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Host Paul Pacelli opened Friday's edition of "Connecticut Today" with the latest developments on the possible loss of SNAP food benefits for thousands of state recipients (00:42). Former Bridgeport State Rep. Chris Caruso dropped by with his weekly wrap-up (12:58). Quinnipiac University journalism department Chair and Professor Ben Bogardus talked about big changes being announced at CBS News by its new leader (22:12), while we welcomed Hartford Courant sportswriter Dom Amore, co-author of, "More than a Game: How the UConn Basketball Dynasty Was Built On a Culture of Caring." (30:18) Image Credit: iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus

UI customers will see an increase in their bills starting this weekend. PURA approved a total revenue requirement of $450 million for the rate year. That amounts to about $10 more per month for customers using 750 kilowatt hours. As you can imagine, not too many people are happy about it, including AARP. We spoke with John Erlingheuser, AARP Connecticut Senior Advocacy Director, about the sudden news this week. IMAGE CREDIT:  iStock / Getty Images Plus

Governor Lamont nominated Christina Ghio to serve as Connecticut's child advocate. She is already the acting child advocate for the state but in February, the legislature will potentially approve her nomination where she would serve a five-year term in this role. We got to know Christina Ghio and her intentions for this role protecting kids better in Connecticut. IMAGE CREDIT: David Bednarz / Office of Governor Lamont

The general election is next Tuesday. We checked in with Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas about some of the drama in certain municipalities during early voting periods and the latest news for Election Day. For any voter information: https://myvote.ct.gov/ IMAGE CREDIT: 

There's already a lot of controversy around the idea of having school resource officers. But have you heard that The Board of Education in Bristol is considering allowing armed security guards in schools? Law enforcement expert, Gary MacNamara, weighed in on the debate. IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff

Thursday's "Connecticut Today" kicked off with host Paul Pacelli wondering if the two weeks of early voting in Connecticut actually has negative effects on elections (00:37). CBS News Washington reporter Linda Kenyon updated us on any new developments in the ongoing government shutdown (16:30), while Landmark Legal Foundation Vice-President of Legal Affairs Mike O'Neill weighed in on call for President Trump to release federal SNAP benefits by using the "Administrative Procedures Act" (19:13) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

The state is hiring an outside consulting firm to help the Bridgeport school system.  Pennsylvania based Public Works LLC will be working with the district through June of next year. We got an update from interim superintendent of schools, Dr. Royce Avery. Guests are kindly asked to RSVP by Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at noon using the link here: https://bit.ly/48Le7mY The event will also be streamed via www.bridgeportedu.net and Bridgeport Public Schools - YouTube Image Credit: Getty Images

We spoke with Attorney Ed Miller, representing a Fairfield County woman facing charges for protesting on a Connecticut overpass. We dive into the controversy surrounding these cases. Image Credit: Getty Images

The FDA is moving to streamline the approval process for generic biologic drugs. What kinds of drugs are we talking about and how much of a price reduction could we see from this major change? We asked Dr. Fred Browne of Griffin Health. For the full FDA press release: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-moves-accelerate-biosimilar-development-and-lower-drug-costs Image Courtesy of Griffin Health

If the government shutdown continues into November, there will not be enough funds to pay November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits. We checked in with the Department of Social Services Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves for more. For contact information and more resources:  https://portal.ct.gov/dss/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program---snap?language=en_US Image Credit: Getty Image

Host Paul Pacelli opened Wednesday's "Connecticut Today" wondering - in light of new evidence - if state agencies hold any culpability in the death of 11-year-old Mimi Garcia due to alleged neglect (00:53). CBS News Legal Analyst Thane Rosenbaum talked about the legal implications surrounding a call for President Trump to release federal SNAP benefits by using the "Administrative Procedures Act" (15:51). Yankee Institute for Public Policy Fellow Frank Ricci joined us on the current state employee contract negotiations (23:05). Hearst Connecticut Media Senior Editor and Columnist Dan Haar stopped by to chat about the state's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, as well as the state and national politics surrounding SNAP benefits (29:55) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

A new report highlighted the sever understaffing situation at the Department of Social Services and the impact on wait times at its call center. We spoke with Sheldon Toubman, a litigation attorney with Disability Rights Connecticut, about the problem with attracting and retaining staff at DSS and the call to action for lawmakers.  Image Credit: Getty Images

