The 2026 midterm elections are still weeks away, but voters are already sending signals about what November could look like. Across the country, primary races are testing the strength of party establishments, the appeal of moderate candidates and the enthusiasm of Democratic and Republican voters. This hour, we explore what’s happening in states from Maine to Michigan, and what those contests reveal about the broader political landscape. Plus, what both parties need to do between now and November to turn primary results into general election wins. Guests: Liz Goodwin, national political reporter for The Washington Post Alec Hernández, politics reporter, POLITICO Andy Sullivan, deputy editor for politics, Reuters Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America is celebrating 250 years, but what does it mean to tell the whole story of the country? This hour, we explore who gets to shape American history and what happens when stories that have been overlooked finally come into focus. We learn about Black Americans who have too often been left out of the history books. And we look at how museums, historic sites and educators are navigating the question of whose version of America gets remembered. Guests: John Mills, Founder & President of the Alex Breanne Corporation Bilal Sekou, Hillyer College associate professor of political science, University of Hartford Alan Spears, senior director of cultural resources in the government affairs department, National Parks Conservation Association Erika Slocumb, Director of interpretation and visitor’s experience, Stowe Center for Literary Activism Are you thinking about 2026 midterm elections? Help shape our election coverage by filling out this survey.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The August primaries in Connecticut are over and now it’s time to look ahead to the fall midterm campaign season. It’s that time of the election cycle when politicians quickly get over the arguments they had with their primary opponents and fellow party members – and pivot to the November general election as they compete against their political adversaries on the other end of the ideological spectrum. With all this fussing over our future – and with a lot of division in our national politics – we’re revisiting a conversation with an author who uses anthropology to understand why we engage with politics the way we do. It turns out that we’re not actually mean. We’re just feeling vulnerable. Today on The Wheelhouse, social psychologist and author Kurt Gray discusses his book “Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground.” Guest: Kurt Gray, author, 'Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground.' Are you thinking about 2026 midterm elections? Help shape our election coverage by filling out this survey. The Wheelhouse is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Department of Education has updated its federal student loan guidance as changes involving college debt policy from the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act took effect July 1. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has said that American taxpayers should no longer pay for other people’s student loans. But the changes, according to NPR, will limit the amount of programs available to borrowers. And they’ll cap loans for grad students. Today on The Wheelhouse, what borrowers should know ahead of the 2026-2027 academic year. Guests: Ayelet Sheffey, senior education reporter, Business Insider Betsy Mayotte, president and founder, The Institute of Student Loan Advisors Michelle Jarvis-Lettman, student loan ombudsperson, State of Connecticut Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“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.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Hurricane Maria through this year’s Super Bowl, Bad Bunny, the “King of Latin Trap” continues to weave politics into his lyrics.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.