An AM radio station covering Bridgeport and Fairfield County. This podcast will focus on the communities, people and news of the area.
Less than a week after a not guilty verdict, prosecutors refiled charges against Raul Valle. The state failed to secure a conviction against him on more serious charges following a deadly fight in May of 2022 where 17-year-old Jimmy McGrath lost his life. Legal expert, Attorney Bill Bloss, is back following this latest chapter in the Valle story. Image Credit: Getty Images
Finding a place to live at an affordable price in Connecticut is a tall task to say the least. But House Bill 5002 for many, was not the solution Connecticut needed, which is why the Governor vetoed the legislation and called for a special session to fix it in the fall. But before lawmakers head back to Hartford, conversations involving municipality leaders are happening now. Recently, a 90-minute zoom took place with the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. We spoke with Stratford Mayor and CCM President, Laura Hoydick, about the meeting. Image Credit: Getty Images
Insanely high energy prices, drama with PURA and a passed bill that doesn't do an awful lot…there's a lot of frustration when it comes to our utilities in Connecticut. We did a deep dive into some of the issues with Bryson Hull, the Deputy Northeast Director of Consumer Energy Alliance. IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
More and more people seem to be interested in running for governor in Connecticut. Meanwhile, we still don't even know what Governor Lamont is going to do. We talked about all the 2026 gubernatorial drama with News 8 Political Reporter, Mike Cerulli. IMAGE CREDIT: Eric Urbanowicz
A person in Arizona recently died of pneumonic plague which is a rare and severe form of a flea-borne disease. When you hear plague, usually you think of medieval times and the centuries-old Black Death epidemic. Should we be concerned that history is repeating itself? We spoke with Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health about it. IMAGE CREDIT: Dr. Fred Browne / Griffin Health
Host Paul Pacelli kicked off Wednesday's mid-week "Connecticut Today" wondering if a lot of people were lied to - by both parties - concerning Jeffrey Epstein's so-called "client list" (00:38). Hearst Connecticut Media senior editor and columnist Dan Haar discussed how the state is dealing with some federal funding cuts and a look at a possible state foray into weight loss drugs (14:57). CBS News legal analyst Thane Rosenbaum talked about bond changes pushed by the White House for certain migrants (23:56) Image Credit: REUTERS
Host Paul Pacelli opened Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with word that an influential Democratic member of the General Assembly is chiding Gov. Ned Lamont over his opposition to so-called "overdose prevention centers," while saying that some recent overdose deaths may have been preventable if the Governor had acted differently (00:40). Blogger and columnist Chris Powell dropped by to chat about the growing effort by some progressive Democrats to get Gov. Ned Lamont to step aside in 2026 (15:33). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio predicted what could happen in an upcoming General Assembly special session on housing (23:33) Image Credit: Getty Images / Connect Images
Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber passed away yesterday at Yale New Haven Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for a brain tumor. In his honor, Melissa spoke to many of his fellow city and townleaders and had them send a message of what he meant to them. Image Credit: Melissa Sheketoff
Even lovable Elmo from Sesame Street isn't safe. Did you see recently on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Elmo's account was hacked. A series of antisemitic posts has since been deleted but not before thousands, possibly millions saw them. We spoke with our cyber security expert, Dr. Vahid Behzadan, about avoiding an online hack. Image Credit: Reuters
State Representative Josh Elliott formally announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor. Rep. Elliott is the first Democrat to enter the race, with Governor Lamont still deciding whether to seek a third term. We got to know Rep. Elliott and what he stands for following his campaign announcement. IMAGE CREDIT: State Representative Josh Elliott / CT House Democrats
A CT Examiner article discussing the vetoed massive housing bill still in limbo in Connecticut, Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo is quoted a few times. He snaps back at comments made about his town and we wanted to hear from him directly. Image Credit: Getty Images
A special session is set to happen in the fall to potentially pass a piece of legislation to address our housing crisis in the state. It comes after Governor Lamont vetoed Houe Bill 5002. The conversations to find solutions to make a better version of the bill that works for cities and towns across the state happened this month. We spoke with Joe DeLong, Executive Director and CEO of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, who was on that 90-minute zoom call. Image Credit: Getty Images
