WXXI News presents a series of stories and talk shows/broadcasts and podcasts that look at America 250 through a complete lens.

U.S. 250th More WXXI News coverage & talk show podcasts

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  Connections” What is patriotism in 2026?
  Evan Dawson, Megan Mack, Julie Williams, July 15, 2026In the first hour of “Connections with Evan Dawson” on 7/15/26. we discuss what it means to be a patriot now and if America is still living up to the ideals the nation was founded on 250 years ago.Listen • 51:17
  
  
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  Local NewsESL Ballpark transforms into giant festival to celebrate America’s 250thJames Brown, July 12, 2026Monroe County marked the milestone with a free celebration in downtown Rochester.:
  
  
  
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  Local News‘It’s hard to hate up close.’ StoryCorps wants Americans talkingBeth Adams, July 6, 2026As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, NPR is launching a virtual time capsule project inspired by StoryCorps.Listen • 5:04
  
  
  
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  Local NewsLocal descendants honor forgotten Revolutionary War figures who contributed to America’s independenceBeth Adams, July 3, 2026As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, some local women whose ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War want to ensure the whole story behind America’s battle for independence is told.Listen • 4:45
  
  
  
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  ConnectionsIndigenous perspectives on the American RevolutionEvan Dawson, Megan Mack, Julie Williams, July 2, 2026In the first hour of “Connections with Evan Dawson” on 7/2/26, we discuss how Indigenous groups view the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 250 years that followed.Listen • 50:38
  
  
  
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  Local NewsAmerica 250 provides an unsettling reflection on New York’s beginningsBrian Sharp, July 2, 2026“New York could not have become the Empire State without a systematic program of indigenous dispossession, and that program of dispossession was launched on turbo during the American Revolution.”Listen • 4:18
  
  
  
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  Local NewsCelebrate 250 with a bang: Independence Day celebrations across Greater RochesterMikhaela Singleton, July 1, 2026America’s 250th anniversary is here, and if you’re looking for a way to celebrate it, here’s a list of local events around our region.
  
  
  
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  Local NewsWhat’s fact and fiction in the area’s most legendary tale of Revolutionary valorBrian Sharp, July 1, 2026Whatever the narrative that is told, the events surrounding the deaths of Lt. Boyd and Sgt. Parker in what is now Livingston County left a lasting scar on this region.Listen • 4:45
  
  
  
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  New York Public News NetworkAs America celebrates its 250th birthday, a Haudenosaunee lacrosse stick maker celebrates his nation’s more than 800-year-old traditionBoone Kilpatrick, June 30, 2026A Central New York indigenous craftsman is among the rare artisans reclaiming ancient traditions through the carving of traditional lacrosse sticks.Listen • 4:00
  
  
  
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  Local NewsOne of Mount Hope’s most interesting Revolutionary War vets is not who you think he isBrian Sharp, June 30, 2026Of the 80 or so Revolutionary War veterans buried in the historic cemetery, none has likely had their story more misconstrued than him.Listen • 4:07
  
  
  
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  New York Public News NetworkRestored 1813 portrait of George Washington is back where it belongs at CapitolSamuel King, June 29, 2026The portrait by artist Ezra Ames dates to1813, and had been on public display in Albany since then — until it needed a little TLC.
  
  
  
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  Local NewsCelebrate July 4 in historical styleJune 25, 2026The Genesee Country Village & Museum will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4.
  
  
  
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  ConnectionsState of Monroe County; NYS legislative session wraps; America’s 250thJulie Philipp, Megan Mack, Julie Williams, June 5, 2026In the second hour of “Connections” on 6/5/26, our weekly news roundup includes stories on the state of Monroe County, a moratorium on data centers in NYS, and a festival celebrating America’s 250th.Listen • 50:13
  
  
  
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  Local News‘Big Boy’ steam locomotive makes historic return to western NY this monthBeth Adams, June 1, 2026A coast-to-coast tour of the world’s largest operating steam locomotive will pass through our region next month.Listen • 3:56
  
  
  
• Local NewsHonor Flight Rochester marks 95th trip with first all-woman flightBeth Adams, May 14, 2026Honor Flight Rochester will escort 59 female veterans to memorial sites in Washington, D.C. this weekend.
  
  
  
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  Local NewsESL Ballpark to host festival celebrating America’s 250thGino Fanelli, May 6, 2026The America 250 festival will be a free event on July 12 featuring live music, food, and a fireworks display.