Melissa in the Morning: Manufacturing Jobs
According to new state report, Connecticut's unemployment rate dropped in August and July. State Republicans are specifically calling attention to manufacturing jobs and the struggle filling positions. We spoke to Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer, Paul Lavoie, to get a better understanding of the challenges filling manufacturing positions and how the state is tackling the problem. Ima...
14m Sep 20, 2024
14m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Is There Any Real Solution?
"Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli opened Friday's show wondering what - if anything - can be done to prevent student-generated school threats (00:25). Author, columnist and historian Max Boot talked about his new book, "Reagan: His Life and Legend" (07:41) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus
17m Sep 20, 2024
17m
The Mike Cerulli Show - September 21, 2024
 On this week's show, Mike recaps the week that was (0:00), and chats with former Connecticut state senator Will Haskell (39:38) and deputy Republican leader and state rep Tom O’Dea (1:18:26).
1hr 57m Sep 21, 2024
1hr 57m
Melissa in the Morning: UConn Housing Crisis
UConn upper classmen are reporting a major housing crisis across all five UConn campuses following a record number of incoming freshmen this year. We asked Senator Bob Duff about his talks with UConn’s president about this issue. Image Credit: Getty Images
9m Sep 23, 2024
9m
Melissa in the Morning: AG on Success Village
For the first time, Attorney General William Tong addressed his part in attacking the Success Village complex between Bridgeport and Stratford. The attorney general spoke with us about his behind-the-scenes work and how his letter to bankruptcy court could have helped in a big way swaying the judge to toss a chapter 11 filing. IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
16m Sep 23, 2024
16m
Melissa in the Morning: The Wall that Heals
 This week, there’s a wonderful opportunity to check out the Wall the Heals in Bridgeport, thanks to the Port 5 National Association of Naval Veterans. Brian Turco is the Executive Officer of Port 5 NANV and shared the significance of the traveling replicated Vietnam War Wall from DC being here in Connecticut. The Wall That Heals will be at Veterans Memorial Park in Bridgeport September 24 – 29...
10m Sep 23, 2024
10m
Melissa In The Morning: A New Way To Renew Your Passport
You can now renew your passport online and avoid going in person to do it. To explain the new process as well give general information on it, Melissa welcomed Beth Gussler, the Connecticut Passport Agency’s Adjudication Manager, to the show. Image Credit: Getty Images
8m Sep 23, 2024
8m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Dishonesty On Gun Violence
Host Paul Pacelli jump-started a new week on "Connecticut Today" by pointing out the hypocrisy from some of our elected leaders when it comes to urban gun violence (00:56). University of New Haven criminal justice lecturer and former Supervisory Secret Service Agent Bobby McDonald commented on a new report regarding errors made by the agency connected to the first assassination attempt targetin...
38m Sep 23, 2024
38m
Melissa in the Morning: Juvenile Crime
It’s no secret that Connecticut is seeing an alarming rate of fake school threats, most of them posted at the hands of young students. Do they understand the weight of their actions and should parents be held more accountable when these incidents happen? We asked UNH Criminal Justice Professor, Bill Carbone. IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus
12m Sep 24, 2024
12m
Melissa in the Morning: Comptroller Audit
Comptroller Sean Scanlon shared the findings and recommendations of the audit surrounding of the Social Equity Council.  For more information: https://osc.ct.gov/articles/comptroller-sean-scanlon-announces-findings-and-recommendations-from-social-equity-council-audit/ IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
9m Sep 24, 2024
9m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Has The 2026 Gubernatorial Race Already Started?
Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli started with news that New Britain's popular Republican mayor will not run for another term and perhaps seek the governor's office in 2026 (00:35). CBS News military analyst and retired U.S. Army Colonel Jeff McCausland analyzed the state of the Middle East involving Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah (07:08). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfol...
24m Sep 24, 2024
24m
Melissa in the Morning: Carnival Goldfish Ban
Starting October first, the days of winning goldfish as a carnival prize will be illegal in Connecticut. We spoke with CT Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner, Bryan Cafferelli, about the law and we asked him about the launch of a new DCP newsletter. To sign up for the monthly DCP Newsletter: https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/newsletters?language=en_US IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
13m Sep 25, 2024
13m
Melissa in the Morning: We have a Receiver!
Attorney Barry Knott has been appointed to be the financial receiver for Success Village. A Superior Court judge has granted Knott full and total control of the 924-unit complex housing more than two-thousand people between Bridgeport and Stratford. We got reaction from Bridgeport Chief Administrative Officer, Tom Guadett, who previously said a receivership was the only path forward to help res...
