Megan Mack

The holidays will look different this year for many families. How are children handling that and all of the changes that have come with the pandemic? What can caregivers and educators do to recognize when kids may be struggling?

We talk with the experts about how to help children understand their emotions during this difficult time. Our guests:

• JoAnne Pedro-Carroll, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, author, and speaker
• Melanie Funchess, director of community engagement and family support at the Mental Health Association of Rochester, and member of the Black Healers Network
• Brian Wray, award-winning children's book author
  

Are food delivery apps hurting restaurants? Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart has announced legislation that would cap how much third-party vendors, like Grubhub and Uber Eats and DoorDash, can charge businesses. Under the measure, delivery fees would be limited to 15 percent, and fees associated with customers using their apps for takeout services would be limited to 5 percent. The companies would also be prohibited from garnishing driver’s wages to make up any difference in profit.

This is a desperate time for restaurant owners, who say this move will make an impact. Food delivery companies oppose it.

Our guests:

• Rachel Barnhart, Monroe County Legislator
• Jeff Scott, owner of Kainos Restaurant
• Mike Kite, former Grubhub driver

Is it time to abolish the Electoral College? The question gained traction after the 2016 election, and has been the subject of heated debate in this election cycle.

Some critics say the Electoral College is an antiquated, undemocratic process that promotes minority rule. Some supporting it say it counteracts human impulses and protects the nation from dangers inherent in democracy.

We discuss the issue from several angles with our guests:

• Allen Guelzo, director of the Initiative on Politics and Statesmanship for the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions, and senior research scholar in the Council of the Humanities at Princeton University
• Joseph Burgess, data curator for the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research at Cornell University
  

On Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that parts of Monroe County have reached Orange Zone status. The designation comes with restrictions that go into effect on Wednesday. Businesses deemed high-risk and non-essential -- such as personal care salons, barber shops, and gyms -- must close. Restaurants will be limited to outdoor dining, delivery, and takeout. Schools will close to in-person instruction until they meet testing requirements.

This hour, our guests help us understand the new restrictions and the impact they will have on communities. Our guests:

• Bob Duffy, Finger Lakes reopening advisor to Governor Cuomo, and president and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce
• Dave Seeley, Irondequoit Town Supervisor
• Bill Moehle, Brighton Town Supervisor
• Willie Lightfoot, president of the United Professional Barbers and Cosmetologists Association (UPBCA), Inc., and vice president of Rochester City Council
  

The Memorial Art Gallery has a new director of academic programs. Dr. Nile Blunt brings his national and international experience in museum and arts education to Rochester's students. He began his position in late September. We talk to him about his goals for art education in Rochester.

We also discuss how the MAG has adapted to the pandemic with director Jonathan Binstock.

Our guests:

• Jonathan Binstock, Ph.D., Mary W. and Donald R. Clark Director of the Memorial Art Gallery
• Nile Blunt, Ph.D., McPherson Director of Academic Programs at the Memorial Art Gallery
• Robert Snyder, Ed.D., assistant principal at Mary McLeod Bethune School #45
  

How is remote learning going for local students and teachers? This hour, we hear from parents and a teacher about how their children and students are adapting to the virtual learning environment this fall. What's working? What are the challenges? What can be done to help keep students engaged and socialized over these virtual platforms?

Our guests address these questions are more:

• Christina Knauf, parent of a pre-K student at CP Rochester, and ELA teacher-leader at East Lower School in the RCSD
• Kearstin Brown, parent of two RCSD elementary scholars, and host for WXXI's Classical 91.5
• Scott Fitzgerald, parent of three students in the Fairport Central School District
  

Today marks the 2020 Transgender Day of Remembrance, and we're joined by transgender lawmakers and activists to discuss the state of trans rights. The ACLU reports that "in 2020, a record number of anti-trans bills are making their way through state legislatures."

Our guests discuss what has changed in recent years, and the role they think lawmakers and citizens have in helping to create a more equitable society. Our guests:

• Danica Roem, delegate in the Virginia House of Delegates, who was the first openly transgender state legislator to be seated in U.S. history
• Jess Whitehouse, activist, and community ASL interpreter
• Shauna O'Toole, former candidate for NYS Senate