Rochester
Morning News
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Last week the Good Phone Project added three repurposed payphones with free VoIP service in Rochester thanks to a Genesee Valley Council grant. The new installations include two outdoor locations on Monroe Avenue and Genesee Street to help people without cellphones stay connected. Rochester Beacon
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Fairport teen Alessio Sotgiu, 14, was critically injured in a skiing collision at Bristol Mountain on Saturday and was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital — his surgery is scheduled for tomorrow and a GoFundMe has raised $12,600 for his family. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Several Rochester craft breweries turned off their taps in recent months as sales declined; owners are adding food + non-alcoholic drinks to their menus to adapt to shifting customer tastes and a post-pandemic market. ABC 13
- ➤ On Monday, Wegmans acknowledged using facial recognition in a few stores to identify shoppers flagged for misconduct (it did not collect other biometric data); several shoppers were surprised and called for more notice before entering the store. News 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, WXXI in Rochester is adapting after losing CPB funds by relying on audience membership and corporate sponsorships (including partnerships with The Little Theatre and CITY magazine). President Chris Hastings said the station will launch a new podcast next week and invest in podcast production to expand its audio/visual reach. News 10
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A winning Take 5 ticket worth $10,261 was sold on Monday at Wegmans on Fairport Road in East Rochester; lottery drawings occur twice daily from numbers 1 to 39. News 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The school board of Gates-Chili Central School District appointed Deputy Superintendent Mitchell Ball as interim superintendent following Superintendent Christoper Dailey's retirement, and will review leadership options in the coming weeks. WXXI News
- ➤ Christopher Dailey, superintendent of Gates Chili Central School District, announced his retirement and the board approved his departure on Monday + named Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mitchell Ball effective immediately. The board will meet soon to decide the next leadership steps. News 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews repaired a water main break on Stutson Street off Lake Avenue in the Charlotte neighborhood on Tuesday. Workers shut down the main and blocked the road as they worked to control the leak. News 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Amid surging flu cases, Monroe County EMS crews are handling more calls and hospitals report wait times (30–60 minutes) due to overcrowding, with officials expecting the trend to continue over the coming weeks. ABC 13
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ AAA estimates that Bills fans heading from Rochester to Jacksonville for the NFL wild-card game on Sunday, Jan. 11 could spend about $185 for gas or over $470 on connecting flights—parking at EverBank Stadium should cost roughly $30 to $40 with mobile ticketing in effect. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ NFL experts gave varied predictions as the Bills + Jaguars face off in a wild card game on Sunday, Jan. 11; analysts noted the Bills' slight favorite status and the Jaguars' home momentum could fuel a tight contest. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Harlem Globetrotters will perform in Rochester on Feb. 7 at Blue Cross Arena at 2 p.m. as part of their 100 Year Tour, and special passes are available for fans to see trick shots and slam dunks up close. 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
Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.
~ Jimi Hendrix
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