Connections With Evan Dawson

Addiction specialists across the country say they are concerned about a Trump administration plan to end a Narcan program. As reported by the New York Times on Friday, the administration's draft budget would terminate a $56 million annual grant program that provides the life-saving drug and training for emergency responders in how to administer it. The plan would not affect how state and local governments obtain Narcan. Meanwhile, in New York, lawmakers, advocates, and families are putting pressure on state officials to invest more resources in combatting the overdose crisis. In Monroe County alone, there were 95 opioid overdoses within the past month. Robert Kent is a national drug policy expert and former Biden administration official. He's in Rochester this week for an event at Huther Doyle, but first, he and his fellow guests join us on "Connections" to discuss their recommendations for how to better address the crisis at the local, national, and federal levels. In studio: Rob Kent, president of Kent Stra

We turn to offshore wind — once the centerpiece of New York’s clean energy plan. With a mandate of 9 gigawatts by 2030, the state has invested heavily in offshore wind projects. But political pushback, cost overruns, and a sudden halt to Empire Wind 1 by the Trump administration have put the future of the entire sector in doubt. What’s behind the delays? What are the legal and ecological stakes? And can New York still lead the way on offshore wind? Our expert panel dives into the debate. In studio: Nathanael Greene, director of renewable energy policy, NRDC Julie Tighe, President, New York League of Conservation Voters Alicia Gené Artessa, Director, New York Offshore Wind Alliance

As federal support for clean energy faces new political headwinds, Rochester is stepping up. We explore how the nonprofit NextCorps is helping make Rochester a national climate tech contender through startup accelerators, clean manufacturing support and green job programs. But even as programs like Venture For ClimateTech build momentum, looming federal cuts could threaten local progress. Our guests break down the risks, the solutions and the opportunities ahead. In studio: Jack Baron, managing director of venture for ClimateTech Mike Riedlinger, managing director of technology commercialization at NextCorps Chris Thomas, CEO of RETRN Bioworks

We're joined by Rochester Mayor Malik Evans. Following up on the last State of the City address of his first term in office, the mayor sits down with guest host Gino Fanelli to discuss his administration's accomplishments and the challenges the city still faces — from public safety, to the economy, housing, and more. Our guest:Rochester Mayor Malik Evans

The Rochester Real Beer Expo has a new curator this year in Rob Richenberg. Richenberg aims to narrow the focus of the festival to New York breweries. That move comes at a time when the craft brewing industry has seen some turbulence, with both major players in the local scene and small breweries struggling to keep doors open and taps flowing. This hour, guest host Gino Fanelli explores it all with his guests: Rob Richenberg, curator of the Rochester Real Beer Expo and owner/operator of BrewBuddies Paul Leone, executive director of the New York State Brewers Association  Zachary Allard, head brewer/co-owner at Iron Tug Brewing

How does play shape our minds and our bodies? And why do the experts say it's just as important for adults as it is for kids? Most importantly, how do we integrate it into our everyday lives? This hour, guest host Noelle Evans explores those questions. She talks about the science and joy of play with a panel of researchers and facilitators who say fun is serious business. Scott Eberle, former vice president of The Strong National Museum of Play and past editor of the American Journal of Play Stephen Demanchick, a licensed mental health counselor and registered play therapist-supervisor Keith Gomez, IMPROV coach and co-owner of the Focus Theater in Rochester

What does it take to preserve a language? It's a question Jamie Jacobs, a member of the Seneca Nation, has worked to answer over years. He has teamed up with university researchers to use technology to revive the Seneca language from historical texts written by Jesuit priests. Guest host Noelle Evans has reported extensively on his work. This hour, she and her guests explore the process of cultural preservation. In studio: Jamie Jacobs (Tonawanda Seneca, Turtle Clan), managing curator of the Rock Foundation collections at the Rochester Museum and Science Center Juliee Decker, professor and co-director of the cultural heritage imaging lab at Rochester Institute of Technology

Kayjona Rogers is the 28-year-old executive chef at Studio Lounge. It all began when a run-in with the law offered Rogers the opportunity to attend a Foodlink program. That program changed the course of her life. Her passion for the culinary arts reignited, Rogers started her own catering business, Taste of Kaye. From there, she made the move to Studio Lounge. As executive chef, she has increased kitchen revenue by 200%. This hour, guest host Racquel Stephen talks with Rogers about her path to running a kitchen, her philosophy on food, and her take on making her mark in the culinary arts. Our guests: Kayjona Rogers, executive chef at Studio Lounge Jessica Scannell, vice president of Career Empowerment Initiatives at Foodlink Chris Fantauzzo, co-owner of Studio Lounge

Moe Jackson's football coaching career made headlines after he parted ways with Aquinas Institute in early March. Jackson led the football team to a Section V championship, but alleges that racial bias played a role in his termination. Less than a month later, he was hired by Vertus High School, a predominantly Black all-boys charter school, to lead their young football program. While his role at Aquinas was bringing the storied program to victory, at Vertus, it's also about nurturing young Black men. This hour guest host Racquel Stephen sits down with Coach Jackson to talk about his coaching philosophy, the value of mentorship, and what those relationships mean for both young people and the adults who support them. Our guests: Moe Jackson, football coach at Vertus Charter High School Maurice Rice, lead preceptor at Vertus Charter High School Yariel Madina, student at Vertus Charter High School Michael Rogers, student at Vertus Charter High School

Then in our second hour, a Pittsford couple is seeing their work on the big screen...and so is the rest of the country. The film "Drop" from Universal Pictures is in theaters across the nation. Its screenwriters are Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach, who moved from Los Angeles to Pittsford in 2021. The thriller tells the story of a widowed mother named Violet whose date turns into a living nightmare. The title refers to digi-drops — or memes — that an unknown user is sending to Violet. Those drops become more and more threatening. Guest host Matt DeTurck sits down with Jacobs and Roach this hour to discuss their film, working with Hollywood, and what drew them to Rochester. Our guests:Jillian Jacobs, screenwriter for "Drop"Chris Roach, screenwriter for "Drop"