Where We Live

There is no shortage of places to gamble in the northeast -- with casinos in states like New York, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and of course Connecticut where high rollers can try their luck at Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods Resort Casino in the southeastern part of the state. And more casinos are on their way. This hour, we get an update on MGM Springfield and where plans stand to open a third casino in...

This hour, as part of WNPR’s week-long reporting series on the opioid epidemic , we explore racial disparities within the context of America’s crack cocaine and opioid crises .  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease -- the sixth leading cause of death in this country. There are many caregivers who provide unpaid care for their relatives with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementias -- but it’s not an easy role to fill. This hour, we explore caregiving and how it can impact a person’s physical and emotional health -- and their finances.  Support th...

Connecticut Democrat Richard Blumenthal is vying for a second term in the U.S. Senate. His challenger? Forty-nine year-old Republican state representative and military veteran, Dan Carter .  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday night was an historic night for American politics. Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump went head-to-head in their first presidential debate -- and boy, did things get interesting. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s debate season and Monday night marks the first showdown between presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. This hour, we discuss what this first presidential debate means for voters in the Nutmeg State and nationwide. And we talk with PolitiFact.com founder Bill Adair on how his team wades through statements that come out of the mouths of politicians. What does fact checking me...

News of General Electric's departure rang loudly across Connecticut this year, causing some to point fingers at the state's so-called “ anti-business climate .” Still, that hasn't stopped some international businesses from putting down roots here.  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zero tolerance policies send a strong message to students but at what cost? This hour, we examine how over time, these policies have led to suspensions and expulsions for minor issues -- and can have drastic effects on a student’s future. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year marks an important milestone in our nation's history -- 35 years since the discovery of HIV/AIDS . This hour, we look back to see how far we've come in understanding, treating, and destigmatizing HIV/AIDS in America.  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 8 percent of adults and children in the United States have asthma, but new Connecticut state data shows that there has been a decrease in asthma-related hospitalizations and Emergency Room visits  in many of our communities. This hour, we learn more about asthma trends in our state and we examine measures our health providers are putting in place to curb the effects of the disease.&nbs...

This hour, we look at the impact of climate change on New England's native plant and animal species. We talk with scientists and science journalists, and we hear from you . Have you noticed anything different about the flora and fauna in your backyard? And what can historical records -- like the observations of naturalist Henry David Thoreau -- teach us about our changing environment?  Suppor...

Illicit use of prescription drugs has almost tripled among high school students in southeastern Connecticut. That's according to the Southeastern Regional Action Council . Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this year, members of the United Nations met in New Canaan, Connecticut for a workshop on how countries can fight human trafficking . Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Superior Court Judge ruled last week that Connecticut’s system for funding public schools is ‘irrational’ and ‘unjustifiable’ — failing to provide a fair distribution of funds for Connecticut’s students. The judge allowed the state 180 days to come up with a plan to overhaul its system. This hour, we talk more about the ruling and find out what, if anything, can be done to improve the way o...

This Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This hour, we hear from two people whose lives were forever changed by the tragedy.  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Brave in a New World” premieres next week, September 15, at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts — weaving spoken word and dance around the experiences of ex-offenders and their families. It’s the latest piece from the  Judy Dworin Performance Project . This hour, we hear about the upcoming artistic performance that digs deep into what it means to live in prison — and what...

From self-driving cars to 3D printing to hydrokinetic energy technology, New Englanders are at the forefront of the latest cutting edge tech.  This hour, we explore the latest gadgets and tech trends and learn about their impact locally and around the globe. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Second chances are often talked about in relation to conversations about prison reform, but rarely do we hear from those who actually need them. This hour, we take a look at Connecticut’s “Second Chance Society” through the eyes of a former inmate .  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four years ago, Connecticut became the 17th state to legalize medical marijuana. By 2014, the state officially launched its medical marijuana program , making it possible for card-holding patients to buy the drug legally. This hour, we get an update on that program from Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan Harris. We also hear from a Connecticut woman who...

As traditional college graduates shoulder large student loan debt and companies hunt for skilled labor, technical and vocational high schools are garnering more attention. Do skills like 3D printing and precision machining really help students get jobs and higher wages? This hour, we explore the value of career and technical education in Connecticut and nationwide. Support the show: http://wnpr.or...

Recently we did a show about the science of loving where you live and we heard from plenty of Connecticut residents who really do love living here. But that sentiment is not shared by everyone. Some residents say high taxes are driving them away to places like Florida and North Carolina. This hour, we talk about out-migration from Connecticut. We also explore the number of people who are moving in...

Connecticut is home to many historic landmarks -- among them is the former residence of American architect and icon Philip Johnson. Since it opened to the public in 2007, Johnson's Glass House has welcomed thousands of visitors from across the country and around the world.  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your home is one of your biggest investments, but some Connecticut residents are seeing that investment crumble because of failing foundations . This hour, we find out what the state is doing to help those whose homes and futures are -- quite literally -- falling apart beneath them.  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut’s early settlers came to this region in part for our fertile farmland — but what is the state of farming in Connecticut today? This hour, we explore agriculture in the Nutmeg State. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are some people more susceptible to addiction than others? How does genetic makeup influence a person’s chances of becoming an addict? This hour, we find out how researchers at Yale University and The Jackson Laboratory  are working to better understand the science of addiction.  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.