The Wheelhouse

Student-led protests of the Israel-Hamas War are growing as the fighting continues. Students camp out and call on their educational institutions to divest from companies they say support the killing of civilians – while the world reacts. This hour, we look at how the protests in support of civilians in Gaza – and the war in general – are being talked about and how that rhetoric affects the safety of Palestinian and Jewish people. GUESTS: Sharon OttermanNew York TimesEddy MartinezCT PublicJason StanleyYale UniversityGregg GonsalvesSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why does political dysfunction happen? What are the systems that enable it? A new four-part podcast from Connecticut Public looks for answers in Bridgeport, where corruption charges, allegations of absentee ballot misconduct, and machine politics have left some residents wondering if their vote even matters. Today on The Wheelhouse, catch the first episode of In Absentia. The podcast offers listeners a deep dive into the history of political dysfunction in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Plus, we’ll hear from Connecticut Public’s Lisa Hagen about Connecticut's federal delegation ahead of general elections in November. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut’s affordable housing crisis has taken center stage during the state’s 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions. This hour, are meaningful reforms on the horizon for state residents? And how have zoning ordinances, a lack of transit-oriented development, and “opt-in” programs contributed to the crisis at hand? Jacqueline Rabe Thomas:Hearst Connecticut Media GroupAnika Singh LemarYale Law SchoolGinny MonkConnecticut MirrorAbigail BroneConnecticut PublicSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Presidential election years are an emotional rollercoaster. And if you’ve been feeling anxious about the state of the country, there’s a good chance the children in your life have picked up on that. This hour, how should we talk to kids about the election? Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut’s 2024 presidential preference primary represented several things for state residents. It was a shot at relevancy, a chance to demonstrate against Democrats, and an inaugural crack at early in-person voting. This hour, we explore how Tuesday’s presidential nominating contest in the Nutmeg State shook out. Stephanie ThomasSusan RaffMark PazniokasDr. Bilal Sekou The Wheelhouse is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Early polls suggest that voters want more options than just Donald Trump or Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election. This hour, we look beyond the two-party system and ask what a non-Democrat or Republican candidate could mean for the race to the White House. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Threats against women and threats against democracy are inextricably linked, according to experts who study and track gendered political violence. While threats to American democracy have manifested in events like the January 6 Capitol Riot, threats against women in politics have come in the form of harmful rhetoric and even targeted attacks. This hour, we explore how women are faring in American politics. Kellie Carter JacksonWellesley CollegeSarah SobierajTufts UniversityShefali LuthraThe 19th The Wheelhouse is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the upcoming presidential election, democracy hangs in the balance. So, newsrooms across the country should hold up a mirror and ask: is our reporting shaping the race to the White House? Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve heard buzz about the Oscars for months – the drama, the snubs, the countless interviews. Pretty soon we’ll finally get to watch it all unfold. But before we do, join us this hour as we explore how today’s most popular TV shows and movies reflect our political landscape. We’ll dive into how the horror genre has drawn inspiration from the world around us and how comedians are wrestling with ways to bring levity to real-life horrors. Jeffrey DudasUniversity of ConnecticutEric DeggansNPR The Wheelhouse is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political tension is growing in America and beyond. And with the 2024 United States presidential election on the horizon, there’s concern that increased political tension will lead to violence. A recent national survey by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) reported that nearly a quarter of Americans support political violence – 23%. That’s an increase from 15% in 2021. This hour, we look at how the threat of violence impacts domestic and foreign politics. Katie ReisnerArchon Fung Harvard Kennedy SchoolKevin BoyleNorthwestern UniversityChris DoyleBria Lloyd Connecticut Public The Wheelhouse is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent poll suggests that fewer Black Americans will vote for President Joe Biden this time around. On the next Wheelhouse, we dig deeper than the numbers – and look at why issues like global conflicts are upending the way we think about how people vote. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 is shaping up to be an unprecedented year. From record levels of disinformation to a presidential candidate spending more time in court than on the campaign trail, democracy hangs in the balance. This hour, we’re holding up a mirror and asking: how should the press cover the upcoming presidential election. Jaden EdisonThe Connecticut MirrorDavid Folkenflik , NPR NewsErrin HainesThe 19th The Wheelhouse is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut’s 2024 legislative session begins Wednesday. For the next three months, lawmakers will work to address some of the state’s most pressing issues. This hour, we’ll explore those issues, which include zero-emission vehicles, a lack of affordable housing, and traffic stop reform. And did you know that you have a stake in the outcome of the Super Bowl this year? Should the betting favorite win, sports betting operators in Connecticut would have to pay out a lot of bets. On this week’s episode, we’ll try and identify this year’s Super Bowl betting favorite. Susan Raff:WFSBMark Pazniokas , CT MirrorJaden EdisonThe Connecticut MirrorJacqueline Rabe