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 (http://www.youtube.com/@668KTV) and subscribe so you never miss a story worth telling.
This Connecticut Village Has Barely Changed in 300 Years — And That’s the Point
CONNECT WITH 668-KTV:📺 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/668ktv📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/668ktvPlease visit our website at Cate Steel https://www.catesteel.com/Discover the hidden beauty, history, and local secrets of Stonington in this exclusive interview with Bill Middleton, First Selectman of Stonington, hosted by Cate Steel.From the truth about Mystic to breathtaking coastal views, historic landmarks, vineyards, and local businesses, this video reveals why Stonington is one of the most underrated destinations in Connecticut.If you love travel, history, small towns, or discovering hidden gems, this interview gives you an insider look into one of the most picturesque maritime villages in the U.S.👉 Learn about:• Stonington’s real connection to Mystic• Top attractions & hidden gems• Local restaurants, vineyards & breweries• History from the 1600s to today• Tourism growth & community insights📍 Perfect for travelers, history lovers, and explorers looking for unique destinations.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:39 Meet Bill Middleton (Guest Intro)01:00 What is Stonington, & Where is It?01:23 Relationship Between Stonington & Mystic02:13 Mystic Aquarium & Seaport Explained02:30 Top Attractions in Stonington02:48 Dubois Beach & Scenic Views03:27 Best Restaurants in Stonington03:51 Stonington Lighthouse Museum & History04:13 British Invasions & War History04:55 Lobster Trap Christmas Tree Tradition05:25 Velvet Mill & Local Business Hub06:14 History of Velvet Manufacturing06:36 Preserving Local Heritage07:05 Yellow Farmhouse & Agriculture07:49 Antique Shops & Local Finds08:15 Breweries & Distilleries in Stonington09:02 Growing Local Businesses & Economy09:25 Vineyards & Wine Trail09:44 Boat Tours, Sailing & Activities10:04 Life as First Selectman10:28 Community Engagement & Local Government11:11 Public Meetings & Transparency11:48 Social Media & Modern Communication12:20 Voter Turnout & Civic Participation13:07 Mystic Seaport & Exhibits13:59 New Boating Center Development14:26 Tourism Beyond Summer15:10 Best Time to Visit Stonington16:23 Local Development & Infrastructure17:04 Transportation & Bike Path Plans17:27 Moving to Connecticut & Governance18:30 Regional Collaboration & Resources20:19 Public Services & Local Systems21:15 Budget & Town Planning22:18 Growth & Housing Development23:11 Open Space & Environmental Focus24:06 Tourism vs Quality of Life24:29 Final Thoughts & ClosingPlease subscribe www.youtube.com/@668KTV #stonington #connecticut #travelusa #hiddengems #mystic #newengland #travelguide #interview #tourism #historyLooking for a coastal town interview that explores what to do in Stonington beyond the typical tourist spots? This exclusive conversation dives into Connecticut's maritime heritage and reveals why this small town in America deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. Perfect for anyone seeking authentic coastal beauty and local insights.#StoningtonConnecticut #CoastalTownInterview #HiddenGemsUSA▶️ Watch next: Stories Worth Telling: The Environment and Bruce Dassingerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMAef_JZKzQ
16 Apr 2026
She’s Unlocked the Secret to a Long Life — Here’s What She Told Us
CONNECT WITH 668-KTV:📺 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/668ktv📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/668ktvPlease visit our website at Cate Steel https://www.catesteel.com/Cate Steel Interviews Florence Robinson Fox Katz on The Secret of Longevity Stories Worth TellingWhat's the secret to living past 100? Florence Robinson Fox Katz — almost 104 years old — says it's simple: eat a lot of candy. 🍫In this heartfelt conversation, Florence shares wisdom from a remarkable life: growing up in the Bronx, earning her college degree in 1943, working as a department store buyer, teaching high school for 29 years in Rhode Island, and raising a family while outliving nearly everyone she's ever known.Florence and her daughter Robin join host Cate Steel for a candid, funny, and deeply moving conversation about resilience, independence, love, and what keeps you going when you're the last one standing.✨ Topics covered:• The real secret to longevity (and why candy might be involved)• Florence's career as a buyer and then educator at Cranston High School East• Running a student-run "hippie store" in the late 1960s• What it feels like to outlive all your friends and family• Her message to young people about war, love, and living well• Why she got a "Dead End" sign removed from her street• Florence's acceptance into Brown Medical School at 103🕐 Timestamps:00:03 – Introduction00:32 – The secret to longevity01:24 – Growing up in the Bronx & college in 194302:36 – Career as a department store buyer03:45 – Marriage & WWII04:42 – Becoming a teacher06:25 – Students she inspired to go to college07:15 – The student hippie store09:13 – Volunteer work & staying active10:13 – Daily independence at 10411:07 – Family: grandchildren & great-grandchildren12:53 – On outliving everyone you know13:15 – Her message to young people17:26 – Donating her body to science (Brown Medical School)18:12 – The Dead End sign story19:44 – Florence tells a jokeSubscribe for more conversations worth telling: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV#longevity #centenarian #agingwell #storiesworthtelling #104yearsold #wisdom #resilience #inspirationalstories #womenover100Discover what centenarians really know about aging well and living longer through this inspiring elderly wisdom interview. Florence shares honest life advice from over a century of experience that challenges everything you thought you knew.#CentenarianInterview #LongevitySecrets #StoriesWorthTelling▶️ Watch next: Stories Worth Telling Interview Ada Amaro 08/11/2022https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCbTzzECuao
5 Apr 2026
How Habitat for Humanity Turns Volunteers Into Homebuilders — One Family at a Time
Discover how Habitat for Humanity transforms lives through affordable housing and community partnership in Eastern Connecticut. MaryLou Gannotti reveals the power of sweat equity, volunteer opportunities, and what it takes to build hope—one home at a time. Learn how you can give back and support homeownership in your region.#HabitatForHumanity #AffordableHousing #VolunteerCTCONNECT WITH 668-KTV:📺 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@668KTV📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/668ktv📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/668ktvPlease visit our website at Cate Steel https://www.catesteel.com/MaryLou Gannotti, Director of Mission Engagement at Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut, sits down with Cate Steel to share how Habitat is building hope — and homes — across our region.From her career in radio and voiceover to her work with the Alzheimer's Association and now Habitat for Humanity, MaryLou brings heart, energy, and deep community roots to everything she does. In this conversation, we talk about what it really takes to build affordable housing, how families earn their homes through partnership and sweat equity, the Habitat ReStore in New London, and what's ahead — including exciting new development plans in Ledyard.Whether you're looking to volunteer, donate, or just learn more about how Habitat works in Eastern CT, this is the interview to watch.🏠 Learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut: https://www.habitatect.org/📍 Visit the Habitat ReStore: 1 Bailey Circle, New London, CT#HabitatForHumanity #EasternCT #NewLondon #AffordableHousing #Connecticut #CommunityInterview #668KTV #CateSteel #Volunteer #GiveBack #Ledyard #HabitatReStore #StoriesWorthTelling▶️ Watch next: Stories Worth Telling: The Environment and Bruce Dassingerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMAef_JZKzQ
Who has been a guest on Local Issues
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Kia Beard
Kenneth "Doc" Frasier
Jennifer Liu
Tish Rabe
Tirzah Finley
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
898,521
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
42
Social presence
91
YouTube
93
Engagement
0
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