Where We Live

The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication found that  the majority of Americans  are either "alarmed" or "concerned" about climate change. They also  discovered links  between distress about climate change and a desire to take action. This hour, Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz digs into this study, and the Six Americas Super Short Survey (SASSY).  You can take the SASSY Survey here. Plus, NBC Conne...

As the war continues in Israel and Gaza,  humanitarians are working to deliver aid across the region.  Humanitarian aid starts with addressing the basic necessities; food, water, and emergency medical care. And later, addressing mental health needs and the survived trauma of the millions displaced. This week,  some Connecticut lawmakers called for a humanitarian pause which could allow more aid in...

This hour, we're focusing on Gen Z's impact on arts and culture. Eric George Lopez, or ericdoa, has been described as the "face of hyperpop," a newer music genre born out of 2000s electronic music. But in many ways, the "genre-bending" up-and-coming artist defies categorization. He discusses his upbringing in Connecticut, how he developed his sound and what makes Gen Z uniquely powerful in the art...

Being a Mom on Halloween can be pretty hectic, but a group of Fairfield Moms are taking the spooky season by storm. They're dressing up as zombies and taking the town in their infamous flash mobs. The “Mombies” is a group of Moms of all ages that have been coordinating to “dance to donate” since 2016. They have raised over $170,000 for breast cancer research to date - and their dance videos have b...

A new Advanced Placement, or AP, course on African American Studies is in its second pilot year in hundreds of schools, and set to roll out nationally next fall. AP classes offer high school students the opportunity to earn college credit. But the course's pilot rollout has been rocky, after it was rejected by the Department of Education in Florida and, more recently, in Arkansas. This hour, we ch...

There’s a stereotypical depiction of concussions in movies and TV shows: someone - often an athlete, gets hit in the head, falls down, and everyone crowds around them and asks them if they know what day it is. Then, the patient spends the next two weeks lying alone in the dark. But in recent years, we have developed a new understanding about concussions -- how they happen, their severity, and how...

For a Connecticut family of four, it costs over $126,000 just to meet their basic needs, according to a recent United Way report . That’s more than four times the federal poverty level. Food insecurity is a big part of the problem, affecting more than 1 in 10 Connecticut residents, according to Connecticut Foodshare. A new report from the United States Department of Agriculture found the national...

A heads up to our listeners that today we will be discussing human trafficking. Content may not be suitable for younger listeners. Human trafficking can happen in any country and any community,  including where we live, in Connecticut.  Polaris, a non-profit dedicated to fighting human trafficking,  gave Connecticut a failing grade when it comes to combating trafficking in our state. When you thin...

Before baking powder became a kitchen staple, there was a state-level showdown over the rights to produce and sell it, and food historian Linda Civitello says Connecticut played a central role. This hour, she joins us to dig into her book,  Baking Powder Wars: The Cutthroat Food Fight that Revolutionized Cooking. Plus, Darien First Selectman Monica McNally previews the town’s $85 million purchase...

Walt Woodward held the position of Connecticut State Historian for nearly twenty years. He retired in 2022 to make way for the next Connecticut State Historian.  Although our state is small, it’s got a big history. From the Connecticut Witch Trials of the 1600s to some more recent history, like the Sandy Hook Shootings and even the COVID-19 pandemic, Connecticut is not short on history. Andy Horow...

Before the well-known witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts, Connecticut had its own spate of trials and executions. In mid-1600s colonial Connecticut, dozens of women, and some men connected to them, were accused of witchcraft. Eleven people were executed. Earlier this year, the state moved to clear the names of all those accused of witchcraft in the state, and issued an apology. The resolution fo...

Church attendance is on the decline.  And the pandemic might not be to blame. Church attendance was falling even before 2020 among every major religion and subgroup. Coming up this weekend, the  United Church on the Green  is welcoming Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray, Jr. This  historic church in New Haven played a key part of the abolitionist movement. Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray, Jr. is going to be the chur...

