Rochester
Morning News
Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Reconnect Rochester is inviting Monroe County residents to go a week without driving from Monday, Sept. 29 to Sunday, Oct. 5 — a challenge meant to show the difficulties of living without a car while encouraging alternatives like walking, biking, bus and e-scooters. Participants will track non-driving miles to learn how less car use can cut travel costs and ease traffic. News 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Shell restaurant opened today in downtown Rochester after nearly two years of work transforming a former police station garage—now offering a chic dining spot for local residents. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Rochester-based Wegmans Food Markets was ranked No. 10 in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025 because readers praised its prepared foods and one-stop shopping experience—its deli, bakery, and produce selections also received high marks. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Rochester’s East End has seen several new businesses open in the past year—including Eden Coffee at the historic Hallman Chevrolet building and AlBunn Coffee House that roasts its own beans—and local owners say added options like Lina’s and a reopened Anthology show strong growth. The special events zone along East and Alexander has improved safety—with no shootings reported since its start—although one establishment closed over concerns of a crime perception. News 10
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The New York State Public Service Commission held a hearing at Rochester City Hall to review a proposal by Rochester General Electric to raise electricity delivery by 26% and natural gas delivery by 22.2%—adding about $52 to monthly bills—with local officials and residents urging the commission to block the increase. Spectrum News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Careers in Construction Inc. held a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, September 30 for the eighth cohort of its TRACS program that provided eight weeks of hands-on pre-apprenticeship training for careers in carpentry and other trades. Graduates said the training opened new opportunities — setting the stage for high-demand jobs in the local construction field. ABC 13
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Eligible New York residents who filed a 2023 tax return will get one-time inflation refund checks—up to $400 based on income and filing status—with the state set to mail them starting in October and most arriving by November; about 585000 residents in Western New York, including those in Rochester, are expected to receive their checks automatically. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Most Social Security beneficiaries will receive their October payment on scheduled dates such as Oct. 3, 8, 15, or 22 based on their birthdate and when they began benefits. SSI recipients will receive two deposits this month—one today and another on Oct. 31 due to a weekend adjustment that moves the November payment into October. Democrat & Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ If Congress fails to pass a funding deal, a government shutdown could impact Rochester by furloughing some of the 4,300 federal workers and cutting back in-person services at local offices. Local universities may face delays in federal research grants and families could see disruptions in assistance programs—risks that will grow the longer the shutdown lasts. WXXI News
- ➤ Governor Kathy Hochul is backing advanced nuclear energy to help New York reach its goal of 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040; a two-day summit in Syracuse brought together energy officials who discussed safer nuclear technology while about 80 protestors raised concerns about environmental risks—officials expect to complete an Advanced Nuclear Master Plan by the end of 2026. Spectrum News
- ➤ The Monroe County Department of Environmental Services is upgrading safety at Monroe Community College’s downtown entrance by planning to add an automated walking signal and drop-off areas after the campus building was hit eight times in six years on the corner of Morrie Silver Way and Plymouth Ave. The county installed smart traffic signals in 2024 to monitor vehicle speed and will complete the new measures next spring — ensuring safer crossings for students and staff. News 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new state report shows that New York first responders, especially 911 dispatchers, face a suicide risk four times higher than the general public. The report calls for stronger support systems — such as peer networks and trained mental health professionals — to help dispatchers handle growing job stress. Spectrum News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Section V football games start Friday, Oct. 3 and continue Saturday, Oct. 4—with teams from Rochester and nearby areas set to compete in a weekend schedule that includes matchups like Aquinas at McQuaid at 6 p.m. on Friday—and Edison at Monroe at noon on Saturday. Democrat & Chronicle
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Witchy Broom Making Workshop
10:30 p.m. — 757 University Ave, Rochester, NY — All supplies included — Craft your own unique decorative witch's broom while enjoying spooky snacks in a cozy atmosphere.
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Tracy Eckstrand Live at Cottage Hotel
8 PM – 12 AM — Cottage Hotel of Mendon — Check for tickets — Enjoy an evening of original and cover songs by Tracy Eckstrand and Levon Jones.
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Terrapin Flyer Tribute Concert
7 p.m. — JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER — $34-$44 — Experience the authentic sounds of the ultimate Grateful Dead tribute band with a dedicated following.
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Bonsai Presentation by Mark Arpag
7-8 p.m. — The Webster Arboretum — Free entry — Discover the art of Bonsai with award-winning artist Mark Arpag, President of the Bonsai Society of Upstate New York.
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Think X - An Exploration of the Music of Pink Floyd
7-9:30 p.m. — Montage Music Hall — $39.93 - $89.64 — Immerse in the iconic sounds of Pink Floyd complemented by special guest King Youngblood.
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Clue: A Murder Mystery Show
7:30-9 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a hilarious and suspenseful evening based on the iconic board game and cult classic film.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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