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.

Listen on:

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Episodes

Monday Mar 10, 2025

Connecticut open space preservation takes center stage as the Groton Open Space Association fights to protect local land. Dan O'Connell shares how CT communities can safeguard natural spaces for future generations.
Dan O'Connell — Director, Groton Open Space Association — joins Cate Steel to discuss land conservation and open space protection in Connecticut.
• Learn why open space preservation matters for CT communities and local ecosystems
• Discover the challenges Groton faces in protecting natural areas from development
• Explore how residents can get involved in conservation efforts across Connecticut
🎙️ 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 #OpenSpacePreservation #GrotonCT

Friday Feb 07, 2025

Eastern Connecticut's Chamber of Commerce is driving business growth across the region. Kevin Zhang, Community and Innovation Manager at the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, reveals how the organization supports startups, small businesses, and major employers throughout CT.
Kevin Zhang — Community and Innovation Manager, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut — joins Irving Steel to discuss how Connecticut's business community is building momentum and supporting economic development across the region.
• How the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut advocates for businesses of all sizes
• What resources and initiatives are available to startup and established companies in CT
• The Chamber's role in connecting community members and fostering regional economic 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://catesteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #EasternConnecticut #SmallBusinessCT

Monday Nov 04, 2024

Connecticut politics and community issues take center stage as Irving Steel joins Marty Olsen to explore how global shifts shape local impact. Discover what a decade of international experience reveals about building stronger communities.
Irving Steel joins Cate Steel to discuss politics, community change, and the intersection of global dynamics with Connecticut civic life.
• Learn how international perspectives inform local community building and civic engagement in Connecticut
• Explore the connection between global shifts and their impact on CT politics and policy discussions
• Understand how diverse viewpoints strengthen community dialogue and decision-making
🎙️ 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 #CivicEngagement #CommunityDialogue

Thursday Oct 24, 2024

Connecticut local journalism covers more than headlines—it shapes how communities understand their future. Lee Howard, Business Editor of The New London Day, joins host Irving Steel to explore the stories driving economic and civic conversations across CT.
Lee Howard — Business Editor, The New London Day — joins Irving Steel to discuss how local journalism covers campaigns, debates, and business issues impacting Connecticut communities.
• Discover what recent stories from The Day reveal about economic trends and civic engagement in Connecticut
• Learn how local journalists report on the intersection of business, politics, and community life
• Explore why diverse perspectives and community involvement matter in understanding local issues
🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get podcasts.
📺 Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📧 Newsletter: Join to get CT local stories weekly — coming soon
Timestamps:
[00:00] Intro
[00:30] Lee Howard and local journalism in Connecticut
[02:15] Recent stories from The New London Day
[05:45] Business, campaigns, and community engagement
[08:20] Why local news matters
🌐 https://catesteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #LocalJournalism #NewLondonDay

Tuesday Oct 15, 2024

Connecticut artists bridge East and West through cultural exchange and dialogue. Juner and Mark Patnode share how art becomes a universal language connecting communities across China and America.
Juner and Mark Patnode — Local Artists — join Cate Steel to discuss how culture builds bridges between Eastern and Western communities.
• Discover how artists are using creative expression as a universal language to foster understanding between China and America
• Learn why cultural exchange matters for Connecticut communities in an increasingly divided world
• Explore how local voices are encouraging civic engagement and moving beyond political divisiveness
🎙️ 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
[00:45] Juner and Mark's journey as local artists
[05:20] Culture as a universal language
[12:30] Building bridges between East and West
[18:15] The importance of civic engagement in Connecticut
[23:00] Closing thoughts
🌐 https://catesteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #CulturalBridges #CivicEngagement

Thursday Sep 26, 2024

Connecticut communities face divisive rhetoric during election season—but one local faith leader is pushing back with calls for truth, dignity, and respect. Rev. Jean-Fritz joins us to discuss immigration, ethical leadership, and how we build each other up across Connecticut.
Rev. Jean-Fritz — Faith Leader — joins Cate Steel to discuss election-season rhetoric, immigration's importance to CT communities, and the moral responsibility of leaders to uphold dignity and truth.
• Why baseless claims about immigrants harm Connecticut communities and the national conversation
• The role of faith leaders in countering divisive narratives and promoting respect
• How to hold elected officials—especially those seeking highest office—to standards of ethics and morality
🎙️ 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
[00:45] Election season rhetoric and its impact on Connecticut communities
[05:30] Immigration and its importance to local economies
[12:15] The moral responsibility of political leaders
[18:00] Faith, dignity, and building people up
🌐 https://catesteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #ImmigrationMatters #EthicalLeadership

Saturday Jun 01, 2024

Connecticut veterans deserve access to comprehensive support—but navigating benefits and outreach programs can be overwhelming. Learn how to connect with the resources designed for you.
Paul Spedaliere — Veteran Services Supervisor, Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs — joins Cate Steel to discuss veteran outreach, services, and benefits available across Connecticut.
• Discover what veteran services are available through Connecticut's Department of Veterans Affairs and how to access them
• Understand the range of benefits Connecticut veterans are entitled to and how to navigate the application process
• Learn how veteran outreach programs in CT communities connect military families with critical post-service support
🎙️ 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 #VeteransServices #CTVeterans

Thursday May 16, 2024

Art and community connection in Connecticut: How local artists like Sylvina Rollins are bringing people together through creativity and collaboration. Discover the transformative power of artwork in building stronger CT communities.
Sylvina Rollins — Artist and Community Builder — joins Irving Steel to discuss how creativity fosters connection and belonging in Connecticut neighborhoods.
• Learn how local artists inspire collaboration and strengthen community bonds through shared creative experiences
• Explore Sylvina's artistic journey and the family influences that shaped her approach to community-centered art
• Discover practical ways artwork and creativity can transform neighborhoods and foster a sense of belonging
🎙️ 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 #ArtAndCommunity #CreativityCT

Thursday May 09, 2024

Connecticut nonprofits are tackling mental health stigma head-on. Nichole Burns, Senior Director of Sound Community Services, discusses a groundbreaking community event designed to shift how CT residents think about mental health support.
Nichole Burns — Senior Director, Sound Community Services — joins Cate Steel to discuss mental health awareness and nonprofit leadership in Connecticut communities.
• How Connecticut nonprofits are working to reduce stigma around mental health through community-driven events
• Details on the first annual End the Stigma Mental Health Awareness 5K coming to New London
• The importance of family-friendly, creative approaches to mental health conversations in local communities
🎙️ 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 #MentalHealthAwareness #NonprofitLeadership

Thursday May 02, 2024

Connecticut author Jean Baur shares career wisdom, publishing insights, and how therapy dogs transformed her coaching practice. Discover how a local CT community leader helps professionals navigate life transitions through writing, interviews, and human connection.
Jean Baur — Author, Leadership Coach, and Entrepreneur — joins Cate Steel to discuss building a career in writing and coaching within the Connecticut community.
• Learn how Jean transitioned from fiction writing to career coaching and publishing books that help professionals navigate job transitions
• Discover the role therapy dogs play in her coaching practice and why human-centered approaches matter in career development
• Explore Jean's insights on interviewing, storytelling, and how writers can build meaningful careers while serving their communities
🎙️ 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] Jean Baur's journey into writing and career coaching
[00:00] Publishing books and serving the Connecticut community
[00:00] The role of therapy dogs in coaching
[00:00] Insights on interviews and human connection
🌐 https://catesteel.com
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV
📍 Connecticut
#ConnecticutPodcast #LocalIssuesCT #CTCommunity #CareerCoaching #LocalAuthors

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