First hour: Arshay Cooper and how rowing can change the lives of urban youth
Second hour: Should newspapers endorse political candidates?
We talk to Arshay Cooper, an author, chef, and motivational speaker who has dedicated his life to keeping young people off the street. Cooper grew up on the Westside of Chicago and was raised by a single mother who struggled with a drug addiction. He says his brothers and friends joined gangs and were involved with drugs, but he had a different vision for his future. In 1997, he joined the country’s first all-black high school rowing team – an experience that changed his life. It’s the subject of his memoir, Suga Water. Cooper is in Rochester to give a talk and attend the Head of the Genesee Regatta, but first, he’s our guest on Connections.
Then in our second hour, should newspapers make political endorsements? While endorsing candidates has been a long-held tradition for many newspapers, this year’s presidential election has reignited the debate about the role of editorial boards. Dozens of publications -- including some Republican-leaning papers -- have endorsed Hillary Clinton. Far fewer have endorsed Donald Trump. USA Today, which has never before endorsed a presidential candidate, published an anti-endorsement of Trump. But how much influence do endorsements (or anti-endorsements) have in shaping voters’ opinions? We'll examine the ethics of endorsements and the role of newspapers in American politics. Our guests:
- Julie Philipp, senior engagement editor for the Democrat and Chronicle
- Sean Carroll, executive producer for 13WHAM-TV
- Howard Owens, publisher of The Batavian and the Wyoming County Free Press
