Connections Podcast

The grand jury’s decision not to indict the police officers involved in death of Daniel Prude has sparked outrage, emotion, and conversation throughout the community. During her press conference on Tuesday, Attorney General Letitia James shared her recommendations for police reform. This hour, we discuss the results of the grand jury’s investigation, the reaction, and what our guests would like to see in terms of police reform. Our guests: Natalie Ann Knott, assistant public defender Danielle

The two leading plans in Washington to support children and families come from President Biden and... Mitt Romney? It's true - the Republican Senator has released his own plan to boost financial support for children, leading some in his own party to call it "welfare expansion." So how would these plans work? Who is eligible? How long would support last? Our guests explain: Pete Nabozny , director of policy for The Children's Agenda Jessica Fleming, single mother of two Deondra Dukes, leader in

Americans who believe in the QAnon conspiracies are expecting Donald Trump to be reinaugurated on March 4th, following the collapse of the conspiracy that Trump had arrested Joe Biden prior to January 20th. Why do these beliefs persist? And how do you interact with loved ones who go down this path? A team of researchers has been working on a framework for understanding Q and conspiracy beliefs in general. They've identified some common aspects that tend to foment this type of thinking. Our

We're joined by the co-leaders of the Finger Lakes Vaccine Task Force. They discuss the state of vaccine supply and distribution, and what you need to know when it's your turn to schedule an appointment. They also discuss how they are working to ensure access to the vaccine is equitable. Our guests: Nancy Bennett , M.D., co-leader of the Finger Lakes Vaccine Task Force, professor of medicine and public health sciences at the University of Rochester Medical Center, founder and director of the

The Cinema Theater in Rochester announced Thursday that it is closing its doors...at least for now. Movie theaters across the country are navigating restrictions, including films being streamed on digital platforms, rather than screened in brick-and-mortar spaces. What does it mean for the future of movie theaters? Our guests discuss it: Audrey Kramer , co-owner of the Cinema Theater Derek Reis, general manager and film programmer for the Little Theatre Jeff Goldman, film buyer and owner for

Some students in the Rochester City School District are back in the classroom, in-person, despite pushback from the Rochester Teachers Association. Parents in favor of in-person learning join us to talk about why they feel it's essential for their young learners. We're also joined by RTA president Adam Urbanski and RCSD School Board member and parent Amy Maloy, who share why they support the RTA's position on learning remaining virtual until 70 percent of teachers are vaccinated. Our guests:

New legislation could make quality childcare more affordable for working families, especially those who are low-income. Freshman New York State Assemblymember Jen Lunsford has introduced her first three bills to the Assembly. This hour, we discuss the bills, what working families need to know, and how Lunsford views the state of childcare costs during the pandemic. Jen Lunsford , New York State Assemblymember for New York’s 135th District

The University of Rochester Medical Center is ending its Executive Health and special patient services programs , which provide exclusive and extensive care to wealthy patients. The decision came after widespread outrage that major donors were allowed access to a vaccine clinic meant for employees . Among those calling for change were members of the Strong Hospital Ethics Committee. They wrote a letter to UR and URMC leadership , calling for an end to programs of privilege. This hour, we’re

Local Democrat Malik Evans is running for mayor. The City Council member is challenging incumbent mayor, Lovely Warren. We talk with Evans about why he wants to be Rochester’s next mayor. Our guest: Malik Evans , candidate for mayor of Rochester

The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra has a new music director. Andreas Delfs is a native of Germany and has held chief artistic posts with orchestras in Europe and North America. He has been a frequent guest conductor of the RPO. Delfs joins us this hour to discuss his work, his priorities for the RPO, and the orchestra’s 2021 season – one of its most diverse. Our guests: Andreas Delfs , music director for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Jeff Tyzik , principal pops conductor for the