Connections with Evan Dawson

The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson died on June 11. He was 82, but as writer Sam Sodomsky wrote in a remembrance for Pitchfork, “‘immortal' is still the word that comes to mind.” Wilson's forward-thinking musical compositions helped redefine pop music in the 1960s — as well as what anyone thought was possible at the time. Tributes have poured in, including from local musicians. Submarine School of Music co-founder Ben Morey labeled Wilson “a guiding light to me for most of my life,” while psych-pop tinkerer Alex Northrup called for more Wilson-influenced sunshine “in a world that seems to be growing increasingly darker.” Both join musician and CITY magazine art director Jacob Walsh and guest host and CITY Magazine arts reporter Patrick Hosken to talk about Wilson's influence on their lives as music makers. Our guests: Ben Morey, musician and co-founder of the Submarine School of Music Alex Northrup, songwriter, producer, and engineer Jacob Walsh, musician in Big Nobody and art director for CITY Magazine

Since its inception in 2002, the Rochester International Jazz Festival has always been, as its name states, international. Performers from Canada, Europe and elsewhere regularly make the trek to play at 18 different venues around town for audiences that can total 200,000. But 2025 feels different, backdropped by the Trump administration's trade war with Canada and rising fears about border crossings and detainments. Musicians also say the cost of securing work permits in the United States has increased dramatically in recent years. Is it still worth it? And what's it like for local jazz players, whose gigs don't require the same logistical red tape? This year's festival is already in full swing and runs through June 28. Guest host Patrick Hosken talks with performers about their experiences. Our guests: Bill Tiberio, music educator and 2025 Jazz Fest performer Claire Voy, musician in SHEBAD and 2025 Jazz Fest performer Allison Au, musician and 2025 Jazz Fest performer

Hollywood loves sequels and remakes. And here they come: "Jurassic World Rebirth;" "M3GAN 2.0;" "28 Years Later;" "Superman;" "Happy Gilmore;" "I Know What You Did Last Summer." Will our panel of cinephiles go for nostalgia, or do they want something new? What's The Little bringing to screens? Guest host Scott Pukos and fellow film fanatics tell us what's hot and what's not this summer: Jared Case, curator of film exhibitions for the Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman Museum Jackie McGriff, photographer, founder, director, and co-producer for the Our Voices project Meghan Murphy, social media manager and storyteller for the Anomaly Film Festival Matt Passantino, film critic and writer for CITY Magazine and member of the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association (GWNYFCA)

Why do we crave screams in the summer? Horror is a genre that is, by some measures, the hottest in theaters and streaming. Why do scary movies make such great summer flicks, and, in a world full of real-life stress, why do we still choose to be scared for fun? Guest host Scott Pukos and his panel explore all things spooky, slashy, and stabby. In studio: Antonia Bias, digital creator, horror artist, and film enthusiast Danielle Del Plato, member of the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association (GWNYFCA), and VHS collector at Donnie's Video Lee Rodriguez, horror movie fan and staff member at the Little Theatre

President Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill” squeaked through the House of Representatives in late May. It would increase defense spending, cut Medicaid and SNAP, reduce health insurance coverage, and add trillions to the national debt, among other things. Congressman Joe Morelle joins us to work through the details. In studio:Rep. Joe Morelle, New York District 25

An interview between Senator Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson got nasty when Carlson accused Cruz of wanting to enter wars against countries he knows nothing about. Cruz countered that the United States has an obligation to work alongside Israel against Iran. Jose Peo served from 2000 to 2004 in the U.S. Army, and he says that experience has pushed him into the “no more wars” camp. He explains how this growing group sees American intervention. In studio:Jose Peo, U.S. Army veteran, former member of Rochester City Council, and community advocate

There's been a lot of talk in Rochester lately about vacancy – vacant houses, vacant buildings, vacant spaces that were once thriving. An upcoming symposium will offer ideas on how to fill those spaces – and not just with the first person or company to make an offer. What cities do with vacant spaces will be critical to their next generation. The city of Rochester has at least one example of a thriving neighborhood, anchored by the Strong National Museum of Play. So how can more spaces follow? We explore it with our guests: Craig Jensen, partner at CJS Architects and member of the American Institute of Architects  Melissa Suchodolski, president of USC Builds and a member of the DevelopROC team, leading the Bulls Head Revitalization in partnership with the City of Rochester

