Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Thousands of Absentee Ballots in Bridgeport?
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli kicked off with Paul's thoughts on the latest controversy surrounding Bridgeport politics (0:25). Journal Inquirer of Manchester columnist Chris Powell (13:49) and "Only in Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi both checked in for their regular updates (24:13). Image Credit: Getty Images
37m Jul 20, 2023
37m
Melissa in the Morning: Behind the Scenes
The Bridgeport Police Department is furthering their initiative surrounding recruitment by hosting physical agility exam demonstrations. The demonstration is being used as a tool to encourage and help prospective candidates successfully pass the physical agility course; a requirement needed to become a Bridgeport Police Officer. We spoke with Police Chief Roderick Porter. ((00:00)) Earlier thi...
38m Jul 21, 2023
38m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Another Legend Passes
Friday's "Connecticut Today" opened with host Paul Pacelli chatting about the death of legendary singer Tony Bennett (0:24). Paul also spoke with St. Peter's University Professor Emeritus Alain Sanders about the current situation in Washington (15:57), and with former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso for his weekly wrap-up (26:08). Image Credit: Reuters
38m Jul 21, 2023
38m
Melissa in the Morning: Falsified Tickets
This week, a legislative hearing is set to discuss the findings from an audit surrounding fake tickets submitted by state police in the last decade. We spoke with Senator Herron Gaston who co-chairs the Public Safety and Security Committee overseeing the hearing. ((00:00)) Governor Lamont announced a $3 million state grant to support the remediation of a vacant Fairfield site and construct a t...
52m Jul 24, 2023
52m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: More Accusations In Bridgeport
Monday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured a chat with Chris Caruso regarding allegations in Bridgeport politics (0:34). CT News Junkie and Substack.com blogger Terry Cowgill joined us for his weekly update (9:08). University of New Haven Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Paul Bleakley talked about the investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders on Long Island (21:21)...
45m Jul 24, 2023
45m
Melissa in the Morning: AI in the Workforce
The writers and actors in Hollywood are still on strike and one of their biggest concerns surround artificial intelligence. For writers, they worry AI will replace them for script jobs. And for actors, they worry AI versions of themselves will be used without their permission and without making more money. We talked about AI in the workforce more generally and whether there will be hiring discr...
45m Jul 25, 2023
45m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Call Off the Dogs Mr. President
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured a bizarre story from the White House regarding the First Family's dog (0:28). Commuter advocate Jim Cameron joined us to chat about the possibilities of Metro-North fare increases and service cuts (8:58). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio stopped by for her weekly update (20:50). Image Credit: Reuters
29m Jul 25, 2023
29m
Melissa in the Morning: Highlighting Human Trafficking
There's a lot of buzz around the release of the new movie 'Sound of Freedom.' The film highlights human trafficking and how big a problem it is in our world. We spoke with the founder of non-profit Partnership to End Human Trafficking (PEHT), Elizabeth Koldyke Boolbol. She shared human trafficking statistics in Connecticut and what we need to do better to eliminate the problem. ((00:00)) Bridg...
44m Jul 26, 2023
44m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: The GOP Candidate for Bridgeport Mayor
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured a chat with Bridgeport Republican mayoral candidate David Herz (0:26). Hearst Connecticut Media columnist and editor Dan Haar stopped by for his weekly chat (11:48). Quinnipiac University Finance Professor Osman Kilic talked about the latest Federal Reserve interest rate news (21:03). Paul also had a few thoughts regarding the Bridgepor...
35m Jul 26, 2023
35m
Melissa in the Morning: Lithium-Ion Battery Extinguisher
A Connecticut company partnered with another to create the world's first lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher. We spoke to Rodger Mort with PACT about the product, the partnership behind it and why it matters in today's world with all of the lithium-ion battery product at risk of starting a fire. ((00:00)) Another hearing was held in Washington DC over the concerns of artificial intelligence....
