The Wheelhouse
The Wheelhouse
If you’re a news junkie — or maybe just news curious, we’ve got your weekly dose of Connecticut politics, tackling everything from tax cuts to human composting. Amplifying important local and national voices, The Wheelhouse walks listeners through the most important political stories of the week. You’ll hear from well-known political reporters, academics, and local journalists across Connecticut’…Social links:
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What Trump votes tell us about the ‘manosphere’
Election results from 2024 have necessitated deep dives into the manosphere.These podcasts often don’t focus on political horse races – and many of the people on them say they’re not political. But, according to one data firm, 54% of votes from men aged 18 to 29 were cast for Donald Trump. And his…
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The latest on Iran and why CT student protests matter
Across Connecticut, some students are joining a national movement to protest federal immigration crackdowns. Students from Classical Magnet School in Hartford poured out of the classroom and onto the streets in February, holding up signs like “ICE OUT” to passing cars. The demonstrations against …
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The debate over a plan to ‘SAVE America’ is heating up
A plan sponsored by President Donald Trump to overhaul national voting laws ahead of the 2026 midterms is back in Congress. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) called the SAVE America Act and its recent passage in the U.S. House a “critical step toward restoring election integrity.” But detractors, like U.S…
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CT civic leaders ask: Can engagement help overcome political differences?
A panel of civic-minded individuals answer questions at the University of Connecticut’s Hartford campus about engagement and the connective tissue of politics.
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‘Smartphones make you stupid’: CT governor wants ‘bell to bell’ cell phone ban
Connecticut lawmakers want to reduce kids’ screentime in 2026, arguing that it protects children. Gov. Ned Lamont has proposed banning cell phones from “bell to bell” in Connecticut classrooms. But not all lawmakers are onboard with the idea, including a Republican lawmaker who’s accusing members…
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Is compromise possible? CT lawmakers hopeful as 2026 session begins
State lawmakers return to Hartford Wednesday for the opening of the 2026 legislative session. They meet as federal lawmakers argue over expiring health care subsidies and immigration enforcement operations across the country. In Connecticut, how will these federal cuts and controversies impact th…
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In Tony Award-winning 'Suffs,' fight for the 19th Amendment sings
“Suffs,” the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical about history-making women, is coming to Hartford. From Jan. 27 to Feb. 1, the people behind “Suffs” say they’ll highlight themes of the past that are still relevant today including grassroots activism, race, gender and class dynamics. Producers of…
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ICE enforcement and how the people are responding in 2026
Civilians and federal ICE agents are clashing from Hartford to Minneapolis. Federal officials are amping up enforcement efforts – and rhetoric – in the wake of several shootings in Minnesota at the hands of federal ICE agents. How are protesters and journalists responding? Today on The Wheelhous…
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Americans honored MLK Day for 40 years. Is 2026 different?
Visitors to U.S. national parks get in free on certain holidays. But two days honoring Black history, Martin Luther King’s birthday – and Juneteenth – are no longer free. As America marks 40 years of observing MLK Day, today on the Wheelhouse we’ll look at how the current Republican administratio…
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Blumenthal calls federal loan caps for prospective nurse practitioners and doctors ‘stupid’
2026 grads seeking professional degrees face capped loans thanks to funding cuts in the federal Republican tax and spending plan
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