Connections Podcast

CITY Newspaper editor David Andreatta’s recent op-ed, “ New York’s high-speed rail fail ,” has reignited the local debate over high-speed rail in the state. Last week during his State of the State address, Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled his proposal to develop a strategy to build high-speed rail in New York. The plan will include a panel of outside experts that will re-examine previous designs for the Empire Corridor. Cuomo has argued that high-speed rail service can transform economies. In his

Weekend Connections is a collection of some of the most noteworthy moments from the week on Connections with Evan Dawson. This episode includes conversations about: How members of the United Methodist Church are responding to the proposed denominational split over LGBTQ-related issues; How the local faith community is addressing systemic racism; Ricky Gervais' monologue at the Golden Globes. This edition of Weekend Connections was produced by Connections intern, Emmarae Stein.

Finding housing can be a challenge for many older Americans, but older adults who identify as LGBTQ say it can be particularly daunting due to issues related to possible discrimination. An organization called Senior Action in a Gay Environment is teaming up with the Human Rights Campaign Foundation to assess how long-term care facilities are treating residents who are part of the LGBTQ community. This hour, we discuss the state of housing options for LGBTQ adults, fair-housing practices, and

Elizabeth Wurtzel, the author of “Prozac Nation,” died Tuesday at the age of 52 from cancer. Wurtzel’s memoir chronicling her experiences with depression was a best-seller, and has been praised for how it helped open dialogue about mental illness. It also sparked conversations about treatment for depression and other mental health challenges, specifically, the use of psychiatric medication. This hour, our guests discuss the impact of the book, stigma related the mental illness, and how treatment

Can artificial intelligence -- or AI -- help us become more fair as a society? Proponents of AI point to success stories, such as a case in which AI is helping find resources for homeless youth; another example includes AI helping diagnosis cancer more effectively. Meanwhile, the Pentagon is hiring an ethicist to oversee military-based AI. But there are also warning signs that AI can be limited and can exacerbate inequality. How can we make sure the technology we create does not simply serve the

The world seems to be on a knife's edge in so many regions, and American relationships are vital. We welcome a semi-regular guest to discuss his latest work in understanding world events and geopolitics in Russia, China, and more. We also discuss the Iran crisis. In studio: Randy Stone , director of the Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies at the University of Rochester

One week after new bail reform laws went into effect in New York State, Governor Andrew Cuomo is calling for changes. The reforms ended cash bail for many lower-level alleged offenses, but a rash of anti-Semitic incidents and other alleged crimes have led critics of the legislation to push for adjustments or an overhaul. Our guests discuss the state of bail reform and possible unintended consequences. In studio: Chief Deputy Michael Fowler, Monroe County Sheriff's Office Mark Foti , attorney

Actor Ricky Gervais’ monologue during Sunday’s Golden Globes has led to buzz and backlash. While hosting the awards show, Gervais delivered a series of jokes, which viewers and media outlets have described as ranging from provocative to mean to speaking truth to power. He sparked controversy with comments about the #metoo movement in Hollywood, about actors making political statements during acceptance speeches, about what it means to be “woke” in the industry, and more. Those comments have led

The newest polling from early voting states brings good news for Senator Bernie Sanders. He's hoping for early momentum to carry him to the Democratic nomination. We've discussed the platforms of many other candidates; today we explore the goals of Sanders and his supporters. We also discuss general election viability. In studio: Mary Lupien , Sanders supporter and member of Rochester City Council Karen Vitale, co-chair of the Rochester chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America Donald

The United Methodist Church announced last Friday that it plans to split the denomination over “fundamental differences” in beliefs about same-sex marriage and LGBTQ ordination. Church leaders have debated those issues for nearly 50 years. If passed in May, the proposal will allow a “traditionalist” denomination to separate from the United Methodist Church, clearing the way for the UMC to repeal the current church’s ban on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy. A group of 16 bishops and church