Connections Podcast

Assembly member Jamie Romeo has decided not to seek re-election for her 136th District seat; instead, she will seek the Monroe County Clerk position, which she has held since it was vacated by Adam Bello. Three Democrats are vying for the Assembly seat in the upcoming primary. This hour, we hear from Sarah Clark, Nelson Lopatin, and Justin Wilcox. They share their platforms and priorities, and answer our questions and yours. Our guests: Sarah Clark Nelson Lopatin Justin Wilcox

75 years ago this month, the Allies celebrated V-E Day. As time marches on, the voices of those who fought in the war or who were part of the war effort on the home front become fewer. This hour, we hear from two local veterans who share their experiences. Our guests: Jack Foy, machine gunner in the Army 87th Infantry Division, World War II Corporal John Woods, Army Air Corps, World War II

We continue our series of conversations about the impact the pandemic has had on businesses. Bed and breakfasts owners are working to adapt to the current situation, while also preparing for the months ahead. This hour, we talk with innkeepers in different parts of our area about how the pandemic has affected their businesses, and how they think the industry could change in the longer term. Our guests: Richard Trayford, co-owner of Letchworth Farm Bed and Breakfast Susan Alvarez, co-owner of the

As the regional continues its Phase 1 reopening process, what do employers need to do to prepare their workplaces and their staffs? We’re joined by two local labor attorneys who share guidance regarding reopening facilities: how to ensure employees’ safety; how to stay compliant with state and federal regulations; and how to adapt to the pandemic. Our guests answer our questions and yours: Dan Moore , partner at Harris Beach , and leader of the Harris Beach Labor and Employment Practice Group

Longtime Republican state Senator Joe Robach is not seeking reelection. Three Democrats are vying for the seat in the upcoming primary. This hour, we sit down with Jeremy Cooney, Hilda Rosario Escher, and Sherita Traywick to discuss their platforms and priorities for the 56th District. Our guests: Jeremy Cooney Hilda Rosario Escher Sherita Traywick

As the Rochester and Finger Lakes region begins to reopen, business owners in many different industries are brainstorming how to safely attract and retain customers during the pandemic. Curbside service, outdoor seating, and drive-in performances are all being discussed and -- in some cases -- offered. This hour, we hear from local business owners about their creative solutions. Our guests: Mark Ippolito, co-founder of Comedy @ the Carlson Jenna and Pete Morgante, owners of the Tree Town Cafe

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is our guest. In recent weeks, Gillibrand has been outspoken in her defense of SNAP, USPS, and in her ideas for how to rebuild the American workforce. We talk with her about the federal government's response to the pandemic. We're also joined by Nazareth College professor Tim Kneeland, whose new book explores bipartisanship during a crisis. Our guests: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Tim Kneeland , chair of the Department of History and Political Science at Nazareth College

From millions of pints of milk being dumped down drains in Britain, to strawberries meant for markets in India being fed to cattle, the pandemic has exposed weaknesses in the international food trade. The global food system is built around countries specializing in specific products -- think cocoa in Ghana and potatoes in Belgium. But when borders close and demand drops, the system goes awry. People go hungry while food rots. So what's the solution? Experts point to the surprise boom experienced

The Rochester City School District has a new superintendent. On Monday, the district named Lesli Myers-Small its new leader. Her appointment follows the unexpected and abrupt resignation of Terry Dade. Myers-Small was the superintendent of Brockport Central Schools for seven years, and most recently served as assistant commissioner of school reform and innovation for the New York State Department of Education. She's the first woman of color to lead the RCSD outside of an interim role. This hour,

A new NOVA special, "Decoding COVID-19," takes viewers inside hospitals and scientific research labs around the world during the height of the outbreak. The film follows the work of scientists as they race to develop treatments and a vaccine for COVID-19, and it shares the personal stories of families who have navigated illness and loss. We preview the special with its producer, and with an infectious disease physician and an infectious disease researcher featured in the film. NOVA's "Decoding