The annual Harborfest is set to kick off at Ontario Beach Park this Friday, and attendees will see some new security features at the beach. They are part of a broader effort to create a safer space after fights broke out among some teenagers earlier this month. The Ontario Beach Park Program Committee wants parkgoers to know that despite the disturbances, there are still a number of events and activities planned that are free and open to everyone. This hour, we're joined by local leaders to discuss those programs and the new safety measures. Our guests: Captain Greg Bello, Rochester Police Department Legislator Yversha Roman, Monroe County District 26, and president of the Monroe County Legislator Rich Tantalo, director of public safety for Monroe County James Farr, chair of the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee

For decades, journalist Gary Craig has covered crimes, trials, and many tragedies — always finding the humanity in his stories. Craig has decided to retire from the Democrat & Chronicle, and his colleagues in Rochester know what a huge loss this is for local reporting. He joins us to discuss his career, his favorite stories, and how he hopes his paper — and his industry — can survive into the future. In studio: Gary Craig, public safety and criminal justice reporter for the Democrat & Chronicle, member of the Newspaper Guild of Rochester, and author of "Seven Million" and co-author of "The Prison Guard's Daughter" Justin Murphy, author and former Democrat & Chronicle education reporter Brian Sharp, investigations and enterprise editor for WXXI News Max Schulte, photojournalist for WXXI News

New York State could move forward with the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act — a piece of legislation that has been promoted by some climate activists and opposed by many small businesses. Wine and beer producers have been especially concerned. Some state leaders say they've worked with the business community to create something more fair, but also something that will lead to less packaging waste. Our guests discuss it: Jeongyoon Han, Capitol News Bureau reporter for the New York Public News Network Melissa Carlson, climate activist with Third Act Upstate NY and part-time architect Alan Cole, member of the Climate Smart Community Task Force  Chad Hendrickson, brand ambassador for Lakewood Vineyards Amanda Richardson, brewer and sustainability coordinator at Strangebird Beer

The U.S. Army marked its 250th anniversary with a parade in Washington this past weekend. The event was heavily touted by President Trump and his advisors, and it coincided with President Trump's 79th birthday. Tanks rolled down the street and helicopters flew overhead in an event that failed to fill all the grandstands but still drew thousands. So what is the overall effect? Is it a recruiting tool and generator of patriotism, like the White House says? Was it worth the cost of $45 million? Our guests discuss it: John White, Jr., infantry captain with the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1973 Lou Wayne, Vietnam veteran

"Everyone is cheating their way through college" — with ChatGPT. That's the viral headline from last month in New York Magazine. The piece cites college professors who say they are overwhelmed with how AI has infiltrated academic life. Students use it regularly and some claim they cannot succeed without it. So where is the line between cheating and learning? How can educators assess students in the age of ChatGPT? And really, is everyone cheating? Our guests discuss it: Kyle Green, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Sociology at SUNY Brockport Natasha Kaiser, rising senior in the photojournalism program at RIT and intern with WXXI News

In honor of Father's Day on Sunday, we discuss the importance of having a paternal figure present in a child's life. Studies show that children without a father are four times more likely to grow up in poverty and seven times more likely to end up in prison. This hour, guest host Racquel Stephen and her panel highlight local fatherhood programs and their mission. Our guests also explain the racial disparities that may affect successful parenting for Black fathers, and they share their own advice and experience. In studio: Reggie Cox, founder and CEO of the Fatherhood Connection Otis Newson, community health worker lead at the Healthy Baby Network Deon Williams, participant in the Fatherhood Program at the Healthy Baby Network Steven Schulz, M.D., pediatrician and service line division head of ambulatory pediatrics for Rochester Regional Health

Changes at the federal level are expected to have major effects on medical research. Recently on this program, we discussed how clinicians expect possible funding cuts to affect cancer research. This hour, we focus on HIV research. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that the fiscal year 2026 budget request for domestic HIV programs is a 35% decline compared to the previous fiscal year. What does that mean for HIV research in our region? And how could it affect patients? Guest host Racquel Stephen addresses those questions with local experts: Michael Keefer, M.D., principal investigator at the Rochester Victory Alliance; and professor in the Departments of Medicine and Infectious Diseases and in the Center for Community Health and Prevention at the University of Rochester Medical Center Harold Smith, Ph.D. founder, CEO, and president of Oyagen, Inc.; and professor emeritus of biochemistry and biophysics at the University Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

