The Wheelhouse

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: Investigative reporter, Hearst Connecticut Media Group
• Anika Singh Lemar: Clinical Pr...

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 Thomas: Secretary of the State of Connecticut
• Susan Raff: Chief political reporter, WFSB News Ch...

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 Ja...

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 h...

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 i...

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 Edison: Justice Reporter, The Connecticut Mirror
• David Folkenflik: Media Correspondent, NPR News
• Errin Hai...

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 ...

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 restrictio...

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 f...

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 t...

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.

Lo...

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 scien...

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 q...

During times of war, language can be a powerful tool. Political leaders can wield it to change hearts and minds, but also to justify the use of violence.

Right now, political rhetoric is everywhere as the war between Israel and Palestine continues to unfold. So how does what we hear from politicians inform how we think about conflict?

Today, we’ll examine the role of rhetoric in our politics — and how it can contribute to violenc...