Connections Podcast

When it comes to more help for struggling Americans, did the Democrats blow it? David Dayen, executive editor of “The American Prospect”, says yes. Dayen has been one of the most prolific writers in the country when it comes to all the ways that working Americans have been stuck with stagnating wages, foreclosed homes, and dead ends. He argues that Democrats had a window of opportunity in March, and were badly played. Now that the President is facing a possible election loss, Dayen says

We talk with the two candidates for Monroe County Clerk. Jamie Romeo is the Democratic incumbent, and Karla Boyce, a current Monroe County Legislator, is the Republican challenger. We talk to them about their backgrounds, why they are running, and issues pertaining to the office of County Clerk. Our guests: Jamie Romeo , Democratic candidate for Monroe County Clerk Karla Boyce , Republican candidate for Monroe County Clerk

The Biden/Harris campaign says its proposals could cut the poverty rate in American in half. As reported by Vox, the measures “could add up to the biggest anti-poverty plan in decades.” The plans include making Section 8 housing vouchers universal, a $3,000-a-year child allowance, and tax credits for low-income households. The Center on Poverty and Social Policy reports that if that plan had been adopted in 2018, more than 20 million people would have been lifted out of poverty. We discuss the

Local small business owners have spent months finding creative solutions to stay going during the pandemic. As we head into the winter months, they face new challenges. Our guests share their paths so far and what they anticipate for the months ahead. We also discuss what they'd like to see in terms of government support at a number of levels. Our guests: Kelly Metras, owner of Salena's Mexican Restaurant and Nox , co-chair of BOSSY, and board member for the Rochester chapter of the New York

Wednesday night's vice presidential debate may not change the course of the presidential race, but it did give voters an opportunity to hear about the sharp differences between the two parties' platforms. This hour, we sit down with local Democratic Party leaders to discuss the party's strategies for addressing a number of issues: responding to the coronavirus, health care, the economy, the Supreme Court, and more. Our guests also share their perspectives on the debate and the future of their

This year's state budget included new election rules that will affect third parties. Under the new provisions, political parties in New York must earn at least 130,000 votes -- or two percent of the total vote, whichever is greater -- in the last preceding election for governor, and the same for its candidate for president in a year when a president is elected. Third party officials and members say the rules are unfair. We explore the issue this hour with our guests: Sochie Nnaemeka , director

As reported by NPR on Monday, Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito issued a broadside against the court's 2015 decision on same-sex marriage. President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Amy Coney Barrett, has expressed her opposition to the 2015 ruling. If Coney Barrett is confirmed, LGBTQ rights activists worry that the decision could be overturned. What would that mean for same-sex couples and their civil rights? Our guests share their perspectives and concerns: Tamara Leigh ,

A new book explores the history of pandemics from 1900 through the current coronavirus. Dr. Rae-Ellen Kavey is a public health practitioner and Dr. Allison Kavey is a medical historian. Their book, "Viral Pandemics: From Smallpox to COVID-19," explores what we know about viral biology and how global interconnectedness has contributed to worldwide pandemics. They join us to discuss their research. Our guests: Rae-Ellen Kavey, M.D., retired pediatric cardiologist, and co-author of "Viral Pandemics

We welcome Congressional candidate Tracy Mitrano. She's challenging incumbent Tom Reed in the 23rd District. This is a rematch of their 2018 contest, which Reed won by eight points. Mitrano, a Democrat, has a very hard road ahead in a district that went for Trump by 15 points in 2016. We talk about what she wants to do in Washington, if elected. Our guest: Tracy Mitrano , Democratic candidate for the 23rd Congressional District seat

Local organizations that help survivors of domestic violence say they've seen an increase in calls for service since the pandemic began. Staff members at RESOLVE say they've seen a 40 percent increase in services as clients have been quarantined or isolated in close quarters with abusive partners. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This hour, our guests discuss how to help people suffering from domestic or intimate partner violence, especially during the pandemic. Our guests: Mary