Connections with Evan Dawson

We're joined by Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated jazz trumpeter and film composer Terence Blanchard. Blanchard has written dozens of scores for film and television and frequently collaborates with Spike Lee. He'll be in Rochester next week as part of the inaugural Soundtrax Film Music Festival, hosted by the University of Rochester. According to organizers, Soundtrax is the first film music festival in North America. They say its roots trace back to George Eastman, who founded the Eastman School, in part, to train organists for silent films. This hour, we preview the festival, go behind the scenes of film music, and discuss the artistic and technical innovations that could change the future of the industry.Our guests: Terence Blanchard, Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated composer/trumpeter Alexander Laing, president and artistic director of Gateways Music Festival Kate Schimmer, associate dean for artistic planning at the Eastman School of Music Mark Watters, co-director of Soundtrax; Emmy-winning composer and conductor; and associate professor of contemporary media and film composition, and director of the Beal Institute for Film Music and Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music  ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Medicare open enrollment starts next week. In September, letters went out to recipients explaining that there would be changes. Some plans are being dropped completely. This has caused a great deal of confusion and concern. We address the changes and answer your questions.In studio: Andy Napierala, vice president of Medicare and individual market sales for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Rene Pettenski, manager of the Health Insurance Information Counseling Assistance Program at Lifespan ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

A member of Canandaigua City Council says the area is facing a "public health emergency."Councilmember Doug Merrill is referring to a high prevalence of Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, another tick-borne illness.As reported by Mike Murphy for the Democrat and Chronicle, there were nearly 300 cases of Lyme disease in Ontario County as of last month.An analysis by the USA TODAY Network shows tick bites across the northeast have been on the rise. What can you do — and what can communities do — to prevent tick-borne diseases?We talk with leaders in Ontario County about their efforts. In studio: Kate Ott, MPH, public health director for Ontario County Matthew Hanggi, RN, communicable disease control coordinator for Ontario County Public Health Doug Merrill, councilmember-at-large for Canandaigua City Council --Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Eric Jay Rosser began his tenure as the new leader of the Rochester City School District on July 1.As the superintendent, Rosser oversees a district with declining enrollment, and a student population which is predominantly economically disadvantaged, according to state education department data.This hour, we sit down with him for the first time on "Connections."We discuss his vision for the district, his priorities in the short and long term, and how the work has been going.Our guest for the hour: Eric Jay Rosser, Ph.D., superintendent of the Rochester City School District--Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Geneva High School is offering what its teachers think is the first AI literacy course in New York State. The goal is to help students become literate in the many forms of artificial intelligence already available. We meet the teacher, who thinks that while students can't be allowed to simply cheat using AI, they also shouldn't be asked to become luddites. So, what is the right balance?In studio: George Goga, adjunct professor of English and education at SUNY Geneseo and teacher at Geneva High School Payce Chu-Lustig, teaching assistant at Geneva High School  Vivian Hoang, teaching assistant at Geneva High School  ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Journey Gunderson, the executive director of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, joins us in studio. We discuss what's new in comedy — including the assertion from the President that comedians are not allowed to make jokes at his expense. The national center is a trove of historical information, and this is not the first time that comedy has been targeted by people in power.Our guest:Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

NPR asks, "could the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman" be Tilly Norwood? Here's the catch: Norwood isn't human; she is an artificial intelligence creation generated by a Dutch AI lab. Last week, the lab announced that their AI “actor” had received attention from multiple talent agents. They want their creation to become a household name, a mega-star. But some human performers are outraged, calling this story a threat to their livelihoods while asking who would want to watch AI avatars. Our guests discuss the future of acting.Our guests: Nicole Cyrille, actor, chair of the SAG-AFTRA Performers with Disabilities Committee - Los Angeles, and vice chair of the SAG-AFTRA Performers with Disabilities Committee - National Reuben J. Tapp, Sr., artistic director of {theatre}+{nàfsi}, member of Bronze Collective, and local voiceover artist with VisionPoint Media J. Simmons, actor/director, educator/private acting coach, and fight choreographer  Robert Thompson, professor of popular culture and founding director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University  ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

