The future of Medicaid: rather than increases, cuts may be coming

The state budget may be headed for a “world of pain.” That’s according to our friends at the Connecticut Mirror. State lawmakers are tasked with funding their priorities while anticipating cuts coming from the federal government. Medicaid costs are one line item the state may have to adjust on th…

Connecticut’s housing crisis stretches into 2025. Plus, Congressman John Larson on his viral speech calling out Elon Musk

There was a 13% increase in Connecticut’s unhoused population from 2023 to 2024. That’s according to an annual report by the state. Connecticut is seeing decreases in housing availability, the price of rent skyrocketing, and more. Today on the Wheelhouse, proposals state lawmakers are considering…

What the Trump administration’s mass layoffs mean for federal workers in Connecticut

Thousands of U.S. Government employees could be out of a job, according to a “best guess” from a Wells Fargo economist. This has big-time ramifications for Connecticut…and the roughly 19,000 federal workers living here. Many recently laid off people are speaking out, including a Marine Corps vete…

Is Connecticut still committed to criminal justice reform?

Even as state officials work to reform criminal justice in Connecticut, complaints roll in regarding the treatment of incarcerated individuals. Also, many people are still awaiting automatic erasure of their criminal convictions. What’s the hold up? Finally, data that could shed light on racial dis…

RERUN: The New Haven Black Panther trials still resonate today

In May 1969, Black Panther Alex Rackley was murdered by fellow revolutionaries in Connecticut. Rackley’s murder eventually led to what some call “one of the most significant political trials of the century.” In 1970, the New Haven Black Panther trials became the focus of national attention — and w…

The federal funding freeze may be rescinded, but local nonprofits still feel the chill

President Donald Trump froze all federal grant spending a few weeks back. The freeze has since been rescinded. But it’s still having a real impact, including here in Connecticut. This hour, we’ll hear how local nonprofits are providing services amid the uncertainty. And later, Governor Ned Lamont…

How are lawmakers responding to the governor's call for creativity on CT energy consumption?

Connecticut residents pay some of the highest electricity rates in the country. The governor of Connecticut wants local lawmakers to do something about it. He’s said “cosmetic changes”, like shifting payments from energy customers to taxpayers, won’t solve the problem of using more electricity tha…

Is the Trump administration sending mixed signals in its crackdown on crime?

ICE agents are popping up in local communities like East Hartford and Willimantic as the Trump administration calls on federal law enforcement to amp up arrests and detentions. New federal Department of Homeland Security Secretary says Immigration and Customs Enforcement sweeps following an execut…

Big Tech’s big influence on the Trump Administration, plus AI regulation

This hour, we examine the intersection of big tech and politics. AI is growing rapidly and lawmakers in Connecticut and beyond are attempting to regulate the harmful impacts of artificial intelligence without stymieing innovation. Meanwhile, billionaire CEOs were front and center at the inaugurat…

Bonus: Wheelhouse LIVE Surprise Guests

Earlier in January, prior to the inauguration of President Donald Trump, listeners were invited to a taping of The Wheelhouse in Hartford. A shortened version of the event aired on Connecticut Public Radio on January 22. This bonus from the live event features two surprise guests. You'll hear conve…