Connections Podcast

Nazareth College is opening a new center with the goal of promoting cross-cultural awareness and understanding among people of different belief systems. The Konar Center for Tolerance and Jewish Studies will work closely with the Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue and with Nazareth’s Center for Spirituality. This hour, we’re joined by representatives from the college and from the Islamic Center of Rochester to discuss the value of interfaith education in times of divisiveness. Our

WXXI News continues its series of reporting on the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI). As reported by Veronica Volk , RMAPI has been plagued by misconceptions since its inception; her work has examined what RMAPI is and what it does in the fight against poverty. Four years following its launch, RMAPI leaders are reframing the promises made by the initiative. Initially, it pledged to reduce the poverty rate by 50 percent in 15 years, but now, leaders are focusing on a longer

The Irish Children's Program of Rochester has hosted Catholic and Protestant children from Belfast since 1982. The goal of each summer program is to foster peace through understanding, where children from different religious backgrounds have a chance to interact, build friendships, and understand each other as equal human beings. While the climate in Northern Ireland is no longer as violent as it was during the decades-long conflict known as "the Troubles," many neighborhoods around Belfast are

Why do confessions often supersede all other kinds of evidence in the U.S. justice system? And why are investigators so apt to believe confessions that are false? Jennifer Lackey is a philosopher and professor who directs the Prison Education Program at Northwestern University. She has studied how false confessions can lead to a miscarriage of justice. According to the Innocence Project, more than 350 people in the U.S. have been exonerated on the basis of DNA evidence in the last 30 years, and

Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed banning the public disclosure of "mugshots" and "booking information" compiled by law enforcement agencies when they make arrests. The measure, included in Cuomo's 2020 executive budget, would declare that the release of a person's arrest photo or other booking information would constitute an "unwanted invasion of personal privacy." Supporters say this is long overdue; they argue that the release of "mugshots" leads to public shaming and prevents an individual

Can science provide absolute knowledge and understanding? Three scientists have united to say that it can not, and they go further: they write that science can suffer from a blind spot, ignoring the power and value of human experience. It's not a condemnation of science -- not at all. Rather, the scientists argue that science provides vital insight into the world as we experience it, but it does not supplant our experience, which needs to be taken into account. This controversial piece has

We explore the literary history of Upstate New York with local blogger Stephen Huff, who visited authors' graves in 35 communities across the state. He joins us, along with fellow blogger Chris Clemens, to discuss what he learned. In studio: Stephen Huff, creator of “In Our Home Ground: Journeys to Authors’ Graves in Upstate New York” Chris Clemens , creator “Exploring Upstate”

New York State's libraries could face another round of funding cuts. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposed budget includes cuts to operating and construction aid for libraries, leaving advocates and patrons concerned about how many people – including those who live in poverty – will access the materials, technology, and services they need. A 2017 Siena Research Poll found that two million New Yorkers rely on public libraries to access the internet, including 25 percent of low-income households. We

February is Black History Month, and there are a number of local endeavors to help educate the general public about the achievements of African Americans and important events from history. We hear about some of those, and discuss how to improve how African American history is taught in schools. In studio: Tianna Manon , editor-in-chief of Open Mic Rochester, and freelance reporter for WXXI News Lesli Myers-Small , Ed.D., superintendent of the Brockport Central School District Jason Willis, Ph.D.

Veteran news anchor Tom Brokaw is facing backlash for comments he recently made about Latinos and assimilation. In an appearance on “Meet the Press,” Brokaw said, “Hispanics should work harder at assimilation,” and called on Latinos to make sure their children are learning to speak English. He also said he has heard from conservatives who say they are pushing against Latin American immigration because they “don’t know whether [they] want brown grandbabies.” Brokaw has since apologized for his