More information and body camera footage has been shared with the media following the gruesome discovery of 11-year-old Jacklyn Torres-Garcia's body earlier this month in New Britain. Jacklyn's mom, aunt and mother's boyfriend are all face charges connected to her murder which police shared happened over a year ago. The latest information in the case screams more system failures for DCF. We spoke more about this with Senator Jason Perillo, ranking member for the Committe on Children in Connecticut.  Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Success Village is a 900+ unit complex between Bridgeport and Stratford that's been dealing with heat and hot water issues for a long time. Finally in 2024, a successor was put into place to get more consistent heat and hot water and work out the financial trouble for the complex. Attorney Barry Knott, the successor, gave us a progress report on the property and an update about rolling “heat out's” ahead of the winter season. Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Senate Minority Leader, Steve Harding, talked about the continued fallout for PURA and the latest blow to electric ratepayers using United Illuminating.  Image Courtesy of Senator Steve Harding

There's a lot of controversy surrounding the POCD in Fairfield. That's Plan of Conservation and Development. There are questions about the legality of the most recently adopted POCD in town. Attorney Kathy Braun is also a Fairfield Town Planning and Zoning commissioner and shared her concerns around this.  IMAGE CREDIT: iStock / Getty Images Plus

Bridgeport's Board of Education had its latest meeting which included updates from the state. We got key takeaways from the meeting from Vice Chair of the Board, Joe Sokolovic.  Image Credit: Getty Images

Host Paul Pacelli opened Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" looking at a recent poll of New Hamshire Democrats that gives former Biden administration Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg an early lead for the 2028 White House nomination. Will Buttigieg being openly gay hurt his national ambitions (00:55)? Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio talked about her latest column regarding a major outflow of state pension benefits that leave Connecticut (15:07). Quinnipiac University School of Communications Dean Nadine Barnett Cosby - a native of Jamaica - joined us to talk about the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica and the wider Caribbean community (24:32) Image Credit: REUTERS

State officials are once again investigating Bridgeport city councilman Alfredo Castillo for allegedly collecting absentee ballots from public housing facilities ahead of the city's general election next month. Castillo is even accused of posing as a HUD employee to collect ballots. CT Mirror Investigative Reporter, Andrew Brown, broke the news and shared more on this latest case of absentee ballot fraud in Bridgeport. For full article: https://ctmirror.org/2025/10/24/bridgeport-absentee-ballots-alfredo-castillo/ Image Credit: Getty Images

Governor Lamont announced the release of 3-million dollars in emergency state funding to Connecticut Foodshare to help Connecticut residents who are expected to lose access to food stamp benefits from SNAP. But where is that money coming from? It's not the rainy day fund; instead it's apparently coming from a new slush fund. We spoke about the dangers of this with House Republican Leader, Rep. Vincent Candelora. Image Credit: Getty Images

In the age of more technological advances and the use of technology, more people are recording conversations at work. To protect themselves, some employees are even recording bosses without consent. What are the legalities around that? We asked employment attorney and Quinnipiac law professor, Gary Phelan. Image Credit: Getty Images

Host Paul Pacelli kicked off a new week of shows on "Connecticut Today" wondering if either side in Congress is willing to see SNAP food benefits stop on November 1st because of the ongoing government shutdown (00:54). CBS News reporter Olivia Rinaldi joined us from D.C. with the latest on the ongoing government shutdown (15:53). National Taxpayers Union Senior Director of Government Affairs Thomas Aiello explained a Trump White House plan to possibly hit some generic medications with high-import tariffs (18:50). CTNewsJunkie columnist and Substack.com blogger Terry Cowgill joined us with his thoughts on the big stories, including a look back on what we considered a major scandal in the Bill Clinton years (26:37) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

Host Paul Pacelli wrapped up the week with a busy edition of "Connecticut Today," looking at the latest absentee ballot allegations against an embattled member of the Bridgeport City Council (01:15). Former Bridgeport Democratic State Rep. Chris Caruso dropped by with his weekly update and thoughts on those latest absentee ballot rumblings (16:06). State Senate GOP Leader Steve Harding joined the show to talk about rumors of a resurrected housing bill for an upcoming General Assembly special session next month (25:23). Sacred Heart University Sports Management Professor Dr. Josh Shuart offered his thoughts on the current betting scandals connected to the National Basketball Association (32:03). CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman joined us for an update on the latest developments regarding the ongoing government shutdown (38:19). Finally - on "United Nations Day" - we welcomed Thant Myint-U, author of, "Peacemaker: U Thant and the Forgotten Quest for a Just World" (42:34) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

More than 30 people, including three former and current N.B.A. players, were indicted on Thursday in a case involving insider bets on basketball games and poker games rigged by Mafia families. We spoke with Senator Richard Blumenthal about his ongoing effort to pass reforms and get a better handling on gambling problems in America. Image Credit: Reuters

