Saturday, October 25th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 25th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Single father Carlos Vargas struggles to support his 6-year-old twins by rationing money and food in Rochester, relying on help from HEAP and SNAP and local food cupboards—he worries that a government shutdown could take away vital benefits. Spectrum News
- ➤ Local events in the Rochester area included a trunk-or-treat at the YMCA and an adults-only Museum of the Dead party at the MAG on Friday—while a fall festival in Canandaigua and the Pumpkins in the Park 5K are taking place today. The weekend will also feature the Beethoven Festival at Kodak Hall and the play CLUE, which will run through Sunday—offering activities for all ages. News 10
- ➤ On Friday, Oct. 24, the Arc Foundation of Monroe held its A Toast to The Arc fundraiser at Arbor Midtown in Rochester to raise money and awareness for disability rights with a live painting by local artist Lorraine Staunch, auctions, and a band performance by the Swooners—supporting its Aging in Place, Aging with Grace campaign. ABC 13
- ➤ Joe Berardi, owner of Pink Rose Home Service, was named Man of the Year by Vincent Lombardi Lodge 2270 for his entrepreneurial vision and support of local causes—he received the award at a heritage dinner at Webster Golf Club during Italian Heritage Month. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Deliver Me From Nowhere, a film starring Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen, opened on October 24 at local theaters and shows rare photos from his concerts in Rochester and Buffalo. The film chronicles the making of his 1982 album Nebraska and reflects his long history of sold-out shows and early performances in the area. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Eastman Opera Theatre will stage two new operas at Kilbourn Hall next weekend — the world premiere of 'Click!' will be performed on Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. while 'In a Grove' will debut on Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 2 at 2:30 p.m., with Pat Diamond and Joelle Lachance directing to offer modern takes on classic storytelling. Rochester Beacon
- ➤ MAKS brings noise *and* puppets to his act at the Avant Garde a Clue II Festival, performing today and returning on Sunday at 5:15 p.m. at 75 Stutson Street as the event, featuring over 200 artists, runs until 11 p.m. Sunday. ABC 13
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On October 24th, WXXI's Connections with Evan Dawson highlighted renderings for the planned High Falls State Park in downtown Rochester, showing a 40-acre area with restored green space, playgrounds, seating, and scenic overlooks — construction will begin late next year. City and state officials aim to integrate modern park features with elements of the area's industrial past. WXXI News
- ➤ Recent data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that western New York remains in severe drought with 12.9 million people living in affected areas—rainfall in Rochester has been well below normal, with 0.3 inches in September and 1.2 inches so far in October. Local reports indicate that overall conditions remain dry despite some recent rain. Democrat & Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The government shutdown has lasted 24 days and families in Rochester who depend on SNAP worry that benefits will be paused on Nov. 1 if a funding deal is not reached—officials from Foodlink and Gov. Hochul’s office say nearly 3 million New Yorkers could lose a vital food source. News 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Rochester residents can drop off unwanted or expired prescription drugs today at various locations—Tops, Wegmans and local law enforcement offices—with events running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., accepting tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms. News 10
- ➤ Today, Wegmans is working with local law enforcement to host free prescription drop-off events at several stores in the area, where customers can safely dispose of expired, unused prescriptions—only pills and patches will be accepted. ABC 13
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Brighton native Ernie Clement (the first local World Series player since 1954) is shining in the Blue Jays playoffs with a .429 batting average and 10 runs scored, which has many Rochester fans switching their support from other teams. Longtime followers say they are impressed by his play (with praise noted by local coaches) as he helps lead his team in the postseason. Democrat & Chronicle
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I Love the 90s Tour
12-3 p.m. — Rochester Community Sports Complex — Tickets from $44.52 — Celebrate the 90s with hit performances from Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, and more!
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Retroween Bash
8-11 p.m. — Montage Music Hall — $20 — Dance the night away at the ultimate Halloween retro party featuring 80s and 90s music.
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Josh Ritter Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Rose Marie and John Beston Hall — Ticket pricing varies — Experience a night of captivating melodies from one of America's greatest living songwriters.
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State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine - Swan Lake
7:00-8:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting performance of Swan Lake by the acclaimed State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.
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Rochester Americans vs Syracuse Crunch
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Check FloHockey for streaming options — Exciting hockey showdown between two fierce rivals in the AHL.
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Housing 101: Patio Building Workshop
5:30-6:30 p.m. — Abundance Food Co-op — Free entry — Learn how to construct a patio with expert guidance from a local housing manager.
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JAWS IN CONCERT
7:00-8:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Tickets available — Experience the legendary film JAWS with a live orchestra performing its iconic score.
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Hiking Event with Dogs at North Ponds Park
10:00 – 11:30 AM — North Ponds Apartments & Townhomes — Free entry — Explore the scenic Bird Sanctuary and Chiyoda Trails with your furry friends or solo.
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WBEE's Guitars & Stars Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy an evening of great music featuring local talent.
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Knitting Basics Workshop
12-1 p.m. — Abundance Food Co-op — $25.00 — Learn essential knitting techniques and start your creative journey in this hands-on workshop.
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