Connections with Evan Dawson

We're continuing our summer tour of the Finger Lakes with a stop in Ithaca, a city where natural wonder meets vibrant culture. Nestled at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is home to more than 100 waterfalls, two major universities, and a rich history that has shaped its creative spirit. We'll explore its gorges and wineries, its stories and legends, and why this small city makes such a big impression. Our guests: Jose Molina, travel show host and filmmaker Peggy Coleman, president, Tompkins Chamber Carol Kammen, Tompkins County historian

The ESL Rochester Fringe Festival is back with hundreds of performances across theater, music, dance, and more. But beyond the spectacle, why are audiences drawn to experimental art, and what drives artists to take creative risks? We explore Rochester Fringe as part of a global movement that gives performers a platform to experiment, connect, and rebel against the algorithm.Our guests: Erica Fee, CEO of the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival Martin Dockery, writer/performer of "1 SMALL LIE" Cat D. Olson, director of dance theater company CAT + THE COYOTE Dr. Jefferson Svengsouk, musician in Cobbs Hill Consort

Short films are having a moment. For student filmmakers, the short film is a space to experiment, take risks, and share stories that might not otherwise be told. They can capture a single emotion, a fleeting moment, or a bold new idea — and offer a glimpse into the next generation of storytellers. We talk with students from RIT's School of Film and Animation about their work, the changing role of short films, and what audiences can expect from the latest installment of RIT Shorts, airing August 28 on WXXI-TV.Our guests: Christine Banna, assistant professor in the School of Film and Animation at RIT Deanna Moorehead, 3D artist Vinh Nguyen, 2D/experimental animator Colin O'Brien, composer and sound designer

Trust in the American justice system is at a historic low, and even many judges acknowledge systemic racism exists within the courts. In Rochester, the Judicial Observation Project is working to change that by training community members to observe court proceedings and provide feedback directly to volunteer judges. Our guests tell us about how the program was built, what it's accomplished so far, and how it could be a model.In studio: Hon. Melissa Barrett, Rochester City Court judge and the supervising judge of City Courts in the 7th Judicial District Dr. Rashid Muhammad, director of community partnerships at JustCause

Jane Austen was born 250 years ago, but her work continues to entertain, delight, and inspire generations of readers. WXXI News' Beth Adams and WXXI's Classical Brenda Tremblay guest host this hour. Our hosts and their guests will celebrate her timeless works, remarkable life, and enduring legacy.Our guests: Dawn Kellogg, superfan Cherie Messore, superfan Mary Mintz, president of the Jane Austen Society of North America Lindsay Warren Baker, co-writer of "Austen's Pride: A New Musical of Pride and Prejudice"

For parents of children with disabilities, back to school time can be a mix of excitement and anxiety. They may be navigating complex education plans, arranging for specialized transportation, or making sure the right support staff are in place. For some families, it's a matter of making sure their child has access to therapies; for others, it's about fighting for accommodations they're legally entitled to but don't always get. And behind those hurdles is concern for whether their child will feel included, safe, and understood in a new school year. Our guests discuss their experiences and what resources are available.Our guests: Shenee Elzey, mother of a child who has Holoprosencephaly Kara Georgi, family education specialist at Starbridge Brentaysia Johnson, parent of a child with disabilities Kristen Lopez, communications manager at Starbridge and parent of a child with disabilities

Clarissa Street was once the cultural heartbeat of Rochester's Third Ward. It was home to legendary jazz clubs, thriving businesses, and a tight-knit community. Urban renewal and highway construction dismantled that neighborhood, but its legacy lives on through the annual Clarissa Street Reunion. In this hour, we hear from community leaders and elders about the history of Clarissa Street, why it matters in 2025, and how remembering the past can shape our future.Our guests: George Fontenette, finance committee member and elder for the Clarissa Street Legacy Bryce Long, youth representative for the Clarissa Street Legacy Renee Long, president of the Clarissa Street Legacy Patricia Mason-Williams, vice president of the Clarissa Street Legacy

