Melissa in the Morning: Attorney Ioannis Kaloidis
A Connecticut woman is being accused of holding her stepson captive for more than 20 years. Kimberly Sullivan is facing multiple charges including assault and kidnapping. A police investigation revealed the victim, now 32-years-old, had been "enduring prolonged abuse, starvation, severe neglect and inhumane treatment." We spoke with Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, about the case and the ...
13m Mar 25, 2025
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Coach Conduct
Two basketball coaches are making national headlines, including UConn Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Dan Hurley. We talked to Glenn Lungarini, executive director of the CIAC, about both cases and key takeaways around having good sportsmanship from the top down. Image Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
13m Mar 25, 2025
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Education Spending Narrative
US Sen. Richard Blumenthal has pledged that the U.S. Senate will block President Trump’s attempt to eliminate the Department of Education at the federal level following his recent executive order. But some Connecticut lawmakers are pushing back saying that the majority party is shifting the focus from state investments education by blaming the federal government. We spoke with House Republican ...
11m Mar 25, 2025
11m
Melissa in the Morning: Mysterious Leak?
Recently, DEEP was called into help in an investigation around high bacteria levels detected in Milford waters. There are concerns about how bacteria levels spiked and whether the tainted water will impact shellfish in the area. We spoke with Nisha Patel from the department about the investigation. Image Credit: Getty Images
16m Mar 25, 2025
16m
Melissa in the Morning: Voter Participation
How do we get people to show up and vote, especially for local and state elections. A new proposal up in Hartford looks at creating a task force to investigate why voter participation in Connecticut is so low and to offer pilot project opportunities to municipalities that want to participate in them. We got more details on this bill from State Representative Matt Blumenthal from Stamford, House...
18m Mar 26, 2025
18m
Melissa in the Morning: Hookah Lounge and ATV Ordinances
Here are two big issues in Bridgeport: issues surrounding Hookah lounges and after-hours clubs and the use of ATVs, especially on neighborhood roads. For more on the issues and what ordinances are now in effect to help serve as solutions, we spoke with Mayor Joe Ganim. Image Credit: Getty Images
13m Mar 26, 2025
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Identity Theft
23andMe announced it filed for bankruptcy and hours following the announcement, our Attorney General called for residents who have used the platform to remove data immediately. It’s all to protect you and your private information. We wanted to talk about this case and in general, get advice on avoiding identity theft. We spoke with Kristen Johnson of the Better Business Bureau serving Connectic...
11m Mar 26, 2025
11m
Melissa in the Morning: Universal Childcare
According to state statistics reported in February, parents in our state spend an average of 27% of their income on care, more than anywhere in the country. The data also reveals average cost of childcare is $15,964 per child. Comptroller Sean Scanlon shared with us the push to fund universal early childcare for families but also the need to help keep facilities up and running. Image Credit: E...
15m Mar 26, 2025
15m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Can We Back Off A Little On Weed?
Host Paul Pacelli opened Wednesday's mid-week chapter of "Connecticut Today" wondering if society, in general, is giving legal marijuana use too much leeway and creating a far bigger problem (00:41). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio dropped by to talk about a proposal gaining steam in Hartford to help boost public-sector union membership in Connecticut (15:44). Hearst Connecticut Media...
34m Mar 26, 2025
34m
Melissa in the Morning: Justified Group Chat?
Since the news broke about a Signal group chat revealing sensitive military-operations details, there are questions about national security confidence. But more importantly, did the people in this chat simply get “lazy” handling important information through the use of a commercial app? We asked Rob Sanders, a legal and national security educator at the University of New Haven. Image Credit: R...
15m Mar 27, 2025
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Flesh Eating Bacteria?
There are reports about a rare bacteria infecting people in Australia and it leads to questions about water-based bacteria in general. We spoke with infectious disease Dr. Fred Browne about it. We also talked about tick-borne illnesses and measles outbreaks. Image Courtesy of Dr. Fred Browne
14m Mar 27, 2025
14m
Melissa in the Morning: Groundbreaking Discovery?
Yale scientists have discovered a promising way to trigger immune responses against certain tumors. The research, published in Science Signaling (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scisignal.adk3320) , offers new findings that could help improve therapies for certain aggressive cancers that are difficult to treat. Yale Dr. James Hansen is the senior researcher for this study and shared more de...
