Connections Podcast

We talk with local author Leslie C. Youngblood about her new book, "Forever This Summer." It's the remarkable sequel to her debut novel, "Love Like Sky." "Forever This Summer" continues the story of Georgie and her blended family, with Georgie and her mom spending their summer in Louisiana caring for Georgie's great aunt, who has Alzheimer's disease. During their stay, Georgie makes a new friend, Markie, and learns about how their family histories intertwine. It's a story about friendship, about

During his press briefing on Friday, Governor Andrew Cuomo made announcements regarding vaccine distribution in New York State, and said that barbershops and salons will be allowed to reopen. We summarize his press briefing and update our listeners on the coronavirus response in the state. Then, critics of state policy argue that it has disproportionately affected areas that were already struggling economically. Leading the calls for a new approach is the vice president of Rochester City Council

The National Women's Hall of Fame is posthumously inducting six Black women of great achievement: suffragist Mary Church Terrell, singer Aretha Franklin, nurse Barbara Hillary, librarian Barbara Rose Johns Powell, medical research revolutionizer Henrietta Lacks, and author Toni Morrison. The Hall will host a virtual induction event Thursday evening co-hosted by 2019 inductee Angela Davis and League of Women Voters President Dr. Deborah Turner. We preview the event and discuss the remarkable

The National Women's Hall of Fame is posthumously inducting six Black women of great achievement: suffragist Mary Church Terrell, singer Aretha Franklin, nurse Barbara Hillary, librarian Barbara Rose Johns Powell, medical research revolutionizer Henrietta Lacks, and author Toni Morrison. The Hall will host a virtual induction event Thursday evening co-hosted by 2019 inductee Angela Davis and League of Women Voters President Dr. Deborah Turner. We preview the event and discuss the remarkable

Last week, Warner Media decided that all of its 2021 films will be released not only in theaters, but also on HBO Max for streaming. Could that be the final blow for larger theater chains already struggling due to the pandemic? This hour, our guests discuss the state of movie theaters -- big and small -- during the pandemic, and the possible permanent impact on the industry. Our guests: Derek Reis, general manager and film programmer for the Little Theatre Adam Lubitow , film critic for CITY

The Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester is set to double its staff. Recruiters say they are dedicated to improving representation of minority groups among the LLE's workforce. They are hosting an upcoming information session and diversity career fair to help achieve that goal. This hour, we preview those meetings and have a broader discussion about the steps companies can take to build a diverse workforce. Our guests: Terry Kessler , diversity manager and senior

Three local municipalities are launching renewable energy programs. On Jan. 1, the Town of Brighton will be the first community in Monroe County to source 100% renewable power for the entire town. The Village of Victor and the City of Canandaigua will launch community choice aggregation programs on the first of the year. Our guests discuss the programs, their impact, and their long-term green energy goals. Our guests: Bill Moehle , Brighton Town Supervisor Gary Hadden , Mayor of the Village of

A local business owner says the pandemic's impact on small businesses could be much worse than many people think unless the government steps in. Kevin McCann owns McCann's Local Meats. He's warning the community that many businesses will likely close for good if they don't receive immediate support from the government. McCann joins us to discuss the state of local small businesses and the kind of relief owners want to see. Our guest: Kevin McCann, owner of McCann's Local Meats

We hear the stories of young people who have come to Rochester as immigrants or refugees. A new book called "Green Card Youth Voices: Immigration Stories from Upstate New York High Schools" chronicles their journeys through a series of essays written by the students themselves. They represent 15 countries and Puerto Rico. Some of their families fled violence, natural disasters, and economic insecurity. Others sought better health care, education, and job opportunities. While the students' paths

Are you part of a pandemic pod or bubble? The idea behind bubbles is that you can gather indoors without wearing masks and without being physically-distant with people who don’t live with you, as long as the bubbles are small and exclusive. Many families have created pods to help with child care, education, or mental health needs. But as written by Rachel Gutman for Atlantic Monthly, pods mean different things to different people. Some are too big or too porous. Some don’t have consistent rules.