Graphic novels and comic books sales in the U.S. have grown in recent years, but the format is still a  "prime target"  for book ban lists. Maia Kobabe's award-winning graphic memoir  Gender Queer  was named the top challenged book of 2022 and 2021 by the American Library Association. Jerry Craft, Connecticut native and the author of graphic novel  New Kid , also found his book on ban lists. RELAT...

Connecticut's winemaking community is vibrant and growing. This hour, we explore the flavors of New England with food journalist Leeanne Griffin, and wine expert and writer Alice Feiring. Some 45 licensed farm wineries comprise Connecticut's very own "Wine Country." We also hear from local vineyards, and discuss the role of "agritourism" in Connecticut. We preview the state's Passport to Wine Coun...

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for decades, putting much of the focus squarely and rightly on cardiovascular disease. But what about congenital heart conditions, something affecting your heart since birth? There are 13 million adults living with congenital heart disease, and that number has grown as treatments advance; survival rates have improved by 75% sin...

Last week,  homelessness was officially declared a public health crisis in Connecticut.  And the lack of affordable housing remains a major issue here in Connecticut. Today, we get an update on affordable housing and  hear how some towns are addressing it. We hear about a housing model known as  cohousing , and  hear from a co-housing collective based in Massachusetts. Later, New York Times global...

Where do our clothes come from? According to the Textile Exchange, 52% of our clothes are made from polyester. Fast fashion is an enormous industry, allowing us to purchase low cost clothing quickly and efficiently. But the toll these companies take on the environment is significant, and the workplace conditions for the factories that create these products are questionable at best. Building sustai...

During the last fiscal year, the army alone missed their recruiting goal by 25%.  All branches of the military are struggling to recruit new cadets. With an all volunteer service, the military relies on recruitment efforts to get more people to serve. But fewer Americans than ever are eligible to do so. And attracting the  next generation of cadets has been a challenge. Today, we talk about the mi...

New COVID boosters are available and recommended for everyone over six months of age, but pharmacies and providers in the state are slammed. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) says that more than  46,000 residents  have gotten the latest COVID-19 vaccine. They also acknowledged delays, which the Hartford Courant has attributed to  "supply chain disruptions, insurance issues and work...

Turtles are among one of the oldest reptiles to walk the planet. Although turtles often  live long lifespans and are among some of the most resilient animals on the planet, human presence has meant a huge threat to their species.  In her new book  Of Time and Turtles,   Sy Montgomery says turtles live “slow.” She spent time  working with the people that have dedicated their lives to rehabilitating...

Researchers at Yale University are focused on the harrowing history of eugenics, the role the institution played in developing this psuedoscience, and its many lingering "afterlives." Professor Dan HoSang formed  the Anti-Eugenics Collective at Yale , and says this history is "integral to the story of the University." HoSang and the Collective also explore how the tenets of eugenics transformed an...

A content warning to our listeners: today we will be talking about suicide. September is  Suicide Prevention Month . United States saw  nearly 50,000 deaths by suicide in 2022, and suicide continues to be on the rise. Talking openly about suicide and mental health can be a critical part of deterring suicide deaths.  But having those discussions can be really challenging and experts say there are s...

Ashley Hamel discovered her love of music while growing up in Connecticut. The singer-songwriter eventually left New England behind to build her music career in Indonesia. This hour, she joins us from Jakarta to talk about her new single, "New England Baby…" Plus, earlier this year, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced a bill that he hopes will rein in the role of online, third-party ticket...

Endometriosis is one of the most common diseases affecting those with uteruses. Despite its prevalence, proper diagnosis can take up to ten years, leaving many suffering without support or treatment. State Representative Jillian Gilchrest recently launched a  legislative working group  to advocate for better research and education policies across Connecticut. Arleigh Cole is a local public educato...

Esmeralda Santiago is out with a new book,  Las Madres , following five women as they survive – and are shaped by their experience of – Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. The novel explores themes of memory and home, faith and disaster. This hour, the acclaimed author joins us to discuss. Plus, we take a look at efforts to ready permanent relief resources in Hartford, given the increasing prevalence...