Melissa in the Morning: 2025 Legislative Session Projections

Melissa in the Morning: 2025 Legislative Session Projections

Ahead of the 2025 legislative session, we spoke with political reporter, Mike Cerulli, about the biggest hot button topics over the next few months. Besides a budget, what will lawmakers debate up in Hartford now through June? IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff

Melissa in the Morning: Disturbing Cases

Melissa in the Morning: Disturbing Cases

A Sacred Heart University athletics employee faces numerous felony charges for allegedly attempting sexual contact and assault of a 14-year-old girl. The news comes just weeks after a very disturbing case of child sex abuse out of Southbury regarding a 75-year-old man. These two cases in Connecticut beg the question: how common are child sex…

Melissa in the Morning: Fire Dangers

Melissa in the Morning: Fire Dangers

Fast moving wildfires in California this week have engulfed thousands of acres of land and prompting evacuations for close to 50,000 people. From wildfires to the common house fire, we spoke about fire safety with the American Red Cross Connecticut. Jon Basso, Senior Community Disaster Program Manager, shared his expertise in disaster response. Image Credit:…

Melissa in the Morning: Yondr Pouches at School

Melissa in the Morning: Yondr Pouches at School

New Britain is the latest school district to try out the yondr pouches for middle school students. The city joins a short list of school districts to trial the pouches, including Stamford. We spoke with Mayor Erin Stewart about the decision to roll out yondr pouches for the two middle schools in New Britain. We…

Melissa in the Morning: Stamford Ordinances

Melissa in the Morning: Stamford Ordinances

The full Board of Representatives in Stamford voted to approve the two ordinances last night. It now heads to Mayor Caroline Simmons’ desk for approval. The ordinances have to do with loud speakers on cars and the use of motorized recreational vehicles on city streets and public spaces. Captain Chris Baker with the Stamford Police…

Melissa in the Morning: Bridgeport Schools Audit

Melissa in the Morning: Bridgeport Schools Audit

The Bridgeport Board of Education is considering a forensic financial audit to figure out why city schools are facing a 38-million-dollar deficit.  The board’s Finance Committee has voted to recommend that a forensic audit be conducted to determine the cause and recommend solutions. We spoke with the finance chair of the Bridgeport Board of Education,…

Melissa in the Morning: Golf to Feed Families

Melissa in the Morning: Golf to Feed Families

Caring for a hospitalized child with a critical illness is very challenging for parents. That’s why one local non-profit used their story to create a solution to give families good meals while staying in the hospital with their kids. Jeff Dorman, founder of Feeding Families Foundation, shared how you can help provide meals with a…

Melissa in the Morning: Supporting Afterschool Programs

Melissa in the Morning: Supporting Afterschool Programs

The Connecticut State Department of Education recently announced the recipients of the 21st Century Community Learning Center grants. These grants will provide $6,601,210 in each of three years to support 35 programs across the state, including in Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford, and Stratford. We asked John Frassinelli from the CT Department of Education about the grant…

Melissa in the Morning: Dry January

Melissa in the Morning: Dry January

As we begin 2025, many are also starting dry January to reduce alcohol intake and improve their health. Yale Cancer Center expert, Dr. Banini, explained the health benefits of reducing or eliminating alcohol altogether. She also shared why your drinking habits can be significant in preventing cancers. For more information: Alcohol and Cancer | Cancer |…

Melissa in the Morning: Terrorism in America

Melissa in the Morning: Terrorism in America

The suspect behind the deadly truck attack in New Orleans reportedly planted several bombs ahead of the vehicle ramming. Thankfully, the bombs did not go off and more people’s lives weren’t taken. But this most recent case of terrorism in America begs the question: how could this have been detected and prevented? We asked Congressman…