Connections Podcast

What does the law say about who can mandate proof of vaccination? It's a question employers across the country are asking. On Friday, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said there will be no nationwide mandate for the vaccine. But different states are setting different rules for how businesses can go in denying service. We explore it with our guests: Elizabeth Cordello , chair of the labor and employment practice group at Pullano & Farrow

We're joined by the co-leaders of the Finger Lakes Vaccine Task Force for the latest on the state of vaccines in the region. Currently, the seven-day rolling average positivity rate for Monroe County is 2.3%. Monroe County Public Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza says the increase in that infection rate is due to unvaccinated people contracting the virus. About 58% of the local population is fully vaccinated. Our guests this hour share the latest on efforts to get more people vaccinated,

This week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that employers need to bring workers back to the office by Labor Day. He said that remote work is not as creative or productive, and working from home harms other businesses -- lunch spots, coffee shops, etc. But many workers have reported thriving during the pandemic with a remote schedule. How do they interpret the governor's comments? We find out with our guests: Kristen Seversky , product manager who works remotely Andrew Amato, remote worker Andrew Brady ,

What have local theaters learned from the pandemic? We talk with representatives from several local theaters about the challenges they've faced, the successes they've had, and how they think the industry may change in the future as a result of the pandemic. We also discuss what's on stage this season. Our guests: Bill Ferguson , executive director of Garth Fagan Dance Chris Mannelli , executive director of Geva Theatre Center Ralph Meranto, artistic director of JCC CenterStage Karin Bowerstock ,

Author Tom Nichols says the time has come to start shaming Americans who are declining to be vaccinated. Nichols says the prime targets of his frustration are white conservatives, and he should know something about that group, being a white conservative himself. But many health care providers caution against shaming and mocking, saying that patience and understanding are still required to increase the ranks of the vaccinated. Our guests debate it: Tom Nichols , contributing writer at The

The writer Olga Khazan recently sparked discussion when she mused about how painful an IUD can be. Women responded with their own stories, often frustrated that they weren't warned about how rough it could be. On the other hand, IUDs have helped drive down the rates of unwanted pregnancy and even abortion in some states. So how should we view IUDs? What should we know? Our guests: Dr. Rebecca Alicandro , obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Rochester Regional Health Audrey Sample Chantal

In a recent piece for CITY Magazine , WXXI’s Jeff Spevak says this summer’s blossoming of events has caught him by surprise. He joins us to discuss the local live music scene, which includes events postponed from last year, new shows, and hybrid and virtual events. We also talk about how venues are handling pandemic safety measures. Our guests: Jeff Spevak , arts and life editor for WXXI News Danny Deutsch, owner of Abilene Bar and Lounge John Parkhurst, COO for the Rochester Broadway Theatre

Technology reporter Todd Feathers wrote an extensive piece for Vice's Motherboard about the police tool known as ShotSpotter. It's a piece of technology that supposedly offers accurate analysis of where and when gunshots were fired. It's been used countless times across the country. But Feathers reports that there is essentially no verification that it works, and police have sought to manipulate its findings -- including a case in Rochester. We discuss what we know about the technology and

Have you noticed colorful mushrooms in your yard or in local parks? It has been a very rainy July, and experts say fungi fruit under such wet conditions. It's a reminder of how much is happening underground, and perhaps, how little we think about that -- or how little control we have -- when it comes to caring for our lawns or green spaces. Are more people considering monoculture or should biodiversity be the goal? This hour, we take a fresh look at approaches to growing with our guests: Marci

Is American political polling a dying enterprise? Polls in 2016 were excellent at forecasting the final vote totals nationwide, but not nearly as good at forecasting outcomes in individual states. In 2020, polls under-counted support for Donald Trump even more than they did in 2016. Why is that? And if polling is in trouble, why are polls for other political races much more consistent and effective? What accounts for the differences? Our guests discuss it: Anthony Plonczynski Figueroa ,