Melissa in the Morning: Phones in Schools

Melissa in the Morning: Phones in Schools

This week, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy introduced a bipartisan bill that seeks to limit how much time children spend on their smartphones in school. The Smart Kids, Not Smartphones Act would create a competitive, non-monetary program recognizing schools that enforce bans on smartphone use during instruction time. Social media consultant, Krista Carnes, weighs in on the debate…

Melissa in the Morning: Light at the End of the Tunnel

Melissa in the Morning: Light at the End of the Tunnel

Senator Richard Blumenthal is celebrating the U.S. Senate’s passage of the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act.  The bill was introduced by the Connecticut Democrat and Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee.  Blumenthal says the measure is the first serious effort to reform the tech industry since 1998, and is a major win for the nation’s…

Melissa in the Morning: Epic Reporting Fail

Melissa in the Morning: Epic Reporting Fail

Last November, it was announced that Connecticut saw a dramatic population increase between 2021 and 2022. However, U.S. Census numbers reflect that it is more likely there was a net loss of 13,000 people to other states. Senator Eric Berthel, Ranking Senator on the Appropriations Committee, discussed how this inaccuracy could have occurred and the…

CT Today With Paul Pacelli – Pay Attention To Your Electric Bill

CT Today With Paul Pacelli – Pay Attention To Your Electric Bill

Host Paul Pacelli started Thursday’s “Connecticut Today” with a look at an unexpected spike in some electric bills currently hitting state consumers (00:26). Greenwich GOP State Sen. Ryan Fazio stopped by to comment on the same issue (13:22). “Only In Bridgeport” blogger Lennie Grimaldi dropped by with the latest buzz from the Park City (21:33)…

Melissa in the Morning: Invasive Species in CT

Melissa in the Morning: Invasive Species in CT

We tackled invasive species during our Zoo Minute discussing mitten crabs and spotted lantern flies. How did they get here? Why are they such a problem? If we see them, how can we help mitigate the problem? Gregg Dancho addressed all of those questions. IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus

Melissa in the Morning: Housing Crisis

Melissa in the Morning: Housing Crisis

34% of Connecticut’s population are renters, but despite the arrival of more housing options, a small percentage of those options are considered affordable. Renee Dobos of Connecticut Housing Partners discusses the concerns about uneducated views on “affordable housing,” the push-back from towns regarding overpopulation and the need for an equal tax base.IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty…

Melissa in the Morning: “Can you Take my Picture?”

Melissa in the Morning: “Can you Take my Picture?”

A viral video surfaced on Instagram of a woman sharing her terrifying story of taking a stranger’s photo on a cell phone only to learn she had allegedly been drugged. We talked about this instance with former police chief, Gary McNamara. He spoke about the importance of recognizing signs of a bad situation and getting…

Melissa in the Morning: Commissioner Ron Welch

Melissa in the Morning: Commissioner Ron Welch

Commissioner Ron Welch of the CT Department of Veterans Affairs shared the legacy of Captain Paul Bucha. Commissioner Welch also talked about the CT Veterans Hall of Fame. Applications are being accepted through September 15th.  How to Apply: https://portal.ct.gov/dva/pages/ct-veterans-hall-of-fame/how-to?language=en_USNomination Package (needed for application): https://portal.ct.gov/dva/pages/ct-veterans-hall-of-fame/nomination-package?language=en_USIMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus

Melissa in the Morning: Guess Who’s Back?!?!

Melissa in the Morning: Guess Who’s Back?!?!

This year’s summer covid surge in Connecticut is not letting up just yet. According to the CDC, a big reason for the spike is due to the oppressive heat forcing people to gather indoors. Also, federal health officials say the number of measles cases in the U.S. this year already tripled the total for 2023.  Dr.…

CT Today With Paul Pacelli – You Were Warned About Marijuana

CT Today With Paul Pacelli – You Were Warned About Marijuana

Host Paul Pacelli’s Wednesday edition of “Connecticut Today” touched on a recent Wall Street Journal story detailing the number of states – including Connecticut – that are seeing a big jump in marijuana use connected to deadly road accidents (00:34). Connecticut Restaurant Association head Scott Dolch talked about a Hartford Courant story on recent restaurant…