Rochester
Morning News
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Marketplace Mall in Henrietta is nearing its end as residents recall childhood visits with carousel rides and ice cream treats. The mall owner plans to relocate some tenants while DS Jewelry & Repair will move across the street to Jay Scutti Plaza. News 10
- ➤ The Open Door Mission is seeking winter clothing and hygiene donations at 20 Plymouth Avenue Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. When temperatures drop, the shelter expands its capacity to serve up to 99 individuals + offers free, store-like access to essential items. News 10
- ➤ The Good Phone Project expanded its network by adding three repurposed payphones at Teen Empowerment Rochester on Genesee Street, Blessed Sacrament Church on Oxford Street, and the Lyell Branch Library. The phones now enable free calls to the U.S. + Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. News 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Luvon Sheppard has taught at RIT for 55 years while boosting Rochester’s art scene through exhibitions and community workshops. He was honored at the Memorial Art Gallery’s Aging INSPIRED! event for his lifelong work in art and education. ABC 13
- ➤ Since 2017, Pittsford schools and the Jewish Federation have partnered on the ShinShinim program to share Israeli culture in classrooms. Some parents say the curriculum (including Israeli military imagery) has upset Muslim students, prompting Board talks and new oversight measures to foster a more inclusive environment. Rochester Beacon
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The USPS is changing its postmark process so that envelopes show the date they are first processed by an automated sorting machine, not the drop-off date; residents should mail bills and ballots several days early to meet deadlines. News 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Officials reported that a severe flu season led to 78 hospitalizations & 7 ICU admissions, adding strain to local emergency departments. They urged residents to get a flu shot and call their primary care office before going to the ED, reminding patients to wear masks when visiting care centers. WXXI News
- ➤ CDC data shows flu cases surging nationwide, with New York reporting a record 71,000 cases in one week due to a new H3N2 variant (subclade K). Health officials urge residents six months and older to get vaccinated to help reduce severe illness. NewsRadio WHAM
- ➤ New York State laws take effect today that require insurers to cover medically necessary EpiPens, breast cancer screenings, and scalp cooling systems for chemotherapy patients—changes that aim to lower treatment costs and improve access in the state. News 10
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 28, Bills fan Jenn Carhart drove three hours from Mohawk Valley to Highmark Stadium to honor her late stepfather during the team’s final season at the arena. She recalled a cold, rainy day when Buffalo lost to Philadelphia in a game headlined by Allen. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Young Olympic hopefuls trained at Bristol Mountain on New Year’s Eve with guidance from U.S. Ski Team members — they prepared for four upcoming World Cup races in Canada and Lake Placid that will impact their chance at the Milan Cortina Games. News 10
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The Dinner Detective: True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show
6 PM — RIT Inn & Conference Center — Ticket prices vary — Participate in solving a hilarious true crime murder mystery while enjoying dinner.
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Coming Down, Jordan Moss, The Rogues Concert
9 PM - 11:55 PM — Bug Jar — Tickets starting at $6.65 — Experience an eclectic mix of punk and indie rock performances in a local favorite venue.
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In the Zone Card Show
Mall hours — In The Zone — Free entry — Explore a wide variety of cards at this exciting two-day event perfect for collectors.
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G. Love and Special Sauce Live
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Rose Marie and John Beston Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of alternative hip-hop vibes from this Philadelphia band inspired by the Beastie Boys.
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School of Rock Seasonal Show: New Wave, Classic Metal, and Pop Legends
5-7:30 p.m. — Lovin' Cup — Free entry — Experience a vibrant showcase of talented young musicians performing classic rock anthems and modern hits.
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Wood Flower Centerpiece Class at Blue Barn Cidery
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Blue Barn Cidery — Includes one complimentary drink — Unleash your creativity in this hands-on class to craft a stunning wood flower centerpiece.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you seek is seeking you.
~ Rumi
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