In Absentia
Why does political dysfunction happen? What are the systems that enable it? This four-part investigation looks for answers in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where corruption charges, allegations of absentee ballot misconduct, and machine politics have left some residents wondering if their vote even matters. Learn more at ctpublic.org/bpt. In Absentia is produced by Connecticut Public and hosted by Bria Lloyd and Kate Seltzer. The investigative editor is Jim Haddadin. The editors are Meg Dalton and Cassandra Basler. For more investigative journalism from Connecticut Public, visit ctpublic.org/news/investigative.
Episodes
What systems enable political dysfunction? How can people in power be held accountable? In Bridgeport — and across Connecticut — people are working to change government through grassroots activism and election reforms.
In Absentia is produced by Connecticut Public. Learn more at ctpublic.org/bpt.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mayor Joe Ganim keeps winning elections with the support of Bridgeport’s Democratic political machine. Machine politics has a rich and controversial history in the United States. Today, critics say it’s thriving in Bridgeport — and that it’s holding the city back.
In Absentia is produced by Connecticut Public. Learn more at ctpublic.org/bpt.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Once Joe Ganim was released from prison, he returned to the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he staged his political comeback. In 2015, Ganim defeated several candidates to become mayor once again — and he’s been in office ever since.
In Absentia is produced by Connecticut Public. Learn more at ctpublic.org/bpt.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In the 1990s, a young political newcomer named Joe Ganim became mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut. At the time, he was considered a rising star in state politics. But his career took an unexpected turn, and the FBI got involved.
In Absentia is produced by Connecticut Public. Learn more at ctpublic.org/bpt.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why does political dysfunction happen? What are the systems that enable it? This four-part investigation looks for answers in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where corruption charges, allegations of absentee ballot misconduct, and machine politics have left some residents wondering if their vote even matters.
In Absentia is produced by Connecticut Public. Episodes drop Tuesdays, starting April 23rd. Learn more at ctpublic.org/bpt.
See omny...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
Building on the belief that a deeper understanding of the natural world enriches all of our lives, host Steven Rinella brings an in-depth and relevant look at all outdoor topics including hunting, fishing, nature, conservation, and wild foods. Filled with humor, irreverence, and things that will surprise the hell out of you, each episode welcomes a diverse group of guests who add their own expertise to the vast world of the outdoors. Part of The MeatEater Podcast Network.
Where the world and America meet, with episodes each weekday. The world is changing. Decisions made in the US and by the second Trump administration are accelerating that change. But they are also a symptom of it. With Asma Khalid in DC, Tristan Redman in London, and the backing of the BBC’s international newsroom, The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. Come and join us our live event. You can register for Castfest tickets here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026