Connections Podcast

New research finds that most Americans agree about how far they are willing to let the government go to protect the public during the pandemic. We have a conversation about civil liberties, and where the line should be when it comes to government restrictions. Our guests weigh in: Kevin Cope , associate professor of law, and director of the Immigration Law Program at the University of Virginia School of Law Lauren Hall , associate professor of political science in the College of Liberal Arts at

The Senate has approved a second coronavirus relief bill, which if passed, would revive the previous package's small business loan program that quickly ran out of funding. Local small business owners have expressed their anger and frustration over what they say is a complicated application process and lack of support by the government. This hour, we discuss the new relief package and what small business owners need to know. Our guest answers questions from listeners who need help with the

Experts in the legal field are warning consumers about scams and fraudulent online tools that target vulnerable populations and essential workers during the pandemic. From tip scamming, to meal price inflation by delivery services, to charity and phishing scams, attorneys say there's a lot to look out for. The New York State Attorney General has launched an effort to combat such scams. This hour, our guests share what they think consumers need to know. Our guests: Scott Malouf , local attorney

Congressman Tom Reed joins us to discuss his ideas for reopening the economy during the pandemic. He also offers feedback to listeners who are looking for financial relief during the crisis. Congress is close to passing a new half-trillion-dollar relief package after many small businesses and workers were left out of the last one. Congressman Reed answers questions about how to apply and what might be available. Our guest: Congressman Tom Reed (R, NY-23)

Toronto physician Dr. Mario Elia is on a mission to eliminate misinformation, misunderstanding, and conspiracy theories surrounding the coronavirus. Dr. Elia writes for the Medical Post, and he's hosting a Facebook forum on Wednesday evening to discuss the latest information on the pandemic. He joins us to explore denialism; vaccines; herd immunity; developments in other countries; evidence for current treatments; and more. Our guest: Dr. Mario Elia , M.D., Toronto-based physician, peer leader

Small business owners and out-of-work Americans feel largely left behind in a sinking economy. The federal relief bill offered instant help to larger companies, but actual small businesses struggled to get approved, and then watched the money run out. On the state level, thousands of New Yorkers have had to make hundreds of phone calls just to get through, and many are still waiting for unemployment assistance. Rent and mortgages are increasingly unpaid, with no plan to suspend or address this

Journalists have debated whether to carry President Trump's daily coronavirus briefings live, or to cover them later in the day only after vetting his comments for accuracy. Conservative author Tom Nichols has decided that someone must chronicle every presidential briefing, and so that's what he does. He writes, in the Atlantic, that the practice of consuming these news conferences is "spiritually corrosive," but he says they must be viewed, in full, to get a complete picture of what the country

The pandemic has hit the millennial generation with its second economic crisis. Even before the pandemic, 62 percent of millennials report living paycheck to paycheck. Two-thirds have nothing saved for retirement. So how can a generation in its prime earning years plan a future? How can it find hope, or trust the systems that have repeatedly penalized them? Our guests include: Rainesford Stauffer , freelance writer, and author of the forthcoming book, “An Ordinary Age” Brittany Mollis, freelance

A former New York State Teacher of the Year joins us to discuss the challenge of teaching during a pandemic. Christopher Albrecht teaches fourth grade at the Fred W. Hill School in Brockport, and he has written a new book called “Unconventionally Successful.” During the pandemic, everything is unconventional. Albrecht talks about the lessons he hopes readers learn from his book, and about ways to cope with these challenging times for students, parents, and teachers. Our guests: Christopher

We're joined by local lawmakers who discuss the New York State budget. The $177 billion budget deal was passed on April 3, with most lawmakers voting remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic. Our guests discuss a number of budget items, including bail reform, paid sick leave, and more. Our guests: Assemblymember Harry Bronson (D, District 138) Assemblyman Mark Johns (R, District 135) *State Senators Rich Funke and Joe Robach and Assemblyman David Gantt were invited to join this conversation, but