Melissa in the Morning: Tuberculosis in America
Cases of Tuberculosis seem to be on the rise in parts of the US, including North Carolina and Kansas. What’s happening with these outbreaks and how is Connecticut protecting residents from the infectious disease? We spoke in depth with Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health. Image Courtesy of Dr. Fred Browne
12m Feb 06, 2025
12m
Melissa in the Morning: Intervening Bridgeport Schools
Last month, we saw the measures being taken to clean up the issues facing the Bridgeport school district. Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker of the CT Dept. of Education shared more detail about the actions taking place, including a technical assistance team and training for the local school board. Image Credit: Getty Images
14m Feb 06, 2025
14m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Some Big Charter Changes For The Park City?
Host Paul Pacelli welcomed "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi to Thursday's show to chat about some possible charter revisions for Bridgeport (00:40). Columnist and blogger Chris Powell commented on the latest Connecticut news and the state's stubborn pockets of poverty and school under-achievement (15:42). CBS News Justice Department correspondent Scott MacFarlane joined us from Wash...
44m Feb 06, 2025
44m
Melissa in the Morning: Lowering BAC Levels
There’s a renewed push in Hartford to lower Connecticut’s legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in this year’s legislative session. The bigger push for it comes following an increase in highway fatalities, including wrong way crashes done at the hands of impaired drivers. But does lowering the BAC do more harm than good for our state? Scott Dolch, President of the Connecticut Restaurant Assoc...
16m Feb 07, 2025
16m
Melissa in the Morning: Protecting Referees
There’s a proposed bill in Hartford that addresses unsportsmanlike behavior toward referees in youth sports. According to reports, many referees in Connecticut leave due to aggressive and over involved parents. Glenn Lungarini, executive director of the CIAC, talked about the bill and why it’s necessary to pass. Image Credit: Getty Images
11m Feb 07, 2025
11m
Melissa in the Morning: Creating ACTUAL Workforce Housing
In the governor’s budget address, he said the state will continue a $400 million investment per year in housing. But are the housing priorities that were presented enough to create more workforce, affordable housing? We asked our housing expert, Renee Dobos, CEO of CT Housing Partners. IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
10m Feb 07, 2025
10m
Melissa in the Morning: CT Tourism Dollars
There’s a push to invest much more money into our Connecticut tourism budget. According to the Office of Tourism, the tourism budget was cut and in the budget address this week, I didn’t hear anything about new state dollars going to tourism. That means the tourism budget could be cut even more, even though tourism efforts have been a big driver in bringing people to Connecticut over the last f...
9m Feb 07, 2025
9m
CT's New Anti-Eviction Bill
The CT Tenant's Union and other renter's advocacy groups are pushing for imcreased protections from evictions. Jon Kamal has the full story!
2m Feb 07, 2025
2m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - How Did That Sale Happen So Quickly?
Friday's "Connecticut Today" wrapped up the week with Darien/Norwalk GOP State Rep. Tracy Marra regarding a bill that would repeal part of a law that allowed last year's sale of the Bridgeport-based Aquarion Water Company to a new affiliate of the reformed South Central Regional Water Authority (00:32). CBS News legal analyst Thane Rosenbaum talked about the Trump White House push to stop "Birt...
34m Feb 07, 2025
34m
Wake Up With Bill Finch - February 9, 2025
On today's show, Bill takes a look at the Eastern side of the state with Connecticut State Senator Catherine Osten.
41m Feb 09, 2025
41m
Melissa in the Morning: Whalers Documentary
This year, the Hartford Whalers celebrate a 50th anniversary and one author turned his story about the team in his book to a documentary. Pat Pickens talked about the significance of this team and how a new documentary is highlighting the story in length. For tickets to the viewing at SHU Community Theatre: https://shucommunitytheatre.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=282 Image Credit: Re...
15m Feb 10, 2025
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Houston, We Got a Problem
We know there’s an air traffic controller shortage across the country. But often, we imagine that’s at the major airports. However, a recent report highlighted that it’s a problem even at the small but mighty airports too, like our Bradley International Airport. That exclusive report came from investigative reporter Jeff Derderian. For Jeff’s News 8 report: https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticu...
