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The Wheelhouse

The Wheelhouse

Written by: Connecticut Public Radio
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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’s 169 cities and towns.

2026 Connecticut Public Radio
Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • These UHart students say the most important campus political debate happens in the classroom
    Apr 22 2026

    We’re in the final days of the 2025-26 academic year.

    A lot has happened since the fall, including the assassination of a conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk, the rise of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, and another U.S. conflict in the Persian Gulf.

    Today on The Wheelhouse, we hear how students at the University of Hartford are keeping up with the political process.

    Guests:

    • Merci Payadue, politics and government student, University of Hartford
    • Farah Suede, politics and government student, University of Hartford
    • Bilal Sekou, associate professor of politics and government, University of Hartford
    • Jonathan Wharton, associate professor of political science and urban affairs, Southern Connecticut State University

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    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    43 mins
  • A transparency black mark: What do redactions convey about politics?
    Apr 15 2026

    Recent redactions to the Epstein files have raised renewed questions about what the government does – and does not – strike from highly sensitive documents.

    The black pen has been used on classified materials for decades. But amid renewed calls for disclosure, more Americans are raising questions about the politics behind what stays in and what gets taken out.

    Today on the Wheelhouse, we’re talking about government redactions and the power of the pen.

    Guests:

    • Sam Lebovic: history professor at George Mason University
    • Barbara McQuade: former U.S. Attorney, United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Michigan

    Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    49 mins
  • How fossil fuels shape US foreign policy
    Apr 8 2026

    President Donald Trump says the U.S. conflict with Iran is “nearing completion.”

    He’s addressed the American people after gas prices soared and markets panicked.

    It’s a story America knows all too well, with a reliance on fossil fuels causing many crises including in 1973, 1979, 1999, and 2022.

    Today on the Wheelhouse, we’re looking at oil and how it shapes U.S. foreign policy.

    Guests:

    • Tik Root, senior staff writer, Grist
    • Jeff D. Colgan, professor of political science and international and public affairs, Brown University
    • Áine Pennello, Report for America Environmental and Climate Change reporter, CT Public

    Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    49 mins
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