Photographer David Liittschwager and a team from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History are back in the Genesee documenting one cubic foot of the river's environment.In studio: David Liittschwager, freelance photographer and contributor to National Geographic and other publications Chris Meyer, curator and chair of Invertebrate Zoology at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History Pamela Reed Sanchez, president and CEO of the Seneca Park Zoo Society Tom Snyder, director of programming and conservation action for the Seneca Park Zoo Society

The new horror film, "Together," starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, focuses on a struggling relationship and features Cronenberg-levels of body horror ...but it has also been marketed as a date movie. This year has featured lots of films that eschew the typical formula of a date movie. Guest host Scott Pukos and his panel of movie lovers will explore this trend — is it just marketing or are audiences craving something beyond the standard rom-com?Our guests: Sarah Antao, rom-com expert and teaching staff member at the Focus Theater Roemer Johansson, copywriter and member of the Little Theatre Roberto Lagares, multimedia reporter for CITY Magazine Adam Lubitow, projectionist and programmer at the Little Theatre and programming director for Anomaly: The Rochester Genre Film Festival Dave Palmer, film critic for the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association (GWNYFCA)

Host Racquel Stephen takes us to this multi-faceted city on Owasco Lake to learn what makes Auburn unique. Once called “Prison City,” Auburn has embraced its history and developed a rich cultural and artistic scene.Our guests: Maria Coleman, director of development at The Seward House Geoffrey Starks, director of development and outreach at Cayuga Museum of History and Art David Wilcox, executive editor of The Auburn Citizen Ahna Wilson, superintendent at Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

Host Racquel Stephen examines the trend of using travel nurses to fill gaps in health care systems and talks to travel nurses about their experiences.In studio: Brandy Brumfeld, RN, BSN, director of nursing for Wesley Gardens Jeri Hayes, LPN, travel nurse Shante Hill, RN, BSN, travel nurse Daniel Ireland, executive vice president, chief nursing executive and patient care officer at Rochester Regional Health

The diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes has a huge impact on families. We'll discuss the condition with the family of a 10-year-old who will tell us how they're managing. We'll also learn about community resources offering support and advocacy.Our guests: Cai Eloi-Evans, child with Type 1 diabetes Sasha Eloi-Evans, Ed.D., parent of child with Type 1 diabetes LaShara Evans, parent of child with Type 1 diabetes Marianna Seefeldt, community engagement manager with Breakthrough T1D's Upstate New York Chapter Karina Vattana, MD, FAAP, medical director of pediatrics at Trillium Health

Today we're headed to the classroom. But the lessons are outdoors for some kids who attend environmental and sustainability camps in the area. We'll see how kids in Sodus are making their own version of Baywatch, and how young people in Rochester are learning about everything from growing food to bee pollination.In studio: Frank Keophetlasy,  community farm manager at Foodlink Donald Riling, president of Save Our Sodus Kyra Stephenson,  nature-based learning coach and consultant Chris Widmaier, executive director of Rochester Ecology Partners

The death of Rochester musical icon Chuck Mangione was a huge loss for countless fans around the world — felt especially keenly here in his hometown. Let's celebrate the man and his music, with favorite musical and personal memories. Guest host Mona Seghatoleslami is joined in the studio by his niece Ardis Mangione-Lindley and an "alum" of his band. And we want to hear from you — the community of musicians, fans, and friends who experienced iconic concerts like "Friends and Love," played alongside him, and more.Our guests: Ardis Mangione-Lindley, niece of Chuck Mangione Bob Sneider, associate professor of jazz studies at Eastman School of Music and alum of Chuck Mangione Band

