State of Monroe County; NYS legislative session wraps; America's 250th

Guest host Julie Philipp leads our weekly news roundup with WXXI journalists. First, deputy editor Jeremy Moule shares the latest from Monroe County. He reviews County Executive Adam Bello's State of the County and his assessment of the local economy and public safety. Then, Capitol Bureau reporter Samuel King joins us from Albany with a wrap up of the legislative session and a push from lawmakers to pass a one-year moratorium on new data center projects in the state. We explore what it all means for New Yorkers. We end the week with a look at America's story. The upcoming 2026 Arts Connecxions Festival celebrates America's 250th birthday. Our guests discuss how music, poetry, and history lessons shape our understanding of freedom. Our guests: Jeremy Moule, deputy editor with WXXI News Samuel King, Capitol News Bureau reporter for the New York Public News Network Christine L. Ridarsky, historian for Rochester and Monroe County Eric Townell, artistic director of the Rochester Oratorio Society X’zaya Ivy, operatic soprano and music teacher ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.