Where We Live

What would it have been like to see a huge, elephant-like mastodon roaming our state? 

The earth has been home to some spectacularly large animals. A few of them still roam or swim our world today. This hour, we take a look at the biology of these giants. 

From chunky island-dwelling birds to the enormous blue whale, what do we know about why these creatures evolved to be so big? And why don’t we see more of them today? 

Plus, with a UN report warning that a million species are at risk of extinction in coming years, are we at risk of losing those big creatures we still have?

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Doctors and public health officials are still trying to figure out the cause behind more than 800 lung injuries related to vaping that have been reported in the U.S. in recent months.

At the same time, there is a longer-term public health crisis as more and more young people have become addicted to nicotine through e-cigarette use -- despite decades of declining traditional cigarette use among teens. 

This hour, we talk about these two public health crises. Do you vape nicotine products like Juul, or maybe use THC cartridges or vape pens from a dispensary? Has the current outbreak in lung injuries changed your vaping habits?

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Impeachment. It's a word that has come to dominate the headlines, with the announcement of an “official impeachment inquiry” into U.S. President Donald Trump.

But just what is impeachment?

This hour, we take an in-depth look  and we also hear from you. Do you have a question about the impeachment process? 

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Venture into any of Connecticut's municipal centers and you will likely notice an empty storefront … or two or three or, well, you get the point.

This hour, we ask: What impact do these vacancies have on the vitality of local communities? And what resources are available to help these communities attract and retain more retail businesses?

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A phone conversation between Donald Trump and the president of Ukraine about former Vice President Joe Biden has sparked outrage from some U.S. lawmakers and amplified calls for Trump’s impeachment. This hour, Connecticut U.S. Rep. Jim Himes joins us to weigh in on this unfolding situation. 

We also look at mounting concerns over Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The mosquito-borne virus recently claimed the life of an East Lyme, Connecticut woman. What can residents do to protect themselves?

And later, if you attended grade school in Connecticut, you most likely received a lesson on the history of the state's Charter Oak, which fell in the mid-19th century. What you might not have learned, however, is the history of the Charter Oak Monument, which has stood in commemoration of the tree for more than a century. We hear about efforts underway to restore and raise awareness of this little-known structure, and we take your comments and questions. 

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The University of Connecticut has a new leader. This hour, we sit down with UConn’s new president, Thomas Katsouleas, who stepped into the role this August.

Katsouleas is trained as a physicist and electrical engineer whose career has focused on plasma science. We hear about his path to Connecticut and ask him about his vision for Connecticut's flagship state university.

And we want to hear from you. From academics to student life to research to the Big East, we take your questions and calls for UConn’s president.

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A recent report paints a picture of the arts in Greater Hartford, a scene that’s both colorful and rocky.

This hour, we learn about the Greater Hartford Arts Landscape Study, and consider efforts to better support the region’s artists.

We also look back on the early years of hip-hop and breaking (a.k.a. breakdancing) in Connecticut, and hear how some young people are learning and performing these styles today. 

Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

GUESTS:

• Jackie Coleman - Senior Education Investments Officer at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
• Tim Wolf - Former manager of the Peace Train Breaking and Popping All-Stars, a dance group based in Hartford, Connecticut in the 1980s
• John Manselle-Young a.k.a. Tang Sauce - Hartford, Connecticut-based hip-hop artist
• Nina Pinchin - Associate Director of Education at Hartford Stage

Chion Wolf contributed to this show, which originally aired on July 26, 2019.

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As college students settle into the fall semester, there is an expectation their professors are tenured. But three out of four faculty today aren’t eligible for tenure. And many are adjuncts, part-time faculty without strong benefits or job security.

Today: What’s the human cost to this model of education? We find out and we want to hear from you.

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Whether through religious groups or school-organized activities, Americans have long sought ways to give back to their communities. But has this spirit of altruism faded in recent years?

This hour, we check on the state of volunteering in the U.S. and ask what is being done to motivate more Americans to do good in their spare time. Do you remember the last time you volunteered? We want to hear from you. 

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In 2018, around one thousand Connecticut residents died from opioid overdoses, according to the state’s Chief Medical Examiner.  Connecticut has joined nearly every state including thousands of municipalities in suing Stamford-based opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma.

This hour, we get the latest after Purdue filed for bankruptcy Sunday. Twenty states tentatively reached a multi-billion dollar settlement with Purdue Pharma. But we find out why Connecticut Attorney General William Tong says this settlement doesn’t go far enough.

Later, we hear from a Connecticut teen who’s helping organize a “Connecticut Climate Strike” this Friday in Hartford.

And we get the latest on the Bridgeport mayoral race.

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