We continue our tour of the Finger Lakes with a visit to Seneca Falls – a small town with a big legacy. Seneca Falls is home to just under 9,000 people, but it holds a major place in American history. It was here, in the summer of 1848, that a group of women gathered for tea and changed the world. More than 175 years later, the legacy of the Seneca Falls Convention and the women's rights movement is foundational to the town's identity. But this town isn't something out of a history book. It's a living place shaped by the people who live and work there, and keep its stories alive. Guest host Veronica Volk talks to four of those people.In studio: Pam Becker, historian of Seneca County Nellie Ludemann, museum and community relations manager for the National Women's Hall of Fame Andrew Olden, Ph.D., executive director of the Seneca Falls Museum and Tourism Center and Home of the Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry Ahna Wilson, superintendent of the Women's Rights National Historical Park and Harriet Tubman National Historical Park

Seneca Nation is thought to be the first sovereign Native Nation to own a major professional lacrosse team. This is a game they say the Creator gifted their people, centuries ago, and they started playing here in New York and bordering parts of Canada. The Knighthawks President and GM says that this development will strengthen the connection between the Rochester team and the roots of the sport. Guest host Brian Sharp and his panel discuss what this means for the team, for the Seneca Nation, and for the sport.Our guests: JC Seneca, president of Seneca Nation Dan Carey, president and general manager of the Knighthawks Eli Hackett, contributing writer for CITY and Knighthawks fan

In selecting this year's annual "Rochester Ten" cohort, CITY looked to the helpers — those who are impacting our region daily; many doing it quietly. CITY's annual "Rochester Ten" issue hit stands last week, and the crew is here to talk about all the design, storytelling and photography that happens behind-the-scenes. CITY editor Leah Stacy guest hosts this discussion.Our guests: Roberto Lagares, multimedia reporter for CITY Magazine Matt Rogers, editor of The Lost Borough and contributor to CITY Magazine Jacob Walsh, art director for CITY Magazine

What does your elected official do all day? We usually hear about our state lawmakers when there's a big vote or controversy. This hour, guest host Veronica Volk is going behind the scenes with two Assemblymembers – a Republican and a Democrat – to hear how they spend their time, what constituents don't see, and how they work across party lines.In studio: Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, District 135 Assemblymember Josh Jensen, District 134 

The New York Times recently reassigned four of its arts critics to other gigs in the newsroom. The roles aren't going away; the company is searching for new candidates fluent in “new story forms, videos and experimentation with other platforms,” per a memo. This language prompted the worker-owned publication Hell Gate NYC to ask: “Does the NYT want culture writing or TikTok videos?” The question could be extended to the entire media ecosystem. In an age when information travels faster than ever before and competition for audience attention is cutthroat, what is the role of the arts critic? And what does the future of arts criticism look like in that landscape? Guest host Patrick Hosken and his panel discuss it.In studio: Eric Grode, associate professor at Syracuse University's Newhouse School Mona Seghatoleslami, music director, host, and producer for WXXI Classical 91.5 FM, and music coordinator for the Little Cafe Katherine Varga, theatre critic and arts educator

We continue our summer series highlighting communities across the Finger Lakes region. Seneca Lake is the deepest of the Finger Lakes and one of the most well-known, both for its natural features and for the communities along its shores. And at its northern tip: Geneva. Geneva has deep Indigenous and agricultural roots, a complex history, and a diverse range of identities today. It's been called the “Lake Trout Capital of the World,” and is also known for its arts scene, culinary offerings, and sustainability efforts.Our guests: Susie Monaghan, executive director of Smith Center for the Arts Jan Regan, photographer, board member of Geneva Industrial Development Agency and president of ReUse Systems, Inc. Steve Valentino, mayor of Geneva Jessica VanDeMar, marketing director for Visit Finger Lakes

This year marks the 39th anniversary of CariFest, Rochester's signature celebration of Caribbean heritage and unity. But beyond the costumes, music, and the food, CariFest tells a story of migration, perseverance, and the richness of cultures that have shaped this city for over a century. We'll explore the history, the music, the meaning of Carnival, and what it means to celebrate multiculturalism at a time when immigrants and communities of color are still under threat.In studio: Alan Prescod, president of the Rochester West Indian Festival Organization (RWIFO) Kadya Donadelle, vice president and parade coordinator of the Rochester West Indian Festival Organization(RWIFO)

