Real Talk with Raff

The race for governor in Connecitcut is getting a little more crowded. Republican State Senator Ryan Fazio has just entered the race. Why is he running and what does he have to say about energy, crime, President Trump, and federal cuts? Listen to Real Talk With Raff to find out.

Though Gov. Ned Lamont hasn't made a decision about running, Rep. Josh Elliot says he is.

Beth Bye, commissioner of  CT's Office of Early Childhood, explains the importance of childcare legislation that came out of this past legislative session. An important priority for lawmakers this year was making childcare in Connecticut more affordable. The bill that passed will make childcare either free or less expensive for thousands of families. Bye was a driving force to make Connecticut a role model. She explains why this is will improve the quality of life for many families and boost the state’s economy.

The union representing 6,500 workers is asking lawmakers to value what they do. They say the current wages fall short and many workers can't afford to pay rent.

Americans are spending trillions of dollars on healthcare and yet we are the sickest.  Life expectancies are down compared to other countries.  Author and keynote speaker Tom Lawry has insight on the benefits of AI in healthcare and what we can do to take better care of ourselves.

The Governor has money in his budget to help Schools pay for teachers and resources. Schools across our state are seeing large increases in students with special needs.

Former Lt. Gov. Michael Fidele talks about the legacy of former Gov. Jodi Rell, who passed away on Nov. 20 and was laid to rest on Dec. 3.

Chris Cooper, who was an aide for former Gov. Jodi Rell, reflects on her time in office.

Former CT secretary of the state Denise Merrill talks about the election and how she feels the state handled early voting.

Join us as we dive into the vital work of the League of Women Voters of Connecticut with  Vice President of  Voter Services, Laura Smits. This organization,  active since the passage of the 19th Amendment, has been a  force in educating voters and safeguarding election integrity. Discover how they help inform citizens about candidates, crucial issues, and ensure the protection of voting rights.

November’s election is less than two months away. But many are burned out. Political Science Professor Scott McLean shares his thoughts on the drawn out election coverage, how young voters are feeling and can Democrats keep their support in our urban areas. Plus CT wasn’t always so red.

Presidential historian, attorney, and author Talmage Boston provides some insight on the presidential race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, and their upcoming debate.

Susan Raff speaks with Quinnipiac Prof. Mohammas Elahee about the sudden increase in customers' electric bills.

Susan Raff speaks with Bill Colonis of CT Green Bank about going solar.

Anthony Anthony, chief marketing officer, CT Dept. of Economic and Community Development, talks about tourism in Connecticut.

University of Hartford political science Prof. Bilal Sekou talks about the political landscape following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Laurie Bizzairo recently competed in the Gaylord Gauntlet in Wallingford. 

It’s all about politics. The big announcement this week by Nikki Haley that she will support Trump no matter what she said about him.  And what about CT elections? Congresswoman Jahana Hayes won by only 2000 votes in the last election, can Republican George Logan pull off a victory this November? Bilal Sekou, a political professor at University of Hartford make some predictions.

There  was a last minute push this year by state lawmakers to get some regulations on artificial intelligence. It was a lot to handle and Governor Lamont had some concerns and the bill was pulled.Chetan Jaiswal, a professor of computer science at QU,  has some real insight on this constantly changing technology and what we all need to know on the pluses and minus of AI.

Millions of Americans recently experienced something spectacular this week, the Great American Eclipse. Although it was a different experience depending on where you saw it, Quinnipiac University's  Nicole Granucci explains what we actually saw and why it was not as rare as you think. 

It’s cold outside but families are struggling to pay their heating bills.  Lawmakers came through this week with $17 million for Operation Fuel and LIHEAP,  a federally funded assistance program for low income families. How will this money help and who can get help.

Breaking down the New Hampshire Primary.  Jayme Stevenson, a former Darien First Selectwoman, is the chairman of a volunteer group “Women for Nikki.” She was in NH campaigning for Nikki Haley and says many Republicans are looking for a more moderate and positive candidate. 

Today's Real Talk with Raff. All things weather! WFSB Meteorologist Jill Gilardi joins Susan Raff to weigh in on the recent  heavy rains and flooding. Plus changing weather patterns and why we haven't seen much snow in the past couple of years. 

Channel 3's Susan Raff talks with Tal Rahmani, a young Israeli woman woman has come to Connecticut with a story of pain and survival. 