Host Paul Pacelli kicked off another week on "Connecticut Today" talking about mounting pressure on Governor Ned Lamont by some of his fellow Democrats to raise taxes on Connecticut's wealthiest individuals (00:50). Greenwich GOP State Sen. Ryan Fazio dropped by to discuss a controversial move regarding a build out of EV charging infrastructure around Connecticut (16:47). University of New Haven criminal justice lecturer and former Supervisory Secret Service Agent Bobby McDonald reacted to a new report regarding errors made by the Secret Service connected to an assassination attempt targeting President Donald Trump last year (23:12). CBS News reporter Olivia Rinaldi discussed President Trump's announcement of proposed tougher sanctions on Russia (30:08) Image Credit: iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus
The State of Connecticut is taking another step in the fight for mental health services. Governor Lamont signed the Mental Health Parity bill into law. We spoke with Comptroller Sean Scanlon about the logistics of the legislation and what it means for Connecticut residents now. Image Credit: Getty Images
It's baaaaaaack! Driveway paving scams in Connecticut are robbing homeowners thousands of dollars. We got a heads up from crime prevention expert, Jim Perez, about red flags to watch out for. Image Credit: Getty Images
While filling in for Melissa, host Paul Pacelli spoke to Quinnipiac University Professor Dr. Robert Hansen about air quality and how it's determined. Image Credit: Getty Images
While filling in on Melissa in the Morning, Paul Pacelli spoke to attorney Bill Bloss about the not guilty verdict in the Raul Valle case and his thoughts on what could have happened during deliberations. Image Credit: Getty Images
Host Paul Pacelli opened Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" with audio from CT Democratic U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy's "X" account that seemed to place some of the blame for last week's deadly flood deaths in Texas at the feet of the Trump White House. Did he go too far? (00:40) CT State Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto offered his thoughts on Sen. Murphy's statements (13:55). Hearst Connecticut Media senior editor and columnist Dan Haar talked about the tax implications of a massive White House tax and spending bill recently signed by President Trump (19:06) Image Credit: REUTERS
Lawmakers in Connecticut are most concerned with Medicaid cuts in the Big, Beautiful Bill. We talked to Congressman Jim Himes about it. IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus
On July first, many new laws took effect in Connecticut. Today we are tackling new public safety legislation, including Fallen Heroes Fund and the latest with street takeovers. We spoke with Senator Paul Cicarella, the leading Republican on the legislature's General Law and Public Safety and Security Committees. IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus
Host Paul Pacelli kicked off Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" wondering why American politics allows partisan fighting so soon after a natural disaster like the deadly flooding in Texas (00:43). GOP State Sen. Rob Sampson dropped by to chat about a so-called legislative "rat" that made its way into the latest state budget (14:47), while Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio talked about the ongoing battle in Hartford over fiscal restraint (23:02). CBS News reporter Linda Kenyon joined us from the White House to talk about the latest meeting between President Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (31:21) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus
A lot of Connecticut residents want to help the people of Texas following the deadly flooding on July 4th. But don't get duped before you donate your money or goods to Texas. Kristen Johnson of the Better Business Bureau gave us tips to help out Texas effectively without benefiting scammers. For more information: Find Best Charities To Donate | Charity Ratings, Reviews Image Credit: Reuters
The Department of Education has discontinued approximately $1 billion in grants for school mental health programs. 15 Attorneys General, including Connecticut AG William Tong, are suing the Trump Administration to try and block this action. We spoke with Connecticut Education Association President, Kate Dias, about what the money goes towards and the need to invest in mental health intervention in schools. Image Credit: Getty Images
We checked in with Connecticut State Police to get the Fourth of July weekend statistics. Trooper Daniel Hill shared the stats compared to last year and weighed in on the potential to install speed cameras on Connecticut highways. Image Credit: Getty Images
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, up to 70% of students under 25 enter college undecided, and over half of all undergraduates change their major at least once. But career strategist, Julie Bauke, says that's not necessarily a bad thing. She gave advice on what parents should and should not say to kids while they navigate their college journey. Image Credit: Getty Images
Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti has proposed creating a regional special education school in the city. We got perspective from Board of Ed Chair, Amy Romano. Rep. Romano explained why on the surface it sounds like a winning idea, but the devil is in the details; find out the unknowns around this proposal and why that could mean it won't work for Shelton. IMAGE CREDIT: Eric Urbanowicz