Kim Kardashian shared on the season 7 premiere of The Kardashians that she's been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. The mother of four said the doctors said "stress" could have caused the aneurysm in which she blames her ex-husband for the increase in stress. The link between stress and an aneurism scared a lot of people. We got more information about brain aneurysms from Nuvance Health Neurosurgeon, Dr. John Marcus. Image Credit: Reuters

Despite the government shutdown, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2026-27 school year has officially opened. With the issues that arose last year around the FASFA, including glitches and delays, there are a lot of questions about filling out the form. We spoke with FAFSA expert, Jack Wallace. To fill out FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa Image Credit: Getty Images

In June 1977, eight-year-old Renee Freer was brutally murdered near her home in Monroe. With advanced technology accessible to police combined with new interest in the case, Monroe Police focused more on the case. However, police announced the case is now officially closed. Local author, Erik Hanson, wrote Dead End Road to bring more attention to the case and released it in late 2024. He shared his reaction to the news from Monroe Police. Image Credit: Getty Images

Monroe Police feel really confident that they found the person responsible for killing eight-year-old Renee Freer in 1977. The Department found a suspect and submitted a juvenile arrest warrant to the State's Attorney's Office, charging him with first-degree manslaughter. But now the case is closed for good. How can that be? For perspective, we asked our legal expert, Attorney Bill Bloss. *Bill Bloss is not connected to this case at all* Image Credit: Getty Images

Big win for para-educators across our state: it was announced that $10 million dollars will be distributed to assist more than 73-hundred paraeducators with health insurance costs. We spoke with Comptroller Sean Scanlon about the news as well as a check on his annual losses report. To read the full report: https://osc.ct.gov/ Image Credit: Getty Images

It's being called the largest planned industrial development in Fairfield County. Maybe you know it as the army engine plant in Stratford. Call it what you want, but is it a scandal? Some Stratford residents are telling us it is. We asked Mayor Laura Hoydick. For more information: https://www.stratfordct.gov/page/saep-property-development Image Credit: Getty Images

"Connecticut Today" host Paul Pacelli opened Thursday's show detailing an FBI bust connected to the Mafia and the NBA, and wondered if listeners are now more worried about the impact of legal sports betting (00:38). International gambling scandal expert and University of New Haven Professor Dr. Declan Hill added his thoughts to news of that FBI bust (14:42). Shelton GOP State Sen. Jason Perillo dropped by to talk about what's ahead for a rumored General Assembly special session next month (24:28) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

Host Paul Pacelli opened Wednesday's edition of "Connecticut Today" looking at the verdicts in the Kosta Diamantis corruption and bribery trial and wondering why some public officials put themselves in such compromising situations (00:47). Hearst Connecticut Media Senior Editor and Columnist Dan Haar also weighed in on the Diamantis verdicts and talked about a continuing controversy surrounding an influential state lawmaker (16:38). Waterbury/Watertown GOP State Rep. Joe Polletta dropped by to talk about a new tax proposal from state Republicans (25:34), while CBS News Washington reporter Linda Kenyon had the latest news regarding the ongoing government shutdown (30:16) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

The state announced more than $5-million-dollars in state funding to support 41 grants across 30 municipalities. Some of the entities are in Bridgeport, Norwalk, Stamford and Milford and the money will help expand high-quality, after-school programs that provide academic supports and enrichment opportunities beyond the school day. For more on this, we spoke with John Frassinelli, Department of Education Division Director for school health, nutrition and family services. Image Credit: Getty Images

Kosta Diamantis was convicted by a federal jury on all 21 corruption charges he faced, including extortion and bribery. The charges were related to the role Diamantis held running the state school construction grant office as Connecticut's former deputy budget director. We spoke with political reporter, Mike Cerulli, about the case and what it means for others like it impacting public trust. Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Sources tell us state lawmakers have been called to reserve November 12th and 13th, indicating the potential for a special session. The governor confirmed over the summer the need for a special session to tackle housing after vetoing a massive bill related to that. It's not clear though if the session will and solely tackle housing. We spoke with Sen. Jeff Gordon, ranking member of the Planning Development Committee, about whether housing on the agenda. Image Credit: Getty Images

In an update this month, Connecticut's Department of Education shared a major sign of progress for Bridgeport. Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker says there has been a huge reduction in teacher vacancies in just a year's time. Bridgeport Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Royce Avery shared his reaction to the data. To read the commissioner's full report: https://portal.ct.gov/sde/press-room/press-releases/2025/csde-shares-update-on-state-led-actions-in-bridgeport-public-schools Image Credit: Getty Images