38m Jul 27, 2023
38m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Bring On the License Plate Readers
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli talked about the increasing use of license plate readers by some cities and towns across the state (0:29). "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi stopped by with the latest on the Bridgeport mayoral race (12:06). Quinnipiac University Adjunct Law Prof. John Pavia weighed in on the latest developments in the Hunter Biden situation (24:31). ...
34m Jul 27, 2023
34m
Melissa in the Morning: Housing Testimonies
Connecticut Housing Partners is a non-profit organization that provides housing and services to enhance the quality of life for low- and moderate-income families. CHP developments and programs have produced more than $100 million in community investments and provided safe, secure, affordable housing to more than 1000 residents. This morning, CEO Renee Dobos, shared testimonies from Connecticut ...
16m Jul 28, 2023
16m
Melissa in the Morning: Piping Plovers
Piping Plovers are tough little birds who rely on beaches to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, in such public space, that poses major threats for the birds and their nests. But this year, we are seeing some record setting numbers for piping plovers nests and babies. Tom Anderson of CT Audubon Society shares this success story. ((00:00)) Congressman Jim Himes was out of this world! We talked about...
41m Jul 28, 2023
41m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: More Saudi Outrage?
Friday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli opened with word of some raised eyebrows over a reported business relationship involving Connecticut First Lady Annie Lamont  (0:27). We welcomed Steve Conn, local author of, "Yale Sports Stories: The Unique and Crazy Things I Witnessed as Sports Information Director" (12:35). Former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso checked in with his weekly upd...
36m Jul 28, 2023
36m
Melissa in the Morning: Penicillin Shortage
Earlier this summer, Pfizer warned of a nationwide shortage of penicillin that could last well into 2024. So what does this mean for the millions of Americans who rely on the antibiotic? We spoke with Dr. Listy Thomas is a practicing emergency medicine physician at Hartford Healthcare St. Vincent's Medical Center. She shares what prompted the shortage and options for patients. ((00:00)) Over t...
42m Jul 31, 2023
42m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: It's Time for Term Limits
Monday's edition of "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured CT News Junkie columnist Terry Cowgill's thoughts on term limits for members of Congress (0:30). Motor Transport Association of Connecticut President John Blair talked about a growing controversy surrounding a new highway user fee (11:52). Paul also had a few thoughts on former President Trump's 2024 poll numbers (21:57). Image...
34m Jul 31, 2023
34m
Melissa in the Morning: Childcare at Work
Chobani is the latest company to add childcare to its suite of benefits to better support working parents. Will offering childcare benefits help companies attract and retain workers? We asked career strategist, Julie Bauke, about this model of benefits. ((00:00)) At the end of the month, the annual Step Up for Vets event is back for Homes for the Brave. We spoke with executive director, Vince ...
44m Aug 01, 2023
44m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Please Stop the "No Labels" Scare Tactics
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" started with host Paul Pacelli calling out a pair of state lawmakers for an editorial they co-authored about the "No Labels" movement (0:31). Quinnipiac University Management Prof. Angela Mattie joined us to chat about thousands of layoffs announced by pharmacy giant CVS Health (11:58), while Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio dropped by for her weekly updat...
32m Aug 01, 2023
32m
Melissa in the Morning: Answers to the Food Insecurity Call
According to estimates from Feeding America, 1 in 10 Connecticut residents struggle with hunger; more than 83,000 children are food insecure. Chadwick Schroeder is the sustainability manager in Bridgeport. He spoke to us about the health food initiative in the city as well as the paramount work being done at the East End NRZ Market and Café. ((00:00)) Last month, the Connecticut Airport Author...
40m Aug 02, 2023
40m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: A Bizarre Story in Fairfield
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured a chat with Hearst Connecticut media author and columnist Dan Haar on a strange story regarding a house and lot in Fairfield (0:28). Paul had some thoughts on the latest legal problems facing former President Donald Trump (11:15), as did Sacred Heart University Professor and Scholar in Residence Dr. Gary Rose (21:53). Image Credit...
