Where We Live

It might sound like a cliche, but men in the U.S. are not going to the doctor, and their physical and mental health is suffering. A recent survey from the Cleveland Clinic  found that nearly 40% of Gen Z men  didn’t have a primary care doctor. And the life expectancy gap between men and women is widening. That’s according to the  Journal of the American Medical Associati...

This hour, we’ll explore climate change’s impact on many whale populations – from Belugas in the Arctic Ocean to North Atlantic right whales off the coast of New England. We’ll hear how studies conducted on Beluga whales at Mystic Aquarium are helping scientists better understand what factors threaten their survival in the wild. And later, scientists working on a research i...

The average cost of a wedding in Connecticut is nearly $35,000. Many couples are changing the way they get married, some opting for a small or “micro” wedding with only a few close friends and family members. And others are deciding to elope. But the decision to elope isn’t always tied to wanting to avoid the price tag of a big wedding. This hour, we hear from one couple who rece...

Born in Pittsburgh, Micahel Luo is the son of Chinese immigrants. He attended Harvard, and later became a reporter at the New York Times and today he is the Executive Editor at The New Yorker. One rainy afternoon in 2016,  he was standing on the sidewalk with his family and some friends after church, trying to decide where to go to lunch when a stranger accosted him and his family. “Go...

President Trump recently attempted to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the agency that distributes federal funds to libraries and museums across the country. Connecticut was one of just three states to lose its federal grant for public libraries, totaling over $2 million. A judge blocked the move last week, but big questions remain. This hour, we ask: What does this mean for...

One in five Americans have a disability. That’s according to the  United States Census Bureau . The Trump administration has released statements  promising to protect programs like medicaid, medicare and Social security  - programs that people with disabilities rely on everyday. But in his recommendation for funding for fiscal year 2026, President Trump  proposed cuts to...

From special outdoor performances, to educating the next generation of thespians, summer is a busy time for theaters around the state. But this month, several Connecticut performing arts spaces received notice that federal grants were being rescinded. Today, we speak to some of those institutions about what will happen next. Plus, Connecticut tourism is a $4 billion-a-year business.  That&rsq...

After recent reports of detentions across New England, Connecticut activists are stepping up to protect immigrants. They’re finding creative ways to help people understand their rights and prepare for encounters with ICE, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. This hour, we uncover how these efforts are making a difference. And later, we look at a scam targeting Connecticut&rsq...

Parenthood is hard, and expensive. Over the course of 18 years, it costs nearly  $300,000 to raise a child in the state of Connecticut. So is a  $5000 baby bonus  really going to inspire prospective parents to have children? Today, we talk about some of the Trump administration’s recent proposals to increase the birthrate. Ahead of Mother’s Day, we dig into solutions to...

This week begins the search for the next head of the Catholic Church known as  the Conclave.  Social media has been a buzz as Cardinals all over the world have gathered to begin this sacred ritual to elect the next Pope. During his papacy, Pope Francis took stands on issues like  immigration , war and environmental justice.  Although he appointed women leaders in the Vatican of...

What meal instantly takes you back to childhood? Whether it’s a dish made with grandparents or a recipe passed down through generations, food has the power to unlock memories.  This hour, two local children’s authors share their belief in food’s ability to connect us. They discuss their latest novels, the challenges they face in an industry that often pigeonholes writers of...

Comedian Sheng Wang does not perform comedy that punches down; making jokes about those with less power and privilege. The child of Taiwanese immigrants refuses to make jokes about the Asian American diaspora, but does include stories about his family in his standup. Sheng joined us to talk about his 20 year career, his first comedy special on Netflix and connecting with audiences through humility...

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently stated that the Trump administration will be prioritizing transportation funding to states that require “local compliance or cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.”  In April, the Connecticut Department of Transportation held it’s 2025 Transportation Showcase. Today, we listen back to the panel discussion, where we expl...

Spring is a time of  migration for amphibians around New England.  And there’s a lot being done to help these little creatures get to their summer homes - safely! Today, we hear from those working to aid the frogs, and toads, and helping them cross the roads. We might even get to meet a frog and a toad, or two! The  Connecticut Beardsley Zoo  joins us, and along with some...

A new retail trend known as “Sephora Kids,” refers to tweens and young teens who emulate the beauty and skincare routines of adults. Beauty retailer, Sephora, has seen their customer base of 9 to 12 year-olds  double in the past five years . That’s according to Forbes. But healthcare experts warn that many beauty and skincare products contain ingredients that are harmful to...

Black holes aren’t just the stuff of science fiction; they’re real astronomical objects so dense, so massive, that nothing, not even light, escapes from them. Today, we’re getting lost in the void. Yale Astrophysicist Priya Natarajan joins us for an hour to talk about her research on these extraordinary objects. Last year, she was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People o...

New England’s coastal culture is built on shellfish. But rising temperatures and shifting ocean conditions threaten that tradition. This hour, how the shellfish industry is adapting to choppy waters. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of the phrase “nuclear power” what comes to mind for you? Perhaps some of the notable catastrophic accidents that were caused from malfunctions at nuclear power plants like Chernobyl or Three Mile Island? Although nuclear power carries some risks, some are saying it’s one of the most  reliable ways we have to generate electricity. Today, we are going atomic an...

Today is Tax Day, and we’re talking about managing your budget in a year of constantly changing tariffs and an unpredictable marketplace. There’s a lot of questions about what to do with your money, in a time of so much financial uncertainty. But having  greater financial literacy  and understanding on how the economy works, could give you a little bit more ease. Later, we he...

Kelp Week 2025 is celebrated from April 20 to May 1 in Connecticut. This versatile type of seaweed is farmed right off Connecticut’s shoreline and used in a variety of cuisines, fertilizers, lotions, and more! This hour, we’re joined by local kelp farmers and experts for a deep dive into aquaculture’s fastest growing industry. We’ll look at how chefs are using kelp in their...

Reading can take us on adventures beyond our own backyards but perhaps not too far! Amity Gaige is the author of  Heartwood.  It explores the story of one woman who gets lost on the Appalachian Trail. Did you know this trail runs through Connecticut? And Ethan Rutherford is the author of  North Sun: the Voyage of the Whaleship Esther.  Connecticut was once home to one of the la...

It’s time to shake off the winter blues and dive into spring - spring gardening to be more specific! Today, horticulturist and host of  All Things Gardening,  Charlie Nardozzi joins us for the hour to answer our gardening questions and yours. Plus, we hear from those bringing gardening, farming and fresh local goods from produce to honey, to every neighborhood across Connecticut, a...

A new retail trend known as “Sephora Kids,” refers to tweens and young teens who emulate the beauty and skincare routines of adults. Beauty retailer, Sephora, has seen their customer base of 9 to 12 year-olds  double in the past five years . That’s according to Forbes. But healthcare experts warn that many beauty and skincare products contain ingredients that are harmful to...

In recent weeks, the Trump administration has been targeting international students for their participation in pro-Palestinian protests or speech. In early March, Columbia University student and Palestinian activist  Mahmoud Khalil was arrested and detained . Khalil played a prominent role in the pro-Palestinian protests on the Columbia campus. President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social th...

Next year, the United States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Right now, many organizations are preparing for the anniversary here in Connecticut and beyond. Today, we’ll hear from some of those institutions about their anniversary plans, the importance of learning from the past, and more. The conversation was originally recorded at Co...