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: The tipped wage system and its impact on restaurant owners and workers; Misconceptions about refugees; How the solar tariff will impact the future of the U.S. solar industry; New Urbanism and what Rochester can learn from other cities.

We know that language evolves over time, but recent research shows that grammar actually change more quickly than language. What's acceptable to you when it comes to changes in standards? Does it bother you when you see a text message without punctuation? What about how grammar is used on social media? Maybe you're a member of the Grammar Police, maybe you think all change is good, or maybe you fall somewhere in the middle. Where do we draw the line? Our panel discuss that question, and the

On January 23, the Trump administration imposed a 30 percent tariff on solar cells and modules made abroad. President Trumps says the move will increase U.S. manufacturing of solar equipment and create jobs. Since the tariff was imposed, one Chinese solar company has announced it will build a plant in Florida. While plans for the plant were in the works prior to the Trump administration's announcement, the company said it "continues to closely monitor treatment of imports of solar cells and

According to the CDC, about 5.7 million American adults have heart failure, but cardiologists want patients to know it isn’t a death sentence. New research and treatment methods – including devices and other forms of technology – are helping patients live longer, healthier lives. Our guests discuss the latest research, and we hear from a local heart transplant patient who shares her story. Our guests: Dr. Scott Feitell, M.D., cardiologist at the Sands-Constellation Heart Institute at Rochester

Federal health officials say this year’s flu season is more intense than previous years, and is still getting worse. The CDC predicts that it is on track to equal or surpass the 2014-2015 season, during which 56,000 Americans died. So why is this year’s flu season worse than usual, and why is the virus more widespread? And how effective is the flu vaccine? Our panelists answer your questions about the flu and treatment, and they discuss new research out of the University of Rochester dedicated

What can Rochester learn from a city like Birmingham, Michigan? The city – just north of Detroit – has been hailed for completely implementing a plan called New Urbanism. The plan led to the building up of Birmingham’s downtown, higher commercial rent and land values, “complete streets,” and one of the most walkable cities in America. Birmingham’s commissioner is an urbanist, an architect, and the city’s former mayor. We talk to him about the revitalization of his city, and what he thinks can be

On Wednesday morning, Fujifilm Holdings announced that it will take a majority stake in Xerox. The companies have had a joint venture for years. The new business will be called Fuji Xerox, with Fujifilm owning 50.1 percent and Xerox keeping its listing on the NYSE. Fuji Xerox will have dual headquarters in the U.S. and in Japan, and it expects to deliver $1.7 billion in annual cost savings by 2022, with $1.2 billion of that to be achieved by 2020. Before the merger was announced, Fujifilm said

Have you ever had a conversation with a refugee? An upcoming cultural fair will give participants the opportunity to learn about people of different backgrounds by experiencing aspects of their cultures. The organizer of “From Strangers to Neighbors” says the fair is one way to break down stereotypes and remove the fear sparked by controversies surrounding the Trump administration’s immigration ban. Our guests help us preview the event. In studio: Samiha Islam, organizer of From Strangers to

Just days before the January 31 recertification deadline for handgun owners in Monroe County, as many as 30,000 licensed gun owners hadn’t renewed their permits under the New York SAFE Act. Why? Some don’t understand the process, while others say they are upset that the rules have changed. Prior to the SAFE Act, there were no conditions to the permits, other than staying out of trouble. Now, handgun owners must recertify their permits every five years or face having them revoked. County Clerk

We continue our conversations about Governor Cuomo’s proposed plan to end the state’s tip credit. Cuomo says the tipped wage system inhibits workers who earn tips from coming forward with concerns about exploitation and harassment, and it disproportionately affects women and people of color. Some people in the Fight for 15 movement think the restaurant business needs an overhaul; they say we need to change our expectations about what workers are paid. Our guests in studio explain why they think