How do parents and other caregivers know if there are firearms in homes where their children play? And how should they ask about how those guns are stored? According to the CDC, the vast majority of firearm deaths involving young children are the result of guns that were not stored safely. A bill enacting "Francesco's law" passed the New York State Assembly on Wednesday. In part, it establishes "violations for the failure to safely store rifles, shotguns, and firearms in the presence of a minor or a prohibited person." Our guests this hour discuss how to communicate about firearm storage and safety. In studio: Crystal Craig, M.D., general academic pediatrics fellow and instructor of pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center Adam Oplinger, R.N., pediatric trauma program manager at the Kessler Trauma Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center Jennifer West, Ph.D., co-director of the Firearm Injury Prevention Program at the University of Rochester Medical Center, clinical psychologist, and parent of teenagers

Skydiving! Roller derby! Toothpicks...yes, toothpicks! The June issue of CITY Magazine is all about adrenaline: the activities, events, and experiences that give us a thrill. We talk with the CITY team and local thrill seekers about their adventures and what gets the adrenaline pumping for people in our region. This month's issue is also a preview of Jazz Fest. Our guests: Leah Stacy, editor of CITY Magazine Ryan Williamson, director of strategy and operations for CITY Magazine Roberto Lagares, multimedia reporter for CITY Magazine Jake Walsh, art director for CITY Magazine Patrick Hosken, arts reporter for CITY Magazine Ten Gardner, contributor to CITY Magazine Robin Basalla, skydiving instructor Stan Munro, artist and toothpick engineer

News of President Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis raised both awareness and questions about how and when to communicate about a serious illness. How can patients access guidance and resources when it comes to understanding their emotions, while also sometimes needing to navigate those of friends and family? What is the role of supporters and caregivers? Our guests specialize in helping patients with these questions. They join us to share their expertise. In studio: Ronald Epstein, M.D., professor of family medicine, oncology, and medicine (palliative care) at the University of Rochester Medical Center Supriya Mohile, M.D., geriatric oncologist and professor in the Departments of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology; Surgery, Cancer Control; and the Cancer Center; and vice chair for academic affairs in the Department of Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center Abby Squicciarini, LMSW, oncology social work supervisor at Lipson Cancer Institute

The Rochester City School District will soon welcome a new superintendent. Eric J. Rosser's start date is July 1. It comes just after Democratic primary voters make their selections for members for the Board of Education. This hour, we sit down with the candidates to discuss their platforms and a range of issues affecting students, families, and the district — including federal policies, school safety, curricula, and more. In studio: Kareem McCullough, candidate for Rochester City School Board Vince Felder, candidate for Rochester City School Board Camille Simmons, candidate for Rochester City School Board Heather Feinman, candidate for Rochester City School Board

Fairport has been growing — welcoming new businesses that mix with a range of housing designed for all ages. We talk about the vision of making a truly walkable, bikeable village with a diverse range of options for people who live nearby. Our guests: Julie Domaratz, mayor of the village of Fairport Bryan White, manager of the village of Fairport and general manager of electric operations for Fairport Municipal Commission

By one measure, building a house now costs $11,000 more due to the new tariffs. Some builders are concerned about possible labor shortages to come. Meanwhile, the political discourse on the left is focused on why it's even more expensive to build new homes in Democratically governed states and cities. We explore the myths and realities with our guest:Matthew Denker, owner of LBLD Living and operator of Rochester Construction Watch 

It's the final discussion in our five-part series with candidates running in the Democratic primary for Rochester City Council. Early voting begins Saturday, June 14, and our goal on "Connections" is to help voters feel informed as they head to the polls. We talk to the candidates about their platforms, priorities, and their perspectives on a range of issues affecting the city. In studio: Stanley Martin, candidate for Rochester City Council  Miguel Meléndez, Jr., candidate for Rochester City Council  Niner Davis, candidate for Rochester City Council

