Rochester
Morning News
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Seventeen children from Camp Good Days and Special Times returned today from a five-day trip to Orlando, where they visited Universal Studios and Disney World; the trip was made possible by the annual Teddi Dance for Love charity dance marathon at St. John Fisher University. News 10
- ➤ Tuesday morning's freezing temperatures prompted Monroe County's Code Blue program to offer free RTS rides to warming shelters for at-risk residents, helping those in substandard housing or on the streets reach centers such as the Open Door Mission and House of Mercy — a vital link amid dangerous cold. News 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ French company Reju will build its first North American hub at Eastman Business Park, creating 70 jobs and recycling discarded clothing into eco-friendly polyester. The 145,000 sqft facility on 19 acres is set for operation by late 2029 (supported by $4M in investments and $1M in tax credits). WXXI News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Margaret 'Midge' Thomas and Sister Grace Miller were honored with the Robert Cobbett Peace Award during Rochester’s Martin Luther King Day celebration on Jan. 19 at Kodak Hall — the event recognized their lifelong dedication to civil rights and community service. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Rochester's beer scene has been reshaped by recent brewery closures and financial pressures. Owners are recalibrating operations as survivors focus on taproom experiences and mindful offerings to adapt to evolving consumer tastes, pointing to a future of renewal and careful growth rather than decline. Rochester Beacon
- ➤ The George Eastman Museum in Rochester received $500,000 in federal funding to repair its rotting roof and crumbling chimneys — repairs are set to begin soon. Democrat & Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Department of Education awarded $1 million to URochester and the Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council to boost accreditation for college programs serving students with intellectual disabilities. The grant-funded project — Advancing Workforce Outcomes through Postsecondary Program Accreditation — will set quality standards for future certification programs. WXXI News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Full enforcement of Rochester’s School Bus Safety Program begins today as automated cameras on school buses capture vehicles illegally passing and prompt fines mailed to owners starting at $250. The program, launched Nov. 3, supports Vision Zero through a partnership with Monroe County Sheriff’s Office + BusPatrol America. City of Rochester
- ➤ Gov. Kathy Hochul's proposed executive budget offers $300 million to boost economic development in the region — $225 million for the Rochester-Monroe Transformation Initiative and $75 million for High Falls State Park, with funding aimed at revitalizing local infrastructure. WXXI News
- ➤ A break in an 8-inch water main on Straub Road near Fox Meadow Road in Greece closed the road yesterday morning and affected 15 to 20 customers, with crews repairing the pipe and continuing cleanup. Democrat & Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A URMC study finds that staffing challenges have lowered nursing home capacity by about 10% in the Finger Lakes, double the national average. The shortfall is forcing hospitals to keep patients longer as they wait for nursing home placements. WXXI News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Readers can vote for the Faber Builders Girls Sports Athlete of the Week—open until 8 p.m. Thursday—to honor top performers for Jan. 12 to 18, and the winner will be announced on Instagram Friday morning. Democrat & Chronicle
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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.
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Lynne Hanson: Canada’s Queen of Americana
7-8 p.m. — Abilene Bar & Lounge — $15 at the door — Experience gripping Americana from a singer-songwriter celebrated for her high energy and heartfelt connection with audiences.
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Disney's Pixar's Up in Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Eastman Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved film 'Up' accompanied by a live orchestra for a magical evening.
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Charlotte Checkers vs. Rochester Americans
7:05-9:05 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Ticket prices vary — Watch the exciting showdown between the Charlotte Checkers and Rochester Americans on the ice!
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Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
7-8 p.m. — Temple Theater — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting melodies of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed under the gentle glow of candlelight.
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
Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
~ Navy SEAL saying
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