WXXI's Racquel Stephen sits down with Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Marielena Vélez de Brown, for a conversation about some of the community's most pressing health issues. They discuss the persistent asthma crisis in city schools, the roots of childhood obesity, and the impact of poverty, housing conditions, and neighborhood safety on kids' wellbeing. Dr. Vélez de Brown also shares how Rochester is leading the way in preventing lead poisoning, and why federal funding cuts could threaten the region's ability to respond to future public health emergencies.

From measles scares to shifts around COVID guidelines, vaccine conversations have gotten more complicated. Parents have questions about what's required for school, who qualifies for exemptions, and how to navigate conflicting advice from the CDC, social media, and their own doctors. The Commissioner of the Monroe County Department of Public Health joins us to cut through the noise and talk about vaccines and public health, and how her department is building trust in a time of science skepticism. In studio: Dr. Marielena Vélez de Brown, Commissioner of the Monroe County Department of Public Health Dr. Andrew Cox, associate director of Center for Infectious Disease and Immunology Research for RRH

One year ago, families gathered for a summer barbecue in Maplewood Park. It was a moment meant for joy and connection that turned into tragedy. More than 40 shots rang out. Five people were wounded. Two people were killed: 25-year-old Tyasia Manning, and 34-year-old Phylicia Council. The incident left the community reeling. This hour, we reflect on what happened, what it means, and where we are now.Our guests: Alex Council, father of Phylicia Council Keyvo Owens, CERV coordinator at Rise Up Rochester, Inc. Laquita Roundheart, mother of Tyasia Manning Chiara Smith, MHR program officer of Racial Health Equity at Greater Rochester Health Foundation

Artists have always helped society make sense of complex, overwhelming realities — and climate change is no exception. Local artists and educators explore how creative practices deepen understanding, foster dialogue and inspire action in response to the climate crisis. From dance and photography to digital media and public art, we'll examine how creativity can open new avenues of hope, connection and meaningful action.Our guests: Stephanie Ashenfelder, director of digital media studies at University of Rochester, co-director of echolab.art Andrea Gluckman, civic artist, photographer and educator Rose Pasquarello Beauchamp, professor of dance at University of Rochester

Climate change isn't just reshaping the planet; it's also reshaping our emotional landscapes. Climate-inclusive psychologist Emma Nelson joins host Jasmin Singer to explore "eco-anxiety," climate grief and the rising emotional toll of environmental uncertainty. We'll discuss how climate change affects our mental health — and how acknowledging these feelings can become a powerful tool for personal and collective resilience.Our guest:Emma Nelson, PhD, clinical psychologist working at the intersection of climate change and mental health

We continue our summer tour of the Finger Lakes with a trip to a place that's a little less traveled, a little less hyped... but that's part of what people say makes it magical. Keuka Lake is known as the "Crooked Lake" for its unusual Y shape, and its the only lake in the country that flows both north and south. It's ringed by small, proud communities -- Penn Yan, Hammondsport, and Branchport -- each with their own stories. We get into them with our guests: Sam Crastner, metalwork artist at Ironvine Studios LLC Angela Mattoon, office manager for Weis Vineyards Tricia Noel, executive director/curator of the Yates County History Center  Kyle Anne Pallischeck, director of programs for the New York State Wine and Grape Foundation 

Every summer, thousands of people gather in Rochester for one of the city's most beloved celebrations: the Puerto Rican Festival. It's music and food, dancing and community, but it's also something deeper. For many people, the festival is a symbol of heritage and pride. A space to be fully seen and heard. And a reminder that Puerto Rican history is Rochester history. Our guests discuss the 55th annual Puerto Rican festival.In studio: Adrián Franco, host of the Puerto Rican Festival Orlando Ortiz, president of the Puerto Rican Festival Angelica Perez-Delgado, president and CEO of the Ibero-American Action League

