Rochester
Morning News
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Matt Apple of Walking for Rochester is launching a citywide Litter Elimination System in late February to address litter buildup after a winter thaw exposed the issue. The plan — which joins local businesses and community groups — will provide free tools and live tracking for a cleaner city. Spectrum News
- ➤ For the month of February, up to five youths (ages 4 to 14) can enter Seneca Park Zoo for free when an adult ticket is purchased, offering families an affordable outing. The program highlights active exhibits like polar bears and snow leopards during cold weather. WXXI News
- ➤ Empowering People's Independence will celebrate its 40th Chocolate Ball on Saturday, March 7 at Riverside Convention Center. Local musician Katy Eberts and EPI VP Chris Beato will join celebrity bakers for a night of sweet treats. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Chick-fil-A will open tomorrow at CityGate off East Henrietta Road next to REI, bringing 110 new jobs and a free entrée for customers in cow print. The company will donate $25,000 to Feeding America to support local hunger relief efforts. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Voting for the nomination of our Lilac Festival as the best flower festival in the country is open until Monday, Mar. 2. The 128th edition will kick off at Highland Park on Friday, May 8 and run for 10 days with live music, food, and games. News 10
- ➤ Ella Langley, winner of the 2025 Academy Country Music Award New Female Artist, will perform her concert 'The Dandelion Tour' on July 31 at 7 p.m. at CMAC—tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Feb. 6 and her album releases on April 10. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Hitmakers celebrates its 10th anniversary with a musical retrospective at JCC CenterStage Theatre, and shows will run on Feb. 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, and 22 with directors Ralph Meranto and Esther Winter responsible for its creative vision. ABC 13
- ➤ George Eastman Museum has secured $500,000 in federal funding and $200,000 in private donations to renovate its historic mansion that has suffered from harsh winters. The two-year project will repair chimneys + parapets while the museum remains open with some outdoor areas restricted. News 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rochester City School District fixed W-2 errors from a system migration that left retirement plans + health insurance contributions incomplete, and mailed corrected forms ahead of the tax deadline. Teachers union leaders warned staff against using an online portal to submit photos of their forms, citing personal data risks. WXXI News
- ➤ Monroe County libraries host Take Your Child to the Library Day on Saturday. Webster offers a model train show, Penfield supplies donut decorating and the Central Library downtown presents musical and craft activities + a passport contest to win classes. WXXI News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On winter’s coldest days, Letchworth State Park forms an ice volcano as water from a gravity-fed fountain freezes mid-air to build a shifting cone behind the Glen Iris Inn (former home of William Pryor Letchworth) within a 14,350-acre park 45 minutes south of Rochester. Democrat & Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Monroe County reported 3.8% higher sales tax revenue last year, reaching $660.1 million (a roughly $24 million increase from 2024) as local funds raised $24.4 billion statewide to support services like libraries and fire departments. WXXI News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Costco has recalled its Mini Beignets sold from Jan. 16 to Jan. 30 after labels indicated caramel filling but the items contained chocolate hazelnut that poses a tree nut allergy risk. Affected customers in New York should return the products for a full refund. NewsRadio WHAM
- ➤ Costco is recalling Mini Beignets misprinted as Chocolate Hazelnut when they contain caramel filling along with undeclared hazelnuts (filberts), which pose a serious allergy risk. Affected customers should return items purchased from Jan. 16 to Jan. 30 for a full refund. Democrat & Chronicle
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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.
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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.
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Family Chess Club
3-4 p.m. — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — Everyone from grand masters to rookies can come play and share strategies at this welcoming chess gathering.
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Rochester Speed Dating for Singles Age 31-44
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Hideaway — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and friendly environment.
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Electric Feels - Indie Rock and Electronic Dance Party
9-11:30 p.m. — Anthology — Tickets start at $48 — Experience an unforgettable indie rock and electronic dance party in Rochester.
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Casting Connections: Ice Fishing Edition
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM — Braddock Bay Park — Cost included — Experience a unique outdoor adventure focused on building connections through ice fishing.
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Family Chess Club
3-4 p.m. — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — Engage in chess strategy and fun for all skill levels at this family-friendly club.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You can't wake a person who is pretending to be asleep.
~ Native American Proverb
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