Rochester
Morning News
Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Rotary is accepting nominations for its 87th annual award + nominations close Feb. 13 and the award will be given at a ceremony in early June. WXXI News
- ➤ Today, volunteers installed a solar-powered refurbished payphone (the first of its kind in the U.S.) outside Church of the Blessed Sacrament on Monroe Avenue to offer free calls, helping local residents stay connected. The Good Phone Project plans to bridge the digital divide and may expand to other neighborhoods soon. Spectrum News
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A fire on Sunday, Jan. 4 forced 25 people out of an apartment building in West Henrietta and the Davis family is staying in a hotel as community members drop off needed supplies at PI’s Lounge at 495 West Ave — local groups continue to help. News 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On Jan. 8, 2026, GameStop closed its Webster and Victor stores — part of a nationwide shuttering move — while other local locations remain open. Democrat & Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, the Gates Chili and East Irondequoit School Districts sent a letter to families about a non-credible TikTok video making vague threats at local schools, and law enforcement reviewed the video after learning it originated in Texas — officials said they will remain alert. News 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New York State plans to invest over $600 million in more than 180 paving projects covering roughly 2,150 lane miles during the 2026 construction season to fix potholes on roads including Monroe Ave, I-390 and I-490 — drivers can report issues via the City of Rochester website or the Monroe County DOT Concern Form. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Brighton and Pittsford school districts join the Monroe County School Bus Safety Program to capture drivers illegally passing stopped buses using stop-arm cameras. Violators in these districts will receive warning letters until Feb. 9 when fines begin, adding to over 2,600 citations issued this school year. ABC 13
- ➤ The Delta Sonic project south of Wegmans in Greece will have its site plan decision postponed until February as the planning board reviews a traffic study assessing local concerns; the development will feature eight gas pumps, a convenience store, and a car wash + vacuum station. Democrat & Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Monroe County Health Commissioner Dr. Marielena Vélez de Brown said the severe flu season, with over 7,000 cases, 570 hospitalizations & 11 deaths, is straining hospitals as plans to expand rehab centers and nursing homes are underway. News 10
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The historic barn—dating to the late 1800s—on the Shadow Pines property in Penfield collapsed overnight early Jan. 7 as demolition equipment was staging nearby, and town officials are gathering details to decide next steps. Democrat & Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Webster Schroeder head coach Codi Mrozek missed Wednesday's game after losing her twin babies to TTTS in NYC; she watched the win via streaming while teammates played with heavy hearts. A fundraiser has raised nearly $85,000 to help cover her family's expenses (update from Tuesday). Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Savanna Biehler and Caleb Wood were named Section V Athletes of the Week by Faber Builders after receiving over 11,000 and 5,000 votes respectively; Biehler clocked a 7.20-second 55-meter dash at Nazareth and Wood scored a hat trick in ice hockey during (Dec. 29 to Jan. 4). Democrat & Chronicle
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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.
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