Connections Podcast

Are food delivery apps hurting restaurants? Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart has announced legislation that would cap how much third-party vendors, like Grubhub and Uber Eats and DoorDash, can charge businesses. Under the measure, delivery fees would be limited to 15 percent, and fees associated with customers using their apps for takeout services would be limited to 5 percent. The companies would also be prohibited from garnishing driver’s wages to make up any difference in profit. This

Is it time to abolish the Electoral College? The question gained traction after the 2016 election, and has been the subject of heated debate in this election cycle. Some critics say the Electoral College is an antiquated, undemocratic process that promotes minority rule. Some supporting it say it counteracts human impulses and protects the nation from dangers inherent in democracy. We discuss the issue from several angles with our guests: Allen Guelzo , director of the Initiative on Politics and

On Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that parts of Monroe County have reached Orange Zone status. The designation comes with restrictions that go into effect on Wednesday. Businesses deemed high-risk and non-essential -- such as personal care salons, barber shops, and gyms -- must close. Restaurants will be limited to outdoor dining, delivery, and takeout. Schools will close to in-person instruction until they meet testing requirements. This hour, our guests help us understand the new

The Memorial Art Gallery has a new director of academic programs. Dr. Nile Blunt brings his national and international experience in museum and arts education to Rochester's students. He began his position in late September. We talk to him about his goals for art education in Rochester. We also discuss how the MAG has adapted to the pandemic with director Jonathan Binstock. Our guests: Jonathan Binstock , Ph.D., Mary W. and Donald R. Clark Director of the Memorial Art Gallery Nile Blunt , Ph.D.,

How is remote learning going for local students and teachers? This hour, we hear from parents and a teacher about how their children and students are adapting to the virtual learning environment this fall. What's working? What are the challenges? What can be done to help keep students engaged and socialized over these virtual platforms? Our guests address these questions are more: Christina Knauf, parent of a pre-K student at CP Rochester, and ELA teacher-leader at East Lower School in the RCSD

Today marks the 2020 Transgender Day of Remembrance, and we're joined by transgender lawmakers and activists to discuss the state of trans rights. The ACLU reports that "in 2020, a record number of anti-trans bills are making their way through state legislatures." Our guests discuss what has changed in recent years, and the role they think lawmakers and citizens have in helping to create a more equitable society. Our guests: Danica Roem , delegate in the Virginia House of Delegates, who was the

The incoming Biden administration is considering an executive order that could wipe out a significant amount of student loan debt. Our guests discuss their perspectives on how such a move would impact Americans. Our guests: Carlton Galbreath , professor and director of the Business Management Program at Missoula College Rynn Reed , local political activist

The 135th Assembly District race was called Tuesday night, and Democrat Jen Lunsford won by a narrow margin. Incumbent Mark Johns, who was seeking a fifth term, led with 55% of the vote after Election Day. But after counting absentee ballots, Lunsford pulled ahead by 684 votes. She joins a group of young Democrats headed to Albany for their first term. We talk to Lunsford about the state of the party and her priorities for the district. Our guest: Jen Lunsford , assemblymember-elect in the 135th

What are your plans for Thanksgiving? As the COVID-19 infection rate rises both locally and across the country, families are weighing how to handle the holiday. Some families are starting new traditions with food drop offs and virtual gatherings. Others are scaling down their get-togethers to adhere to Governor Cuomo's mandate that limits indoor gatherings to 10 people. The decisions can come with stress, or even conflict, when families disagree about approaches. WXXI reporters Noelle Evans and

It's a question we ask each year before the Thanksgiving: how can we have - or avoid - difficult conversations about politics or race-related issues around the Thanksgiving dinner table? A heated election season, political polarization, and tensions surrounding national news events have many families wondering how to handle disagreements or uncomfortable discussions during the holiday. Our guests share tips for how to have productive conversations about difficult subjects or how to redirect