13m Feb 10, 2025
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Pig Kidney Transplants
According to national statistics, over 100,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant in the United States and 90,000 of them are people waiting for a kidney. Medical professionals are one step closer to using pig kidneys as transplants for humans in America. We got perspective on this medical breakthrough and how soon it could become a regular reality in US hospitals from Hartford Healthca...
13m Feb 10, 2025
13m
Sports Betting On Airplanes
House Bill 6051 would allow CT residents to place sports wagers on commercial flights? Long overdue, or unnecessary? Jon Kamal did a deep dive to find out more!
3m Feb 10, 2025
3m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Is Senator Chris Murphy Overreacting?
Host Paul Pacelli opened Monday's "Connecticut Today" talking about the controversy over Elon Musk's role in the Department of Government Efficiency (00:25). We also featured remarks from Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy the previous day on ABC's "This Week" regarding recent actions by the Trump White House (15:36). CBS News correspondent Stacy Lyn updated us on the latest legal action ...
27m Feb 10, 2025
27m
Melissa in the Morning: Is Gatorade Good for You?
For decades, Gatorade has been the go-to drink to fuel athletes and gym-goers by restoring lost electrolytes. But does a troubling ingredient list outweigh the benefits of drinking it? Dr. Andrew Wong with Hartford Healthcare weighs in on the discussion around these sports drinks. Image Credit: Getty Images
13m Feb 11, 2025
13m
Melissa in the Morning: A Bid for Governor
It’s official; New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart is exploring a run for governor. She is working to earn the Republican nomination but already seems to have competition in the party. We spoke with her about her plans. For more information: https://erinforct.com/ Image Courtesy of Erin Stewart
9m Feb 11, 2025
9m
Melissa in the Morning: CT Bar Association
With a new year, came a new executive director of the Connecticut Bar Association. We met Lina Lee and did a deeper dive into the purpose of the CBA and its impact in our state. Image Credit: Getty Images
9m Feb 11, 2025
9m
The Ultimate Egg Price Hack?
The price of eggs has gotten so bad, some people are starting to raise chickens at home! Jon Kamal spoke to one Shelton resident who's doing it, but it may not be the cheapest option...
2m Feb 11, 2025
2m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - It's Time For A Bear Hunt In Connecticut
Host Paul Pacelli opened Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with his opinion that Connecticut needs to approve a limited bear hunt for public safety reasons (00:44). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio talked about the possible implementation of user fees and/or taxes on owners of electric vehicles (14:58). Quinnipiac University Immigration Law Professor Sheila Hayre joined us to discuss the c...
35m Feb 11, 2025
35m
Social Media Addiction
This week, the Attorney General proposed a bill to address youth social media addiction. Jon Kamal spoke to the experts about what social media is really doing to your kid's brain. Pic: Getty Images
3m Feb 12, 2025
3m
Social Media Addiction Part Two
Jon Kamal's conversation with Dr. Tobias Wasser regarding House Bill 6857 continues, with a look at the specific proposal's designed o curb youth addiction to social media.
3m Feb 13, 2025
3m
Melissa In The Morning: Point-Counterpoint On Bear Hunting
Paul Pacelli, while filling in on Melissa in the Morning, welcomed State Senator Eric Berthel to talk about the idea of bear hunt as the bear population in Connecticut rapidly increases (0:00). This prompted Priscilla Feral, President of Friends of Animals, to write in and come onto the show to present her side of the bear hunt debate (9:13). Image Credit: Getty Images
24m Feb 13, 2025
24m
The Economic Backlash of Lower BAC
A lower legal limit would naturally lead to less drunk driving, right? It may seem simple on the surface, but Jon Kamal discovered that the economic implications are not so simple.
3m Feb 14, 2025
3m
The Mike Cerulli Show - February 15, 2025
2hr 2m Feb 15, 2025
2hr 2m
Wake Up With Bill Finch - February 16, 2025
This week, Bill talks about the week that was and is joined by Connecticut State Representative Christopher Rosario.