President Trump recently said that children are getting 80 vaccines and the doses are strong enough for a horse. (None of that is true.) Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently implied that COVID vaccines are more dangerous than COVID. Our guests help us understand the latest in vaccines, safety, and efficacy.Our guests: Ann Falsey, M.D., infectious disease specialist with UR Medicine Steven Schulz, M.D., pediatrician with Rochester Regional Health Geoff Weinberg, M.D., pediatric infectious disease specialist with UR Medicine ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

It can feel jarring: high-end fashion on the runway, with a stated focus of helping children who can't afford clothes. The founders of Rochester Fashion Week say they want to bring the best of fashion to the Flower City, while centering the needs of the most vulnerable.Youth homelessness is rising in the United States, with a dramatic increase in the past twenty years. Our guests will discuss the crisis and the events coming up.In studio: Mark Cuminale, assistant director of counseling and RHY services at the Center for Youth Elaine Spaull, executive director of the Center for Youth Je'Nasia Harrell, youth leader at the Center for Youth Myles Moses, youth leader at the Center for Youth To hear more conversations about Fashion Week Rochester and the Center for Youth through the years, visit our archive.---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Calling it "just the beginning of the beginning," Rochester City Councilmember Michael Patterson said his district will benefit from the first major modular house development. Modular houses, houses built offsite in a factory setting and transported to a lot, have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional “stick built” houses. We'll discuss the cost, the potential price for the homes, and the scalability of this kind of development.Our guests: Gino Fanelli, investigative reporter for WXXI News Marc Cohen, vice president of government affairs for O'Donnell & Associates  Jeffrey Cook, CEO of Cook Properties Erik Frisch, deputy commissioner in the Department of Neighborhood & Business Development for the City of Rochester Michael Patterson, NE district council member for the City of Rochester ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Syracuse Hancock International Airport recently rejected a billboard advertising the services of attorney Megan Thomas. Those services include specialization in workplace discrimination and sexual harassment cases. The billboard read, “When HR called it ‘harmless flirting' … we called it exhibit A.” Airport officials told Syracuse.com that they rejected the sign because it was “unprofessional, inflammatory, and unnecessary.” Now Thomas is suing, and she wonders who the airport is trying to protect — or why the idea of advertising legal services for sexual harassment cases is "inflammatory" or "unnecessary." We'll discuss this unusual case, and we'll explore whether the efforts of the MeToo movement have stalled.Our guests: Megan Thomas, Esq., owner of Megan Thomas Law, PLLC Lauren Berger, local progressive activist and interim executive director of GLOW OUT!  ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Earlier this year, the organizers of the Rochester Queer Arts Festival realized that larger companies were withdrawing their sponsorship of LGBTQ-themed events. But the Rochester event was able attract enough small local business support to continue, and to grow. We'll discuss why the larger companies have pulled back, and what the festival is aiming to become.In studio: Tim Evanicki, partner in Drag Me to the Stage LLC and producer of the Rochester Queer Arts Festival Ed Popil(aka Mrs. Kasha Davis), partner in Drag Me to the Stage LLC and producer of the Rochester Queer Arts Festival ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Back in 2001, Writers & Books asked a question: what if we all read the same book? What if we got together to discuss it, and meet the author, and consider its themes? Since then, one book each year earns that distinction. The program is now called "Rochester Reads," and it's back next week with the 2025 selection, "Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden" by Camille Dungy. We'll welcome Dungy to discuss her work in advance of her visit to Rochester.Our guests: Camille Dungy, poet, Distinguished University Professor at Colorado State University and author of "Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden" Tyler Barton, artistic director at Writers & Books Tonya Noel, co-founder of Flower City Noire Collective ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Back in 2001, Writers & Books asked a question: what if we all read the same book? What if we got together to discuss it, and meet the author, and consider its themes? Since then, one book each year earns that distinction. The program is now called "Rochester Reads," and it's back next week with the 2025 selection, "Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden" by Camille Dungy. We'll welcome Dungy to discuss her work in advance of her visit to Rochester.Our guests: Camille Dungy, poet, Distinguished University Professor at Colorado State University and author of "Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden" Tyler Barton, artistic director at Writers & Books Tonya Noel, co-founder of Flower City Noire Collective ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