New York lawmakers have passed a bill that would require mental health warning labels on social media platforms with “addictive” design. It's a first-in-the-nation move. Supporters say it's a necessary step to protect young users. Critics question whether warning labels will have any real impact. Racquel and her guests explore the potential consequences of the legislation, what the research says about tech and mental health, and how families are navigating an increasingly digital world.Our guests: Kathleen P. Allen, PhD, researcher, educator, and author of "Stuck in Our Screens" Noelle Evans, education reporter for WXXI News Julie Scelfo, founder and executive director of Mothers Against Media Addiction(MAMA)

We discuss what's next for public media. Congress has zeroed out funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This means less support for public radio, TV and digital media across the country. We discuss what the rescission means for WXXI. WXXI CEO president and CEO Chris Hastings has said the funding cut is serious but has also asserted “we're not going anywhere.” Chris joins host Racquel Stephen to discuss the future and to hear your questions and comments.In studio:Chris Hastings, President and CEO of WXXI Public Media

This summer, Finger Lakes Opera and Garth Fagan Dance are bringing a rarely heard 18th century opera to the stage in Rochester."The Anonymous Lover" was composed by Joseph Bologne, a Black composer, violinist, and fencer known as the Chevalier de Saint-Georges.Guest host Mona Seghatolaslami and her guests explore the opera's surprising history, how this production blends Afro-Caribbean and French court styles, and what it says about FLO's evolution.Our guests for the hour: Stephanie Havey, artistic director of Finger Lakes Opera Elizabeth Long, executive director of Finger Lakes Opera Norwood “PJ” Pennewell, artistic director for Garth Fagan Dance  Jonathan Pierce Rhodes, tenor

This summer, we're traveling around the Finger Lakes – and today, we're taking a closer look at a place that means many things to many people: Canandaigua. It's known for its beautiful lake and outdoor recreation. It's home to festivals, wineries, and a busy summer tourism season. And it also has a rich and complicated history. Some locals say the city has a “triple identity”: lake life, historical legacy, and a growing cultural and business scene. Our guests tell us the local histories and help us explore the hidden gems: Denise Chaapel, downtown manager of Historic Downtown Canandaigua Ben Falter, director of education at the Ontario County Historical Society Leif HerrGesell, historian for Town of Canandaigua

Going somewhere this summer? Host Racquel Stephen spends an hour discussing travel safety. Whether you're traveling out of the country or taking a road trip with the family, there is much to consider, from state department warnings to airline safety. Racquel and guests discuss how to stay safe and healthy for summer travel.Our guests: Barry Choi, money and travel expert Tyler Buffington, travel advisor for AAA of Western and Central New York Mark Gruba, senior communications specialist for AAA of Western and Central New York

As Rochester prepares for Pride weekend, several proposed laws and executive orders appear to put the transgender community in the crosshairs. Host Racquel Stephen discusses the current political climate with local organizers who are working on these issues. We'll also look at national polling revealing the complex feelings of Americans about transgender people.Our guests: Javannah Davis, founder of WAVE Women, Inc. Brittan Hardges, president/founder of Next Generation Men of Transition and director of advocacy and community engagement for New Pride Agenda Juliana Horowitz, senior associate director of research at Pew Research Center Rocco Vallerand, founder of the Support Alliance for Fairness and Equity for Transgender Youth

Host Racquel Stephen discusses diagnosis, treatment options and stigma associated with phobias. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 12.5% of adults in the United States experience a phobia at some time in their lives. We delve into these intense, irrational fears – fears that can disrupt daily life and cause severe anxiety symptoms. In studio: Rachel Glazer, LCSW, anxiety therapist Janelle Holmes, LCSW, senior therapist at Rochester Regional Health