Host Paul Pacelli opened Monday's "Connecticut Today" with his thoughts on billionaire Elon Musk's promise to form what he's calling the "America Party" (00:30). Former GOP state legislator Joe Markley dropped by to chat about next year's Connecticut gubernatorial race (14:57), while commuter advocate Jim Cameron detailed the next fare increase for Metro-North rail commuters (25:00) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus
“With brilliant, razor-sharp writing and deep reporting of the case, he proves to be the perfect narrator as we witness two lives on an inevitable collision course.” That's what award winning journalist, Katie Couric, said describing the book ‘Murder in the Dollhouse: The Jennifer Dulos Story and the author, Rich Cohen. We spoke with Cohen about his book and why it's a unique take on the high-profile case. IMAGE CREDIT: Rich Cohen / https://www.authorrichcohen.com/
On July first, a new law took effect in Connecticut requiring the installation of surveillance cameras at absentee ballot drop boxes across the state. We spoke to Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas about that and other election laws now on the books. IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus
$9 million dollars! That's how much money a forensic audit found was not used properly at Success Village. Attorney Barry Knott became the receiver of the 900-plus unit complex between Bridgeport and Stratford last year, following heat and hot water issues as well as financial disaster and mismanagement of the co-op. He explained the latest announcement on this audit and what happens next. IMAGE CREDIT: Eric Urbanowicz
Host Paul Pacelli opened Thursday's "Connecticut Today" - heading into the Independence Day weekend - wondering how listeners would react to a new Gallup Survey on American pride (00:47). Former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso checked in with his weekly wrap-up, including his thoughts on a lot of sniping from Democrats aimed at Gov. Ned Lamont (15:54). CBS News correspondent Aaron Navarro joined us from D.C. with reaction to the Congressional debate and voting on a massive spending and tax bill (28:45), while National Taxpayers Union Foundation Executive V.P. Joe Bishop-Henchman talked about the state tax implications of that same bill (31:12). Finally, we welcomed Gary Baum, author of, "In Pursuit of Beauty: A Novel," based on the cosmetic surgery world (38:02) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus
Two national cases are coming to a close and not everyone is happy about it. Let's start with hip-hop mogul and music legend, Sean Diddy Combs. After two months in a Manhattan courtroom, the jury found Combs not guilty on some serious charges that would have landed him in prison for life. We spoke with our legal expert, Attorney Bill Bloss, about this verdict. He also shared perspective on why prosecutors brokered a plea deal with Bryan Kohberger for the murders of four Idaho college students in 2022. Image Credit: Reuters
A landmark bill supporting public libraries struggling to afford the skyrocketing costs of e-books and digital audiobooks is now law in Connecticut. The legislation took effect July 1, and it establishes Connecticut as a national leader in the digital arena and marks a significant step toward transparency, equity, and sustainability in how libraries acquire and provide resources to the public. We did a deeper dive into this law with State Librarian, Deborah Schander. Image Credit: Getty Images
Governor Lamont decided to veto House Bill 5002, a massive housing bill meant to address our ongoing housing crisis in the state. Despite a special session to tackle the legislation in the fall, there is reaction to that veto still erupting across the state. We got perspective from Renee Dobos, CEO of Connecticut Housing Partners. IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
‘Tis the season for barbeques and gatherings. We chat with infectious disease expert, Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health, about a new study looking at processed foods like hotdogs as well as health warnings before major social gatherings for the July Fourth holiday. IMAGE CREDIT: Griffin Hospital
Is the political climate ripe for a progressive uprising in Connecticut? That was the Wednesday question on the mind of "Connecticut Today" host Paul Pacelli, as we continued to analyze the recent New York City Democratic Mayoral primary (00:42). We also chatted about that primary with University of New Haven Adjunct Professor of Political Science Dr. Patricia Crouse (11:42) and Hearst Connecticut Media Senior Editor and Columnist Dan Haar (22:29). CBS News reporter Linda Kenyon in Washington, D.C. joined us to chat about any progress with a massive Trump White House tax and spending bill (32:11) Image Credit: REUTERS
Starting July first, new laws took effect in our state including reforms to Connecticut's car towing system. We got more details about the reforms from DMV Commissioner Tony Guerrera. We also touched on the influx of residents requesting Real ID and addressed the ongoing texting scam tied to the DMV. For more information from DMV: Connecticut DMV | CT.gov Image Credit: Getty Images