The federal government is attempting to block Harvard's ability to bring in foreign students. While courts intervene, foreign students are weighing whether to come back in the fall — and what that means for their future in the United States. Our guests discuss their response to the administration's repeated efforts to keep students from abroad out. Our guests: Lola DeAscentiis, rising senior at Harvard College from Rochester, NY and co-founder of Students for Freedom  James McAffrey, rising senior at Harvard College from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and a co-founder of Students for Freedom Alfred Williamson, British student at Harvard College on a student visa and member of Students for Freedom

There's growing momentum behind a proposal in Congress to eliminate federal income taxes on tipped earnings. Supporters of the “No Tax on Tips Act” argue it would put more money in the pockets of service workers. But critics say it might do more to help employers and high earners than the people who depend on tips to survive. This hour, guest host Gino Fanelli and his guests break down what the legislation would actually do, and what it wouldn't. We hear from experts, organizers, and workers about what this means for take-home pay, wage structures, and labor protections. Our guests: Kent Gardner, economist Casey Moore, organizing director of Workers United Upstate NY Melissa Fleischut, president of the New York Restaurant Association Maria Stojanova-Montoya, bartender and high school English teacher

Why are concert tickets so expensive and who is really profiting? As New York lawmakers weigh a bill that would let artists block ticket resales, we take a closer look at how this plays out between musicians, fans, and powerful resale platforms like StubHub. We break down what the proposed policy could mean for the live music economy, and why some say it could hand even more power to Ticketmaster. We also hear from musicians and venue owners who've seen the impact of scalping firsthand. What's the real cost of a ticket when it's resold for five times its face value? And what alternatives exist to make live events more affordable and fair? Guest host Gino Fanelli addresses those questions with our panelists: Jimmy Vielkind, state government and politics reporter for WNYC Dan Armbruster, lead singer and founding member of Joywave Zack Mikida, owner/operator of Anthology

Rochester City Council candidates in the Democratic primary, part 4In our second hour, we welcome candidates in the Democratic primary for Rochester City Council. It's part four of five in our series, where we give candidates the opportunity to discuss their backgrounds, platforms, and priorities for office, and answer questions from community members. Our guests: Ann Lewis, candidate for Rochester City Council  Mitch Gruber, candidate for Rochester City Council  *Note: Tonya Noel Stevens was scheduled to join this discussion, but her team has since notified WXXI that she has decided to step away from the campaign.

The past week has seen the return of wildfire smoke, turning blue skies hazy and turning sunsets purple. But the air quality concerns are also back. We discuss what's causing the smoke, and what it means for outdoor activity. Our guests: Eric Snitil, chief meteorologist for WROC Daniel Croft, M.D., pulmonologist and researcher at URMC Tom Proietti, resident media scholar at St. John Fisher University, and local resident who suffers from asthma

Pride events are happening around the world. Some past sponsors are pulling out of festivals in different cities, citing pressures and politics. This year, the events are focused on both celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and addressing the current climate. Our guests preview local events and discuss how they are responding to national conversations. In studio: Terence Pleasant, director of the MOCHA Center and community engagement at Trillium Health Nathan Bense, communications director at Trillium Health Karen Treadwell-Collins, board member for the Rochester Women's Community Chorus  Evan Dorscheid, member of the Rochester Gay Men's Chorus and its dance troupe, the Rochettes

The New York Times reports that "President Trump proposed chopping funding at the National Cancer Institute by more than $2.7 billion, nearly a 40 percent decrease." It's part of a significant cut to the National Institutes of Health. Our guests work in cancer research and treatment. They discuss the possible impact of this news, as well as the state of cancer care. In studio: Jonathan Friedberg, M.D., MMSc, director of Wilmot Cancer Institute  Charles Kamen, Ph.D., MPH, associate director for community outreach and engagement at  Wilmot Cancer Institute and associate professor in the Departments of Surgery and Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center Emily Hayes, MPA, program manager for community outreach and engagement at Wilmot Cancer Institute

Dementia affects nearly six million Americans and causes more than 100,000 deaths each year in the United States alone. For caregivers, that can mean myriad challenges: providing the right kind of support; understanding disease progression; financial difficulties; and more. In this special edition of "Connections," we discuss what the experts say, and we hear from a local caregiver. In studio: Carol Podgorski, Ph.D., director of the Finger Lakes Center of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease, clinic director of the UR Medicine Memory Care Program, and director of Alzheimer's Disease Support Programs for the University of Rochester Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program Barbara Smith, caregiver for her husband  Jennifer Lesinski, vice president of marketing for St. John's Senior Living Katy Allen, division leader for caregiver services at Lifespan

