Connections With Evan Dawson

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