15m Sep 25, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: “We’re Taking Over”
Have you seen more spotted lantern flies in Connecticut lately? Scientists say, you’re not crazy. Experts at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station have been getting an influx of public sightings of the insects, especially in Milford. Connecticut’s State Entimologist, Victoria Smith, explained why the invasive bug is popping up more than ever. For more information: https://portal.ct.g...
12m Sep 25, 2024
12m
Melissa in the Morning: One Month Later
President Joe Biden issued a major disaster declaration for Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven counties from the historic August 18th flooding. The approval of the disaster request makes relief funding available to affected individuals to cover temporary housing and home repairs and provide homeowners low interest loans to cover uninsured property losses. We spoke with Oxford First Selectman G...
6m Sep 25, 2024
6m
Melissa in the Morning: Sleep Deprivation
Only a few weeks into the new school year and health experts are sounding the alarm about sleep deprivation for students. According to the CDC, more than 57% of middle school students, 72% of high school students and 75% of college students are not getting enough sleep nationwide. Wellness coach, Amy Llinas, gave us advice on how to help our kids catch more z’s and the impact of naps during the...
11m Sep 25, 2024
11m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Turn Down The Rhetoric?
Host Paul Pacelli opened Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with news of another major political figure failing to "turn down the political rhetoric" in this election season (00:38). Blogger and columnist Chris Powell dropped by to discuss whether or not any books are really "banned" in Connecticut or in the U.S. (06:18). Hearst Connecticut Media columnist and senior editor Dan Haar joined us to c...
22m Sep 25, 2024
22m
Melissa in the Morning: Vape Detection Technology
Vaping has continued to be a real health concern for young people in America. Right now, national statistics show close to 6% of middle and high school students are using e-cigarettes regularly. While there are a lot of efforts to combat vape-use among pre-teens and teens, one company founded by young adults, has created vape-detection technology. We spoke with Garrison Pathemore, co-founder of...
15m Sep 26, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Covid and Diabetes
A newly-published report says there's a likely link between COVID and diabetes.  It suggests the virus is creating inflammation in the pancreas. Baylor infectious disease expert Dr. Peter Hotez says this study comes as a growing number of parents question the impact of COVID on kids and aren't getting them vaccinated.  We asked Dr. Browne about the credibility of the study. We also looked at th...
14m Sep 26, 2024
14m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Kids Are Freaking Out Over The Environment
Host Paul Pacelli opened Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with disturbing numbers from a new poll measuring "climate anxiety" with young Americans (00:32). CBS News reporter Wendy Gillette explained the criminal indictments facing New York City Mayor Eric Adams (05:20), while "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi talked about the area lawyer appointed to be a receiver in the Success Villag...
19m Sep 26, 2024
19m
Melissa in the Morning: Football Head Injuries
Former NFL quarterback, Brett Favre, made a bombshell announcement this week that he is battling Parkinson’s Disease and it stems back to his career injuries. We asked Glenn Lungarini of the CIAC about protecting young athletes from debilitating head injuries. Image Credit: Reuters
8m Sep 27, 2024
8m
Melissa in the Morning: AI Cancer Detection
The Yale Cancer Center was just awarded a grant to utilize artificial intelligence to find older women with low-risk breast cancer who might be candidates for active surveillance rather than immediate treatment. We got a better understanding of the work being done to avoid overtreatment for some cancer patients from Dr. Sanjay Aneja, physician scientist and researcher at Yale Cancer Center. Fo...
8m Sep 27, 2024
8m
Melissa in the Morning: Safe Injection Sites
According to state records, the state struggles with more than 1,300 overdose deaths each year. State lawmakers are now looking at a possible solution: safe injection sites for drug users. We talked about the controversial option with the co-chair of the Legislature’s Public Health Committee, Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey. Image Credit: Reuters
9m Sep 27, 2024
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Journalist Burnout
A new Muck Rack survey (https://www.poynter.org/business-work/2024/over-half-of-journalists-considered-quitting-due-to-burnout-this-year-per-new-report/) released this week revealed that more than half of U.S. journalists considered quitting their jobs this year because of exhaustion or burnout. What do the findings mean for the quality of our news coverage and the quality of journalism? We spo...
13m Sep 27, 2024
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Bears in Connecticut
Connecticut has seen a record number of entries into homes by bears this year.  State environmental officials say there have been 64 bear home entries so far in 2024.  In addition, there have now been bear sightings in all 169 Connecticut cities and towns. State Senate Minority Leader Steve Harding talked about the possibility of bringing bear hunts to Connecticut. Image Credit: Getty Images
9m Sep 27, 2024
9m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Did Hillary Clinton Cross A Line In Hartford?