In this special edition of "Connections" with a live audience, we discuss the Medical Aid in Dying Act and other legislation that can affect the disability community. How often are people with disabilities — and caregivers — brought into the discussion? What are the risks of legislating without that input, whether it's Medical Aid in Dying or other proposals? Who should be helping guide policy? Our guests discuss it. In studio: Chris Hilderbrant, executive director of the Rochester Spinal Association Heather Burroughs, caregiver and director of advocacy for AutismUp Brian Weber, member of the disability community and assistant football coach

We continue our series of conversations with candidates running in the Democratic primary for Rochester City Council. Each discussion is an opportunity for the candidates to share their platforms and priorities for office, and to answer questions from community members. This is part three of five in our series. Our guests: Victor Sanchez, candidate for Rochester City Council Kelly Cheatle, candidate for Rochester City Council Luis Aponte, candidate for Rochester City Council

Over the past several decades, progressives and conservatives have sought to ban books for very different reasons. In recent years, conservatives are more actively trying to get books pulled from libraries. The ten most challenged books from 2024 were all targeted from the political right. The local organization Our Local History is hosting a community forum about children's freedom to read. They explore challenged books and book bans on "Connections." Our guests: Justin Murphy, research and communications coordinator at Our Local History Henry "Cody" Miller, Ph.D., associate professor of English education at SUNY Brockport, and recipient of National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) National Intellectual Freedom Award Tamara Wall, member of the West Irondequoit School Board Noelle Evans, education reporter/producer for WXXI News

Fungi are among the most powerful yet overlooked climate allies. From storing vast amounts of carbon underground to breaking down pollutants and replacing plastic, fungi could be key to restoring ecological balance in a warming world. This episode of "Environmental Connections" explores how mushrooms and mycelium are contributing to climate solutions — and what's at stake if they disappear. Our guests: Stacey Estabrook, founder of FLX Mushrooms Kimberlie Le, co-founder of Prime Roots, a sustainable protein company Aishwarya Veerabahu, Ph.D. student in the Pringle Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Despite increased gas prices and lower costs associated with buying an electric vehicle, drivers are still hesitant to make the switch. That's due, in part, to charging anxiety: even though most daily trips are short, people still worry, 'what happens when you can't find a plug?' A mandate from New York State that aims to have all new cars sold run on electric by 2035 has also exposed some of the communities' more complex problems: utility limitations; lack of support from the federal government; and the problems presented by modern EV batteries. Our guests break it down: Senator Jeremy Cooney, District 56, and chair of the NYS Transportation Committee Brian Sharp, investigations editor for WXXI News Eric Hittinger, professor of public policy at the Rochester Institute of Technology

A recent independent audit offered a scathing assessment of how RG&E has conducted its business. The audit concluded that the company puts corporate profits above customer service and demonstrates very little investment in the local community. But RG&E claims that the audit is out of date and ignores their efforts to make serious improvements over the past two years. We discuss the company's response to the audit and its plans to improve service in our region. Our guests: Kim Harriman, senior vice president of public and regulatory affairs for RG&E and NYSEG Christine Alexander, vice president of customer service for RG&E and NYSEG

Local youth leaders are sharing their stories in an effort to help their peers. The Center for Youth has embarked on a new “Restoring Justice, Re-Engaging Youth” initiative in response to violence and other issues affecting young people in Rochester. The goal is to use restorative practices to connect youth back to school and community. This hour, we talk with initiative organizers and youth leaders about what it takes to breakthrough to other young people facing different challenges. In studio: Elaine Spaull, executive director of the Center for Youth Nolica Murray Fields, director of restorative practices and equity at the Center for Youth Eli Cotton, program director for the Restoring Justice, Re-engaging Youth initiative at the Center for Youth Amy Sadler, photographer and creative producer 