Thomas:Hearst Connecticut Media Group The Wheelhouse is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A federal court has revived a lawsuit over a Connecticut policy that allows transgender girls to compete on girls’ sports teams. Meanwhile, the town of Enfield, Connecticut passed a new policy banning the Pride flag from being flown on town property. This week on The Wheelhouse, we explore how recent policy changes in Connecticut mirror those in the rest of the nation, and how towns are responding to a growing number of restrictions. GUESTS: Orion RummlerThe 19thKatie Barnes: , ESPN.com The Wheelhouse is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governor Ned Lamont says child care is a top priority for Connecticut’s 2024 legislative session. He tasked a panel of experts with proposing a plan to overhaul what many consider to be a broken system. In a few weeks, Lamont will present his proposal for the Blue Ribbon Panel’s first year of a five year plan to the Connecticut General Assembly. Families and child care providers are hoping to see major changes, like higher wages for child care providers and an increase in parent subsidies. But some wonder if the proposed plan will go far enough. This hour, we’ll explore the reforms needed to fix an industry in crisis and what the future holds if changes aren’t made. Plus, Bridgeport’s Democratic primary election results were overturned last Fall due to allegations of fraud. After yesterday’s court-ordered re-vote, do we finally have a winner? GUESTS: Bria LloydConnecticut PublicErica PhillipsConnecticut MirrorMelissa BoteachNational Women’s Law CenterKaren ListUConn The Wheelhouse is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2024 presidential election is in full swing. Iowa held its Republican Caucus this week, and next week, New Hampshire will hold Republican and Democratic primaries. These states traditionally go first, but because at least 90 percent of the people living in Iowa and New Hampshire are white, that may change. The Democratic National Committee has proposed a reordering of the calendar, tapping South Carolina to send their voters to the polls first. This hour, we’ll unpack how meaningful a first-in-the-nation primary truly is. Plus, Trump’s ability to stay on the ballot in Colorado and Maine hangs in the balance. Will the Supreme Court rule in Trump’s favor? And what would that mean for democracy? GUESTS: Maya KingNew York TimesDan BarrickNew Hampshire Public RadioBruce Ackerman Revolutionary Constitutions The Wheelhouse is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, The Wheelhouse is passing the mic to another Connecticut Public talk show, Disrupted. This hour, we learn about the State Elections Enforcement Commission which oversees voter fraud allegations and campaign finance. We'll also examine America's youngest voters, Generation Z. Ruby Belle Booth will provide insight on Gen Z's voting impact followed by a Gen Z roundtable. Looking to dive deeper in today's discussion? Here are some resource links from the show. Register to vote Check your registration status and find your polling place Absentee ballot request Your Town Clerk and election officials Municipal town ballots State Elections Enforcement Commission - eCRIS (Campaign Reporting Information System) GUESTS: Joshua Foley: Senior Attorney and Spokesman, State Elections Enforcement Commission Ruby Belle Booth: Elections Coordinator, Tisch College Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning & Engagement on the campus of Tufts University Samuel Weinmann: University of New Haven Senior majoring in International Affairs. Executive Editor of Horseshoe Magazine Cristian Corza: Graduate, UConn Hartford. Campaign manager to Hartford Mayoral candidate Arunan Arulampalam Yesenia Rodriguez: Graduate, Claremont McKenna College. Works for a non-profit back in her hometown of Philadelphia Special thanks to former interns Lateshia Peters and Joey Morgan for hosting the Gen Z roundtable. This episode originally aired on Disrupted on November 1, 2023. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2021, Connecticut passed a law mandating school districts to have curricula focused on quote "the science of reading." That refers to research-backed approaches to literacy like phonics. Initially, all school districts had until July 1, 2023 to implement an approved “science of reading” program. That deadline is now July 1, 2025. But not all school districts are happy about this. So, why is “the science of reading” facing so much pushback? This hour, we’ll break down the past and present of the so-called “reading wars” in Connecticut and beyond. GUESTS: Emily Hanford: Senior producer and correspondent at American Public Media; host of the award-winning podcast Sold a Story: How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong Louise Spear-Swerling: Professor emerita in the department of special education at Southern Connecticut State University Dr. Margie Gillis: Founder and president of Connecticut-based nonprofit, Literacy How This episode originally aired on July 19, 2023. This episode originally aired on July 19, 2023. This episode originally aired on July 19, 2023. The Wheelhouse is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut has hundreds of miles of shoreline, extending from Greenwich in the west to Stonington in the east. But many of these coastal communities have found ways to exclude certain people. In fact, there's a long history of segregation on our shores, dating back decades. This hour, we’ll unpack past and present beach access in Connecticut. Plus, we’ll look at who does — and does not — get access to quality public spaces like parks. GUESTS: Andrew Kahrl: Professor of history and African American Studies at the University of Virginia and author of Free the Beaches: The Story of Ned Coll and the Battle for America’s Most Exclusive Shoreline Dr. KangJae Lee: Assistant professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, North Carolina State University Hear more from Andrew Kahrl in this episode of Disrupted. This episode originally aired on July 5, 2023. The Wheelhouse is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Capitol to the campaign trail: The year in politics with a powerhouse panel and a special guest. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.