Host Paul Pacelli wrapped up another big week on "Connecticut Today" wondering if former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton went too far during a recent event in her criticism of former President Donald Trump (00:38). CBS reporter Aaron Navarro talked about covering Vice-President Kamala Harris' White House campaign (07:40). We also welcomed Karl Weber, editor of, "Why Books Still Matter: Honor...
26m Sep 27, 2024
26m
The Mike Cerulli Show - September 28, 2024
Today, Mike Cerulli chats with former state senator John McKinney (0:00), and keeps the conversation going with state senate Democratic candidate Rob Blanchard (39:20), and state rep Chris Rosario (1:19:30).
1hr 59m Sep 28, 2024
1hr 59m
Melissa in the Morning: Eating Local
There’s an effort to get Connecticut residents eating 30 percent New England-grown food by 2030. According to an article in the Stamford Advocate, Connecticut spent an estimated $708 million on local food in 2022. A New England-wide partnership is hoping to increase that number dramatically in the coming years. What do local farmers think of this? We asked Kaitlyn Kimbell, co-founder of Sunset ...
9m Sep 30, 2024
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Counterfeit Pill Bust
Federal law enforcement officials in Connecticut have announced criminal indictments against seven people in a case they're calling one of the largest counterfeit pill busts ever in New England. Last week, it was discovered inside a local garage that a New Haven man manufactured hundreds of thousands of counterfeit pills being shipped around the U.S. State Senator Jeff Gordon, who also is a pra...
11m Sep 30, 2024
11m
Melissa in the Morning: Street Takeovers
About 100 motorcyclists were involved in a street takeover on Interstate 95 earlier this month. The chaos stretched from New Haven to Stratford on the southbound side of the highway. It’s the latest example of a large-scale problem in our state. We spoke with Senator Paul Cicarella, Ranking Senator on the Public Safety and Security Committee, about what more can be passed in legislation to comb...
10m Sep 30, 2024
10m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Why Isn't This A Bigger Story?
Host Paul Pacelli kicked off a new week on "Connecticut Today" wondering if many Americans know about the number of criminal illegal aliens currently in the U.S. (00:40). CBS News correspondent Robert Berger joined us live from Jerusalem to chat about the current tense situation in the Middle East (06:27). Yankee Institute Director of Policy & Research David Flemming broke down a new study on t...
30m Sep 30, 2024
30m
Melissa in the Morning: Medicare Changes
The annual election period for Medicare begins October 15th and runs through December 7th. One of the biggest challenges in Fairfield County, is Aetna’s abrupt decision to terminate all three of its plans offering fitness reimbursement benefits. The carrier is reportedly just dropping recipients and residents need to call a broker about coverage before the new year. We spoke with Alan Sheketoff...
13m Oct 01, 2024
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Fairfield Hoax Threats
A middle school student was arrested and accused of making a social media threat. It’s the second time Fairfield reported hoax online threats last month. Lt. Jim Wiltsie of the School Safety Division with the Fairfield Police Department shared the details of both incidents and a call to action for local families. Image Credit: Getty Images
10m Oct 01, 2024
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Slow Down, Move Over
A new PSA, created by the Department of Transportation, is highlighting the importance of the slow down, move over law here in Connecticut. Josh Morgan with the DOT explains the importance of the new messaging and why it’s a change of heart, not education, for drivers that will make the difference. To view the new PSA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjq6QYIDiZU Image Credit: Getty Images
10m Oct 01, 2024
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Another Utility Price Hike???
United Illuminating is asking state regulators for a distribution rate increase on its electricity customers. The proposed increase would add around 30-dollars to the average customer's power bill. UI indicates the revenue is needed for 350 different infrastructure projects throughout its service area, but lawmakers are calling it a tone-deaf cash grab. Senator Ryan Fazio, the Ranking Senator o...
8m Oct 01, 2024
8m
Melissa in the Morning: Gertie's Pie
Gertie's Pie of Hope is back until the end of the month! All proceeds for buying a mac & cheese pizza from Letizia's Pizza in Norwalk goes to the American Cancer Society. Third generation owner, Dennis, told us about the pizza in honor of his mom and the history of the popular pizza joint in Norwalk. Danny shared how much money Gertie Pies have raised over the years. For more information: https...
10m Oct 01, 2024
10m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Should Police Officers Be U.S. Citizens?
Host Paul Pacelli opened Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" commenting on a story out of the Midwest where a non-citizen was sworn in as a police officer (00:40). Attorney, former Time Magazine Senior Reporter and Professor Emeritus of Political Science at St. Peter's University Alain Sanders talked about the upcoming Vice-Presidential debate (06:02). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio talked...
