The Wheelhouse

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.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) shakes hands with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 2024. 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. 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.

We asked our listeners what issues are on their minds, and they answered the call! The week on The Wheelhouse, what exactly is Project 2025? And why is Donald Trump distancing himself from it? Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on The Wheelhouse, we’re exploring politics and generational theory. That’s the belief that every generation has a unique set of shared beliefs. As voters across all age groups get ready to head to the polls in November, what politicians and historical events have shaped the way they will cast their votes? Pictured above are (L-R, top row) Cedar Greve, Randy Weis, Antic Cone, Preston Siroka, and Lisa Sorge. (L-R, bottom row) Shaniya Cone, Samuel Zwick-Lavinsky, Liliana Restrepo, Luanne Sforza, and Valerie Fallon. GUESTS: Sally FriedmanUniversity at AlbanyJean TwengeSan Diego State UniversityElena MooreNPRSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal COVID relief dollars have boosted education in recent years. But now, money allocated from the American Rescue Plan Act is going away. What will state governments do now for students and teachers? Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend, Joe Biden announced he’s dropping out of the presidential race. We’ll talk about what this means for November on a special edition of The Wheelhouse. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the country witnesses yet another act of political violence, its citizens wonder about the impact words and weapons have on our lives. On the next Wheelhouse, we try to make sense of an assassination attempt in 2024. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.