12:00: The biggest local stories of 2025
1:00: Special rebroadcast — Want some inspa? Take our new words in the dictionary quiz
It has been quite a year. From a sweep of big wins for local Democrats, to the Trump administration attacking Rochester's sanctuary city policies, dull moments have been hard to come by. WXXI News editors join guest host Gino Fanelli for a look back at the highlights in local news and things to watch out for in the coming year. In studio:
- Jeremy Moule, deputy editor for WXXI News
- Brian Sharp, investigations and enterprise editor for WXXI News
Then in our second hour, we bring back one of the most popular conversations of the year. Dictionary.com recently announced its word of the year, and your age may determine your reaction to it. The word: 67 (pronounced six-seven). If you're a member of Gen Z or Gen Alpha, you probably get it...and might be smirking that many adults don't understand. According to Dictionary.com, the term experienced a dramatic rise in popularity this summer, and it "has all the hallmarks of brainrot." So what is 67? What is brainrot? Join us for one of our favorite annual traditions as we explore words added to dictionaries and take our new words quiz! In studio:
- Amanda Chestnut, curator, author, and educator
- Chris Fanning, deputy director of Writers & Books
- Linda Sue Park, author
"Connections with Evan Dawson" is livestreamed each day on the WXXI News YouTube channel. Watch here.
