Connections Podcast

We're joined by Dr. Michael Mendoza, Monroe County Public Health Commissioner. He discusses the rising number of local coronavirus cases, the impact on the local medical system, and what comes next. Our conversation includes a focus on schools, businesses, and holiday travel. We take your questions as well. Our guest: Michael Mendoza , M.D., Monroe County Public Health Commissioner

Rochester native Paul Hypolite is trying to change the way America thinks about lobbyists. His recent op-ed for the Gotham Gazette is titled, "I am a Black Lobbyist. My Profession Must Change." He writes, "By dedicating themselves to work for the public good, lobbyists can save democracy and restore the American dream." Hypolite's goal is nothing less than reshaping the entire field of American lobbying - and he has very specific ideas of how to do it. Our guest: Paul Hypolite , founder of

Restaurants, bars, and other establishments with state-issued liquor licenses are adapting to the latest pandemic rules from Albany. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced last week that beginning last Friday, restaurants and bars throughout the state must close at 10 p.m. to indoor dining. The restriction was one of a new series of rules meant to curb the spread of the virus as the infection rate continues to rise. The New York State Restaurant Association slammed the decision, with president Melissa

We discuss the Landmark Society's annual Five to Revive – a list of local spaces and places they've pinned for historic preservation and revitalization. We talk about this year's list. Our guests: Wayne Goodman, executive director of the Landmark Society of Western New York Brad Huber, member of the Five to Revive Committee George Fontenette, member of the Clarissa St. Reunion Committee Briana Williams, Teen Empowerment youth history ambassador Kim Brumber, 67-89 Canal Street David Ciurzynski,

COVID-19 transmission is up across the country and hospitalizations for people suffering from the virus are at an all-time high. Could we see a second economic shutdown? How are local small businesses adapting to the rise in cases and the winter months? We talk with three local small business owners. Our guests: Tanvi Asher, owner of Peppermint Boutique Erica Walther Schlaefer, owner of Juniper Gifts and Local Art Charles Moreland, co-owner of the Rochester Parkour Gym

Sunday, November 15 marks the 50th anniversary of Garth Fagan Dance . We talk with members of the critically acclaimed company about its history, its remarkable work, and its future. Our guests: Garth Fagan, founder for Garth Fagan Dance William Ferguson, acting executive director of Garth Fagan Dance, and personal assistant to Garth Fagan Natalie Rogers-Cropper, school director and assistant rehearsal director for Garth Fagan Dance Norwood Pennewell, rehearsal director at Garth Fagan Dance, and

On Tuesday evening, City Council unanimously approved Conor Dwyer Reynolds as the first executive director of Rochester's Police Accountability Board (PAB) . That decision came after a tense confirmation hearing and questions about the board's independence. We talk to Dwyer Reynolds and PAB Board Chair Shani Wilson about their goals for the PAB, and the state of police-community relations in Rochester. Our guests: Conor Dwyer Reynolds, executive director of the Rochester Police Accountability

We have a conversation about the new Office of Renewable Energy Siting . The office streamlines and expedites the siting of large-scale renewable energy projects in the state. We talk about the office's goals with local climate leaders. Our guests: Neely Kelly, renewable energy advocate and community organizer David Alicea, NY lead organizing representative for the Sierra Club Dominique LePoutre, Caledonia resident

Abe Foxman, the past president of the Anti-Defamation League, said that Donald Trump pulled the lid off the sewer of American bigotry. Foxman is participating virtually in an event sponsored by Nazareth College . The question now is, what is the best path to eliminating bigotry in this country? Our guests: Abraham Foxman , director and chairman of the Center for the Study of Anti-Semitism at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City Hava Leipzig Holzhauer, executive director of the Konar

How about a little music? "HomeStage at the Little" is a new concert series produced by WXXI and the Little Theatre. The pandemic has changed the landscape for local artists, but the series gives them an opportunity to perform live sessions (audience-free) that can be watched by the community. The episodes include music, interviews, and more. We preview the series with some of the artists: Danielle Ponder , singer/songwriter Avis Reese, keyboardist Herb Smith , trumpeter in the Freedom Trio Josh