The pandemic left many parents desperate for some kind of help for their children: kids were isolated, struggling socially, and drifting academically. Play therapy -- sometimes viewed as a fringe idea in the past -- is having a moment. That's because new research around play therapy brought it to the mainstream, and insurance companies are now more willing to cover it. We'll discuss how it works with our experts.Our guests: Lindsey Macaluso, LCSW-R, registered play therapist Marcie Redding, Ed.S., LMHC, registered play therapist Lauren Stuart, parent ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

"The vegan experiment is over at Eleven Madison Park," says Eater New York. The high-end restaurant became the world's first three-Michelin-star vegan restaurant in 2021. In two weeks that will change, with meat and fish options returning to the menu. Predictably, meat lovers declared this to be a sign of a backlash to veganism. Is that over-stating it, or has the vegan movement stalled? Our guests have a range of experience in the industry.In studio: Chris Grocki, restaurant operations and beverage consultant Ryan Jennings, culinary director of Max Rochester Art Rogers, chef and owner of Lento ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

It is not an exaggeration to say that there might not be any journalists left quite like David Grann. His research for articles and books is legendary; it might require several years, accompanied by trips to remote islands or far-off locales. Several of his books have become movies, including "Killers of the Flower Moon." Grann kicks off the inaugural season of the Rochester Speakers Series, and he joins us to discuss why thorough, careful journalism must not vanish.Our guests: David Grann, award-winning author and journalist Gary Craig, local journalist Nancy Klotz, organizer with the Rochester Speakers Series ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

In 2020, guns became the leading cause of death for children in the United States, surpassing car accidents. Across the country, teenagers who have suffered loss to gun violence have been sharing their pain through their writing. Enough: Plays to End Gun Violence is an outlet for teens to amplify their voices. The newest editions are coming to a list of American cities, including Rochester. The plays have depicted some of the most raw moments in the lives of the creators, who hope they can be part of a solution.Our guests: Michael Cotey, creator and Joaquin Oliver artistic producer of "Enough: Plays to End Gun Violence" Larry Dugan, director of youth theater at Asbury First United Methodist Church John Messenger, actor in "Enough: Plays to End Gun Violence" Judy Messenger, actor in "Enough: Plays to End Gun Violence" ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Maternal morbidity refers to any complications or health problems that occur during pregnancy or childbirth. And despite incredible advancements in health sciences, severe maternal morbidity is on the rise locally, especially among Black women.According to Common Ground Health, the rate of severe maternal morbidity for mothers who are Black, non-Latina in Monroe County increased over 50 percent in the last decade. Out of 10,000 deliveries, 151 mothers experienced life-threatening complications.A group of local leaders has been meeting regularly to try and address the issue of maternal morbidity.WXXI's health, equity, and community reporter, Racquel Stephen, sat down with two of those leaders to discuss what's causing this issue, and what they are doing to improve outcomes for moms.Our guests for the hour: Tracy Webber, director of the Midwifery Division at University of Rochester Medical Center Eva Pressman, Henry A. Thiede Professor and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Rochester Medical Center ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

As the shortage of primary care doctors continues, the job market is on the upswing for advanced practice providers.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for nurse practitioners is projected to grow by 40% between 2024 and 2034, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the country.Physician assistants aren't far behind -- projected to grow 20% over the next ten years.WXXI's health, equity, and community reporter, Racquel Stephen, hosts the show, where she and her panel of experts discuss the responsibilities and employment outlook for these jobs, and examine legislation that proposes more independence for these health care professionals.Our guests: Heather Grotke, department chair and director of Nazareth University's physician assistant program Duncan Wersinger, senior director, advanced practice for Rochester Regional Health Bonnie Walden, clinical associate professor and chair of Nazareth University's Nursing Department ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Republicans and Congress are ending the federal credit for electric vehicle purchases.It will be gone in just days.Meanwhile, some auto dealers had predicted rising prices based on tariffs.So what is the state of the car buying market? How do prices look now, and what can we expect over the next year?Our guests answer those questions and more: Brad McAreavy, president of the Rochester Automobile Dealers Association John Love, president and owner of the Bob Johnson Auto Group ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

