John Larson hasn’t faced a stiff challenge from a member of his own party since he was first elected to represent Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District in 1998.

Larson touts his experience as a 14-term representative, saying his seniority in Congress helps Connecticut. But his challengers say that Larson has been in Washington too long and that it’s time for a fresh perspective.

Today on The Wheelhouse, we’ll talk to Larson about his re-election effort. And we’ll meet his challengers, including former Hartford mayor Luke Bronin, who is the endorsed candidate in this race, Connecticut State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest (D-West Hartford), and Hartford attorney Ruth Fortune.

Guests:

• U.S. Rep. John Larson (D-CT)
• Luke Bronin, candidate, Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District
• Ruth Fortune, candidate, Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District
• Jillian Gilchrest, candidate, Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District

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Children as young as 5 are being resettled in Connecticut after being picked up by federal law enforcement at the U.S. border.

Attorneys for these unaccompanied children say they’re being held for too long and in some cases, aren’t released to sponsors at all until legal action is taken.

This hour, we examine the U.S. government’s obligation to unaccompanied children.

And later in the show, we’ll discuss the Aug. 11 primary elections in Connecticut and a new federal law that could help Connecticut officials in their fight against their affordable housing crisis.

Guests:

• Tess Reagan, managing attorney, Kids In Need of Defense
• Sabrina Tavi, senior attorney and director, Center for Children’s Advocacy
• Jacqueline Rabe Thomas, investigative reporter, Hearst Connecticut Media Group’s CT Insider
• Lisa Hagen, federal policy reporter, Connecticut Public and CT Mirror
• Mark Pazniokas, capitol bureau chief and a co-founder, CT Mirror

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Health insurance through the Affordable Care Act still exists nearly two years after candidate Donald Trump said he had “concepts of a plan” to replace it.

But even though many Americans still have access, it doesn’t mean coverage is affordable. New data out of Access Health CT reveals at least 22,000 Connecticut residents lost coverage after failing to make premium payments.

Today on the Wheelhouse, what’s left of the ACA and how is President Trump’s White House approaching health care policy?

Guests:

• Julie Appleby, senior correspondent, KFF Health News
• Katy Golvala, health reporter, CT Mirror
• Kathleen Unger Holt, Healthcare Advocate, state of Connecticut 

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Artificial intelligence is rapidly making its way into Connecticut’s classrooms.

Connecticut lawmakers recently passed Senate Bill 5, a sweeping new law that includes investments in computer science education and the creation of a statewide AI Academy.

Supporters say it prepares students for the future, while educators are also grappling with questions about ethics, academic integrity, and AI literacy.

This hour, we learn what Connecticut's new approach to AI could mean for the next generation of learners.

GUESTS:

• Sen. James Maroney, Democrat representing Milford, Orange, West Haven, and Woodbridge
• Irene Parisi, chief academic officer, Connecticut State Department of Education
• David Bergman, associate dean for faculty and research, University of Connecticut School of Business 
• Adam Nemeroff, assistant provost for innovations in learning, teaching and technology, Quinnipiac University

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As America celebrates its 250th birthday, many of the ideas at the heart of the nation's founding — from freedom and representation to checks and balances — remain subjects of fierce public debate.

This hour, we explore America's official time capsule and the artifacts Connecticut is sending into the future.

What story are we telling about who we are in 2026? And what does that story reveal about who we hope to become?

GUESTS:

• Tom Medema, special advisor to America 250 and project manager for America’s Time Capsule
• Cyndi Tolosa, Director of Advancement, CT Humanities, project manager for America 250 Connecticut Commission
• Sarah Atwell, Durham’s America 250 Committee leader 
• Jason Hayes, First Selectman of East Granby

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“Suffs” is a Tony-award winning Broadway play celebrating the American women who fought for voting rights. This hour, we learn about the fight for the 19th amendment.

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From Hurricane Maria through this year’s Super Bowl, Bad Bunny, the “King of Latin Trap” continues to weave politics into his lyrics.

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What makes a politician click with voters?

Is it the message? The smile? The slogan? Or that one campaign ad everyone can't stop talking about?

Today on The Wheelhouse, we go behind the scenes with political strategists to explore the making of a politician.

We'll break down the speeches, slogans, handshakes, photo ops, and yes – even the cringeworthy campaign ads.

Guests:

• Jill Barkley Roy, director, Emerge Action Fund
• Liz Kurantowicz, Republican analyst and owner, The Drury Group
• Mercy Quaye, founder and CEO, The Narrative Project

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Can I afford that big summer vacation?

It’s a question many people ask this time of year. And the answer may hinge on greater economic forces at play.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in May that costs were up 3.8%. Moody’s – a financial services company – tells CNBC that the average American household is spending $450 more on gas and energy since U.S. airstrikes began in Iran earlier this year.

We'll explore how public policy and politics are impacting consumer spending this summer.

Guests:

• Mark Blyth, professor of international and public affairs, Brown University
• Rachel Lenda, director of tourism, Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development
• David Standridge, chef, The Shipwright's Daughter restaurant
• Paul Brault, owner, Lobster Tales food truck

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Connecticut lawmakers have expanded protections for undocumented migrants.

They passed a law earlier this year that could keep the migrants from being picked up by federal law enforcement in a way state lawmakers say is unlawful.

The state law comes while the federal judicial system is flooded with new cases as U.S. Immigration and Enforcement officers detain thousands of people.

Hear from Politico reporter Kyle Cheney on how federal judges are pushing back against the detentions and from Connecticut Public reporter Daniela Doncel on the state’s efforts to turn back enforcement efforts.

Guests:

• Kyle Cheney, senior legal affairs reporter, Politico
• Daniela Doncel, Latino communities reporter, Connecticut Public
• Mike Lawlor, the associate dean of the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, University of New Haven

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