Connections Podcast

Heroin has exploded as a problem in the United States, and it doesn't discriminate: rural communities, city neighborhoods. WROC-TV's Adam Chodak recently reported on several aspects of the problem in Rochester, along with the debate over solutions. Drop-off treatment centers? Needle exchange? Read Part 1 here , and Part 2 here . We discuss the various approaches with our guests: Adam Chodak , WROC-TV anchor Matt Woodring, advocate and former addict Miguel Melendez, special projects director for

The annual push to "End the R-Word" is back on. Is it working? Last year, a comedian in a Showtime special delivered a deeply insulting rant about people with mental disabilities. The term still comes up on occasion in pop culture. We check in with our guests: Ann Costello, director of the Golisano Foundation Martha Mock, director of the Institute of Innovative Transition Nancy Bauter, president of the Nazareth College chapter of Best Buddies Jessica Gill, buddy director for the Nazareth College

The story of what the late Assemblyman Bill Nojay did -- his scams, his lies, his theft -- is only known because of the work of reporters Steve Orr and Gary Craig . They pushed to have records unsealed, and they chased down many threads to a strange and sad tale of deception. Steve and Gary join us to explain how they pulled the entire, complex story together, and what questions they still would like to answer.

Bob Duffy recently called the state to make permanent its economic development council framework. "It works," Duffy wrote in the D&C. He says states have to adopt some business principles, like fostering competition, to be successful. So we sit down with leaders of the Rochester Finger Lakes Council to discuss jobs, growth, and why they believe it's worth the investment. They respond to critics, and we get an update on what to expect from photonics. Our guests from the council: Danny Wegman

Students in the wealthiest school districts in New York State enjoy the highest per-pupil funding -- sometimes as high as $70,000 per pupil. Poorer districts can operate with roughly $15,000 per pupil. This disparity is part of the debate over school aid funding. New York spends 87% more than the national average on education, but it's wildly imbalanced. Governor Cuomo's team defends the formula but agrees that it should be updated; critics across the state want changes. We discuss it with a

It's a small business success story -- an African-American-owned restaurant that has become a quiet magnet in the city of Rochester. The Arnett Cafe relies on word of mouth, and four years after opening, there are plenty of words being passed around town about it. We sit down with co-owner Norman Brown, who grew up nearby in the 19th Ward. But Brown moved away after school, following a business path, and never expected to come home to Rochester. We explore why he did, and how he views the

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: Rochester's status as a sanctuary city, and perceptions of immigrants; The Dakota Access Pipeline, and Native American rights; Black Lives Matter Day in the Rochester City School District; How senior Republicans are addressing climate change by proposing a carbon fee and dividend.

Heart disease affects 27.6 million American adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We talk about common conditions, treatment, heart-healthy diets, and more. Our guests: Dr. John Bisognano , M.D., Ph.D., professor of medicine, and director of outpatient services in the Division of Cardiology, and director of the Comprehensive Hypertension Center at the University of Rochester Dr. Rebecca Shallek , M.D., cardiologist in the Department of Cardiology at Highland

In this month's episode of Unleashed, we hear from a dog owner who is working to turn her heartbreak into action. Denise Krohn's two dogs were killed during a home invasion, and now, she's fighting for legislation that would make it a crime to hurt a pet during the commission of another crime. Read the petition here . We also talk to a Wayne County woman whose dog, Derby, took to the national stage, competing in the Masters Obedience Championship at the Westminster Kennel Club Show. We talk to

Have you ever seen or a heard a local artist and thought, "Why hasn't he or she gone national?" Local comedian Yolanda Smilez wanted to recognize those artists, especially artists of color who may have a hard time breaking through. She co-created the Roc Awards . The fifth annual event is set for Sunday at the Kodak Center for Performing Arts. We preview the show and talk about what it means for our community. Our guests: Yolanda Smilez , CEO and co-founder of the Roc Awards Tracie Isaac,