Connecticut lawmakers had a lot to do during the latest special session.

On top of unfinished housing business, lawmakers had only two days to authorize a $500 million dollar relief package to address federal cuts. They also voted on the purchase of a major hospital and worked to curb increased federal law enforcement efforts in Connecticut.

And what about the spectre of rising health insurance premiums in just a few weeks?

Today on The Wheelhouse, the skinny on what state lawmakers were able to accomplish in a special session. We’ll also ask what’s next following the longest federal shutdown in US history.

GUESTS:

• Michayla Savitt, state government reporter, Connecticut Public
• Lisa Hagen, federal policy reporter, Connecticut Public and CT Mirror
• Abby Brone, housing reporter, Connecticut Public
• Ginny Monk, children's issues and housing reporter, Connecticut Mirror

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A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist University poll indicated Americans’ displeasure with their government.

It found 62% of Americans surveyed believed the country is heading in the wrong direction, while 79 % say the country is going too far to restrict free speech.

So, what are people doing with their frustrations?

Today on The Wheelhouse, we’re talking with community organizers and researchers who say our voices are stronger than we think.

GUESTS:

• Kerry Ellington, Connecticut-based community organizer
• Hahrie Han, professor of political science, Johns Hopkins University

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It’s the morning after Election Day 2025 in Connecticut and we’re breaking down the latest results from municipal races across the state.

How did an election to name a new mayor in New Britain turn out? What races commanded local attention in your community? And what issues – from education to zoning – motivated you to get out to the polls?

Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas joins us to break down turnout and assess how voting went across Connecticut.

And in neighboring New York City, a high-profile race for mayor is reshaping the city. What are the local impacts here in Connecticut?

Today on The Wheelhouse, those questions will be tackled as our reporters analyze the 2025 election.

GUESTS:

• Mark Pazniokas, capitol bureau chief and a co-founder, CT Mirror
• Susan Raff, chief political reporter, WFSB News Ch. 3
• Stephanie Thomas, Secretary of the State, State of Connecticut

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More Americans now think violence is necessary to “right” the country than they did 18 months ago. That’s according to polling from NPR, PBS News and Marist University.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has federalized and deployed national guard troops to American cities, sparking a flurry of court challenges and an outbreak of panic.

Today on The Wheelhouse, how political violence continues to reverberate throughout the United States.

And why, in a country born from a revolution and torn by a Civil War, it’s nothing new.

GUESTS:

• William Tong, attorney general, state of Connecticut

• State Rep. Corey Paris (D) - Stamford

• Amilcar Shabazz, professor of African American Studies, University of Massachusetts Amherst

• Bilal Sekou, Associate professor of political science, University of Hartford

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New data confirms what people pushing for criminal justice reform have been saying for years – racial disparities show up during encounters with police.

Researchers at the University of Connecticut say Black people face disproportionate rates of police use-of-force in Connecticut. And that a significant share of those incidents involve someone in mental health distress.

Today on The Wheelhouse, what reforms can Connecticut lawmakers take to ensure better policing?

Plus, as a government shutdown drags on, we ask how are local families doing?

GUESTS:

• Lisa Hagen, federal policy reporter, Connecticut Public and CT Mirror
• Ken Barone, project manager, the University of Connecticut’s Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy
• Jim Haddadin, investigative editor, Connecticut Public

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Polls show that more Americans are embracing socialism.

At the same time, politicians that call themselves Democratic Socialists are often painted by conservatives as political extremists.

What is a Democratic Socialist? And why is President Donald Trump calling a popular one in the race for New York City’s mayor a communist?

Today on the Wheelhouse, we define socialism. We’ll wade through complicated political waters to examine its history and complex ideology.

GUESTS:

• Dan Haar, senior columnist and editor, CT Insider
• Christopher Vials, professor of English, University of Connecticut

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Recent political violence – and a government shutdown – have turned American politics into a mudslinging free for all.

With more attention on owning the other side – and less emphasis on civility, are there still safe spaces for debate?On college campuses a new survey says more students are self-censoring in favor of speaking freely.

Today on The Wheelhouse, a temperature check on political dialogue with a college Democrat and a college Republican. How are these Connecticut students charting a path forward?

GUESTS:

• Geoffrey Medeiros, president of College Democrats, University of Connecticut
• Ryan Rosario, president of College Democrats, University of Connecticut
• Bilal Sekou, Associate professor of political science, University of Hartford
• Jonathan Wharton, Associate professor of political science and urban affairs, Southern Connecticut State University

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The Connecticut Sun could be the latest professional franchise to pull out of Connecticut.

But a full court press of politicians is working to save the WNBA franchise and keep the team right here in Connecticut. According to CT Insider, lawmakers want to use state pension funds to buy a minority stake in the team.

Today on The Wheelhouse, what state officials are doing to “Save Our Sun” in the self-proclaimed the “Basketball Capital of the World.”

GUESTS:

• Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.
• Kurt Badenhausen, sports valuations reporter, Sportico
• P.R. Lockhart, economic development reporter, CT Mirror

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Beth Bye, a former state lawmaker and outgoing head of the Office of Early Childhood, is retiring from state service after years of work helping young children.

Bye’s retirement comes after the state legislature passed a sweeping bill last session offering free child care to many Connecticut families.

Today on The Wheelhouse, an exit interview with Beth Bye. Plus, we check in with another advocate for children, Sarah Eagan, about her concern for the state’s social safety net.

GUESTS:

• Beth Bye, commissioner, Connecticut Office of Early Childhood
• Sarah Eagan, executive director, Center for Children’s Advocacy
• Georgia Goldburn, executive director, Hope for New Haven, Inc. 
• Michayla Savitt, state government reporter, Connecticut Public

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Federal tax credits for electric vehicles will expire at the end of September.

Connecticut residents also won’t be able to access other federal incentives for heat pumps, rooftop solar and home energy audits.

Today on The Wheelhouse, how local officials can promote energy efficiency amid a federal rollback on clean energy.

Also – Connecticut’s freedom of information law turns 50 this year. We talk to reporters about continued efforts to hold officials accountable in 2025.

GUESTS:

• Katie Dykes, commissioner, Connecticut Department. of Energy and Environmental Protection
• Áine Pennello, Report for America corps member environmental and climate change reporter at Connecticut Public
• Chris Harto, senior policy analyst for transportation and energy, Consumer Reports
• Jacqueline Rabe Thomas, investigative reporter, CT Insider
• Jim Haddadin, investigative editor, Connecticut Public

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