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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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

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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

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.