Connections host Evan Dawson is taking some time off until September, and our very own health, equity and community reporter Racquel Stephen will be filling in all summer – but before she does that, senior editor Veronica Volk sits down to talk about her life and career, and reflect on journalism and media, and how it feels to be caught between two worlds. In studio:Racquel Stephen, health, equity and community reporter at WXXI NewsTake our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Assemblymember Stephen Hawley joins guest host Gino Fanelli to discuss the 2025-2026 New York State budget. Their conversation covers a range of issues, from the expected impact of Medicaid cuts in rural counties to state spending on areas like child care, school lunches, inflation relief checks, and more. Our guest:Assemblymember Stephen Hawley (R), District 139Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans is joined by the president of City Council and the council finance chair to discuss the recent city budget. Guest host Gino Fanelli leads the conversation about the city's focus on housing and economic development, recent debates about GBI (guaranteed basic income), downtown projects, and more. Our guests: Malik Evans, Rochester mayor Miguel A. Meléndez, Jr., president of Rochester City Council Mitch Gruber, finance chair for Rochester City Council Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Maintaining and repairing old homes requires sensitivity, a commitment to preserving historic characteristics, and an understanding of modern functionality. Author and restoration expert Steve Jordan provides guidance for homeowners in his new book, "The Historic House Handbook: A Sensitive Guide for Old-House Living." This hour, we talk with him about what homeowners need to know: design concepts; material availability; and how to navigate difficult decisions, especially in 2025. We also hear from local homeowners about how they've revitalized their old homes. Our guests: Steve Jordan, author of "The Historic House Handbook: A Sensitive Guide for Old-House Living" and historic preservation and window restoration expert Megan Klem, director of preservation services for the Landmark Society of Western New York Bradley Huber, Irondequoit resident and old house DIYer Ellen Olah, Rochester resident who is restoring her 1870s home Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Assemblymember Harry Bronson is our guest this hour as we continue to explore what local state representatives see as wins and missteps with the 2025-2026 New York State budget. Bronson discusses his take on a range of issues — from health care affordability, to mental health crisis response, to labor issues, and more. Our guest:Assemblymember Harry Bronson (D, WF), District 138Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Will kids grow up with a mix of human and AI friends? Should we get comfortable with that? Should we set boundaries, and if so, how? Artificial intelligence is already part of human life and relationships – from virtual friends, to AI pornography, to work assistants, and AI counselors. How much do we trust AI — with our emotions and decisions? We discuss it. In studio: Kevin Spencer Beckford, operations executive, speaker and business turnaround strategist, and AI humanist Mark Weber, clinical associate professor in the School of Business and Leadership at Nazareth University Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Rochester's Strasenburgh Planetarium was one of hundreds of locations around the world to host a watch party for the first images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. As reported by WXXI's Veronica Volk, the advanced telescope is expected to answer some of the universe's greatest mysteries. This hour, we talk with experts about the galaxies, nebulas, and asteroids they saw and what it all means for the future of science research and our understanding of the universe. In studio: Jim Bader, director of the Strasenburgh Planetarium Becky Borrelli, Ph.D., principal fellow in imaging systems at L3Harris Fred Moolekamp, Ph.D., research scientist at SoZen Inc./Rubin Observatory Segev BenZvi, Ph.D., associate professor of physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

