Connections Podcast

Governor Andrew Cuomo wants to banish tips. The governor has argued workers who rely on tips have a harder time coming forward with concerns, and consequently are more vulnerable to exploitation and harassment. But restaurant, car wash, and nail salon trade groups say the tipped credit is critical to their survival. We discuss it with our guests: Art Rogers, James Beard-nominated chef and owner of Lento Christina DiPilato, server at Rocco Samantha Pompili, general manager of a local tavern

Oprah mania swept the Democratic Party in the past week -- but not everyone feels the same way about it. Some polling indicates that if Oprah Winfrey jumped into the presidential race, she'd instantly lead the field. Is she the answer for the American left, and for voters desperate to beat Donald Trump in 2020? We discuss it, and we examine how longtime party workers feel about how Democrats should be building for the next elections. Our guests: Beatriz LeBron , leader of the 25th Legislative

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 investigation into sexual harassment allegations at the University of Rochester; How Frederick Douglass would view race relations in 2018; Challenges faced by adults with autism; Ethics in the broadcast new industry.

We conclude our Dialogue on Disability Week with a conversation about "invisible" disabilities. Our guests share the challenges they face living with multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. In studio: Kerrie Giesen, client of the National MS Society, Upstate NY Chapter (NMSS) Randy Havens, client of Epilepsy-Pralid, Inc. (EPI) Mike Radell, community educator and Camp EAGR director for Epilepsy-Pralid

On Thursday afternoon, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Mary Jo White announced the results of the independent investigation into how the University of Rochester handled sexual harassment allegations against professor Florian Jaeger. The complaints were made by Jaeger's former students and colleagues, including Celeste Kidd and Jessica Cantlon. The report concluded that while Jaeger acted inappropriately and used poor judgment, he did not break the law or violate campus

The University of Rochester has taken criticism for how it handled multiple complaints of sexual harassment on campus, particularly regarding faculty. On Thursday, a new report was released with findings on what happened, and whether the University reacted appropriately. We provided live coverage of the news conference focusing on the report's release. *Note: On Thursday afternoon, the University of Rochester announced that President Joel Seligman resigned.

Geneva is the unofficial capital of the Finger Lakes, and one if the city's most successful managers is leaving. Matt Horn has been in the job for ten years, and has helped oversee a shift in Geneva's fortunes. We talk to Matt, as well as the team that is temporarily replacing him, about the accomplishments, the occasional misses, and the top priorities going forward. In our WEOS studio: Matt Horn, outgoing Geneva city manager Sage Gerling, Doris Myers, Adam Blowers, interim Geneva city managers

The New York Times recently published a piece describing the kinds of regulations under which farmers and small businesses work. It sparked conversations about which regulations are necessary and appropriate, and which create unnecessary burdens. We hear from local and regional farmers. Our guests: Elizabeth Henderson, retired farmer and writer Andy Fellenz, owner of Fellenz Family Farm Peter Ten Eyck, owner of Indian Ladder Farms

Our Dialogue on Disability Week continues with a conversation about adaptive sports. According to the CDC, nearly half of adults with disabilities ages 18 to 64 do not get aerobic physical activity. Local organizations are helping to change that by offering opportunities in adaptive sports. We hear the stories of local athletes in those programs. Our guests: Michael Cocquyt, supervisor of SportsNet Jen Truscott, alpine skier David Grace, sled hockey athlete, who participates in many winter

Monroe County and the City of Rochester are teaming up with a number of local organizations to celebrate the legacy of abolitionist and Rochester resident Frederick Douglass. Douglass never knew the exact date of his own birth, but he eventually determined that he was born in February 1818. Now, 200 years later, the “Re-energizing the Legacy of Frederick Douglass” project will help the community explore his life and work. This hour, we discuss Douglass’ legacy and his impact on Rochester, we