668KTV: Local Issues
668KTV: Local Issues
Connecticut has problems worth talking about. Housing costs are out of control. Main Streets are struggling. Local journalism is shrinking. And most people don't know what's happening in their own backyard.
Local Issues covers the stories that actually affect your community — from housing policy and homelessness to downtown revitalization, conservation, and the people driving change across Connecticut.
Hosted by the 668KTV team, every episode goes beyond the headlines to give you context, real voices, and actionable insight on the issues shaping where you live.
New episodes weekly. Watch the full videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@668KTV and subscribe so you never miss a story worth telling.
Episodes

Friday Sep 12, 2025
Friday Sep 12, 2025
Connecticut's local news landscape is transforming—and the Connecticut Examiner is leading the charge with 140,000 readers asking big questions in small places.
Dr. Gregory Stroud — CEO/Executive Director, Connecticut Examiner — joins Cate Steel to discuss how independent local journalism is reshaping Connecticut's information ecosystem. Listeners will learn:
• How the Connecticut Examiner grew to 140,000 readers and what their "big questions in small places" mission means for CT communities
• The challenges facing local news in Connecticut—from reader habits and reporting rigor to the rise of AI's impact on journalism and intellectual property
• What's next for local journalism in Connecticut, including coverage of transit-oriented housing, infrastructure, and the issues shaping our state's future
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get podcasts.
📺 Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📧 Newsletter: Join to get Connecticut local stories weekly (coming soon)
Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro
[00:45] Dr. Stroud's path to leading Connecticut Examiner
[04:20] Growing to 140,000 readers: strategy and impact
[09:15] "Big questions in small places"—Connecticut's local news mission
[14:30] Reader habits and the future of local journalism
[19:45] AI, bias, and the challenges facing Connecticut newsrooms
[26:10] Transit-oriented housing and infrastructure coverage
[31:00] What's next for local news in Connecticut
🌐 https://catesteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #LocalJournalism #IndependentNews

Saturday Jun 07, 2025
Saturday Jun 07, 2025
Community music transforms Connecticut neighborhoods on Make Music Day—June 21st celebrates healing and connection through accessible music-making. Discover how local musicians are creating joy across CT.
Kia Beard — Classically Trained Vocalist & Community Organizer — and Kenneth "Doc" Frasier — Percussionist & Music Facilitator — join Cate Steel to discuss how community music creates healing and belonging in Connecticut.
• Discover the history of Make Music Day and why June 21st matters for CT communities
• Learn how accessible music-making breaks down barriers and builds connection across neighborhoods
• Explore the power of percussion and vocal performance as tools for community wellness
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get podcasts.
📺 Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📧 Newsletter: [coming soon — join to get CT local stories weekly]
Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro
🌐 https://catesteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #MakeMusicDay #CommunityMusic

Tuesday May 27, 2025
Tuesday May 27, 2025
Beauty, resilience, and cultural impact in Connecticut's modeling industry. International model Jennifer Liu joins Irving Steel to explore how the fashion world shapes local communities and individual stories of perseverance.
Jennifer Liu — International Model — joins Irving Steel to discuss beauty, resilience, and cultural impact in the modeling industry.
• Discover how models navigate the fashion industry while building authentic personal brands
• Learn about cultural representation and breaking barriers in modeling
• Explore the intersection of personal resilience and professional success in creative fields
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get podcasts.
📺 Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📧 Newsletter: [coming soon — join to get CT local stories weekly]
Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro
🌐 https://irvingsteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #ModelingIndustry #CulturalRepresentation

Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
Connecticut artist Tirzah Finley transforms stickers into stunning collage art while building a thriving creative business. Discover how unconventional creativity becomes a sustainable entrepreneurial journey in the CT community.
Tirzah Finley — Artist & Founder, Sensational Sticker Collage — joins Cate Steel to discuss how passion projects become profitable businesses in Connecticut.
• Learn how Tirzah developed her distinctive sticker collage technique and what makes her creative approach uniquely her own
• Discover the entrepreneurial path from passion project to thriving online business across multiple platforms
• Explore what drives creative professionals in Connecticut and how local artists build sustainable careers
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get podcasts.
📺 Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📧 Newsletter: [coming soon — join to get CT local stories weekly]
Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro
🌐 https://catesteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #CreativeEntrepreneurship #LocalArtists

