Rochester
Morning News
Thursday, February 12th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Neighbors in the 19th Ward set a record at their annual candlelight dinners on Feb. 7 when 82 residents gathered at 10 host homes to enjoy homemade meals and lively conversation. Newcomer Laura Mack joined the festivities — plans for a March corned beef and cabbage dinner are already underway. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ The Special Olympics New York Winter Games need volunteers and cheering fans at Rochester from Feb. 20 to 22. Community members are urged to help keep the event running smoothly. ABC 13
- ➤ Some of Rochester's finest pets are competing for ROC's Top Pet title with entries from local pet lovers including Founder's Ridge Rescue's Kelley Murtha & dog foster Heather Allen. The contest accepts new entries and votes until Saturday, Feb. 28. ABC 13
- ➤ Rochester families have many fun events this February. They can enjoy UP In Concert at Eastman Theatre on Feb. 13, a show at Innovation Square on Feb. 15, and museum programs at the Science Center and Seneca Park Zoo throughout the month. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ USA TODAY food writers have picked nine standout restaurants from across the Northeast including Rochester’s Swan Market, which serves hearty sampler platters and hosts live accordion music on the last Friday of each month – the list features diverse dishes from local gems to urban hotspots. Democrat & Chronicle
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The EPA is continuing cleanup at the Gorham warehouse where a massive fire burned in August and has removed five truckloads of expired hand sanitizer — nearly 82,000 gallons of wastewater have also been extracted from nearby Flint Creek. Cleanup is paused until disposal arrangements are finalized and weather permits further work. News 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rochester-area farmers met with state lawmakers in Albany Tuesday to urge extending refundable farm credits, updating agriculture budgeting and changing overtime rules to ease operations at local dairies and produce farms — Monroe County representatives stressed improved regulations are vital to address rising labor challenges. Rochester Beacon
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Rochester Regional Health nurse is on administrative leave and removed from her union post after a social media post featuring racist content — hospital leaders are investigating the incident while the union confirmed her removal. ABC 13
- ➤ Last month, Monroe County Health Department inspections of 64 food establishments in Rochester found 27 with critical health violations — requiring immediate correction — five with no issues and many with lingering non-critical concerns. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Golisano Children's Hospital in Rochester celebrated a milestone today as Spirit Halloween donated over $1 million to support its child life program. The funds will help keep playrooms open seven days a week + sustain staffing. News 10
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Jason McElwain, known as J-Mac, recounted his miraculous game from over 20 years ago at Greece Athena High School during a Monday interview at the gym where he made history. He said his senior night performance that saw him score 20 points still inspires his life in community sports. ABC 13
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Nintendo Switch Thursday
4:00 – 5:30 PM — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — Experience gaming fun with Mario, Link, and Pokémon at this family-friendly event.
-
Customer Service Insurance Agent - Personal Lines
Do you love being part of a community, helping folks in tough times, and getting paid for it? If you a licensed P&C agent in NYS and looking for an established insurance agency to work at, apply with us! You will be maintaining a large book of clients and providing customer service for their auto, home, antique, boats, RV, mobile homes, renter's insurance needs. We are a small office that feels like a family, located in Canandaigua NY, serving Rochester, all the Finger Lakes, and more!
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The reason to win the game is so that you can be free of it.
~ Naval Ravikant
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