State Republican lawmakers are proposing that the property tax credit be increased substantially. The plan would also increase the income limits for taxpayers to receive full credit, making 800 thousand more residents eligible. For more on this proposal, we spoke to House Minority Leader, Representative Vin Candelora.   Image Credit: Getty Images

Connecticut teens and their high schools can win up to $26,000 in prizes by entering a submission into Connecticut's 17th annual Teen Safe Driving Video Contest, hosted by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and Travelers. We spoke with DMV Commissioner, Tony Guerrera, about the contest and its effectiveness. To learn more and enter the contest: https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/video-contest?language=en_US Image Credit: Getty Images

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is marking the launch of the state's first bus shelter installations under the new Bus Stop Enhancement Program. We got the details on this program from Josh Morgan at the DOT. For more information: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/programs/bsep?language=en_US Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

True North Hotel Group, in partnership with RCI Group, will break ground on a new Residence Inn by Marriott at Steelpointe Harbor. The 6-story hotel will feature 142 rooms with views of Steelpointe Marina, direct access to I-95, MetroNorth and Amtrak and pickle-ball courts. We spoke with Bobby Christoph, President of RCI Group. Image Credit: Getty Images

We continue to follow the case surrounding Jacquline “Mimi” Torres-Garcia. What needs to change with DCF and others following this tragedy? We spoke with New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart about it. IMAGE CREDIT: Mayor Erin Stewart / City of New Britain

Host Paul Pacelli wondered on Tuesday's "Connecticut Today" whether the starvation death of an 11-year-old girl - thought to have been homeschooled - should result in tighter homeschooling controls and protections (00:39). Yankee Institute blogger Meghan Portfolio joined us with her thoughts on the possibility of increased state oversight over homeschooling (14:50). Columnist and blogger Chris Powell dropped by on the latest big stories, including his thoughts on the "No Kings" rallies (25:01) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

Host Paul Pacelli kicked off a new week on "Connecticut Today" talking about a controversy surrounding a photo of East Hartford Democratic state Sen. Saud Anwar at a "No Kings" rally the previous weekend (00:44). Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Ben Proto (06:26) and GOP State Sen. Dr. Jeff Gordon (14:23) also addressed the situation with Sen. Anwar. Paul also wondered what's next for the "No Kings" crowd (23:38). CBS News Congressional correspondent Nikole Killion joined us from Capitol Hill with the latest developments regarding the ongoing government shutdown (36:55) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

Trumbull officials are looking into the possible placement of speed enforcement cameras around town. The process will begin with the town developing a plan and creating an ordinance, followed by a public hearing and obtaining state approval. We spoke with Trumbull Police Chief Lombardo about what led to these conversations and where the cameras would go if approved. Image Credit: Getty Images

A family in Virginia captured three masked people on their doorbell camera taunting them, terrorizing them and destroying property. We asked crime prevention expert, Jim Perez, about what homeowners should do in this situation and what “ding dong ditchers” should think about before pulling any pranks. Image Credit: Getty Images

A controversial 45-unit, 81-bedroom, 64-parking-space apartment building just got approval in Fairfield. It is on Reef Road which is the beach area of town and is considered an 8-30g project. But now there is an appeal for the decision. Alexis Harrison the Town Planning and Zoning Commission voted against the plan and explained the issues around the project. Image Credit: Getty Images

What's going on with the Trumbull Mall? In general, shopping malls have been getting creative across the country to stay relevant. But the Trumbull Mall has been struggling it seems to fill store fronts and remain an attractive destination. For clarity on the property, we spoke with Trumbull First Selectwoman Vicki Tesoro and Economic and Community Development Director, Rina Bakalar. To read the mall study: https://www.trumbull-ct.gov/1112/Trumbull-Mall-Area-Transformation Image Credit: Getty Images

Thursday's edition of "Connecticut Today" featured host Paul Pacelli (00:34) and Fairfield GOP State Sen. Tony Hwang (16:43) commenting on a vote earlier in the day by the Connecticut Siting Council on United Illuminating's controversial "monopole" plan through parts of Fairfield and Bridgeport. We also chatted with CBS News Washington reporter Linda Kenyon for the latest on the federal government shutdown (22:57) Image Credit: REUTERS

We spoke with Wakeman Boys and Girls Club, serving kids in Bridgeport and Fairfield, about their annual Over the Edge fundraising event on October 25th.  For more information: https://www.wakemanclub.org/events Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

The Connecticut Siting Council is supposed to vote on a major decision today at 1pm. United Illuminating has proposed installing monopoles impacting Southport, Fairfield and Bridgeport. And now leaders from the municipalities are urging the council to delay its vote. State Senator Tony Hwang, one of the leaders in that group, is calling for a delay of vote. Image Credit: Melissa Sheketoff