The Wheelhouse

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/donate See 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 LamontState ofConnecticutAlex PuttermanHearst Connecticut MediaKaty Golvala CT MirrorLisa HagenCT Public and CT MirrorSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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 SavittConnecticut PublicShannon OsakaThe Washington PostMiriam WasserWBURSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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)State of ConnecticutShefali LuthraThe 19thRachel RebouchéTemple UniversitySupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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-Aitken 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.

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 HaddadinConnecticut Public’s The Accountability ProjectMaysoon Khan: Connecticut Public’s The Accountability ProjectEbong UdomaWSHUJohn MoritzHearst Connecticut MediaAlex PuttermanHearst Connecticut MediaSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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 WheelerBen’s LighthouseNelba Marquez-GreeneYale School of Public HealthSujata Srinivasan: Connecticut PublicSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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 PazniokasCT MirrorSusan RaffWFSB Eyewitness News Ch. 3Bilal Sekou: University of HartfordSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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 RigueurAuthorMercy Quaye The Narrative ProjectCT Mirror Charles Venator-SantiagoUniversity of ConnecticutJonathan WhartonSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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 FranceCharles Venator SantiagoUniversity of ConnecticutPaul Choiniere, The DaySupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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 GoldsteinBenjamin WesleyAndy Blye, , Greenwich TimeEbong UdomaSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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 LoganLivi StanfordLisa HagenCT MirrorCT PublicSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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“Amarica’s Constitution”“The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840”Geoffrey SkelleyJohn MoritzSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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 MasseyBilal Sekou:University of HartfordMercy Quaye The Narrative ProjectCT Mirror Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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 GriffinMark PazniokasCT MirrorSusan RaffSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See 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-SantiagoUniversity of ConnecticutMaria SacchettiThe Washington PostDan Haar, Senior editor and columnist, Hearst Connecticut Media GroupSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In advance of the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, there were negotiations over live microphones and arguments over who could attend. There was even a debate over what network it should be put on. Historically, debates offer an opportunity for political candidates to provide substantive details about their platforms. But in 2024, more attention is paid to spectacle. Now that the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is over, is it time to focus on the importance of debates and the substance intended to be offered to the American people? Today on The Wheelhouse, the evolution of public political discourse. GUESTS: Dr. Bilal SekouUniversity of HartfordJonathan WhartonSouthern Connecticut State UniversityJulian E. ZelizerPrinceton UniversityKathryn Cramer BrownellPurdue UniversitySupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public safety and the sanctity of the ballot are top of mind for election officials during the lead up to November. This hour, we take a look at how some officials are preparing during an especially fraught election year. GUESTS: Rachael CobbTina BartonThe Elections GroupSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During a recent speech given by former President Donald Trump, he promised that, if elected, he would cut federal funding for any schools with a vaccine or mask mandate. His promises highlight the continued politicization of CDC-recommended public health best-practices. This hour, we look at anti-vaccine rhetoric and how it impacts communities in Connecticut and beyond. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a whirlwind few weeks, Democrats are gathering in Chicago to formally nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as their presidential candidate. This week on The Wheelhouse, Colin McEnroe guest-hosts a special check-in on how the Democratic National Convention is going. GUESTS: Dan HaarHearst Connecticut Media GroupLeah Wright RigueurMark PazniokasSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.