9m Mar 27, 2025
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Lower Utility Costs
Recently, we spoke with State Representative Matt Blumenthal about Senate Bill 1531, banning Eversource and UI from owning both gas and electric utilities. We wanted to know what Senator Ryan Fazio, ranking Republican member of the Energy and Technology Committee, thinks about the proposal and get an update on a move to get rid of the public benefits section of some people’s utility bills. IMAG...
15m Mar 27, 2025
15m
Melissa in the Morning: The Cancer Couch
A grassroots organization out of Fairfield County is prioritizing funds to actually find cures for breast cancer. The Cancer Couch Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit that exclusively funds metastatic breast cancer research. We spoke with Tom Scalera, President of The Cancer Couch Foundation, to learn more and get details on the upcoming "Cancer Beat" event on April 5. IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
10m Mar 27, 2025
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Supporting our Veterans
This week, a comedy show will promise a great night and great support for our local veterans. We spoke with Vince Santilli of Homes for the Brave about the non-profit and its upcoming annual comedy night on March 28th. IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
10m Mar 27, 2025
10m
Melissa in the Morning: ElderHouse Adult Day Center
ElderHouse in Norwalk offers opportunities for social engagement, enjoyable activities, memory care, nursing supervision, and personal attention at an affordable all-inclusive rate. We learned how families and care givers benefit from this in Fairfield County and found out about an upcoming event Night at the Aquarium. IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
7m Mar 27, 2025
7m
Melissa in the Morning: Tariff Impact on Car Dealerships
The Trump Administration announced a 25% tariff on imported cars and auto parts. And we want to get a better understanding of the impact of tariffs on our auto industry. Dave Flint, president of Park City Ford in Bridgeport gave us some perspective on this. Image Credit: Getty Images
8m Mar 28, 2025
8m
Melissa in the Morning: Taking Accountability
Congressman Jim Himes joined the conversation surrounding the national security fears after a group chat leaked among top Trump Administration officials and a reporter. Image Courtesy of Congressman Jim Himes
13m Mar 28, 2025
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Meet Mike Loughran
A former Stamford police sergeant is throwing his hat in the race for Stamford mayor. Mike Loughran filed paperwork this month to run as a Democrat and challenge incumbent Mayor Caroline Simmons. We met Mike and learned more about his political background and why he is now running. Image Credit: Getty Images
7m Mar 28, 2025
7m
Melissa in the Morning: Child Predators
A former Bridgeport charter school tutor was convicted in a sexual assault case involving former students. We asked city officials how these cases are handled. Bridgeport Police Assistant Chief Capozzi and Detective Sgt. Debarros gave us a behind the scenes look. Image Credit: Getty Images
14m Mar 28, 2025
14m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Homeschooling In The Spotlight?
Host Paul Pacelli wrapped up another busy week on "Connecticut Today" looking at rumblings at the State Capitol regarding any possible role that homeschooling may have played in a recent home imprisonment case in Waterbury (00:37). Former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso dropped by with his weekly commentary, including thoughts on possibly setting up a City Ethics Commission (16:38). CBS News...
31m Mar 28, 2025
31m
Wake Up With Bill Finch - March 30, 2025
This week, Bill is joined by a very special guest, Congressman Jim Himes calls in to Wake Up!
42m Mar 30, 2025
42m
Melissa in the Morning: A No-Go for Bear Hunts??
A proposal that would have allowed DEEP to regulate a bear hunting season in Connecticut seems to be off the table. Senate bill 1523 had the language around a bear hunt stripped even though officials with DEEP recommended bear hunts. We spoke with Senator Steve Harding about the latest on bear interactions in the state. Image Credit: Getty Images
14m Mar 31, 2025
14m
Melissa in the Morning: Recruiting State Police Applicants
It’s no secret; Connecticut State Police have been dealing with a shortage of troopers for many years. Right now, we are about 300 troopers short and new recruitment efforts are underway now. We got the details from Captain Katharine Coney with Connecticut State Police. For more information: https://www.beaconnecticuttrooper.com/ Image Credit: Getty Images
9m Mar 31, 2025
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Removing the Target for Home Invasions
According to FBI statistics, most home burglaries happen during the summertime, and decrease about 11% during the wintertime. As the days get warmer and the spring season takes over, NOW is the time to make your home less prone to burglars. Crime prevention expert, Jim Perez, gave us advice to remove a target that could be on our backs. Image Credit: Getty Images
10m Mar 31, 2025
10m
Melissa in the Morning: Food Insecurity in CT
Connecticut Foodshare says federal cuts will rip millions of meals away from their hunger relief partners and the people they serve. We spoke with Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of CT Foodshare, to get a better understanding about the impact of the federal government but also the need for our state to step up and help. Image Credit: Getty Images
9m Mar 31, 2025
9m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Getting Fined For Not Voting?
