The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: Michael Mills, candidate for NYS Senate District 54

   This election season, “Connections” brings you long form conversations with candidates. It’s your chance to hear directly from them about their priorities for office while asking your questions. We begin the hour with Michael Mills, the Democrat running for New York’s 54th Senate District seat. He discusses his platform and his take on issues affecting the district. His opponent, Republican incumbent Pam Helming, did not respond to the invitation to participate. In studio:Michael Mills, candidate for New York State Senate in District 54

   September 25, 2026·37min
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   Number 2: Bruce Blakeman, candidate for NYS governor

   This election season, “Connections” brings you long form conversations with candidates. It’s your chance to hear directly from them about their priorities for office while asking your questions. In this segment, we turn our attention to New York's gubernatorial race. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is our guest. The Republican discusses his background, his priorities for office, and what he would change if he were elected to the state's top job. Governor Kathy Hochul's team said she is unavailable for a conversation on “Connections.” Our guest:Bruce Blakeman, candidate for New York State governor

   September 25, 2026·14min
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   Number 3: New report addresses chronic absenteeism in Monroe County schools

   A deeply honest personal story from Nikole Hannah-Jones of the New York Times has a lot of people talking about what children need in their K-12 education. Now comes a new report from The Children’s Agenda in Rochester about chronic absenteeism. The report explores why students themselves say they are not attending school. TCA concludes: “We should not accept that one out of three high school students in Monroe County is chronically absent.” What's driving the absences? We discuss it with our guests: Eamonn Scanlon, director of community impact for The Children's Agenda Isabel Rosa, community and parent advocacy coordinator for The Children's Agenda Qutisha Britt, parent ambassador with The Children's Agenda

   September 22, 2026·51min
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   Number 4: Changes to the Rochester music scene

   Abilene Bar and Lounge will close after nearly two decades of hosting live music in Rochester. And the Hi Fi Lounge in Brighton is up for sale after 40 years. It opened in 1986 as The CD Exchange. Speaking of CDs, they’re making a comeback. The Washington Post reports that CD sales grew faster than vinyl in the past year, with many fans preferring the audio quality of compact discs. We discuss what’s changing, what’s evolving, and why Abilene is not the only live music venue to close this year. Our guests: Danny Deutsch, owner of Abilene Bar and Lounge Mark Kaidy, owner and operator of the Hi Fi Lounge Hannah Maier, music director of The Route and lead singer and guitarist of the country band, Candy --- 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.

   September 18, 2026·50min
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   Number 5: Bills fans shell out for new stadium. Is it worth it?

   The Buffalo Bills officially open their new stadium Thursday night. By some measures, it is the most expensive fan experience in the entire league. Is it worth it? Governor Kathy Hochul told WHEC that while some fans might not be able to afford to go to the stadium, they're just happy the state stepped in with taxpayer money to keep the Bills in Western New York. We discuss the fan experience with a longtime sports journalist and season ticket holders. Our guests: Scott Pitoniak, best-selling author, nationally honored journalist, and longtime sportswriter Jordan Carpenter, Bills fan and season ticket holder Nick Martin, Bills fan and season ticket holder Steve Royer, Bills fan and Field Club member --- 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.

   September 15, 2026·51min
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