Connections Podcast

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: Issues pertaining to race in the Pittsford Central School District; How young men view the #MeToo movement; How "The Simpsons" view Upstate New York.

The Genesee RiverWatch has released its first-ever Genesee River Report Card . The report measured the water quality and usability of the river and its major tributaries. How did they do? Not so well: the river earned a C, while some of its tributaries earned a D. We sit down with members of the Genesee RiverWatch to discuss the state of the river, the environmental challenges it faces, and what can be done to improve the river basin. In studio: C. Michael Haugh, president of the board of

We continue our series of conversations about the issues and policies that will generate debate and conversations in advance of the 2020 election. This hour, we discuss housing policy in America. Senator Elizabeth Warren is proposing legislation entitled the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act. It would address housing segregation, affordability, zoning laws, and more. The plan would pour half a trillion dollars into affordable housing programs over a decade, and would be funded, in part,

Americans are becoming more sedentary by the year. Research on our daily habits finds less physical activity than most other countries in the world. Only 23 percent of Americans meet the physical activity guidelines set by the CDC. And yet a growing, if small, group of Rochesterians are getting on their bikes – and not just around Western New York. We explore the rise in adventure bicycling, with stories from the road in remote locales. In studio: Ginny Sullivan, director of travel initiatives

In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order protecting freedom of speech on college campuses. The order directed federal agencies to link funding or grants to how schools enforce the right to free speech. The move, according to the President, was to protect conservatives who wanted to challenge “rigid, far-left ideology.” Has tension related to speech on college campuses reached a boiling point? Should measures – such as trigger warnings – be put in place to protect marginalized

The Pittsford Central School District is dealing with multiple issues and incidents pertaining to race, as covered recently by WXXI News. Superintendent Mike Pero says the district is committed to making sure all students feel welcome and comfortable, regardless of background. Some students and families of color have said the district has not done enough to make that possible. In advance of a Thursday night public forum, Connections welcomes graduates of color who can share their experiences

Chase Bank posted a tweet that went viral, and led to an apology. But should the bank have apologized? Chase offered advice on how customers could better manage their daily spending, including making coffee at home instead of buying it in shops. Critics included Senator Elizabeth Warren, who responded that customers are struggling because banks get bailouts for making mistakes, while regular Americans get nothing. But Chase's defenders argue that there's nothing wrong with helping people find

Changes are coming for solar. At the end of 2019, we will see the residential federal solar tax credit go down, the commercial federal tax credit go down, and the NYSERDA residential solar grant only has 20 percent left in it before it drops from 35 cents to 30 cents/watt, which could happen before the fall. Does this mean that solar will necessarily become a lot more expensive? What does it portend for homeowners and business owners? Our guests explain: Kevin Schulte, CEO of GreenSpark Solar

First, there was a Streetcar Named Desire; now there is a question about whether Rochester has a desire for a streetcar. A new film called “The Trolley” is coming to the Little Theatre as part of Reconnect Rochester ’s Rochester Street Films series . It tells the story of trolleys as shapers of our urban environments; it describes their disappearance; and finally, it calls for their return to prominence in the American future. But is that realistic? What impact would that have? Our guests are

We discuss the documentary, “Roll Red Roll.” The film explores rape culture, toxic masculinity, and online bullying following the gang rape of a 16-year-old girl in Steubenville, Ohio in 2012. Two star members of the local high school football team were found guilty of the crime. Their convictions came after many critics blamed their school for trying to protect the popular team and its members. This hour, we discuss the forces that lead to teenage sexual assault, victim blaming, and how to help