Megan Mack

Marvel Comics is facing pressure to stop using one of its most popular symbols and characters. During the riot at the U.S. Capitol, multiple extremists were wearing the signature skull symbol worn by Marvel's Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher. The character is a kind of anti-hero, and employs torture and violence to achieve his goals. Some Marvel fans are asking the comic book publisher to consider a different set of options: instead of retiring The Punisher, or at least the logo, they want Marvel to pursue the kinds of storylines that will change the public view of the character.

We talk about the power of entertainment and representation with our guests:

• Chris Thompson, writer, engineer, comedian, and activist 
• Anthony Pierce, co-director of The Wakanda Alliance in Buffalo
  

Congressman Joe Morelle joins us. We talk to him about impeachment, the riot at the Capitol, and the incoming administration. We also discuss the next round of pandemic stimulus – what’s in it, what’s not in it, and what struggling Americans need to know.

Our guest:

• Congressman Joe Morelle

We continue our conversations with local doctors and nurses on the frontlines of treating COVID-19. Last week, we heard from a team at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and this hour, we hear from their colleagues at Rochester Regional Health. They discuss the state of the virus in the community, what they are seeing in hospitals, and what they’d like the community to know about how to get through the next months as we wait for vaccines.

Our guests:

• Chris Reynolds, M.D., hospitalist at Rochester General Hospital
• Sarah Goodenough, RN, nurse navigator at Unity Hospital
• Kara Boyd, RN, nurse manager for Rochester Regional Health, Eastern Region (Newark-Wayne)
• Deborah Conrad, physician assistant at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia
  

We talk with local legal and political science experts about national conversations surrounding impeachment and the possible use of the 25th Amendment. On Monday, House Democrats introduced an article of impeachment against President Trump. A vote is scheduled for Wednesday to charge Trump with “inciting violence against the government of the United States.”

Our guests explain what we need to know about impeachment, the 25th Amendment, and what could happen next. Our guests:

• Aaron Herold, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and International Relations, coordinator of Legal Studies, and co-director of the Forum on Constitutionalism and Democracy at SUNY Geneseo
• Jeremy Sher, founding partner and litigation attorney at Adams Leclair LLP, and co-leader of Indivisible Rochester
  

The United Christian Leadership Ministry has announced its proposals related to changes to policing in Monroe County. The proposals come in response to Governor Cuomo’s executive order on police reform. UCLM’s recommendations include a citizen review panel, additional training for officers, and racial justice education.

We discuss the proposals with our guests:

• Reverend Lewis Stewart, president of United Christian Leadership Ministry
• Reverend Wanda Wilson, team leader for the UCLM police reform proposals on body warn cameras
• Frank Staropoli, team coordinator for the UCLM police reform proposals