The Wheelhouse

Earlier in January, prior to the inauguration of President Donald Trump, listeners were invited to a taping of The Wheelhouse in Hartford. A shortened version of the event aired on Connecticut Public Radio on January 22. This bonus from the live event features two surprise guests. You'll hear conversations with 2025's Connecticut Teacher of the Year, Julia Miller, and personal injury attorney Brooke Goff, whom you might recognize from her many billboards on Interstate 84Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is going back to the White House at the same time Connecticut lawmakers return to work at the State Capitol. Following a tense election cycle, what’s in store for America – and Connecticut – in 2025?Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Biden’s final day in office is January 20. In the weeks since Vice President Kamala Harris lost the election to Donald Trump, President Biden has focused on criminal justice, foreign policy, and clean energy. This hour, we look at what’s left for Biden to tackle on his way out of the White House, and what legacy he leaves behind. GUESTS: Brakkton Booker: National political correspondent, Politico Lisa Hagen: Federal policy reporter, CT Mirror and CT Public Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut’s 2025 legislative session is underway. Over the next six months, lawmakers will convene to address some of the state’s most pressing issues. This hour, we’ll explore the top priorities for this session, including affordable housing, funding for public education and more. We’ll walk through the bills you should be following and how they may impact you and your pocketbook. GUESTS: Susan Raff, Chief political reporter, WFSB Eyewitness News Ch. 3 Bilal Sekou, Hillyer College Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Hartford Ebong Udoma, Senior Reporter, WSHU Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When stressful conversations about politics are “on the table” this holiday season, how can we stay engaged with family members who have totally different views from our own? This week on The Wheelhouse, Professor Irshad Manji talks with us about how people can apply her "Five Skills of Moral Courage" to build trust and respect with people we want to have positive relationships with, regardless of politics. Irshad Manji is the founder of Moral Courage College and author of three books: Allah, Liberty and Love and The Trouble with Islam Today, and her latest book is Don’t Label Me: An Incredible Conversation for Divided Times. This episode originally aired on November 27, 2024.  GUEST:  Irshad Manji: Professor and founder of Moral Courage College and author of Don’t Label Me: An Incredible Conversation for Divided Times. 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/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health insurance is expensive. The average American spent $13,493 per person in 2022, according to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. And according to national health policy researcher KFF, most insured Americans have experienced a problem using their insurance. That may explain the complete lack of empathy some people showed online in reaction to the targeted killing of Brian Thompson, CEO of America’s largest private health insurer, UnitedHealthcare. Lawmakers sprouted into action when Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield considered capping their coverage of anesthesia services for patients during surgeries. Today on a special Wheelhouse, we’re examining the intersection of politics and the healthcare insurance industry. Plus, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont is in-studio to address the insurance issue, as well as concerns related to reproductive rights and the funding of public education in advance of January’s convening of the 2025 legislative session in Connecticut. GUESTS: Ned Lamont: Governor, State of Connecticut Alex Putterman: Reporter, Hearst Connecticut Media Katy Golvala: Health reporter, CT Mirror Lisa Hagen: Federal policy reporter, CT Public and CT Mirror Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the past few years, lawmakers in Connecticut have gotten closer to meaningful legislation that would lower a vehicle’s carbon footprint. They’ve also introduced a pilot program targeting food scraps in an effort to reduce waste. Their job may get harder. President-elect Donald Trump's record on climate change is already forcing state lawmakers to re-think local policy changes. A week after the election, Gov. Ned Lamont said he’s no longer pursuing a mandate that would’ve phased out sales of new gas-powered vehicles in the state by 2035. Today on the Wheelhouse, how initiatives seeking to curb climate change will be impacted by the 2024 election. GUESTS: Michayla Savitt: State government reporter, Connecticut Public Shannon Osaka: Climate zeitgeist reporter, The Washington Post Miriam Wasser: Senior climate and environment reporter, WBUR Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prior to Election Day, advocates were worried about a national abortion ban and further local restrictions on reproductive care. And then, Donald Trump was elected president, with Republicans alongside him taking over the U.S. Congress. Reporters covering reproductive rights are analyzing what comes next under Trump, someone who’s taken credit for the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Today on the Wheelhouse, what