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The government shutdown may be over, but the issues at airports across the country will linger at least for a few weeks. We spoke with retired commercial airline pilot, Paul Zielinski, who gave us some perspective.   Image Credit: Getty Images

We met the newly elected first selectman of Westport, Kevin Christie. Image Credit: Getty Images

All bills passed in the House during the first day of special session yesterday. The one piece of legislation getting most of the attention is the housing legislation. We spoke with House Minority Leader, Rep. Vin Candelora, about day 1 of the session. ((00:00)) We also heard from Democratic State Rep. Steve Stafstrom, for his take on day 1 of the session. (14:36) Image Credit: Getty Images

The Connecticut ACLU is demanding that cities and towns stop using automatic license plate readers. The organization is calling for a pause of the use of these devices by police departments over allegations that personal data is being misused. We asked former chief of police in Fairfield, Gary MacNamara, who also sits on law enforcement committees at the state level. Image Credit: Getty Images

Apparently, Connecticut is filled with people opening their hearts and their wallets to neighbors in need. According to a recent report from WalletHub, Connecticut was ranked the 13th most charitable state in the country, and the second in New England. We spoke with Karla Fortunato, President of the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy, about the news and how people can get into volunteering. For more information: https://ctphilanthropy.org/ Image Credit: Getty Images

Maybe the workplace isn't on fire all the time, but it is sometimes… Not according to Gen-Z workers, according to a recent Washington Post article. We talked about it with career strategist, Julie Bauke. For information on new tech internships for college students in the tristate: https://starteryou.com/ Image Credit: Getty Images

Since House Bill 5002 was vetoed by the governor, a new housing bill has been crafted and will be voted on during the special session this week. What are the key differences between the two pieces of legislation and why is there more support this time around? We spoke with Joe DeLong, Executive Director and CEO of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. Image Credit: Getty Images

A new survey from Retirement Living shows Connecticut is considered one of the worst states to retire in. The report sites cost of living, healthcare disparity, taxation and quality of life. We spoke with Senator Tony Hwang, ranking senator on the Aging Committee. Image Credit: Getty Images

A Waterbury man claims he was held captive for 20 years. His stepmother, Kimberly Sullivan, is facing charges in the case. Recently, there have been a lot of new motions in court, so we checked in with Sullivan's attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis. Image Credit: Getty Images

This week, lawmakers are expected in Hartford for a two-day special session. One of the biggest items to focus on will be affordable housing. Friday afternoon, the governor announced that all lawmakers would get a copy of the proposed legislation ahead of the session. Sources say the document is nearly 100 pages long. We welcome back Senator Jeff Gordon, Ranking Senator on the Planning and Development Committee. Image Credit: Getty Images

We spoke with Renee Dobos, CEO of Connecticut Housing Partners, about the mystery housing legislation being discussed at next week's special session. Apparently, not many people, including housing experts, have read the document yet…that's a problem! Image Credit: Getty Images

The state legislature will be meeting next week in a special session.  Governor Ned Lamont says the session will be to finalize housing legislation – and potentially create a 500-million-dollar contingency fund to help cover possible losses of federal funding. But we focused on the housing bill which remains a mystery. We asked Senator Jeff Gordon, Ranking Senator on the Planning and Development Committee. Image Credit: Getty Images

November is National Veterans Month; a time to honor both the service of veterans and the sacrifices of their families. Recently, I was introduced to Walter Schuppe, who is the founder of Faces of Freedom. This project preserves and archives the personal histories and images of U.S. military veterans and Holocaust survivors. For more information: https://www.facesoffreedom.us/ Image Credit: Getty Images

We knew last year when Mayor Harry Rilling would not run for reelection, Norwalk's mayoral race and seeing an open seat for the first time in a long time was a race to watch. Based on unofficial results, Barbara Smyth is the mayor-elect for the city of Norwalk. We learned more about her vision for Norwalk. Image Credit: Getty Images

Right now, North Haven Firefighters are investigating a deadly fire that claimed the life of an 8-year-old boy and an elderly relative. For good reason, we focus a lot on the family and community impact; but what about the first responders traumatized after responding to these events? We talked to Linda Ross with the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team. It is a nonprofit alliance of mental health professionals dedicated to helping first responders and the Connecticut community, heal from trauma, tragedy, and stress. For more information: https://fctrt.org/ Image Credit: Getty Images 

According to a AAA analysis on data from the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, 5 to 6 p.m. just became increasingly dangerous now that the clocks rolled back an hour. That can feel like a real shock for people getting out of work and all of the sudden it looks like the middle of the night. We spoke with Jim Cameron of Talking Transportation about how to handle the bright lights now inundating drivers since the clocks changed. For Jim's article: https://ctmirror.org/2025/11/02/blinded-by-the-head-light/ 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ban on the use of cell phones and other smart devices during the academic day begins next month at Staples High School in Westport.  The bell-to-bell ban on devices begins November fifth and applies to devices that also include wireless headphones and Apple watches. We got more details from Thomas Scarice, superintendent of Westport schools. Image Credit: Getty Images

