Connections Podcast

This week marks 240 years since General George Washington made two daring decisions that all but saved the American side's cause in the Revolutionary War. Washington had been humiliated in 1776, in a series of defeats while trying to defend New York. His closest advisor thought he was indecisive, a failure. His second in command was plotting to gain the lead role in the war. But instead of give in to infighting, Washington learned from his mistakes, and launched a surprise attack on Trenton

Dominic Barter, known internationally for his work in creating new approaches to conflict settlement and restorative justice, is visiting Rochester this week. In the 1990s, Barter developed Restorative Circles in the favelas of Brazil, in parts of Rio de Janeiro that were essentially controlled by armed gangs. Since then, he's taken his work around the world, including a previous visit to Rochester. This week, he's meeting with students, teachers, and leading a public event called "Medicine for

A federal court has ruled that if an employer fires a worker for wearing his or her hair in dreadlocks, it's not racial discrimination. Did the court get it right? The case centered on Chastity Jones, a woman who was offered a job with an insurance claims processing company, but had the offer rescinded because she wore dreadlocks. Jones said it was a form of discrimination. A judge decided that while firing based on skin color is not protected, firing based on hairstyle is protected; the judge

How does transportation intersect with poverty? Peter Nabozny, with the Center for Governmental Research, published a series of articles to find the answer. He explored bus commutes, car ownership, sprawl, and what can be done to improve matters. We discuss what he found, and what can change to offer more opportunity for those living in poverty in Rochester. Our guests: Peter Nabozny , associate principal for the Center for Governmental Research Brenda Massie, Innovation and Strategic

On Monday, December 19, a Turkish assassin shot and killed Russia's ambassador to Turkey. Associated Press photographer Burhan Ozbilici captured some remarkable images of the immediate aftermath, including the killer ranting with a finger in the air, the ambassador's body lying just a few feet away. The New York Times, among other publications, chose to run that photograph on the front page, despite its graphic and disturbing nature. A number of readers protested that decision, saying that the

How will the Trump administration affect the United Nations? Our panel discusses Trump's posture toward the U.N. so far, along with his selection of ambassador. We examine how a changing relationship between the United States and the U.N. could impact relationships around the world. Our guests: Dr. Randy Stone , director of the Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies at the University of Rochester Dr. Sebastien Lazardeux , assistant professor of political science at St. John Fisher

We take a look at history, or rather, how it could have been different. During this hour, we hear from people who study history in various forms; they will help us understand how one moment, mindset, event, or series of events could have changed history. We talk about a number of subjects, including the Beatles, the Erie Canal, Brexit, and more. Our guests: Amit Batabyal , professor of economics at RIT Adam Frank , astrophysicist at the University of Rochester and contributor to the NPR blog 13

What are the best new podcasts of 2016? That is, apart from Finding Tammy Jo and Weekend Connections, of course. Our guests are two of the most in-the-know people when it comes to podcasting. We play a few clips and run down our favorites, including: Science Vs Last Name Basis 2 Dope Queens Still Processing The Read Revisionist History More Perfect Homecoming LifeAfter Keepin' it 1600 Crimetown Our guests: Veronica Volk , Great Lakes Today reporter for WXXI, and co-creator / journalist behind

When Assemblyman Bill Nojay killed himself on the morning of September 9th, he was supposed to be in federal court for the unsealing of a criminal complaint against him. His death could have caused that record to remain sealed, and in fact, some of Nojay's supporters argued that there was no longer a reason for the public to see it. But the Democrat & Chronicle disagreed, and filed a motion to have the record unsealed. Eventually a judge ruled in their favor, and that's how the public came

Elon Musk says Tesla’s new solar roof production will cost less to manufacture and install than basic shingles. The electricity is “just a bonus,” Musk adds. It’s edgy! It looks great! Is it the future? And further, is this what solar needs to take the next leap, or is it missing the larger point? We debate the Musk announcement, and review the year in solar and what lies ahead. In studio: Suzanne Hunt , Hunt Green LLC and Hunt Country Vineyards