President Trump recently said about talk show hosts who criticize him: “They're not allowed to do that.”After ABC brought back Jimmy Kimmel, Trump said that he might sue the network.We'll discuss the law, coercion, consequence culture, and more.Our guests: Kevin Ryan, attorney and past president of the Monroe County Bar Association Langston McFadden, attorney with Pullano & Farrow ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

It has not been an easy time for the autism community, with President Trump and his administration spreading misinformation about what causes autism -- while talking about autism in ways that make many families uncomfortable. Our guests will discuss the implications of President Trump's comments on Tylenol, his comments about autism, and what it means for pregnant women.Joining us for this conversation: Dylan Dailor, self-advocate Tamika Robinson, parent Corey Moran, parent and advocate Courtney Dixon, parent and advocate Dr. Stacy Sun, MD, MPH, FACOG, Assistant Professor, University of Rochester Medical Center ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Jeff VanderMeer has one of the most inventive minds in American fiction. His books have taken us into dystopian futures, into dark places with strange forces and blurred lines between reality and fantasy. One of his novels was the basis for a film starring Natalie Portman and Oscar Isaac. VanderMeer joins us to talk about the value of fiction as a mental exercise -- at a time when many of us are thinking about how foreboding the future might be.Our guest:Jeff VanderMeer, author, editor, and literary critic---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

We sit down with Congressman Joe Morelle to discuss the latest on the Trump administration's actions. From Medicaid cuts to vaccine policy and more, we'll cover a wide range, while taking listener questions.In studio: Congressman Joe Morelle, District 25 Brian Lewis, executive director of ROC the Future Alliance Willie Williams III, parent and family partner for ROC the Future Alliance ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Russia appears to be testing the resolve of the West by breaching airspace of NATO members. Its recent drone action in Poland triggered Article 4. But the Trump administration has fostered the weakest relationship with NATO than an American government has ever had. What is the future of NATO, and of the American role in NATO?Our guest:Randy Stone, director of the Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies at the University of Rochester---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

A growing number of American births involve doulas in the delivery room. And yet for some, the notion of a doula is expensive, maybe unaffordable -- the kind of thing that wealthier moms have. A coalition is trying to change that, and they have the support of State Senator Samra Brouk. We'll discuss the movement to make doula care more sustainable and available.Our guests: Samra Brouk, state senator Dr. Twylla Dillion, president and CEO of Health Connect One Jacqui Lindsay, Healthy Baby Network Phyllis Sharp, doula with Royalty Birth Services Jacqui Lindsay, Healthy Baby Network ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Economist Eric Morris joins us to discuss the state of the economy. We'll talk about the impact -- so far -- of tariffs. We'll examine the stickiness of food prices, and the possible effects of another rate cut. And we'll answer audience questions, such as: what exactly is stagflation? Are we in it?In studio:Eric Morris, portfolio manager and staff economist for Alesco Advisors, LLC---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

How do we engage with our guilt and grief? Author Claire Oshetsky explores these themes in Poor Deer, a novel that tells the story of a young girl whose best friend died mysteriously. The girl is growing up through the struggle of denial, sadness, confusion -- and eventually, a kind of confrontation with truth. It's a wildly inventive story that is both unique and relatable, and it earned Oshetsky the 2025 Janet Heidinger Kafka Prize from the University of Rochester. Oshetsky is visiting Rochester this week and is one of our guests.In studio: Claire Oshetsky, author of the award-winning Poor Deer Chad W. Post, co-founder and publisher of Open Letter Books Taylor Thomas, founder and owner of Archivist Books ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