There's been a lot of controversy surrounding ballot question #2 in Bridgeport. It looks at the roles of town clerk, city clerk and municipal Sheriffs and how they will go from elected positions to selected positions. We got more perspective on this from Tom Gaudett, Chief Administrative Officer for the city of Bridgeport.   Image Credit: Getty Images

Erika Eng, the Executive Director of Sacred Heart University Discovery Science Center & Planetarium, joined Melissa to talk about "Treasured Pages: A Fairytale Ball" their Annual Fundraising Gala and their biggest event of the year. Image Credit: Getty Images

Know before you go to the polls. In Bridgeport, there are two ballot questions that could have a great impact on all residents. We continued chatting about the ballot questions and understanding what the language means with Faith Sweeney and John Hozier, co-chairs of the charter revision commission for Bridgeport. For more information: https://bridgeportcharter.com/ Image Credit: Getty Images

With today being Columbus Day, Paul Pacelli welcomed Andre' DiMino, the President of the Italian American One Voice Coalition to talk about Columbus Day being designated a holiday again by President Donald Trump as well as why we celebrate Columbus Day. Image Credit: Getty Images

Paul Pacelli, while filling in on Melissa in the Morning, spoke to Dr. Matthew Restall, the author of, "The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus" about his book, which chronicles the life, legacy and controversies of Christopher Columbus. Image Credit: Getty Images

Milford school district is seeing a huge jump in education gains. We spoke with superintendent, Dr. Anna Cutaia, about the students' results on the Smarter Balanced Assessments and SATs and understanding the growth across grade levels and subject areas. For more information: https://www.milforded.org/ Image Credit: Getty Images

Republicans in the state Senate are calling for a new audit and other reviews of Connecticut's Medicaid program to stem cost overruns that have plagued the program in recent years. Senator Heather Somers is Ranking Senator on the Appropriations Committee and shared more about why the GOP caucus sent a letter to state auditors of public accounts. Image Credit: Getty Images

We did a check-in with Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz to talk about the WIC program, support for local seniors and the CT Grown for CT Kids program. Image Credit: Getty Images

Is there really a ballot question in Bridgeport suggesting the city clerk position should not be an elected person? It's one of many questions I have about the two ballot questions voters will face this election. For clarity, we spoke with councilman Richard Ortiz representing the 135th district about both ballot questions. Image Credit: Getty Images

John Gomes, former Democratic candidate for mayor in Bridgeport, spoke to the media publicly for the first time in over a year. It comes after he wrote a letter to state lawmakers to tackle more election reform laws during a potential special session. We spoke with him on WICC. Image Credit: Getty Images

The Attorney General's Office announced it had reached a settlement with a group running a deceptive fundraising scam whose donors thought they were helping provide breast cancer screenings to save lives. We got the details from Attorney General William Tong. Image Credit: Getty Images

There was a meeting for the city council's public safety committee regarding how to handle ICE agents in Bridgeport. What was in this resolution and what can really be done to limit actions of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement? Tom Gaudett, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Bridgeport, was in the meeting and gave us insight about the resolution. Image Credit: Getty Images

Every month, we partner with the American Red Cross Connecticut chapter on air because we have a critical need for blood donations. But did you know there is a real knowledge gap when it comes to blood donations? National statistics show a wide range of blood donation knowledge, with many people lacking basic information even though donors have positive attitudes toward donation. We got a breakdown of all the donation types from Jocelyn Hillard of the American Red Cross. For more information: https://www.redcrossblood.org/ Image Credit: Getty Images

State Republicans are sounding the alarm about what they call “a culture of corruption in state government.” Today senate and house Republicans are set to introduce proposals – that include efforts to increase transparency especially when it comes to abuse of taxpayer dollars. For more information on these proposals, we spoke with House Minority Leader, Representative Vin Candelora. Image Credit: Getty Images

It's National Physician Assistant (PA) Week and national data shows the job continues to grow in popularity. As of 2024, there are approximately 189,907 board‑certified PAs in the U.S.; a growth of 27.8% over the past five years. But what is the role of a PA and how has it evolved over time in US Health care? Jason Prevelige, a physician assistant and adjunct professor at Quinnipiac University, shared insight about PA roles and what's so attractive about the job over other medical roles. Image Credit: Getty Images

There is supposed to be a special session this month to potentially tackle affordable housing, specifically to work out the vetoed House Bill 50-02 from earlier this year. We are getting a look at a Regional Housing Plan Concept created by the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. We spoke with Joe DeLong, Executive Director and CEO of CCM to get more clarity on this concept. Image Credit: Getty Images

There is supposed to be a special session this month to potentially tackle affordable housing, specifically to work out the vetoed House Bill 50-02 from earlier this year. We are getting a look at a Regional Housing Plan Concept thanks to Renee Dobos from Connecticut Housing Partners. We spoke about the report and what it could mean for our state handling the housing crisis. Image Credit: Getty Images