According to reports, the former Paier College is out of compliance with state rules after its closure in early May. The college was supposed to keep its website live for 12 months but if you click on the site, it says the domain expired. We spoke with Senator Henri Martin, Ranking Senator on the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, about the lack of accountability for the shuttered college. Image Credit: Getty Images
Rumors are swirling around the Bridgeport Islanders? Sports analysts and hockey reporters have been saying the AHL team is in talks with Canada to possibly move by the 2026-27 season, despite being tied to a six-year contract with Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport. We asked Mayor Joe Ganim about the rumors and what consequences follow if the team does in fact leave. IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
Host Paul Pacelli opened Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" with his support for a reported push by officials to set up speed enforcement cameras on some state highway stretches (00:42). Rocky Hill/Wethersfield Democratic State Rep. Kerry Wood talked about her involvement with a group of moderate Democratic State House members supporting a possible re-election bid by Gov. Ned Lamont (14:40). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio dropped by with her weekly update (22:02), while CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Nancy Cordes updated us on the Senate passage of a major tax and spending bill (30:40) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus
There's a lot happening this summer at The Maritime Aquarium! We spoke with Danielle Tranzillo, Nicki Rosenfeld and Dylan Salamone for all the details. For more information: https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/ IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff
From proposed rail fares to a left lane rule, we checked in with Josh Morgan of the Connecticut Department of Transportation. We also talked about the latest with the sinkhole situation in Stratford. Image Credit: Melissa Sheketoff
A recent CT Mirror article revealed that the Lamont Administration discovered around $190 million dollars in revenue after the budget passed last month. How can this happen and what happens with that extra money now? We asked House Minority Leader Vin Candelora. Image Credit: Getty Images
A state grant will bring new housing to Shelton. Governor Lamont announced that $2.9 million in funding would go to remediate two properties on Canal Street in Shelton. Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti talked about these former industrial sites and the remediation process now. He also discussed his desire to create a regional special education school in the city. Image Credit: Getty Images
We are seeing a lot of recent examples of unruly fans at Major League Baseball games. Unsportsmanlike conduct from fans and coaches has been an growing problem since the pandemic and our state has been working to combat it. We checked in with CIAC Executive Director, Glenn Lungarini, to talk about the issue and how it's being tackled with high school sports in our state. Image Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Host Paul Pacelli opened a new week on "Connecticut Today" wondering why New York City Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and other progressives constantly bash and lash out at billionaires (00:39). State Senate GOP Leader Steve Harding talked about the re-appointment of Marissa Gillett by Governor Ned Lamont to head the state's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (15:05). Landmark Legal Foundation Vice-President of Legal Affairs Mike O'Neill dropped by to chat about the key decisions handed down last week by the U.S. Supreme Court (24:18) Image Credit: REUTERS
The annual Step Up for the Brave event is back to support Homes for the Brave. We spoke with executive director, Vince Santilli. To register: https://homesforthebrave.org/ IMAGE CREDIT: Eric Urbanowicz
As the Raul Valle trial continues in Milford Superior Court, we asked our legal expert on the show about the case. We asked Attorney Bill Bloss, not involved in the case, about how immunity deals work and the impact of seeing so many young people taking the stand during the trial. Image Credit: Getty Images
A new report reveals the severe impact of business scammers who can steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in a flash without proper protection. Kristen Johnson of the Better Business Bureau serving Connecticut shared key takeaways from the report and tips to protect yourself. For more on this study: Business Scam Study
A new DCF performance audit looked at the state department's response to children missing from care. It identified internal control deficiencies, noncompliance with laws and a need for improvement in practices. The report looks at the fiscal years that ended June 30, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Senator Jason Perillo, Ranking Senator on the Committee on Children, shared reaction to the report. To read the full report: PERFORMANCE_Department of Children and Families' Response to Children Missing from Care FULL_20250625.pdf Image Credit: Melissa Sheketoff