33m Aug 02, 2023
33m
Melissa in the Morning: Meet the New Superintendent
Bridgeport Superintendent Carmela Levy-David has officially started in her new role this week. Learn her career story and her plans for the city's student body. ((00:00)) Oh-Oh-NO, Ozempic! A new lawsuit was filed against the makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro for claims of causing stomach paralysis in users. We spoke with Dr. Andrew Wong, Fairfield Region Medical Director of Hartford HealthCare P...
40m Aug 03, 2023
40m
Melissa in the Morning: Leprosy Cases??
Seeing news headlines that warn the public about leprosy sounds like something from Biblical times. But it's 2023, and health officials say there is an increase in cases detected in Florida. We asked Dr. Browne about the cases, how you can contract it and how to treat it. We also discussed parasites detected in the water at several beaches in Greenwich causing swimmers itch. Also, concerns over...
17m Aug 03, 2023
17m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: The Latest Bridgeport Scoop
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi with his thoughts on the Park City's political scene and his former boss, Donald Trump (0:35). University of New Haven Senior Lecturer Ken Gray gave us his perspective on the indictment of former President Trump (12:59). Quinnipiac University Graduate Cybersecurity Program Director Dr. Fred Sc...
34m Aug 03, 2023
34m
Melissa in the Morning: Jeanette Herron
Last week, we spoke with retired police officer, Rebeca Garcia, about life after leaving the force. Her plans include a run for city council. She faces incumbent city council member, Jeanette Herron, for the 133rd district seat. We spoke with Herron about her roles on the city council and her plans if re-elected this year. Herron is currently the Majority Leader, Co-Chairs the Committee on Con...
13m Aug 04, 2023
13m
Melissa in the Morning: It's Electric!
Governor Lamont wants all automakers to sell electric cars by the year 2035. But is it too lofty a goal? We asked the governor about that and many other state matters including elder protections, affordable housing options and teacher shortages. ((00:00)) The Flynn Foundation, located in Stamford, is making waves in the oncology and palliative care front in our state. The founder, Fred Flynn, ...
48m Aug 04, 2023
48m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Finally Figuring Out Trump Support?
Host Paul Pacelli wrapped up another busy week on "Connecticut Today" with some thoughts from a prominent New York Times columnist on former President Trump's enduring popularity with GOP voters (0:31). We welcomed Dr. Barry Latzer, author of, "The Myth of Overpunishment: A Defense of the American Justice System and a Proposal to Reduce Incarceration While Protecting the Public" (9:08). Former ...
32m Aug 04, 2023
32m
Melissa in the Morning: Analytics at UB
Analytics students at University of Bridgeport played a huge role in helping a Stratford start-up business. We spoke with UB Associate Professor, Mike Lohle, about the program and what skills students are gaining at UB. ((00:00)) Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick stopped by to clarify why the town was investigating credit card use by town employees. She also commented on an archaic l...
40m Aug 14, 2023
40m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: This Should Be Nonpartisan
Monday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli featured State Senate GOP leader Kevin Kelly of Stratford on ways to make the voting process smoother for state residents (0:25). Paul also had a few thoughts on comparisons between the Watergate scandal during the Richard Nixon years and the current Donald Trump controversaries (11:22). Image Credit: Getty Images
25m Aug 14, 2023
25m
Melissa in the Morning: Back in Hot Water
In the latest blow for SeaQuest at the Trumbull mall, the USDA cited it for having insufficient distance and barriers between an animal and the public. PETA got its hands on agency's inspection report and shared the details on this latest complaint. Michelle Sinnott also shared why such a controversial chain company is still doing business if it's so bad. ((00:00)) The latest Travel Scam targe...