39m Feb 16, 2025
39m
Melissa in the Morning: Social Media Algorithms
There are more efforts to crack down on social media hurting young people. A new Connecticut bill seeks to ban social media’s use of algorithms on minors. It was put forward by State Representative Kathy Kennedy, who represents the 119th District, which includes Milford. She shared what led to creating House Bill 5474 and how it works if it passes. Image Credit: Getty Images
13m Feb 18, 2025
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Stone Academy Settlement
In what seemed like an instant, hundreds of nursing students in Connecticut were left without a complete education, a degree and answers for their future. I’m talking about the abrupt closure of Stone Academy two years ago. And now a local law firm settled a case against Stone Academy for $5 million to benefit the students who were deceived in a variety of ways. David Slossberg of Hurwitz Sagar...
9m Feb 18, 2025
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Mental Health Coverage
Mental health needs continue to be highlighted in our news and in our proposed laws, especially after the pandemic. But a lot of health insurance carriers still don’t cover mental health needs like therapy sessions. We spoke with Comptroller Sean Scanlon about House Bill 6145: An Act Concerning Mental Health and Substance Use Parity, Compliance and Transparency. Image Credit: Getty Images
7m Feb 18, 2025
7m
Melissa in the Morning: Housing Public Hearing
Available, affordable, workforce housing is nearly impossible to find in our state, which is why it’s a top topic again for the legislative session. Today, there is an opportunity for you to share testimony over the housing crisis and bills being put forward. Maria Weingarten from CT169Strong has the scoop on this year’s questionable proposals. For more information: https://ct169strong.org/ I...
10m Feb 18, 2025
10m
Melissa in the Morning: All you need is Hope
The Beatles said all you need is love. But new research from Gallup shows when it comes to great leadership in the workplace, workers say they really need hope. Career strategist Julie Bauke talked about these findings and why hope is such a gold standard. Image Credit: Getty Images
13m Feb 18, 2025
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Immigration Spending in CT
A new Yankee Institute report highlighted that the state is spending $1.3 billion dollars for immigration assistance. We wanted to understand exactly where those dollars are going and who loses out because of this spending. We asked state minority leader, Senator Steve Harding. Image Credit: Getty Images
9m Feb 18, 2025
9m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - No, We Don't Ban Books In Connecticut
Host Paul Pacelli returned to "Connecticut Today" on Tuesday with his thoughts on a bill to ostensibly prevent so-called "book bans" in the state, which don't actually exist (00:35). CBS News correspondent Jake Rosen updated us on the confirmation hearings for Kash Patel to head the FBI under the Trump White House (07:57). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio detailed her new analysis of s...
22m Feb 18, 2025
22m
Melissa in the Morning: Illegal Slot Machines
Dozens of illegal slot machines have been seized this year in Connecticut. Is this a new phenomenon? Where are the machines coming from? Who gets in trouble when the machines are detected? We spoke with Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli of the Department of Consumer Protection. For more information: https://portal.ct.gov/dcp Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz
15m Feb 19, 2025
15m
Melissa in the Morning: CT Budget Items
The governor presented his budget address this month to the General Assembly. We wanted to do a deeper dive into some of the items including proposed tax cuts, education funding and housing development. Governor Lamont joined the show with more. Image Credit: Reuters
17m Feb 19, 2025
17m
Melissa in the Morning: Forced Back in Office
Should state workers have to return to the office full time? There’s a Connecticut house bill that forces government employees away from remote options and back to in-person. But how does that work and how likely is it to pass? House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora shared the details of House Bill 5369 and the impact of current remote working conditions. Image Credit: Getty Images
14m Feb 19, 2025
14m
The Mysterious Bee Problem
Stuart Woronecki from StoneWall Apiary spoke with Jon Kamal about an alarming number of dead bees he found. Even worse is that it seems to be a national trend! But the reason behind the sudden decline in the bee population was the most alarming...
2m Feb 19, 2025
2m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - A New Tax To Pay For School Breakfasts And Lunches?
Host Paul Pacelli opened Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" wondering if a new tax is the way to fund school breakfasts and lunches for all students in Connecticut (00:42). Hearst Connecticut Media senior editor and columnist Dan Haar dropped by with his weekly wrap-up of the biggest stories in the state, including the continued controversy over a top utility regulator (15:46). CBS News military c...
