Melissa in the Morning: Smartphones and Aggression

Melissa in the Morning: Smartphones and Aggression

Do smartphones lead to more aggression in teenagers? A new study says yes, they do! And not only aggression; the study published in the New York Post also highlighted more hallucinations and detachment from reality for teens as young as 13 using their smartphones too much. But how accurate is this new research? We spoke with Melissa Whitson, a professor of psychology at UNH, who says look beyond the headline before overreacting.

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Melissa in the Morning: The Freeze

Melissa in the Morning: The Freeze

Connecticut and 21 other states are suing to stop the implementation of a new Trump administration directive to freeze federal assistance. While there is still some confusion around the directive, what programs or people are truly impacted by this if the freeze goes forward? We spoke with CBS legal analyst, Thane Rosenbaum.

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Melissa in the Morning: Pesticides in CT Waters

Melissa in the Morning: Pesticides in CT Waters

‘Widely used insecticides found in Connecticut waters can kill our ecosystems and even impact human health.’ It’s a jarring headline from the Connecticut Pesticideoalition following a recent UConn report. We spoke with the head of the coalition, Louise Washer, to learn more about these harmful pesticides, “neonics.”

For the initial article: CT Pesticide Reform News Release: Widely Used Insecticides Found in Connecticut Waters Pose a Deadly Threat to Aquatic Ecosystems and A Risk to Human Health – Connecticut Audubon Society

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Melissa in the Morning: ‘Panic’ Buttons

Melissa in the Morning: ‘Panic’ Buttons

Starbucks chains are testing out ‘panic buttons’ across the nation to address people who linger around and become a nuisance to workers. Law enforcement expert, Gary MacNamara talked about the effectiveness of these buttons and why they are different from what you’d expect in places like banks.

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Southern Connecticut College and Career Fair

Southern Connecticut College and Career Fair

The Southern Connecticut College & Career Fair is Tuesday, April 22 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT. Head to CTCollegeFair.com to get information on colleges, universities, and businesses attending from all over the U.S. and abroad.

Designed for high schools students and their families, the Southern Connecticut College & Career Fair is the largest college & career fair in the area. Meet with over 200 colleges, universities, gap year programs, and businesses.

FREE event and open to all high school students.

For more information or questions, email [email protected]

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CT Today With Paul Pacelli – Are You O.K. With Another $250 Million For Migrants?

CT Today With Paul Pacelli – Are You O.K. With Another $250 Million For Migrants?

Tuesday’s “Connecticut Today” opened with host Paul Pacelli looking at a new study pinning a possible expansion of the HUSKY healthcare program for migrants at up to $250 million (00:25). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio stopped by to chat about state employee union negotiations for a 2027 contract renewal (14:45)

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Melissa in the Morning: Texts from a Teacher

Melissa in the Morning: Texts from a Teacher

A substitute teacher for Norwalk Public Schools faces charges for allegedly sending inappropriate text messages to middle school students. Police Chief James Walsh talked briefly about the case but also shared advice for families to protect their kids from being on the receiving end of these incidents. But also, how do we better detect a potential threat in our schools like a predatory teacher or coach?

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Melissa in the Morning: Commissioner Gifford

Melissa in the Morning: Commissioner Gifford

Connecticut residents deserve high quality, accessible, and affordable care. That’s why financial stability and transparency of Connecticut hospitals, health systems, and medical practices is a focus for Governor Lamont. A new legislative proposal looks at more oversight from the Office of Health Strategy. We spoke with Commissioner Dr. Deidre Gifford about the governor’s proposals and the state of our healthcare.

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Melissa in the Morning: Religion in the Workplace

Melissa in the Morning: Religion in the Workplace

A New Britain teacher was allegedly placed on leave after refusing to remove a small crucifix from the wall near her desk. According to the report, the school demanded she remove the cross back in December, or she would be disciplined for insubordination. The veteran teacher is now on administrative leave and the school is considering whether to terminate her. This story leads to a bigger conversation: is it appropriate to display your religious beliefs in the workplace? Career strategist, Julie Bauke, addressed this in Julie on the Job.

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