Melissa in the Morning: What’s the BIG Deal?

Melissa in the Morning: What’s the BIG Deal?

UConn has reportedly been in talks for a possible shift from the Big East to the Big 12. What’s the BIG deal with shifting conferences? And how much does Dan Hurley and the basketball program play a role in this decision? We got insight from our local sports expert, Rob Adams. Image Credit: USA TODAY…

Melissa in the Morning: Bridgeport School Goals

Melissa in the Morning: Bridgeport School Goals

“One year down, nine to go.” Dr. Carmela Levy-David is entering her second year as Superintendent of Schools in Bridgeport. We asked about the goals for the upcoming year, including a refresher on plans for school buildings and expanding student program opportunities for sports and the arts. Image Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Melissa in the Morning: New School Year Ahead

Melissa in the Morning: New School Year Ahead

Ahead of the new school year, we got a check-in with Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director of CT Association of Public School Superintendents. We got the latest on teacher shortages, filling paraeducator positions, the transition of the kindergarten age cutoff law and controversy around Chromebooks. Image Credit: Getty Images

Melissa in the Morning: Sports-Related Head Injuries

Melissa in the Morning: Sports-Related Head Injuries

Two youth football players died this week in the US, including a middle school student. While both cases were not here in Connecticut, local families want to know that we are doing our best to protect kids and follow top notch health protocols for contact sports. We got perspective from Glenn Lungarini, Executive Director of…

Melissa in the Morning: Unhealthy Baby Food

Melissa in the Morning: Unhealthy Baby Food

A new study finds that as much as two-thirds of infant and toddler food sold in U.S. supermarkets is unhealthy.  The George Institute for Global Health looked at 651 food products sold in ten different grocery chains and found all of them made prohibited claims on the packaging.  Some 70 percent didn’t meet nutritional requirements,…

Melissa in the Morning: Normalizing Grief

Melissa in the Morning: Normalizing Grief

In a population-based study of adults aged 40 and older, The National Library of Medicine reported approximately one third of those surveyed experienced severe grief after the loss of a loved one. Grief was associated with physical and mental health problems and increased use of health services. Ahead of National Grief Awareness Day August 30th,…

Melissa in the Morning: Safe Havens Law

Melissa in the Morning: Safe Havens Law

The Safe Havens law on Connecticut’s books popped up in the news recently. CT News Junkie reported that 57 newborn babies have been given up safely to local hospitals in Connecticut, including two this year. It’s a great opportunity to talk about the history of Safe Haven, how it works and the impact on Connecticut…

Melissa in the Morning: Prepare for a Layoff

Melissa in the Morning: Prepare for a Layoff

Headquartered in Stamford, shipping-and-mailing company Pitney Bowes announced the company is set to lay off about 1,000 employees and close several facilities in the U.S. It’s not clear how many, if any, Connecticut workers are impacted. The most up to date state head count report shows Pitney had about 800 employees based in Connecticut as…

Melissa in the Morning: “We Will Reopen”

Melissa in the Morning: “We Will Reopen”

The Lake Zoar Beach Club and Family Marina in Monroe is one of the impacted areas rocked by the historic flooding on August 18th. We spoke with the owner, Bob Defeo, to get an update on the property and plans to reopen for the 2025 season. Image Credit: Getty Images

Melissa in the Morning: Anxiety about a New School Year

Melissa in the Morning: Anxiety about a New School Year

National statistics from 2023 show 87% of parents of children under 18 say the back-to-school season causes them stress and anxiety (understood.org) As Connecticut students head back to class this week and next, we got advice on helping our kids cope with anxiety ahead of their new school year. Jake Sussman, founder of Superpower Mentors, pointed out…