Host Paul Pacelli opened Monday's "Connecticut Today" talking about various proposals to raise voter participation in Connecticut, including the possibility of fining those citizens who choose not to vote (00:51). CBS News White House Reporter Olivia Rinaldi stopped by to chat about the fallout over last week's trip to Greenland by Vice-President J.D. Vance (15:13). CBS News Auto Industry Corre...
29m Mar 31, 2025
29m
Melissa in the Morning: Wolcott Killings
A domestic dispute turned deadly in Wolcott resulting in the deaths of three family members. We spoke with Police Chief Edward Stephens about the latest on the investigation and the many questions still unanswered. Image Credit: Getty Images
9m Apr 01, 2025
9m
Melissa in the Morning: Distracted Driving
April is distracted driving awareness month, and the Department of Transportation just launched a statewide distracted driving enforcement and a new public awareness campaign to crack down on the problem. Josh Morgan with the DOT shared the details about this latest campaign. Plus, we spoke about the department’s five-year plans for road projects in the state and specifically asked about Heroes...
16m Apr 01, 2025
16m
Melissa in the Morning: Senator Jeff Gordon
It sounds like an agreement was reached between United Healthcare and Hartford Healthcare. Negotiations on a contract expired at midnight and if the two parties couldn’t reach a deal, thousands of Connecticut residents would pay out of pocket for out of network doctors. We spoke with Senator and doctor, Jeff Gordon, about this latest debacle involving health insurance companies and healthcare e...
15m Apr 01, 2025
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Alleged Captivity Case
A 32-year-old man was allegedly held against his will for more than 20 years and now his stepmother is facing charges. This case out of Waterbury has become national news because the details coming out of the preliminary investigation are the stuff of nightmares. Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo gave us the latest details on the investigation including new information revealed in crime ...
11m Apr 01, 2025
11m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Cracking Down On Weed Behind The Wheel?
Host Paul Pacelli opened Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" highlighting a push at the State Capitol to give police officers more power to stop drivers suspected of using marijuana while behind the wheel (00:36). GOP State Sen. Paul Cicarella talked about Monday's public hearing regarding that proposal for extended police powers (15:36). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio talked about the leg...
34m Apr 01, 2025
34m
Melissa in the Morning: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Former New York Yankees player, Brett Gardner, lost his 14-year-old son following a possible carbon monoxide poisoning. While the investigation continues, we wanted to talk about protecting ourselves from CO poisonings, especially when you least expect it: in your home or on vacation. Bridgeport Fire Chief Lance Edwards gave us insight about this deadly gas and how to stay safe. Image Credit: ...
14m Apr 02, 2025
14m
Melissa in the Morning: Shuttered Harding High School
A plan to sell the shuttered Harding High School to Bridgeport Hospital fell through and now there are plans to potentially create a pre-K through eight grade school at the location. But with three existing schools in the East End and talks about eliminating schools in the district, how does this proposal make sense? We got some clarity from Jorge Garcia, Director of Facilities for the Bridgepo...
14m Apr 02, 2025
14m
Melissa in the Morning: Street Takeovers and Speedsters
Connecticut lawmakers are proposing tougher penalties for super speeders and people participating in street takeovers. It seems like there is strong bipartisan support for a few bills on this. We got more insight from state Senator Jason Perillo who sits on the Judiciary Committee. Image Credit: Getty Images
9m Apr 02, 2025
9m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - Getting Tougher On Connecticut's Roads?
Host Paul Pacelli kicked off Wednesday's midweek "Connecticut Today" by looking at proposals in Hartford to deal with more possible "street takeovers" during the coming warmer months (00:35). Blogger Chris Powell had some tough words for the state's T.V. news operations and how they're covering the Waterbury home imprisonment case (14:58). Hearst Connecticut Media senior editor and columnist Da...
33m Apr 02, 2025
33m
Melissa in the Morning: Norovirus Outbreak
More than two-hundred passengers are sick with norovirus on a luxury cruise ship. The Cunard Line ship left England and sailed to New York and the Caribbean before returning to the United Kingdom. We spoke with Dr. Browne from Griffin Health about this and what to do to protect yourself on your next cruise. For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/vessel-sanitation/cruise-ship-outbreaks/index....