Three-time Tony Award winner Patti LuPone shocked the theater world with a series of incendiary remarks in an interview with the New Yorker. Some of LuPone's fans have responded with ambivalence, saying they love her work, even if they don't love... her. So how should art consumers consider the creator of the art? Where should the line be drawn? Is there a difference between consuming art created by a deceased artists, versus a living artist? Our guests discuss it: Mona Seghatoleslami, music director, host, and producer for WXXI Classical 91.5 FM, and music coordinator for the Little Cafe Matt Passantino, film critic for CITY Magazine Thomas Warfield, director of dance at RIT and inaugural professor of practice at NTID

Five years ago, AI was hardly a priority on higher ed campuses. Now it's becoming mandatory coursework. At the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in Rochester, students now take 12 credits of coding, analytics, and AI. And the institute will be launching a new AI and Business program. For students who don't want to learn AI, will they be left behind in the future job market? Our guests discuss the challenge of preparing students for a very different world. In studio: Ian Mortimer, president of Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship Max Post, student at Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence engineer for New Vision Development Group

Shoes have obvious benefits — but how would our thinking change if we walked barefoot in the woods? Lyanda Lynn Haupt is the author of "Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit." She's coming to Rochester as a guest of the Western New York Land Conservancy. We discuss her feelings about the disconnect that many people feel: disconnected from nature, from the planet, from anything other than a screen. And we explore ways to get reconnected, even in small ways. Our guests: Lyanda Lynn Haupt, naturalist and author of "Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit," among others Marisa Riggi, executive director of Western New York Land Conservancy

We continue our series of conversations with candidates running in the Democratic primary for Rochester City Council. We've invited all of the candidates in that race to join us on the talk show to discuss their platforms and priorities and to answer questions from community members. This is part two in our series. In studio: Clifford Florence Jr., candidate for Rochester City Council LaShunda Leslie-Smith, D.S.W., candidate for Rochester City Council Josie McClary, candidate for Rochester City Council

Three-time Tony Award winner Patti LuPone shocked the theater world with a series of incendiary remarks in an interview with the New Yorker. Some of LuPone's fans have responded with ambivalence, saying they love her work, even if they don't love... her. So how should art consumers consider the creator of the art? Where should the line be drawn? Is there a difference between consuming art created by a deceased artists, versus a living artist? Our guests discuss it: Mona Seghatoleslami, music director, host, and producer for WXXI Classical 91.5 FM, and music coordinator for the Little Cafe Matt Passantino, film critic for CITY Magazine Thomas Warfield, director of dance at RIT and inaugural professor of practice at NTID

Local advocates with the Healthi Kids Initiative and Common Ground Health and New York State United Teachers went to Albany to rally for what they call the Right to Recess.While many school districts in the state require 20 minutes of recess for K–6 students, enforcement varies — and access to play is often shaped by race, income, and neighborhood. Experts and families say 20 minutes isn't enough, and that playful learning should extend from pre-K through 12th grade.With the pandemic underscoring the need for movement and connection, guest host Noelle Evans asks: why is recess essential, and how can schools make it more equitable and effective?Our guests:  Mike Bulger, director of Whole Child Health Advocacy with the Healthi Kids Coalition Sharon Peck, parent advocate and associate professor of literacy at SUNY Geneseo

School board is an elected office that regularly flies under the radar, but boards are crucial: deciding district policies, allocation of taxpayer money, and so much of what shapes the environment where children learn.Newly elected school board members are stepping into one of the most high-pressure roles in local government and facing political fights, public backlash, and deeply personal debates over what kids should learn and how schools should run.This hour, guest host Noelle Evans pulls back the curtain on your local school board and explores more about the ins and outs of one of the most powerful — and overlooked — elected offices in the community. Annamaria Falzarano, member-elect of the Greece Central School Board and retired coordinator of world languages at the Greece Central School District Amy Thomas, executive director of the Monroe County School Boards Association

How can the arts help us heal? Experts say music therapy can help people cope with anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. A program called Music for Veterans aims to leverage the therapeutic qualities of music to support and enrich the lives of military veterans. The head of that national program has ties to Rochester. He's in town this week to help support the local chapter. This hour, we talk with him and with local program organizers and veterans about the healing power of music. Our guests: Roy Ernst, Ph.D., founder of Music for Veterans National Association and professor emeritus of music education at the Eastman School of Music Mike Doolin, president of Music for Veterans-Rochester, U.S. Navy veteran, and trumpeter in the New Horizons band, among others Judy Rose, executive director of Music for Veterans-Rochester, bass clarinetist in the New Horizons Band, and vice president of Datrose Inc. Laura Heltz, executive director of Veterans Outreach Center, U.S. Army veteran, and author