happens when the federal government begins to prioritize certain state laws over a patient’s right to receive medical care? We’ll also examine local efforts to combat potential restrictions on reproductive care, including the launching of a 24/7 service called the Connecticut Abortion Legal Hotline. GUESTS: William Tong (D): Attorney General, State of Connecticut Shefali Luthra: Reproductive health reporter, The 19th Rachel Rebouché: Professor of Law, Temple University Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When stressful conversations about politics are “on the table” this holiday season, how can we stay engaged with family members who have totally different views from our own? This week on The Wheelhouse, Professor Irshad Manji talks with us about how people can apply her "Five Skills of Moral Courage" to build trust and respect with people we want to have positive relationships with, regardless of politics. Irshad Manji is the founder of Moral Courage College and author of three books: Allah, Liberty and Love and The Trouble with Islam Today, and her latest book is Don’t Label Me: An Incredible Conversation for Divided Times. GUEST: Irshad Manji: Professor and founder of Moral Courage College and author of Don’t Label Me: An Incredible Conversation for Divided Times. This episode was produced by Frankie Graziano, Chloe Wynne and Robyn Doyon-AitkenThe 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/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election marked a better showing for the former president than the last time he ran back in 2020. So far in Connecticut–even though he didn’t capture the state’s seven electoral votes–Trump has collected 21,253 more votes than he did four years ago. That’s according to the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s office. Today on the Wheelhouse, a panel of experts analyze Trump’s gains in Connecticut. GUESTS: Jim Haddadin: Investigative editor, Connecticut Public’s The Accountability Project Maysoon Khan: Investigative reporter, Connecticut Public’s The Accountability Project Ebong Udoma: Senior reporter, WSHU John Moritz: State reporter, Hearst Connecticut Media Alex Putterman: Reporter, Hearst Connecticut Media Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year, 46,728 people were killed in firearm deaths. For parents and families grieving children lost to the Sandy Hook School shooting, there’s no escaping the trauma associated with that loss, and the rhetoric surrounding gun violence. Today on the Wheelhouse, how the national gun policy discourse affects survivors of gun violence. It’s a timely conversation, given the recent election of Donald Trump as president. Recently on The Wheelhouse, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) questioned whether Trump could put aside his relationship with the NRA to enact meaningful legislation protecting Americans from gun violence. Also featured in the conversation will be Connecticut Public senior health reporter Sujata Srinivasan, who’s covering how gun violence is a public health epidemic. GUESTS: Francine Wheeler: Founder, Ben’s Lighthouse Nelba Marquez-Greene: Activist in residence, Yale School of Public Health Sujata Srinivasan: Senior health reporter, Connecticut Public Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The polls have closed and votes are still being counted. As the 2024 elections come and go, a powerhouse panel of experts will be there for Connecticut residents to take stock in what’s left to determine our political future. Today on the Wheelhouse, analysis of what we know so far. Plus, hear from some winners in races that were already decided. GUESTS: Mark Pazniokas, Capitol bureau chief and a co-founder, CT Mirror Susan Raff, Chief political reporter, WFSB Eyewitness News Ch. 3 Bilal Sekou: Hillyer College Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Hartford Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You voted — and now it’s time to find out. Throughout 2024, the Wheelhouse team has asked Connecticut residents about the issues, interviewed candidates for Congress, unpacked the assassination attempts on Donald Trump, and watched as Democrats coalesced around Vice President Kamala Harris. Now, it’s time to clock in on election night…and find out where state residents really stand. Tonight, The Wheelhouse will dive into what we know and what comes next as the polls close. GUESTS: Leah Wright Rigueur: Author and SNF Agora Institute associate professor of history, Johns Hopkins University Mercy Quaye: Founder and President at The Narrative Project; Columnist for CT Mirror and Editor of CT Mirror's Community Editorial Board Charles Venator-Santiago: Associate professor of political science and El Instituto, University of Connecticut Jonathan Wharton: Associate professor of political science and urban affairs, Southern Connecticut State University Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In one week, voters across America will go to the polls. But before they do, voters in Connecticut’s 2nd congressional district will get to hear from two candidates running for a congressional seat. This hour, we talk with Congressman Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) and challenger Mike France, a Republican. And after that, our panel of guests share their insights on what the candidates had to say. GUESTS: Rep. Joe Courtney , (D-Conn.) Mike France, Candidate for Connecticut’s 2nd congressional district Charles Venator Santiago, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and El Instituto, University of Connecticut Paul Choiniere, Retired editorial page editor, The Day Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The race for Connecticut’s 4th congressional district is underway. This hour, we ask candidates Jim Himes (D-Conn.)