In the town of West Bloomfield, a longtime Republican Trump supporter is working alongside two unlikely allies: a pair of Democrats who disagree with him on many issues. Tim Schiefen is an auto mechanic who argues that, yes, Trump supporters and Democrats can co-exist -- even get to like one another. When Schiefen felt shut out by the Republican Party in his desire to run for town supervisor, he called the Democrats. To his surprise, they took his call, and now he's campaigning for supervisor while supporting two Democrats who are running for town board. Our guests will discuss getting past their differences; the importance of getting to know people in real life, not just on screens; and political alliances in the age of division.In studio: Birgit Coffey, candidate for West Bloomfield town council Julie Eveleigh, candidate for West Bloomfield town council Tim Schiefen, candidate for West Bloomfield supervisor ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

We go to the movies with a discussion about the Presente Latin Film Series. The Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman Museum will host the series for the next month. It's meant to be a celebration of Latin culture, history, and contributions to film. We'll talk about what films will be featured in the series; concerns about whitewashing Latinas in American film; allegations of whitewashing Latin horror films; and more.In studio: Jason Barber, Presente Latin Film Series Jared Case, curator of film exhibitions at the Dryden Theatre Cielo Ornelas MacFarlane, visual artist Annette Ramos, executive director of the Rochester Latino Theatre Company ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

In the 1980s, students practiced getting underneath their desks in the case of a nuclear attack. Protests routinely focused on the threat of nuclear war and the need for non-proliferation. Today, the concern about nuclear war is barely mentioned — even though a growing list of countries wants to join the nuclear club. Why is that? Our guests will discuss the change in public concern, and how they view the nuclear threat today.Our guests: Holly Adams, member of Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace and steering committee member of Peace Action New York State Rev. James L Swarts, president of Veterans For Peace, Chapter 23, Rochester Timmon Wallis, executive director of Nuclear Ban US, national coordinator of the Warheads to Windmills Coalition and author of "Nuclear Abolition: A Scenario" ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

The federal bill that the GOP calls the "Big Beautiful Bill" could significantly affect the way many Americans are taxed. Families and retirees will see some changes; some new deductions; an increased child tax credit. There are new deductions for tips and overtime. Our guests will walk us through what is changing and how it could affect us.In studio: Anthony Scinto, CPA, partner and tax department chair with MMB+CO Kristina Stamatis, CPA, partner with MMB+CO ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

A group of Ukrainians are visiting Rochester this week, guests of the Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies at the University of Rochester. The group works in veteran reintegration across Ukraine. We'll discuss the state of the war in Ukraine: what Ukrainians think and want; the state of negotiations; and what could lead to a lasting peace.In studio: Lillia Matvilchuk, public relations and media specialist at Veterans Center Poltava Oksana Redkva, deputy director of educational and practical training at the Ternopil Professional College Svitlana Romanenko, deputy director for academic affairs at the Center for Vocational and Technical Education in Odessa Olha Stepanchenko, director of the Rivne Vocational College of Information Technology Randy Stone, Ph.D., director of the Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies at the University of Rochester Yullia Voitekhova, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship Support of the Lviv City Council Natalia Vynobradova, facilitator ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

The stars are aligning for the Pegula family, when it comes to their Buffalo Bills: the new Bills stadium will open in 2026, and the team could be coming off their first Super Bowl win. Just imagine: the hottest team in professional sports, sky-high demand for tickets and seat licenses... and prices are already soaring! We predict that most fans will pay any increase happily if it follows a Super Bowl win. And we don't believe in jinxes -- the Bills are winning the Super Bowl this year. We'll discuss it with our guests.In studio: Scott Pitoniak, best-selling author, nationally honored journalist and longtime sportswriter Joe Sayre, Bills season ticket holder Sandy Wright, Bills season ticket holder and superfan ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

