Connections Podcast

Then in our second hour, after the markets plunged over multiple days, President Trump announced Wednesday that he is pausing some of his administration's tariffs. The pause for most countries is expected to last 90 days, but the tariffs on China remain. As reported by NPR, most countries will be left with 10% tariffs on their exports; China will face 125% tariffs. We check in with small business owners from a variety of sectors to hear how the tariffs will — or could — affect their businesses in a positive or negative way.

The Rochester City School District will welcome a new superintendent in July. Eric Jay Rosser was elected to the job by a four to two vote by the board of education. We've invited all seven commissioners to join the program to share their perspectives on the hire. This hour, we sit down with RCSD Board President Camille Simmons. The new superintendent is just one of the reasons the district has been in the headlines in recent weeks. We talk with Simmons about a number of issues, including school safety, student mental health, the district's proposed budget, and more.

"The houses, offices and businesses that might one day populate what is today the Inner Loop highway could tap into a massive geothermal field rivaling the largest systems of its type in New York." That's according to reporting by WXXI's Gino Fanelli. Geothermal energy uses heat from the earth's crust as a source of heating and cooling; it's more climate-friendly than fossil fuels. Rochester City Council has approved funding to study the potential project. This hour, we talk through what the work would entail, the costs and benefits, and — if approved — what the project would mean for developing the area. Our guests:

In an age where attention spans are decreasing and reliance on digital media is becoming increasingly prevalent, how do scholars make historic sources accessible to audiences today? Sarah Ruden is a leading translator of ancient literature. Her work includes translations of the Gospels, the "Aeneid," and more. She'll be a guest of SUNY Brockport on Wednesday, but first, she joins us on "Connections" to discuss her process and its significance. Our guest:

Bald eagles and peregrine falcons in New York State are in danger. As reported by WXXI's Veronica Volk, both species were pushed to the brink of extinction by habitat loss and the pesticide DDT. Thanks to conservation efforts in recent years, their populations have grown, but eagles and falcons are still at risk. Some of the birds could be in your own backyard. This hour, our guests help us understand the threats facing local birds of prey and how humans are helping or hindering their survival. Our guests:

Prison reform is back in the headlines in New York State, following a massive strike by corrections officers. The wildcat strike began on February 17, with thousands of corrections officers at more than forty state prisons walking off the job. Officers protested working conditions for nearly a month before more than 2,000 were fired for not returning to work. As reported by Capitol News Bureau reporter Jeongyoon Han, the strike exacerbated staffing shortages in prisons and has ignited debate over the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement — or HALT — Act. Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed new reforms; the ideas have been met with mixed reviews. This hour, we explore the state of prison reform in New York. Our guests:

On Sunday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that last week's market dive is an aberration, and there's no reason to expect a recession is coming. But the reality is that U.S. stocks are coming off one of the worst weeks in market history, and the president is determined to press forward with tariffs. The White House says the tariffs might inspire some temporary pain while sparking a manufacturing Renaissance. Our guests discuss it: Amit Batabyal, Ph.D., distinguished professor and the Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics at RIT George Conboy, chairman of Brighton Securities

"Hands Off" protest organizers expected maybe a thousand people in Rochester; they got more than 3,000. In the Finger Lakes, roadside rallies expected to draw a dozen, attracted hundreds. The nation's capital saw an estimated 30,000 demonstrators — triple the expected turnout. But even some of the demonstrators disagreed on what the purpose was: galvanize a movement? Attract Trump voters? Persuade fence sitters? Our guests attended the local events this weekend and discuss them.

In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on 4/4/25, co-host Patrick Hosken joins Evan for a preview of the Gateways Music Festival and a discussion about diversity in classical music.

In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on 4/4/25, co-host Leah Stacy joins Evan for a discussion about this month's edition of CITY Magazine, the "Earth Issue."

In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on April 3, 2025, we discuss the ramifications of Trump's dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services on local institutions.

In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on April 3, 2025, members of the Pittsford Town Board join us to discuss efforts to ease the housing shortage after updating zoning codes.

In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on April 2, 2025, movie experts join us to discuss the films of David Lynch and preview the Little Theatre's upcoming "A Lyttle Lynch" series.

Before Elon Musk become a political lightning rod in the Trump White House, he was a political lightning rod in New York State politics — thanks to the state's massive investment in Musk's companies, particularly in the Buffalo area. Now, years later, Tesla has fallen short of its promise to hire 3,200 workers and provide high-paying jobs to many of them. New York State is looking at options, and, as journalist Jimmy Vielkind reports, Governor Hochul's administration is considering reducing the jobs requirement, while extending the deal with Tesla. Our guests discuss it: Jimmy Vielkind, reporter for Gothamist and WNYC Assemblyman Patrick Burke, New York State District 142 Brian Schneck, vice chair of the United Auto Workers New York State Community Action Program (CAP) Keith Goldstein, Tesla owner

In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on 4/1/25, we discuss new treatments for Parkinson's disease with local experts and explore how to best support those living with the disease.

In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on April 1, 2025, we speak with a local attorney about the increasing number of federal detentions of foreign national students.

In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on March 31, 2025, we discuss the possible expansion of the Seneca Meadows landfill and speak with those on both sides of the issue.

In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on March 31, 2025, local advocates discuss the Rochester City School District's proposed budget and their priorities for children.

In the second hour of "Environmental Connections" on March 28, 2025, experts discuss the most important local climate issues and preview the upcoming Climate Solutions Summit.

In the first hour of "Environmental Connections" on March 28, 2025, we discuss how increasing government opposition to climate change is impacting local advocacy strategies.