"What if we didn't have to leave home to have a world class experience?" Those are the words of CITY Magazine editor Leah Stacy, writing about the Finger Lakes. The July issue of the magazine is all about the vacation destination right in our own backyard. This hour, we explore some of those world class experiences with the CITY team and with the people creating them. Our guests: Leah Stacy, editor of CITY Magazine Jacob Walsh, art director for CITY Magazine Roberto Lagares, multimedia reporter for CITY Magazine Patrick Hosken, arts reporter for CITY Magazine Rachel Snyder, president of the Wells Legacy Society and Wells College alumna (Class of 2011) Matt Cassavaugh, owner of Hemlock Canoe Jazmine Saunders, soprano performing with Finger Lakes Opera, Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist, alumna of the Eastman School of Music (Class of 2022) and the Julliard School (Class of 2024), and William Warfield Scholarship recipient  Lora Downie, director of food and beverage education programs at New York Kitchen Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Steven Holden is a Democrat who lost to Republican Claudia Tenney by more than 30 points in 2022. So why does he think he can close that massive gap in 2026? Holden says Republican policies, including the new spending plan, are hugely unpopular. We discuss Democrats' ideas on retaking the House, and why he's starting this race so early. In studio:Steven Holden, candidate for New York's 24th Congressional district *Note: We will offer equal time on the program to any candidates running against Holden in this race.Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Fresh off her run for mayor, Rochester City Councilmember Mary Lupien joins us to discuss the city budget and city business. We talk about how the city is addressing housing and new development, about the future of downtown, and the path to revitalizing neighborhoods. In studio:Mary Lupien, member of Rochester City CouncilTake our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

In 2004, the Science Technology & Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) was developed to attract semiconductor manufacturing and other industries to Western New York. The site remains largely empty more than two decades later. This week, the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and the Sierra Club filed suit, seeking to halt the development of massive data centers at the tech park. We explore the complaint, the hold-up, and the history of the site. Our guests: Gino Fanelli, investigations and City Hall reporter for WXXI News Chris Abrams, Beaver Clan, office administrator for the Tonawanda Seneca Nation  Grandell "Bird" Logan, Snipe Clan, media spokesperson for the Tonawanda Seneca Nation  *Note: We reached out to representatives from the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), but they did not respond to multiple invitations to join the conversation.Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

We continue our series of conversations with local state lawmakers about the 2025-2026 state budget. This hour, we're joined by Assemblymember Josh Jensen. He shares his perspectives on the budget, from taxes to child care to economic development and more. In studio:Assemblymember Josh Jensen (R, C), District 134

Andrew Cuomo has had a long and sometimes tumultuous relationship with organized labor. Cuomo might have thought his political name could carry him to victory in the New York City mayoral race, but he was soundly defeated by Zohran Mamdani, a young upstart with more union support. So what's the lesson that labor sees in this election? What will other candidates learn from it? Our guests discuss it: Dan Maloney, president of UAW Local 1097 and the Rochester-Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation  Patrick Coyle, chief of staff for the Rochester-Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation

How can patients and providers work together to improve the health care system? It's a question the Patient Clinician Alliance has been exploring for about five years. Most recently, the coalition of patients, physicians, and other health care professionals has created a survey designed to better understand the challenges patients face. This hour, we sit down with members of the Alliance to discuss their work, what they've learned so far, and what the future of the health care system could look like. Our guests: Mary L. Coan, Ph.D., M.D., lead of the patient survey project; steering committee member for the Patient Clinician Alliance; and physician in private practice, practicing integrative medicine Michael R. Privitera, M.D., founding member and steering committee member of the Patient Clinician Alliance Joel Elliot, steering committee member for the Patient Clinician Alliance Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

A growing number of Iranian students studying in the United States are afraid to voice their opinions publicly. Some want regime change; others are concerned about the possible escalation of war. We discuss the future of Iranian society and the complex dynamics driving public opinion. Our guest:Shahin Monshipour, Iranian AmericanTake our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Tiki-themed Easy Sailor recently opened in Rochester, with tropical vibes and tiki cocktails. Later this summer, Rochester Tiki Week puts tiki culture in the spotlight. As reported by CITY Magazine's Patrick Hosken, it's a culture that has inspired a lot of fans and plenty of debate over the years. We explore what it's about and what tiki means to our panel. Our guests: Patrick Hosken, arts reporter for CITY Magazine Ken Albala, Tully Knoles Endowed Professor of History at University of the Pacific Dan Herzog, partner/beverage director at Easy Sailor Kelly McDonald, partner/executive chef at Easy Sailor Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.