Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Connections

Coming up on Connections: Wednesday, May 16

SUPREMECOURT.GOV

First hour: The future of sports betting in New York State

Second hour: Has Kanye West lost touch with his roots?

Sports gambling could soon be legal in New York State. This comes after the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday decided a 1992 federal law prohibiting sports betting was unconstitutional. Casinos and race tracks are celebrating the news; owners say the lift on the ban will generate revenue and a source of entertainment. But organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling say making sports betting legal could lead to higher rates of gambling problems. We'll discuss what the ruling means on all sides of the issue. Our guests:

  • Leo Roth, sports columnist for the Democrat and Chronicle
  • Henry Wojtaszek, CEO of Off-Track Betting in Western New York
  • Carl DelleFave Jr., person affected by compulsive gambling 

Then in our second hour, fans and critics of Kanye West are reacting to the rapper's recent comments about political figures and slavery. West has tweeted about his support for President Trump and right-wing figures, and has said slavery was a "choice." In a piece in the Atlantic Monthly, writer Ta-Nehisi Coates argues that West wants a "white freedom," and is distancing himself from blackness. West argues that he's a "free thinker." We talk to local musicians, music writers, and music lovers about West's comments, the criticism, and whether West has lost touch with his roots. In studio:

  • Jimmie Tjari Highsmith Jr., musician
  • Irene Kannyo, creator, executive producer and co-host of No Labels Included on WAYO 104.3
  • Saby Reyes-Kulkarni, music journalist
Connections
Evan Dawson is the host of "Connections with Evan Dawson." He joined WXXI in January 2014 after working at 13WHAM-TV, where he served as morning news anchor. He was hired as a reporter for 13WHAM-TV in 2003 before being promoted to anchor in 2007.
Megan Mack is the executive producer of "Connections with Evan Dawson" and live/televised engagement programming.