31m Feb 19, 2025
31m
Melissa in the Morning: Latest Crime Report in CT
A recent crime report was released revealing some good trends and bad when it comes to our crime rates in Connecticut. To break it all down for us, Commissioner Ronnell Higgins of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, joined us in studio. Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz
14m Feb 20, 2025
14m
Melissa in the Morning: Meal and Bev Tax      
Right now, the Connecticut meals and beverages tax goes into the general fund. But what if we took a chunk of those millions and put it back into the tourism department budget for our state? Scott Dolch of the CT Restaurant Association is pushing for that. But why? And how does tourism connect to the culinary industry for our state? Find out here. Image Credit: Getty Images
15m Feb 20, 2025
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Whooping Cough Cases Tripled!
Whooping cough cases have tripled in the U.S. this year, raising concerns for parents as the illness spreads rapidly among children. What’s causing the spike? Also, fears over consuming raw milk are on the rise follow bird flu outbreaks. Is it safe to keep drinking raw milk? We asked Dr. Browne of Griffin Hospital. Image Courtesy of Dr. Fred Browne/Griffin Hospital
11m Feb 20, 2025
11m
Just Cause Evictions Part Two
A marathon hearing in the Housing Committee earlier this week may result in expanded rights for CT renters! Jon Kamal spoke to the CT Tenants Union to find out more!
3m Feb 20, 2025
3m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Big Charter Changes For Bridgeport?
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli welcomed "Only In Bridgeport" blogger Lennie Grimaldi to chat about possible revisions to the Bridgeport City Charter (00:25). Paul opened the show with his thoughts on some controversial statements from Illinois Govenor J.B. Pritzker, apparently aimed at President Donald Trump (09:06) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus
23m Feb 20, 2025
23m
Melissa in the Morning: ‘Make Connecticut Great Again’
The Conservative Caucus, founded in 2017, presented a package of bills this week to “make Connecticut great again.” What does that mean and what are the specific bills being proposed? We asked the caucus chair, Representative Craig Fishbein. Image Credit: Getty Images
10m Feb 21, 2025
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Aggressive on Foreclosures
Knock on wood, Success Village residents seem happy overall about their heat and hot water this winter. However, the attorney overseeing the property isn’t too happy about people holding back on maintenance fees. We spoke with Attorney Barry Knott, receiver of Success Village, shared the latest financial reports and why he hired another attorney to start pressuring residents to pay or face fore...
13m Feb 21, 2025
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Approval Rating
The latest Quinnipiac University poll released sheds light on how people feel about major political figures, including Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency. QU polling analyst, Tim Malloy, broke down the findings. For full report data: https://poll.qu.edu/ Image Credit: Reuters
11m Feb 21, 2025
11m
Melissa in the Morning: Mystery Solved!
Imagine something special to you that goes missing and decades later, it magically shows up! That happened at one Connecticut amusement park. George Francis with Quassy Amusement Park shared the mystery surrounding a beloved carousel figurine back home again 40 years later! Image Credit: Getty Images
12m Feb 21, 2025
12m
Melissa in the Morning: “Durable Skills”
A new report from Quinnipiac University found that a significant gap persists between the skills employers seek and the qualifications of recent college graduates. In the report, they mention ‘durable skills’ but what are they and are there ways we can build those up before students get their diplomas? We spoke with Holly Raider, dean of Quinnipiac University’s School of Business. For the full...
8m Feb 21, 2025
8m
Not Your Parents' Candy
Edibles are one of the most popular forms of cannabis, but Jon Kamal did a deep dive into the alarming amount of children who have needed a hospital visit because of them!
3m Feb 21, 2025
3m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Are State Employee Unions Running Connecticut?
Host Paul Pacelli opened Friday's "Connecticut Today" looking at a prospective bill at the State Capitol hoping to force more state employees back into various offices (00:29). "Coalition for a Prosperous America" analyst and former Wall Street Journal and Forbes reporter Kenneth Rapoza detailed the deep connection between China, India, and the U.S. regarding generic pharmaceuticals (13:23) Im...
23m Feb 21, 2025
23m