Connections Podcast

We're joined by Congressman Joe Morelle for the hour. He discusses the latest on the federal response to the coronavirus pandemic and what to expect regarding support and direction for individuals and businesses moving into the next few months. The Congressman also answers our questions and yours. Our guest: Congressman Joe Morelle

We talk with local business owners in Phase 4 about their frustrations, concerns, and questions surrounding reopening. Many say they are confused by New York’s guidelines, and attempts to clarify what’s expected have been unsuccessful. Our guests discuss how the pandemic has affected their businesses and how the uncertainty regarding reopening could impact them moving forward. Our guests: Imani Olear, founder of Yoga 4 a Good Hood , and co-owner of TRU Yoga Nicole deViere, founder of Yoga

The Trump administration announced last week it will strip international college students of their U.S. visas if their classes are online. The move, which could force many students to leave the U.S., is now the subject of a legal battle. 17 states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit against the administration. New York is not one of the states, but locally, the University of Rochester has filed an amicus brief supporting Harvard and MIT’s lawsuit to block the directive. This hour,

The state of Minnesota has joined a growing list that is banning indoor bar service. Andy Slavitt, a former Obama administration official, says it’s a good move, but it must be accompanied by a federal bailout of the entire bar industry. Our guests have experience in small business ownership and in teaching business. They debate the possible impact of a federal bailout of targeted industries. Our guests: David Kunsch , associate professor of strategy in the School of Business at St. John Fisher

We continue our series of conversations about how local school districts are planning for a possible reopening in the fall. Governor Cuomo announced today that schools will reopen based on data: "Schools will reopen if a region is in Phase 4 and [the] daily infection rate remains below 5 percent (14-day avg). Schools close if [the] regional infection rate is greater than 9 percent (7-day avg) after August 1." Also today, the State Department of Health announced a framework for guidelines for a

"Why not take a blank piece of paper and think about how best to conduct education?” That question comes from a new team at the University of Rochester charged with re-imagining the university. Project Imagine is considering changes to the academic calendar, a reorganization from traditional departments and colleges to interdisciplinary centers, and other big ideas. Project Imagine co-leader Dr. Ray Dorsey says now is a good time to go back to square one and explore if there are better ways to

When Monroe County’s primary election results became official this week, two first-time candidates emerged with wins. Demond Meeks and Sarah Clark both upended party establishment in their Assembly races. This hour, we talk with them about their races, and what their victories mean in the broader context of party politics and what voters want. Our guests: Demond Meeks , Democratic candidate for the 137th Assembly District Sarah Clark , Democratic candidate for the 136th Assembly District

The Washington Post is highlighting the struggles of mothers during the pandemic. United Nations data shows not only a disparity in household duties, but also in income and opportunity for women in the workplace. The Washington Post's Monica Hesse argues that the pandemic is threatening to undo even modest gains that women have made. We talk to four working mothers about their experiences: April Franklin Amanda Tucker Linda Hasman Kathleen Schreier Rudgers

Hulu has removed an episode of "The Golden Girls" from its platform over concerns about blackface. In the episode, "Mixed Blessings" from 1988, Dorothy's son announces his engagement to an older African American woman. In a scene where the two families meet, roommates Blanche and Rose enter the room wearing mud masks, prompting Rose to say, "This is mud on our faces. We're not really black." Critics of Hulu's decision called it an over correction. This hour, we discuss sensitivity and over

Camps across our area have taken creative steps to bring programming to kids and families this summer. From day camps, to virtual experiences, to “camp-in-a-box,” we talk about opportunities during this pandemic summer. Our guests: Jason Gottfried, associate executive director for the YMCA of Greater Rochester Kim Ferris-Church, humane education manager for Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester Laura Kriegel, executive director of Camp Stomping Ground Reenah Golden, founder and