Good morning, Rochester.

On July 8th at 2:35 a.m., a fire fully involved a home on Stoddard Road in Hopewell that claimed the life of Deborah Wright, 70, while Michael Wright, 66, escaped with minor burns and investigators probe the cause.

The 57th annual Corn Hill Arts Festival will run Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Rochester’s historic Corn Hill neighborhood—featuring work by over 350 artists from nine neighborhoods, food vendors, live music on four stages, and accessible shuttle service by RTS—and offers free admission.

The Rochester City School District held a public meeting Tuesday, July 8 to ask for input on a new statewide cell phone ban that will affect nearly 22,000 students this fall (the policy will limit smart devices in classrooms).

The district received mixed reviews from parents and students and will work with each school to adjust how families are contacted.

Rochester City Council launched the Read Alliance Program for 90 first- through third-grade students at RCSD School No. 16 and School No. 22 on July 7— the free phonics-based reading program with paid youth tutors will run until August 14 to help close the summer learning gap.

Monroe County Legislature approved nearly $1 billion for capital improvements over the next six years, with $167 million set aside to upgrade three water pump stations for the Department of Environmental Services + additional funds allocated for highway repairs and Monroe Community College infrastructure while a $120 million decision on the college’s operating budget was postponed. A public hearing to gather input on the budget is scheduled for July 22.

Residents can now submit online comments on proposed utility rate hikes by RG&E and NYSEG that could raise natural gas and electric delivery rates by 22% to 34% and cost an extra $600 — $800 annually.

State regulators will review the proposals and hold public hearings over the next 11 months.

The fourth Seize the Day epilepsy trail run will take place Sunday, July 13 at Mendon Ponds Park with check-in at 8 a.m. and the race starting at 9 a.m.—the event supports EPI.

The Seven Wonders - Fleetwood Mac Tribute

5-6:30 p.m. — Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park at Manhattan Square — Free entry — Experience a spirited tribute to Fleetwood Mac's timeless hits with electrifying performances.

Latin Night Celebration

5:30-10 p.m. — Rochester Public Market — $17 for VIP access — Experience an evening of vibrant Latin music and culture at the public market with exclusive perks.

Mystery at the Speakeasy

6 PM – 12 AM — William Phelps General Store — $50 — Experience a 1920's speakeasy night of mystery, mocktails, and live entertainment.

Rochester Anime-Fest

10 AM – 5 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Rochester — Check event page for admission prices — A vibrant gathering for anime collectors in the beautiful city of Rochester, NY.

Handmade Greeting Card Class: Christmas in July

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Abundance Food Co-op — $20 — Create personalized Christmas cards and enjoy a hands-on crafting experience.

Rochester Speed Dating for Singles Aged 31-44

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Hideaway — Ticket required — Meet local singles through fun and efficient speed dating rounds.

Shoreline Half Marathon & 5K

7:00 a.m. — Hamlin Beach State Park — Registration required — Race along the beautiful shoreline with options for both half marathon and 5K.

Jungle Jog 2025

8:00-10:30 a.m. — Seneca Park Zoo — Registration required — Join a fun 5K run or walk through the scenic Seneca Park in Rochester.

The Swell Season Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Kodak Center — Last-minute tickets available — Catch the soulful sounds of The Swell Season in a vibrant setting.

Melvin Seals and JGB Concert

5-6:30 p.m. — Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park at Manhattan Square — Free entry — Experience an evening of high-spirited jam band music featuring Melvin Seals and Dogs in a Pile.