revenue Service. (12:51). CT NewsJunkie columnist and Substack.com blogger Terry Cowgill gave us his weekly take o...
36m Jun 10, 2024
36m
Melissa in the Morning: Stigma around Community Colleges
There is an ongoing stigma that community college is seen as “less than” or “a last resort” in education. But why???? When you look at the work and investments put into community colleges in Connecticut, it’s undeniable that the quality and affordability of community college works for a lot of people. We did a deep dive into this controversy with Terrence Cheng, chancellor of the Connecticut St...
16m Jun 11, 2024
16m
Melissa in the Morning: Cancer Care in Fairfield
The first of its kind cancer center is opening in Fairfield thanks to a major healthcare partnership. Hartford HealthCare and Memorial Sloan Kettering are opening a new facility, still under construction, to bring the highest quality care for cancer patients in southern Connecticut. The plan also calls for a dedicated cancer unit at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. We spoke with Kristi Gafford and...
10m Jun 11, 2024
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Whackadoodle Ending
Earlier this week, a Bridgeport school board meeting ended suddenly without a resolution. Reports say the board was meeting to talk about the superintendent’s evaluation. After a dispute over the self-assessment discussion being private or public, the board chair reportedly signed off. What precedent does that set for board members and future meetings? We asked board member, Rob Traber, who was...
17m Jun 11, 2024
17m
Melissa in the Morning: Why Not Follow the Money?
The Dan Hurley era continues at UConn. Hurley rejected a huge offer from the Los Angeles Lakers and will remain at UConn and try to win a third straight national championship. ESPN reports the offer from the Lakers was six years and $70-million dollars. But a big question from Connecticut residents: why wouldn’t he follow the fame and fortune of the NBA? We asked our local sports expert, Rob Ad...
14m Jun 11, 2024
14m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Arrests ... After Five Years
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli opened with a look at the charges facing four campaign workers connected to Bridgeport's 2019 Democratic mayoral primary (00:34), while State Senate GOP leader Steve Harding weighed in as well on those four arrests (12:28). Hartford Courant sportswriter Dom Amore stopped by with inside details on UConn men's basketball head coach Dan Hurley's...
44m Jun 11, 2024
44m
Melissa in the Morning: Election Fraud Arrests
Four arrests have been made related to absentee ballot fraud in the 2019 election for mayor of Bridgeport. The suspects, including Vice chair of the Democratic Town Committee, Wanda Geter-Pataky and city Councilman Alfredo Castillo, are all accused of violating state laws related to the handling of absentee ballots. Andrew Brown from CT Examiner was one of the first reporters to break the news ...
14m Jun 12, 2024
14m