Rochester
Morning News
Friday, January 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Thomas P. Ryan R-Center on Webster Avenue has reopened after months of renovations that began in June, including an expanded game room, reconfigured lobby and upgraded gym. Regular programs resume Monday and a full slate of activities is planned for the nearby February break. ABC 13
- ➤ Highland Hospital is inviting volunteers—volunteer services manager Kim Huels says many opportunities are available for community members ready to help. ABC 13
- ➤ With winter weather triggering Code Blue conditions, local agencies have released a list of warming centers for residents seeking safe — warm refuges in Monroe, Orleans, Livingston and Ontario counties. Rochester centers include the Open Door Mission at 156 N Plymouth Ave and House of Mercy at 285 Ormond St. News 10
- ➤ Rochester's nonprofit HCR Cares received a $200,000 grant to help potential home care workers prepare for their driver's permit test and cover DMV fees. The program will screen applicants soon to reduce transportation barriers to employment. WXXI News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A winter storm in the Chili suburb on Jan. 22, 2026 at 3:12 p.m. created snow rollers—nature’s wintry tumbleweeds—as strong winds and fresh snow formed these rare displays. Longtime journalist Bill Wolcott captured the phenomenon in a local video. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Seneca Meadows landfill, scheduled to close at the end of 2025, remains open as legal challenges delay its shutdown. The operator plans a Valley Infill Project to expand capacity and extend operations until 2040 — local residents express worry over odors and health risks. Rochester Beacon
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rochester secured a $5M grant to replace 770 lead service lines and clean 28,500 feet of water mains as part of New York State’s $288M plan for water and sewer improvements. The city plans to complete its lead pipe replacement by 2030. News 10
- ➤ State funding of $75 million has been paved into the governor’s proposed budget to create a future High Falls State Park, with construction set to begin this fall on the gorge’s east side to add a new overlook that reconnects residents with the historic falls + gorge. News 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ New data from the American Cancer Society shows 70% of cancer patients now live beyond five years in Rochester. Dr. Jonathan Friedberg at the Wilmot Cancer Institute credits advances in immunotherapy + precision medicine for improving survival rates. News 10
- ➤ The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as donations drop 35 percent because of flu season and harsh winter weather. Patients needing elective surgeries or cancer treatments may face delays, and donating by Sunday gives a chance to win Super Bowl tickets. News 10
- ➤ Children in the pediatric neurology unit at Golisano Children’s Hospital got free Adidas merchandise on Thursday after nursing student Allison Hitchcock delivered new gear (using her award from Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza) to uplift patients and highlight MS awareness. News 10
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ At Highmark Stadium today, the Bills outplayed the Chiefs 30-13 as Thurman Thomas rushed for a club-record 186 yards and three touchdowns, earning the team its fourth Super Bowl trip. Democrat & Chronicle
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.
-
Seven Wonders - A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Theater At Innovation Square — Tickets available — Experience the energy and legacy of Fleetwood Mac through this stunning tribute band.
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
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
~ Carl W. Buehner
About Rochester Morning News
Welcome to the Rochester Morning News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Rochester, New York community. If you like the Rochester Morning News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Rochester.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Rochester and across New York. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Rochester Morning News
A free Rochester community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://rochestermorning.com/sitemap