47m Aug 15, 2023
47m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: The Trump Saga Continues
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli featured Paul's thoughts on the latest criminal indictment facing former President Donald Trump (0:25). Quinnipiac University Adjunct Law Prof. John Pavia also offered his take on the latest Trump indictment (13:58). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio dropped by with her weekly update (25:20). Image Credit: Getty Images
33m Aug 15, 2023
33m
Melissa in the Morning: A Piece of History
For more than 100 years, this historic Palace Theater building in Waterbury has quite the story. And next year makes 20 years since the theater reopened to the public after shuttering decades ago. CEO Frank Tavera shared his story of bringing this old gem back to life and what it is offering for the upcoming 2023-24 season. ((00:00)) Bridgeport was one of eight municipalities that just receive...
32m Aug 16, 2023
32m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Keeping the Public Safe
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at the continued wave of crime committed by repeat offenders in the state (0:17). Paul also welcomed Hearst Connecticut editor and columnist Dan Haar for his weekly update (13:19). Image Credit: Getty Images
25m Aug 16, 2023
25m
Melissa in the Morning: CT Red Cross Volunteers Helping Hawaii
We had an exclusive interview with one of the ten volunteers from our local Red Cross chapter directly helping wildfire victims in Hawaii. Lori Merker-Chapman has been a volunteer with the Red Cross in Connecticut for six years and this is the first time she's had this role as a virtual volunteer connecting families around the globe with loved ones in Hawaii. ((00:00)) After years of fighting ...
38m Aug 17, 2023
38m
Melissa in the Morning: Know Before you Go (Swimming)
There have now been two confirmed deaths in Connecticut and another in New York linked to Vibrio bacteria in the water. Vibrio has not been detected in Connecticut waters or from raw shellfish consumed by residents, but we're seeing an uptick in cases. Dr. Browne explains why the warmer waters play a huge role in that. We also talked about the incredibly rare brain-eating amoeba and West-Nile v...
15m Aug 17, 2023
15m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: The Latest Bridgeport Scoop
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli welcomed "Only in Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi with his update on the Bridgeport Democratic Mayoral Primary field (0:25). Paul also had a few thoughts on some controversy surrounding the state's legal marijuana industry and so-called "equity applicants" (13:24). Image Credit: Getty Images
26m Aug 17, 2023
26m
Melissa in the Morning: Back in Session
Connecticut has reported 1,300-1,700 teacher openings across the state. And that doesn't include hundreds of para professional jobs unfilled as well. We spoke with Fran Rabinowitz about the issue attracting and retaining teachers in our state and how parents should prepare for shortages this school year. ((00:00)) The big talker this summer is the abrupt change to kindergarten age requirements...
1hr 9m Aug 18, 2023
1hr 9m
Melissa in the Morning: Behind the Scenes of Recalls
This summer, two national recalls impacted cookie products; one impacting Trader Joes and the other from Nestle. But how do impurities like rocks or woodchips end up in food products? The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection gave us professional perspective on what could happen at manufacturing plants to trigger recalls. ((00:00)) We have a consumer alert! Beware of credit and debt as...
37m Aug 18, 2023
37m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Are You Kidding?
Friday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli wrapped up a busy week with word of a possible plea deal involving the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks (0:37). Quinnipiac University Associate Professor of Economics Chris Ball commented on Connecticut's tax-free shopping week (14:13). State House GOP Leader Vin Candelora talked about Connecticut's proposed elimination of gasoline ...
47m Aug 18, 2023
47m
Melissa in the Morning: Rob Anderson
Ahead of the 41st Annual Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth, we spoke with last year's winner: Rob Anderson. He shared his story of a dramatic win for last year's competition. And we learned some fun, personal details about what happens on board his boat.
14m Aug 21, 2023
14m
Melissa in the Morning: Stone Academy Lawsuit
Attorney General William Tong shared the latest on his lawsuit against Stone Academy. He also touched on scams he's worried about and an update on his open investigation around Hyundai and Kia cars that are easy targets for theft. ((00:00)) CDC research shows about 1 in 8 women with a recent live birth experience symptoms of postpartum depression. A first of its kind, postpartum depression pil...