Some members of Rochester City Council contend that last year's budget allocated funds that could have been used to study a potential public utility. For those who don't love the service from RG&E, this has been a big issue for years. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said last week on "Connections" that he is not trying to block a public utility, but he wants the county to share the cost of a study. Our guests explain why they think the timeline should speed up. In studio: Mary Lupien, member of Rochester City Council  Michi Cole Wenderlich, campaign and policy coordinator for Metro Justice

The town of Penfield has to decide what to do with the Clark Road Barn — a local historic structure. A number of other local towns have moved to preserve old barns, and a group of residents in Penfield want the same approach. But the town is considering several options, including demolition. So how do our local towns decide what is worth saving? When is a structure deemed essential because of its historic character, and when is it a burden? Our guests discuss why they want towns to slow down and prioritize preservation over demolition. In studio: Katie Andres, co-producer of the documentary, "Still Standing: The Barns of J.T. Wells & Sons" Larry Francer, assistant director of the Landmark Society of Western New York Michael Jarvis, Ph.D., professor of history and archaeology at the University of Rochester

President Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis has sparked a wave of concern, as well as questions about the disease. Who tends to get it? When should men get screened? What causes it? What are the myths, and what are the realities? Our guests answer questions from listeners about prostate cancer: Supriya Mohile, M.D., geriatric oncologist and professor in the Departments of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology; Surgery, Cancer Control; and the Cancer Center; and vice chair for academic affairs in the Department of Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center Thomas Osinski, M.D., assistant professor of urology at the University of Rochester Medical Center Matthew Truong, M.D., urologist who practices general urology and urologic oncology at the Center for Urology, which is associated with Rochester Regional Health

The Seneca Park Zoo recently welcomed the first-ever North American river otters to be born at its facility. Leaders say it's a conservation success story that has been decades in the making. It comes at a time when a shift in federal priorities has affected environmental and wildlife protections: funding cuts to USAID and a funding freeze for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have halted projects centered on animals facing various threats, including extinction. Can the local project serve as a model for continued conservation work, despite changes at the federal level? Our guests discuss it. In studio: David Hamilton, general curator at the Seneca Park Zoo Larry Buckley, Ph.D., senior associate dean of the College of Science at RIT Laura Gaenzler, community science coordinator for the Seneca Park Zoo Society Tom Snyder, director of programming and conservation action for the Seneca Park Zoo Society

In a report earlier this month, the group Reporters Without Borders said, "Trump's second term as president has brought a troubling deterioration in press freedom." For two decades, the number of American journalists has been in decline. The Star-Ledger in New Jersey is an example of a high-profile newsroom that stopped producing a print edition and cut more staff in 2024. Fewer than a quarter of American newsrooms are in growth mode. We discuss the state of the profession with our guests: Gino Fanelli, investigations and City Hall reporter for WXXI News Veronica Volk, senior producer for WXXI News Natasha Kaiser, rising senior in the photojournalism program at RIT Roisin Meyer, rising senior in the international relations and economics program at the University of Rochester

Local Democrats will see a number of candidates for Rochester City Council on their primary ballot next month. We've invited all of the candidates in that race to join us on the talk show to discuss their platforms and priorities and to answer questions from community members. This is part one in our series. In studio:  Miquel Powell, candidate for Rochester City Council  Chiara "Kee Kee" Smith, candidate for Rochester City Council Kevin Stewart, candidate for Rochester City Council 

President Biden's cancer diagnosis has prompted prayers and well wishes, and it keeps the political spotlight on the former president and his health. Biden recently said that he would have beaten Donald Trump in 2024, and he's not surprised that Vice President Harris lost. Meanwhile, a new book details the ways that the Biden team concealed his cognitive decline from the public. Democrats are eager to move on and focus on the array of young leaders who could rise to prominence. But what lessons should they learn from the past four years? Our guests discuss it. In studio: Dylan Dailor, Democratic political consultant Nayeliz Santiago, vice president of Monroe County Young Democrats