Connections with Evan Dawson

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

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