This week, we take a look at the political divide on coronavirus in Connecticut and around the country.  But could there also be a seed of pandemic bipartisanship in the state?  We playback some of the judicial greatest hits of a high-profile member of the state Supreme Court.  How might Justice Richard Palmer’s retirement change the court? And a look at some award-winning reporting.

Guests:

Kaitlyn Krasselt -- Political Reporter for Hearst Connecticut Media (@kaitlynkrasselt)

Jonathan Wharton -- Professor of Political Science and Urban Affairs at  Southern Connecticut State University (@PreppyProf)

Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show, and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe)

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The Wheelhouse: Coronavirus Political Divide, Prominent Justice Retires

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 Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns.

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Why does political dysfunction happen? What are the systems that enable it? A new four-part podcast from Connecticut Public looks for answers in Bridgeport, where corruption charges, allegations of absentee ballot misconduct, and machine politics have left some residents wondering if their vote even matters.
Today on The Wheelhouse, catch the first episode of In Absentia. The podcast offers listeners a deep dive into the history of political dysfunction in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Plus, we’ll hear from Connecticut Public’s Lisa Hagen about Connecticut's federal delegation ahead of general elections in November. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Absentia looks at the history of political dysfunction in Bridgeport

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 Professor of Law, Yale Law School
Ginny Monk: Children’s issues and housing reporter, Connecticut Mirror
Abigail Brone: Housing reporter, Connecticut Public
Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Connecticut pass meaningful housing reform in 2024?

Presidential election years are an emotional rollercoaster. And if you’ve been feeling anxious about the state of the country, there’s a good chance the children in your life have picked up on that. This hour, how should we talk to kids about the election? Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to talk to kids about the 2024 presidential election

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. 3
Mark Pazniokas: Capitol bureau chief, CT Mirror
Dr. Bilal Sekou: Hillyer College associate professor of politics and government, University of Hartford

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.

Connecticut's turn: Early, in-person voting debuts in 2024 presidential preference primary

Early polls suggest that voters want more options than just Donald Trump or Joe Biden in the upcoming presidential election. This hour, we look beyond the two-party system and ask what a non-Democrat or Republican candidate could mean for the race to the White House.   Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wheelhouse: Coronavirus Political Divide, Prominent Justice Retires

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