American birth rates fell after the great financial recession of 2007. Eighteen years later, there are fewer young adults who might go to college. For some schools, it's a crisis: the pandemic has combined with this smaller population of students to significantly cut the incoming freshman classes. In Western New York, some schools have already shut down. So what's next? How can higher ed deal with this challenge? How can they appeal to more students? Our guests discuss it.In studio: Brian Sharp, investigations and enterprise editor for WXXI News Amy Storey, president of Keuka College Ian Mortimer, president of the Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Tax credits: on or off? Solar projects: full speed ahead, paused, or scrapped entirely? Depending on the day, the headlines have been wildly different. We sit down with one of the local leaders in the solar sector to discuss what's going in with the second Trump administration -- what that means for workers in the solar industry, what that means for homeowners, for businesses, and more.Our guest:Kevin Schulte, CEO of Greenspark Solar---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Tech innovator Kevin Surace recently said that artificial intelligence can solve the problem of writer's block. It can complete half-written songs. It can write lyrics when we hit the wall. It can figure out a great new bridge for your song. And it's true: AI can do those things, but should we let it? When does a song become something other than an artist's creation? Where is the line? AI music is already here, and will become more common. We sit down with musicians and songwriters to discuss it.Our guests: Sarah De Valliere, singer/songwriter, pianist, composer Jimmie Highsmith, saxophonist and flutist Scott Regan, musician and host of Open Tunings on WRUR and WITH ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is the latest in a series of political attacks in recent years in this country. We sit down with a leader in the nonviolence movement to talk about the cost to a society of increasing violence. And we welcome feedback from our audience about how to process this disturbing and tragic news.In studio: Jonathon Jones, community trainer with the Ghandi Institute of Nonviolence Kit Miller, director emeritus of the Ghandi Institute of Nonviolence

What would happen if cities offered free public transit for anyone who wants to use it? New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani wants to do just that. Economist Amit Batabyal recently examined some data to see what the impact would be - and the answers were not what many of his readers in the Rochester Beacon expected. We'll discuss what could happen if transit were free and widely accessible.In studio: Amit Batabyal, Ph.D., distinguished professor and the Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics at RIT Cody Donahue, co-executive director of Reconnect Rochester

We continue our look at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their legacy. Evan Dawson and co-host Racquel Stephen welcome guests who are graduates of HBCUs, and can talk about why they chose to attend. They'll discuss the value of HBCUs today, after so much has changed in access to higher education.In studio: Shirley Green, Ed.D., commissioner of the department of recreation and human services for the City of Rochester and graduate of Delaware State Seanelle Hawkins, Ed.D., president and CEO of the Urban League of Rochester Kearstin Piper Brown, vocal artist, creative consultant, community activist, host at WXXI's Classical 91.5, and graduate of Spelman College

We condemn political violence, and we will have more to discuss on this tragic subject soon. For now, we continue as planned with our first-hour discussion: President Trump and Vice President Vance have said that the courts should not stand in the way of their administration's priorities. The courts are, of course, supposed to be an equal branch of government. But are they? We welcome three retired judges — Republican and Democrat — to discuss it.In studio: Hon. Richard Dollinger, New York Court of Claims Judge (ret.) Hon. Joseph Valentino, New York State Supreme Court Justice (ret.) Hon. Thomas VanStrydonck, New York State Supreme Court Justice (ret.)

Real estate broker Mark Siwiec says the newest data is stark, and tells a story of two Rochesters. For luxury homeowners, it's the best of times: soaring numbers of homes sold for more than a million bucks. For first-time buyers, it's the worst of times: tiny inventory, high pressure. But Siwiec says there's reason to think that change is coming. He joins us to discuss it.In studio:Mark Siwiec, broker and owner of Elysian Homes by Mark Siwiec and Associates

New data finds that teenagers want more freedom and autonomy. Give them those things, and they say they'll spend less time on their phones. Here's the problem: modern parents are giving kids freedom in the wrong places. They're giving kids more freedom online, where kids are getting addicted to social media and discovering violence and porn earlier than they used to. Meanwhile, parents are giving kids less freedom in the real world. So how can that be flipped?Our guests: Michael Scharf, M.D., Mark and Maureen Davitt distinguished professor in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center Hawa Ali, Edison Tech student

