Connections with Evan Dawson

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.

New York State has a budget, and it addresses a range of issues: child care; taxes; economic development; nursing homes; the list is long. Assemblymember Jen Lunsford has said that New York State needs to guard against the Trump administration's policies in some ways. We discuss how, and we talk about what's in the budget and why. Our guest:Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, District 135Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Veteran activist and Quaker author Eileen Flanagan believes that hope and unity are essential ingredients in any real climate solution. In her forthcoming book, "Common Ground: How the Crisis of the Earth is Saving Us from Our Illusion of Separation," Flanagan shares stories of unlikely coalitions — from faith leaders and frontline organizers to Indigenous activists and investors — that are making a difference. She joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about fear, burnout, protest, and what it means to build power without losing compassion. Our guest: Eileen Flanagan, author and activist, Earth Quaker Action TeamTake our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

A Senate bill that would have banned the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer on New York farmland passed in the State Senate — but then quietly died in the Assembly. Supporters say the bill was a necessary response to research showing harmful levels of PFAS and other toxic compounds in treated human and industrial waste, which can contaminate crops, waterways and drinking water. Opponents, including the waste processing industry, say the science isn't settled and that banning sludge could devastate rural economies. We look at how the bill unraveled — and what happens next. Our guests: Jeongyoon Han, Capitol News Bureau reporter for the New York Public News Network Murray McBride, Professor Emeritus of Soil and Crop Sciences, Cornell University Karen Berger, hydrologist and environmental science professor, University of Rochester Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

New studies show cannabis use is rising among older adults. Clinicians have been able to provide medical marijuana to eligible patients since 2016. But the legalization of cannabis in 2021 means increasing numbers of people are using it for a variety of symptoms and conditions including pain, anxiety, cancer symptoms and seizures. Guest host Racquel Stephen talks with local clinicians and a patient about this trend and about what patients should consider when requesting and using cannabis. Our guests: Leonid Vilensky, M.D., medical director of Upstate Pain Clinic Al Bain, patient who uses cannabis Paul Vermilion, M.D., assistant professor of palliative care in the Departments of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Neurology at the University of Rochester Medical Center Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. Our first hour focuses on the prevalence of mental health issues among men. Men die by suicide at a rate higher than women. But the American Association of Medical Colleges points out that men are diagnosed with depression at far lower rates than women. Guest host Racquel Stephen and our panel discuss why men are underdiagnosed and under supported. Our guests also talk about the stigma surrounding mental health for men and discuss unique ways that local practitioners are meeting men's mental health needs. Our guests: Bryan Burroughs, psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of RiteDiagnosis Psychiatry Alexis Burgess, owner/operator of One Love, One Way Wilbert “Trey” McCullough III, support group member Kaptah Xi-Amaru, support group member Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

We continue our conversations with winners of Tuesday night's Democratic primary. This hour, guest host Gino Fanelli sits down with winners of the race for Rochester City School Board: current school board president Camille Simmons; Kareem McCullough; and Heather Fienman. The district is set to welcome a new superintendent — Eric Jay Rosser — in less than a week. It's one of the reasons the RCSD has made headlines in recent months. We talk with the primary winners about their goals for the district, the culture of the board, and what they hope to help students, families, and the district achieve if they are successful in November's election. In studio: Kareem McCullough, winner of the Democratic primary for Rochester City School Board Camille Simmons, current president of the Rochester City School Board and winner of the Democratic primary Heather Feinman, winner of the Democratic primary for Rochester City School Board

The results are in from Tuesday night's Democratic primary. Incumbent Rochester Mayor Malik Evans advances to the November general election, as will five candidates for Rochester City Council: LaShunda Leslie-Smith; Chiara “Kee Kee” Smith; and incumbents Stanley Martin; current council president Miguel Melendez; and Mitch Gruber. This hour, we focus on the city council race. Guest host Gino Fanelli talks with the winners about their vision for the future of the city and the work they aim to do if they win in November. Our guests:  Mitch Gruber, current member of Rochester City Council and winner of the Democratic primary LaShunda Leslie-Smith, winner of the Democratic primary for Rochester City Council Miguel Meléndez, Jr., current president of Rochester City Council and winner of the Democratic primary Stanley Martin, current member of Rochester City Council and winner of the Democratic primary Chiara "Kee Kee" Smith, winner of the Democratic primary for Rochester City Council

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