
The Wheelhouse
15 FOLLOWERS
If you’re a news junkie — or maybe just news curious, we’ve got your weekly dose of Connecticut politics, tackling everything from tax cuts to human composting. Amplifying important local and national voices, The Wheelhouse walks listeners through the most important political stories of the week. You’ll hear from well-known political reporters, academics, and local journalists across..
The Wheelhouse
6d ago
ICE agents are popping up in local communities like East Hartford and Willimantic as the Trump administration calls on federal law enforcement to amp up arrests and detentions.
New federal Department of Homeland Security Secretary says Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump are “making our streets safe.”
At the same time, Trump ordered the release of people convicted of seditious conspiracy following their participation in the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol breach.
This week on the Wheelhouse, we analyze criminal justice policy in th ..read more
The Wheelhouse
1w ago
This hour, we examine the intersection of big tech and politics.
AI is growing rapidly and lawmakers in Connecticut and beyond are attempting to regulate the harmful impacts of artificial intelligence without stymieing innovation.
Meanwhile, billionaire CEOs were front and center at the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Tesla Motors CEO and X executive chairman, Elon Musk, even has a role in President Trump’s administration. Will this relationship impact the government’s ability to keep big tech’s power in check?
GUESTS:
Sigal Samuel: Senior reporter and host of the Futur ..read more
The Wheelhouse
2w ago
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 84
Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information ..read more
The Wheelhouse
3w ago
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/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information ..read more
The Wheelhouse
1M ago
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/donate
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information ..read more
The Wheelhouse
1M ago
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 t ..read more
The Wheelhouse
1M ago
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 Incr ..read more
The Wheelhouse
1M ago
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 ..read more
The Wheelhouse
2M ago
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 cu ..read more
The Wheelhouse
2M ago
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 restriction ..read more