12m Apr 03, 2025
12m
Melissa in the Morning: Dr. David Chess
The first candidate to publicly announce running for mayor in Stratford joined us in studio. Dr. David Chess shared his background of 40 years working in the healthcare industry and building businesses. He explained why he is now turning to a political path and his plans for Stratford if elected. IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
13m Apr 03, 2025
13m
Melissa in the Morning: Death Penalty Likelihood
Attorney General Pam Bondi is directing federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione if he is convicted of the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. When’s the last time we’ve heard about the death penalty being used and how does it compare to this case? To talk about the likelihood and legality around this, we spoke with our legal expert, Attorney Bill Bloss. Imag...
12m Apr 03, 2025
12m
Melissa in the Morning: WHO is Actually Home Insecure?
A Stamford teacher revealed a reality of housing insecurity in our state and WHO is really impacted by this. Her testimony may surprise you; we spoke about her story and the general issue with affordable workforce housing availability in our state with Renee Dobos, CEO of CT Housing Partners. Image Credit: Getty Images
12m Apr 03, 2025
12m
Melissa in the Morning: ‘Russian’ Tariffs
President Trump unveiled a long list of countries and territories getting hit with tariffs, and said they were being punished for unfair trade practices. Interestingly enough, while these tariffs were announced, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal announced new legislation that would slap 500 percent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium...
12m Apr 03, 2025
12m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - A Tariff Disaster Or Master Stroke?
Thursday's "Connecticut Today" with host Paul Pacelli took calls and texts regarding a big wave of tariffs announced by the Trump White House that critics say could crash the economy, while supporters say such a move is long overdue (00:51). University of New Haven Associate Professor of Accounting and Taxation Dr. James Mohs discussed those tariffs, emphasizing that they're likely part of far ...
40m Apr 03, 2025
40m
Melissa in the Morning: Arthur Augustyn
We spoke to Republican candidate for Stamford Mayor, Arthur Augustyn, about his campaign and plans for the city if elected. For more information: https://thefutureisbrighter.com/ Image Credit: Getty Images
15m Apr 04, 2025
15m
Melissa in the Morning: Sitting on a Pile of Money
‘Sitting on a pile of money’ was a phrase made locally famous last month by municipal leaders. Are we sitting on money that could really help out towns and cities in Connecticut? We asked Joe DeLong of CCM about his informational campaign called “Do the Math (https://www.ccm-ct.org/Advocacy/Do-The-Math) ” and why people should do during the legislative session. For more information: Municipal ...
12m Apr 04, 2025
12m
Melissa in the Morning: Mayor Caroline Simmons
The first candidate to publicly announce a run for Stamford mayor was incumbent Mayor Caroline Simmons. We connected with her to take a look back on her time so far in office and what she wants to tackle if reelected to the seat. Image Credit: Dee Ortiz
14m Apr 04, 2025
14m
Melissa in the Morning: Less Officers Needed?
A new study released in Bridgeport suggests we may NOT need as many officers as suggested by the police chief and union in the park city. We spoke with city councilor and co-chair of the council's budget committee, Scott Burns, for more on the study and what happens next. Image Credit: Getty Images
13m Apr 04, 2025
13m
CT Today With Paul Pacelli - More Scrutiny For The Bridgeport Board Of Education
Host Paul Pacelli welcomed former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso to Friday's "Connecticut Today" with his thoughts on a continuing state probe into the practices and finances of the Bridgeport Board of Education (00:32). University of New Haven Associate Professor of Finance Dr. Demissew Ejara talked about the markets' reaction to the implementation of new trade tariffs by the Trump White H...
18m Apr 04, 2025
18m
The Mike Cerulli Show - April 5, 2025
On this week's show, Mike is joined by WTNH News 8's Jeff Derderian, Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto, District 36 State Senate candidate Nick Simmons, Connecticut State Representative Greg Howard, and Anthony Anthony from the Connecticut Office of Tourism.
2hr 10m Apr 05, 2025
2hr 10m
Wake Up With Bill Finch - April 6, 2025
This week, Bill is joined by Aziz Dehkan, Executive Director of the Connecticut Roundtable on Climate and Jobs.
44m Apr 06, 2025
44m
Melissa in the Morning: Kathryn Hauser
A 32-year-old man was allegedly held captive for more than 20 years and his stepmother is being blamed for the crime. Award-winning Connecticut anchor and reporter, Kathryn Hauser, joined us to discuss her investigative work digging into the Waterbury case. IMAGE CREDIT: Kathryn Hauser / WTNH News 8
14m Apr 07, 2025
14m