Six months ago, Senator Chuck Schumer persuaded his fellow Democrats to vote for a funding bill that President Trump and Elon Musk wanted. It averted a government shutdown. Some Democrats argued against funding a government acting in ways that betrayed their values. Schumer said he realized many colleagues would disagree with him, but he acted in courage and conviction. He doesn't think the government can be allowed to shut down, even if the party in power is acting in repugnant ways. Shut down the government, and you might shut down the courts, Schumer argued. And then what? In a few weeks, Democrats could face the same choice. Once again, there is a growing wave of anger at the way that the government is acting — including a president tweeting a photoshopped picture of him bombing the city of Chicago. Our guest leads the local Democratic party and will discuss the choices ahead.In studio:Avi Presberg, executive director of the Monroe County Democratic Committee

Kevin Surace is an RIT grad who has spent decades piling up patents and helping lead the field of technological innovation. He is much more optimistic about artificial intelligence than the doomsayers. Surace believes that AI will not devastate the job market, but he says it can certainly transform the nature of work in many ways. He says that can be a good thing if we know how to use AI. We sit down to discuss the future of work, and why he wants us to see the sunny side of technology.In studio:Kevin Surace, chief technology officer of Appvance and Silicon Valley pioneer

The Little Theatre's One Take Documentary series will feature "Remaining Native" on Wednesday and Saturday this week. The film is a coming-of-age documentary told from the perspective of a 17-year-old Native American runner. Ku Stevens has a dream of becoming a high-level collegiate athlete, but as Ku ages, he confronts his own great-grandfather's escape from Indian boarding school. We'll talk to the filmmaker, who is originally from Rochester and attended Ithaca College.In studio: Paige Bethmann, director and producer of "Remaining Native" Ansley Jemison, Seneca Nation, Wolf Clan and cultural liaison for Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan State Historic Site

How well do you know the story of Thurgood Marshall? For many Americans, Marshall was a Supreme Court Justice. But as noted in a new documentary about Marshall's life and impact, Marshall is the rare case of a Supreme Court Justice who is now known even more for his work before joining the court. Marshall was a Black lawyer at a time when predominantly white courtrooms, particularly in the south, meant that Black lawyers couldn't win. Instead, Marshall won 29 of his 32 civil rights cases that went all the way to the Supreme Court — including Brown v Board of Education. His rise through HBCUs, law firms, and eventually the high court are all center stage in Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect. The documentary airs on WXXI-TV on Tuesday night, but first, our guests discuss the impact of Thurgood Marshall today.In studio: Shaun Nelms, vice president of community partnerships and special advisor to the president at the University of Rochester Van Henri White, Rochester City Court Judge Note: This episode includes references to racial slurs.

Perhaps the single most successful marketing experiment in the last 10 years in this country is an independent baseball team that features dance parties at home plate and a player who bats while standing on stilts. The Savannah Bananas are often compared to the Harlem Globetrotters, but owner Jesse Cole says there are key differences. He wants to build a fanbase of one billion people, and so Cole says he keeps the team affordable: jerseys, hats, even tickets to games. Cole has turned down mega-million-dollar offers to sell the team. So we wondered: is this an example of conscious capitalism? Or is it something else? The founder of the Rochester chapter of Conscious Capitalism examines the case for us.Our guest:  Andrew Brady, founder of the Rochester chapter of Conscious Capitalism

Maybe it's the intrigue surrounding the nasty and expensive legal battle within Oak Hill Country Club; maybe it's the court reporting that made Gary Craig a legend in Rochester journalism. (He says it's Oak Hill.) But whatever the reason, Gary Craig just can't quit doing the work. He retired from the Democrat & Chronicle earlier this year. This summer, he launched his own Substack, which already has hundreds of followers. Craig joins us to dig into the juicy Oak Hill news, along with plenty of other work that is keeping him typing away. Our guest:Gary Craig, Substack-based journalist and former Democrat & Chronicle reporter

The Trump administration is downsizing NASA, with thousands of NASA employees leaving their careers behind. The White House's proposed budget would have eliminated some of our most ambitious missions in space, including the search to discover intelligent alien life. Astrophysicist Adam Frank says we are in danger of losing the next space race, with China aggressively moving ahead on plans to search for alien civilizations. Frank's popular new newsletter covers this and a lot more, and we'll discuss where space exploration is going — or not going — next. Our guest:Adam Frank, Ph.D., author and Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen professor in the department of physics and astronomy at the University of Rochester