Rochester
Morning News
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Highland Hospital confirmed Marlowe is the first baby born in the region in 2026, arriving three minutes after midnight on New Year's Day (parents Sydney and Tim Provo said she joins her older brother as the family's second child). ABC 13
- ➤ Bachelor Forum, Rochester’s oldest gay-owned bar, closed last night for now as its owner announced a rebranding to be more inclusive + the venue is set to reopen in two to three months with a fresh look. Longtime patrons expressed hope about its new chapter. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The long-time Beers of the World store in Henrietta announced it will close at the end of February due to shifts in the economy and beer industry, and it will operate with reduced hours until then while its sister store in Batavia remains open. ABC 13
- ➤ Several new coffee shops opened in Rochester in 2025, featuring Yemeni brews at Layali in Henrietta and vegan drinks at Clownboy Coffee on E. Main, while Albunn and others plan to expand locations to meet growing community needs. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ The 2025 annual report by the New York State Cannabis Control Board shows legal cannabis sales reached a record high — since the law was signed in 2021, adult-use sales have topped $2.5 billion and over 550 dispensaries have opened. The Office of Cannabis Management processed 2,300 licenses through November. News 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Rochester has chosen Tim McGeary as head librarian and dean of libraries, and he will begin on March 1. He comes from Duke University (where he managed AI challenges) and plans to upgrade the library's digital systems for the generative AI era. WXXI News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ New York State banned polystyrene foam containers for cold storage as of Jan. 1, 2026, preventing food services, manufacturers, and distributors from using them to reduce environmental impact. The expansion builds on the ban from 2022 aimed at curbing foam waste. News 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Excellus BlueCross BlueShield urges adults 65 and older to schedule regular checkups to catch heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other conditions early, saying routine screenings can lead to simpler treatments and lower costs – a proactive step for better health. Spectrum News
- ➤ At Strong Hospital on New Year’s Day in Rochester, the Trigg family welcomed its first 2026 baby when Holly David went into labor and delivered daughter Amelia shortly after a 6 a.m. arrival. Amelia weighed 9 lbs 15 oz and measured 21 inches (a family milestone). Spectrum News
- ➤ Dr. Lorinda Parks of Rochester Regional Health debunked common cold remedy myths in an interview with News10NBC, explaining that antibiotics do not treat viruses and that wet hair does not cause colds while hand-washing remains key to preventing infections. News 10
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bills Mafia stories are highlighted in coverage as the season opens with the Bills playoff run and last home game at Highmark Stadium — the review also details a CPR save at a game and artist Stan Munro building a toothpick model at Eastview Mall. News 10
- ➤ Tage Thompson scored twice as the Sabres beat the Stars 4-1 Wednesday night, extending their winning streak to 10 games. The team saw key contributions from Josh Doan and Bowen Byram (and goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 28 saves) as they matched a franchise record. Spectrum News
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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
We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.
~ Seneca
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