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CT civic leaders ask: Can engagement help overcome political differences?

FILE: Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas Lawmakers gather at the Capitol Building in Hartford for the first day of the legislative session on January 8, 2025.
Tyler Russell
/
Connecticut Public
FILE: Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas Lawmakers gather at the Capitol Building in Hartford for the first day of the legislative session on January 8, 2025.

Recent killings in Minneapolis by federal law enforcement and the civil discourse surrounding immigration reform have Connecticut stakeholders wondering about the future of politics and civics.

It’s a good time for a conversation on the future of civic engagement in Connecticut. We’ve got one from the Hartford Public Library featuring Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, former Republican State Sen. Len Fasano, and vice president of college Democrats in Connecticut Ryan Engels.

Today on The Wheelhouse, how to talk politics across the generations, how youth are getting involved and how to measure civic engagement.

GUESTS:

The Wheelhouse is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

Frankie Graziano is the host of 'The Wheelhouse,' focusing on how local and national politics impact the people of Connecticut.
Talei Ricketson is a temporary producer for The Wheelhouse for spring 2026. She was a Talk Show Production Intern for fall 2025. Reach her at tricketson@ctpublic.org.