24m Oct 01, 2024
24m
Melissa in the Morning: VP Debate Aftermath
We spoke with some of our political experts following the Vice Presidential Debate between J.D. Vance and Tim Walz. Quinnipiac Political Professor Scott McLean spoke about the real headline following the debate. ((00:00)) We also spoke with Quinnipiac Polling Analyst, Tim Malloy, about how polling works and whether last night’s debate will have any impact on future poll results. (14:15) For fu...
29m Oct 02, 2024
29m
Melissa in the Morning: CT Lending a Helping Hand
Peter Prowe, a Red Cross volunteer and Connecticut native, is back after responding to the call to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene. He joined us hours after his return from Florida to share his experience and how people can continue to help. HOW YOU CAN HELP: You can text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a donation. Image Credit: Reuters
9m Oct 02, 2024
9m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Who Won The VP Debate?
Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli offered his opening thoughts on the previous night's Vice-Presidential debate (00:29). We also had further debate reaction from CBS News political reporter Allison Novello (06:39), Sacred Heart University Political Science Professor and Scholar in Residence Dr. Gary Rose (12:50), and Hearst Connecticut Media senior editor and reporter Dan H...
32m Oct 02, 2024
32m
Melissa in the Morning: New Tick Disease in Connecticut
The first human case of Rickettsia Parkeri, a tick-borne illness, has been detected in a woman who lives in Fairfield County. We asked Dr. Browne about this disease and why it’s so uncommon to Connecticut, despite being detected in other parts of the US frequently. We also talked about more funding proposed federally to combat tick and mosquito-borne illnesses as well as his thoughts on a food ...
15m Oct 03, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Senior Housing Crisis
There is an ongoing problem with senior housing options in the state. Many seniors report long wait lists and unaffordable options. We spoke with Renee Dobos of Connecticut Housing Partners for a snapshot of the problem and what can be done to fix it. IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
9m Oct 03, 2024
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Redistricting in Westport
Dozens of students could be impacted by school redistricting in Westport.  The Board of Education has approved the plan, which would be implemented in two phases and impact multiple elementary schools.  The goal is to create better balance across the five elementary schools as they prepare for the opening of the new Long Lots Elementary School in 2027. We spoke with Westport’s Superintendent, T...
11m Oct 03, 2024
11m
Melissa in the Morning: Mammogram Updates
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the FDA has new breast density reporting requirements. We did a deep dive into the details with Dr. Susan Boolbol of Nuvance Health. She also talked about false positives with mammograms. Image Credit: Getty Images
12m Oct 03, 2024
12m
Melissa in the Morning: Special Educators in CT
There is a severe shortage of special educators in Connecticut. Sacred Heart University and Stamford Public Schools have partnered up to create the Para Pioneer Program to help solve the problem and attract more people to special ed. We spoke with Sally Drew, Program Director of Special Education at SHU, about the program and their goal to recruit more special educators. Image Credit: Getty Im...
13m Oct 03, 2024
13m
Newsline With Brigitte Quinn - How The American Red Cross Helps In A Hurricane
Brigitte checks in with the American Red Cross's CEO Richard Brannigan (00:00) about their efforts to help southern states affected by Hurricane Helene, and also had a chat with Interval House's CEO Mary-Jane Foster about recent domestic violence incidents in Connecticut (16:30)
30m Oct 03, 2024
30m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - More Dangers At U.S. Borders?
Host Paul Pacelli kicked off Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with yet another report about the potentially dangerous situation at the U.S. Northern and Southern borders (00:27). CBS News reporter Chris Fox explained a major court case involving student hair styles (05:47), while "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi talked about the continuing Success Village controversy, as well as the n...
17m Oct 03, 2024
17m
Melissa in the Morning: Did DCF Drop the Ball?
The family of 6-year-old Jathan Escobar is blaming the Department of Children and Families for his death following a horrific domestic violence attack in Bridgeport. Senator Lisa Seminara, ranking senator on the Children and Human Services Committee, got a letter from DCF Commissioner on their involvement with the victims and spoke with us about the investigation into what could be a huge commu...
13m Oct 04, 2024
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Alarming Audit Report
The most recent state audit looking at procedures at the Connecticut Department of Correction had some alarming takeaways that taxpayers should know about. Investigative reporter, Jeff Derderian, did a deep dive into this report and shared key takeaways you should know about. Image Courtesy of Jeff Derderian
15m Oct 04, 2024
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Traffic Stop Gone Wrong
A man accused of stabbing a Connecticut police officer during a traffic stop is being held on three-million-dollars bond and will face a judge today. CT State Police say Officer Tim Wright pulled over a vehicle in Woodbury during the daytime, was approached by the driver and stabbed in the neck. We spoke with Sgt. Luke Davis about the case and if there’s an alarming trend in this crime or if it...
9m Oct 04, 2024
9m