–and two challengers, Republican Michael Goldstein and Independent Benjamin Wesley–where they stand on the issues. For the next few weeks, The Wheelhouse will feature a series of candidate interviews. We’ll be talking with Republicans and Democrats, incumbents and challengers, in Connecticut's congressional districts. Each candidate will have an equal amount of time to talk one-on-one with host Frankie Graziano, followed by some analysis from our guest panelists. GUESTS: Rep. Jim Himes , (D-Conn.) Michael Goldstein, Candidate for Connecticut’s 4th congressional district Benjamin Wesley, Candidate for Connecticut’s 4th congressional district Andy Blye, Reporter, Greenwich Time Ebong Udoma, Senior political reporter, WSHU Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, we talk with the candidates for Connecticut’s fifth congressional district: Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and challenger George Logan. And later, our panel of guests share their insights on what the candidates had to say. GUESTS: Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, (D-Conn.) George Logan, Republican candidate for Connecticut’s 5th congressional district Livi Stanford, Reporter for Republican-American Lisa Hagen, Federal policy reporter for CT Mirror and CT Public Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every four years, we’re reminded of the power of the Electoral College. But according to a recent poll by Pew Research Center, more than 6 out of 10 Americans would prefer to see the winner of the presidential election be the person who wins the most votes nationally. This hour, we take a granular look at the Electoral College. We’ll ask questions like why do we have it? And why is it so difficult to get rid of? Plus, in Connecticut, no-excuse absentee voting is on the ballot. We’ll unpack what this means for voters across the state. GUESTS: Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University. He hosts the podcast “Amarica’s Constitution” and wrote the book “The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840” Geoffrey Skelley, Senior Elections Analyst at FiveThirtyEight John Moritz, State Reporter, CT Insider/Hearst Connecticut Media Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The race for Connecticut’s third congressional district is underway. This hour, we ask candidates Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and challenger, Michael Massey, a Republican, where they stand on the issues. For the next few weeks, The Wheelhouse will feature a series of candidate interviews. We’ll be talking with Republicans and Democrats, incumbents and challengers, in Connecticut's congressional districts. Each candidate will have an equal amount of time to talk one-on-one with host Frankie Graziano, followed by some analysis from our guest panelists. GUESTS: Rep. Rosa DeLauro, (D-Conn.) Michael Massey, Candidate for Connecticut’s 3rd congressional district Bilal Sekou: Hillyer College Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Hartford Mercy Quaye: Founder and President at The Narrative Project; Columnist for CT Mirror and Editor of CT Mirror's Community Editorial Board Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re kicking off a series of candidate interviews today on The Wheelhouse.  For the next few weeks, we'll be talking with Republicans and Democrats, incumbents and challengers, in Connecticut's congressional districts. Each candidate will have an equal amount of time to talk one-on-one with host Frankie Graziano, followed by some analysis from our guest panelists. This hour, we ask candidates for Connecticut’s 1st congressional district where they stand on the issues: Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) and challenger, Republican Jim Griffin. GUESTS: Rep. John Larson, (D-Conn.) Jim Griffin, seeking election for Connecticut’s 1st congressional district Mark Pazniokas, Capitol bureau chief and a co-founder of CT Mirror Susan Raff, Chief political reporter, WFSB Eyewitness News Ch. 3 Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2024 U.S. Presidential Debate between vice president Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump highlighted how immigration is being sensationalized to score votes. Trump says that “dangerous” migrants are contributing to an overall spike in crime in the United States. But, the FBI reports that violent crime has decreased. He also says that 21 million people have recently entered the country illegally, despite federal law enforcement reporting a smaller number. Today on the Wheelhouse, the use of immigration misinformation on the campaign trail. Also, an increase in public benefits charges has many Connecticut residents complaining about their electric bills. We’ll discuss what state politicians are saying about the rate increases. GUESTS: Charles Venator-Santiago, Associate professor of political science and El Instituto, University of Connecticut Maria Sacchetti, reporter covering immigrant communities, The Washington Post Dan Haar, Senior editor and columnist, Hearst Connecticut Media Group Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.