Connections Podcast

Since social distancing orders went into effect, many people throughout the country have turned to take-out dining and grocery delivery services to support restaurants and access the food and supplies they need. For certain groups, these services are necessary to protect their health and safety during the pandemic. Others who are less at risk have asked if their use of services like Instacart unfairly places all the risk on a small group of workers who need the income. They say they want to

There's a heated debate happening regarding what to cut, and what to keep, in Rochester city schools. We recently spoke to Superintendent Terry Dade; this hour we hear from board members about teacher cuts, emotional support cuts, building usage, and more. Our guests: Van White , president of the Rochester City School Board Beatriz LeBron , commissioner for the Rochester City School Board Willa Powell , commissioner for the Rochester City School Board Eamonn Scanlon , education and policy

Local churches are taking precautions to protect congregants during the pandemic. Masses are streamed online, and a number of services are being offered to help people stay connected spiritually, while practicing physical distancing. This hour, we're joined by local faith leaders to discuss their efforts and how they are providing spiritual care during a time of grief, fear, and unease. Our guests: Pastor Matthew Martin Nickoloff , South Wedge Mission Pastor Imani Olear , Reformation Lutheran

Earth Day is coming, and even during the pandemic, there's a lot going on. We talk with guests who are engaged in the following efforts: Developing a "Go All Electric" campaign to promote beneficial electrification; working on a framework to support the formation of citizen action teams in local municipalities; partnering with the City Wide Tenant Union to engage renters in advocating for healthy, efficient, affordable housing; intervening in RG&E's rate case; and convening a formal, climate

A recent column by CITY Newspaper editor David Andreatta has led to discussions throughout the community about the ethics of using the stimulus checks many people are set to receive from the government. Andreatta writes, “For the millions of workers who have lost their jobs, that extra money will hopefully be put to good use paying rent, mortgages, utility bills, and day-to-day living expenses. But what of the millions of taxpayers like my wife and me who still have our jobs and for whom this

This week marks 25 years since the film “Tommy Boy” was released. The movie tells the story of a son’s (Chris Farley) efforts to save his father’s auto parts manufacturing plant and the jobs of its workers. While a comedy, people in the manufacturing industry say the 1995 movie was prescient and reflects what’s happening in their field today. We explore the issues with our guests: Ana Liss , acting director of the Monroe County Department of Planning and Development Matthew Sydor, program

Fans around the world are pulling for songwriter John Prine, who is stricken with COVID-19. His wife has offered updates, saying that the legendary musician remains on a ventilator and has been in critical condition. We've asked local songwriters to offer their favorite renditions of John Prine songs, and we've put together a very musical hour to honor Prine and all those suffering during the pandemic. You can hear the full songs here . Our guests: John Dady, performing "Hello In There" Ryan

Congressman Joe Morelle joins us to discuss the coronavirus relief bill that passed both houses and was signed by the president. We also discuss how Rep. Morelle sees the ongoing crisis, and how to eventually reignite the economy. Our guest: Congressman Joe Morelle

The Rochester Area Community Foundation is offering a webinar to help people and organizations affected by the pandemic better understand the CARES Act. This hour, we’re joined by experts who will be leading to webinar. They discuss how organizations can access the federally-backed forgivable loans available through the program and how they work. They also answer listener questions about individual and small business relief. Our guests: Simeon Banister , vice president of community programs at

Democrats have elevated Joe Biden to a nearly insurmountable delegate lead in the nomination process. But supporters of Bernie Sanders argue that Biden has largely been in the background during the pandemic, and they want Sanders to keep pushing. Biden has said he sees no point in debating anymore, and his camp wants Sanders to exit the race. Meanwhile, some Democrats are publicly wondering if there's an opening for New York governor Andrew Cuomo. We talk about next steps during an unprecedented