40m Aug 21, 2023
40m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Another Manufactured Controversy?
Monday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli kicked off a new week with his thoughts on the growing controversy surrounding license plate readers in some if the state's cities and towns (0:26) Commuter advocate Jim Cameron joined us with a Metro-North ticket update (13:41). Newtown First Selectman Dan Rosenthal talked about his support for ranked choice voting in Connecticut (25:23). Image C...
39m Aug 21, 2023
39m
Melissa in the Morning: Tips from Bait and Tackle
 Ahead of the annual WICC Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth, we got some tips on how to catch the biggest blue. Ryan with Black Rock Bait and Tackle shared where the blues have been spotted, how heavy they are on average, the best bait to catch them and what time of day do blues come out the most.
10m Aug 22, 2023
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Gamechanger for Nonprofits
An archaic state law on the books was really impacting churches and non-profits across the state from raising money through raffles and partnering with other entities. Senator Ryan Fazio shared how one Greenwich church brought this to his attention and he worked with Senator James Maroney on fixing the problem. ((00:00)) There are THREE types of bad bosses out there who you need to look out fo...
41m Aug 22, 2023
41m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: An Unrealistic Goal?
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli welcomed GOP State. Sen. Eric Berthel on a public hearing regarding the proposed elimination of gasoline powered vehicle sales in Connecticut by 2035 (0:35). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio also chimed in on the same subject (13:48). University of New Haven Associate Professor Dr. Bradley Woodworth had an update on the Russian invasion o...
33m Aug 22, 2023
33m
Melissa in the Morning: Cooking Bluefish
 Apparently, bluefish are a delicious, local fish more people should explore cooking in the kitchen. Creator of the 'Fearless Eating' site and blog, Craig Fear, shared his recipes. He also talked about the push for more people to enjoy this oily fish over shipped in fish, like salmon. It comes just days before our 41st annual WICC Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth.
11m Aug 23, 2023
11m
Melissa in the Morning: The Battle to Run Bridgeport
John Gomes was the only Democratic candidate able to collect enough signatures to force a primary election for mayor. We spoke with both John Gomes ((00:00)) and incumbent Mayor Joe Ganim ((15:54)) about their platforms and visions for Bridgeport. The primary is set for September 12th. IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus
33m Aug 23, 2023
33m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Please Act Like Adults
"Connecticut Today" host Paul Pacelli started Wednesday's show with a few observations on the first Republican Primary Debate (0:33) and we also checked in with State Republican Party Chairmen Ben Proto who was in Milwaukee for that debate (13:27). We aired portions of a response from Connecticut State Police officials regarding growing allegations of false ticket data (22:37). Hearst CT Media ...
52m Aug 23, 2023
52m
Melissa in the Morning: The Fisherman Magazine
Ahead of the 41st annual WICC Surfside Hotel Greatest Bluefish Tournament on Earth, we spoke with The Fisherman Magazine! Matt Broderick talked about bluefish numbers bouncing back and why fishing continues to be a popular pastime generation to generation.
13m Aug 24, 2023
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Masking Up...Again??
In the news this week: A private Atlanta college will be requiring face masks for two weeks. Leaders at Morris Brown said this week that precautionary measures are being taken due to an increase in COVID cases. And Hollywood studio Lionsgate is bringing back a mask mandate for its Santa Monica office. The move comes in response to a new wave of employees catching COVID. The studio also wants p...
17m Aug 24, 2023
17m
Connecticut Today with Paul Pacelli: Who Won the Debate?
Thursday's edition of "Connecticut Today" with Paul Pacelli looked at the first GOP Primary Debate of the 2024 election cycle (0:23). ​Former Time Magazine reporter Alain Sanders also shared his thoughts on that debate (11:30). "Only in Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi stopped by for his weekly update (20:21). Image Credit: Getty Images
32m Aug 24, 2023
32m