Wednesday May 07, 2025
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Connecticut public servants tackle housing, safety, and veteran support in this candid local issues conversation. Ron Welch brings decades of community and military service experience to discuss the challenges shaping Connecticut communities today.
Ron Welch — Public Servant and Veteran — joins Irving Steel to discuss the pressing local issues facing Connecticut communities.
• Explore how housing challenges and public safety concerns are being addressed by local leaders in CT
• Understand the connection between economic development and community support in Connecticut
• Learn how veterans' needs are being integrated into broader CT community solutions
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get podcasts.
📺 Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📧 Newsletter: [coming soon — join to get CT local stories weekly]
Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro
🌐 https://catesteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #VeteransInCommunity #CTHousingChallenges

Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Connecticut community leaders share how public service shapes local change and resilience. Josh Kelly of TVCCA discusses the real challenges and rewards of driving meaningful impact across CT communities.
Josh Kelly — Executive Director, Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) — joins host Irving Steel to discuss public service, community leadership, and overcoming obstacles.
• Learn what motivates leaders to serve Connecticut communities and the personal rewards of public service
• Discover how TVCCA addresses critical local needs and supports vulnerable populations across the region
• Understand the obstacles community leaders face and strategies for building resilience in the face of challenges
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get podcasts.
📺 Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📧 Newsletter: [coming soon — join to get CT local stories weekly]
Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro
[00:00] Coming Soon
🌐 https://catesteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #PublicService #CommunityLeadership

Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Connecticut's Chamber of Commerce leaders are driving economic transformation in coastal communities. Lisa Konicki, President of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, shares how passion, creativity, and strategic partnerships revitalize local economies across CT.
Lisa Konicki — President, Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce — joins Irving Steel to discuss chamber leadership and community economic development.
• How chambers of commerce drive growth and opportunity in Connecticut communities
• The role of passion and creativity in building stronger local partnerships
• Strategies for revitalizing Main Streets and supporting small businesses across CT
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get podcasts.
📺 Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📧 Newsletter: [coming soon — join to get CT local stories weekly]
Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro
[00:00] Main content
🌐 https://irvingsteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #ChambersOfCommerce #MainStreetCT

Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
Transformational leadership and mentorship are reshaping Connecticut communities. Discover how passion and purpose drive meaningful change across CT.
Fariba Marvasti — dynamic leader and mentor — joins Irving Steel to explore transformational leadership and its impact on personal and professional growth.
• Learn how mentorship shapes leaders and strengthens CT communities
• Discover the role of passion in driving transformational change
• Understand how to build meaningful connections that inspire growth
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get podcasts.
📺 Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📧 Newsletter: [coming soon — join to get CT local stories weekly]
Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro
🌐 https://irvingsteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #TransformationalLeadership #Mentorship

Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Cross-cultural community building transforms Connecticut neighborhoods through music and art. The Western Massachusetts Chinese Cultural Association is bridging cultural divides across the region with volunteer-led programming that strengthens CT community bonds.
Linda and Candace — Western Massachusetts Chinese Cultural Association — join Irving Steel to discuss how cultural organizations drive local inclusion and connection.
• Discover how a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit creates meaningful cross-cultural experiences through music, art, and community events
• Learn strategies for building bridges between diverse populations in Connecticut communities
• Explore the power of cultural storytelling and artistic expression in fostering neighborhood resilience
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get podcasts.
📺 Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📧 Newsletter: [coming soon — join to get CT local stories weekly]
Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro
[00:00] Episode begins
🌐 https://irvingsteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #CulturalInclusion #CommunityBuilding

Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Human Resources as a driver of Connecticut community change: Ken Somers explores how HR professionals shape workforce development, equity, and local resilience across CT communities.
Ken Somers — Human Resources Expert — joins Irving Steel to discuss how HR strategy impacts Connecticut's workforce and communities.
• How HR professionals can address workforce development challenges in Connecticut communities
• The role of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in strengthening local workplaces and civic health
• Practical ways HR expertise extends beyond the office to drive meaningful community change
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get podcasts.
📺 Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📧 Newsletter: [coming soon — join to get CT local stories weekly]
Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro
🌐 https://catesteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #WorkforceDevelopment #HRLeadership