Street Takeovers... They are increasing in size and frequency.  At a recent takeover in North Haven there were more than 1,500 people. These events are dangerous.  CT lawmakers have passed tougher laws.  On Real Talk, what police are doing across the country to crack down.  

Connecticut Elections.  What is happening in Bridgeport? There’s a lawsuit seeking to have another primary in the race for Mayor. Could that happen? Plus,Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas talks about what happened in Bridgeport and could it be avoided.  Plus, getting ready for early voting whichWill happen in April’s presidential primary. 

Many are shocked with what we are seeing in Israel. The Jewish community in CT is dealing with concerns about safety, security and sadness.   What is being done to help and how you can help.

New data shows more working families are living paycheck to paycheck.  What are the reasons and what can be done? I talked to the Middlesex United Way about the situation.

This marks the 30th running of the Hartford Marathon. How has it grown, the money it has raised for different charities and how you can participate.

CT is moving towards cleaner air and that means electric vehicles.  Governor Lamont wants all new cars sold in 2035 to be electric.  A worthy goal but is CT prepared. Hear what Charles Rothenberger from Save the Sound has to say about that on Real Talk.  

State lawmakers held a hearing to get answers on the scandal involving Connecticut State Police and false traffic tickets. What did they learn and what should happen to those troopers who lied and skewed racial profiling data? We're talking to Judiciary Committee Chair Steve Stafstrom this week on Real Talk.

The scandal involving CT State Police troopers writing fake tickets is heating up.  Governor Lamont is now calling for an independent investigation and state lawmakers are holding a hearing next week.  Criminal justice expert Mike Lawlor joins Chief Political Reporter Susan Raff on Real Talk with Raff on how serious this. 

The US Supreme Court hands down more controversial decisions. These involve, students, people or color and the LGBTQ community.  UCONN professor Emeritus Ron Schurin explains what this means going forward.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Miss CT USA & Miss CT USA Teen . 

Big week in CT.  President Biden will be at the University of Hartford for a SaferCommunities Summit.  The focus is on gun safety.  CT AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE will be one ofmany groups there.  Jeremy Stein the Executive Director tells us what this could mean forthe gun safety movement.

Connecticut now has a state budget and lots of new legislation.  Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff  has the highlights on the bi-partisan budget and historic tax cuts.

Making it easier to vote! Two bills are making their way through the CT legislature that allow early voting andNo-excuse absentee voting.  When can we see this in place? Watch Real Talk with Raff and find out.

Vaping a big problem for children and they are doing it in school. Some as young as 9 years old. Talisha Jones who works for Youth Services in Wallingford has some important advice for parents.   

Today we talked with with Professor Angela Mattie from Quinnipiac University about the recent controversy over Walgreens decision not to dispense abortion-pill Mifepristone in at lest 12 states where abortion is illegal.  CT lawmakers are taking a stand.  

CT has an alcohol problem.  We are now top 3 in the country when it comes to alcohol deaths on our roads.   And wrong way crashes have skyrocketed. DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto tells uswhat the state is doing to make the roads safer. 

What did we see when dispensaries opened, and how cannabis has gone mainstream. Brian Essenter is a pharmacist at Affinity Health & Wellness. What's his take on marijuana. 

The best gift may not be under the tree. Michael Lehrhaupt from Strategies For Wealth Management shares ideas on gifts that can last a lifetime. 

Now that the election is over…what’s the takeaway? An inside look at campaign 2022 with UCONN Political Science Professor Ron Schurin. 

Sandy Hook families sued Alex Jones for saying the massacre never happened. They were awarded $965 million.  The attorney representing the families Chris Mattei shares with us what this means and will the families see that compensation.

Everything you need to know about ranked choice voting. The pluses & minuses. 

The last thing you may be thinking about these days are flu shots. But flu season is coming up. CVS is gives us their take on staying healthy this winter.

Meet Madeline Kizer a UCONN Junior who started a unique & creative way to keep clothing from being thrown away.

And now for something completely different... Let’s learn about Cryptocurrency.  What is Bitcoin and should you invest in it?

Election season in full swing. And now the first senate debate with the 3 candidates hoping to beat Sen Richard Blumenthal. UCONN Political Professor Ron Schurin with his take.

The Primary is over and now we go on to November’s Election.  Frank Harris a journalism professor at Southern CT State University gives us his take onThe winners – including the surprise win by Trump endorsed candidate Leora Levy for US Senate.