Thursday, October 30th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 30th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Polite Ink Comedy is raising money for the People's Pantry with its annual Oh Watta Night show on Saturday, November 1 at 7 p.m. at OFC Theatre Center—troupe members Karen Craft and Corrie Carter lead the event. ABC 13
- ➤ Jeff Knauss is donating $100K through his foundation and offering Wegmans gift cards up to $150 to help people in Rochester and Syracuse manage the SNAP freeze that will begin on November 1 — his effort comes amid a government shutdown that has raised concerns over food access. A GoFundMe campaign has already raised over $100K to support those affected. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ East Ave Wegmans will host a grocery run at Third Presbyterian Church on Meigs Street where runners will start the 10K and 5K at 8 a.m. and a 1K at 9:10 a.m. — Mark Dwyer and Ellen Rye noted Foodlink's role with SNAP funding ending soon. ABC 13
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Last week, business owners in Pittsford found anonymous letters left at their doors warning them not to choose one political side — with one owner calling the note threatening while others said it would not change their plans to display political signs — and local state law protects against voter intimidation. News 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Memorial Art Gallery will host a scholarship gala on Nov. 7 from 6 to 10 p.m. — the local chapter of the Sigma Gamma Rho Society honors 103 years of sisterhood, scholarship and service in a Met Gala style event. ABC 13
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Today in Rochester, over 500 people gather at the Riverside Convention Center for the New York State Innovation Summit to hear keynotes on emerging technologies and view a tech expo. Organized by FuzeHub and supported by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation — the two-day event will also host a Commercialization Competition where small companies can pitch ideas for up to $150,000 in funding. Rochester Beacon
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Mayor Malik Evans celebrated the planting of the city's 6,000th tree—part of the Tree Expansion Initiative—on Oct. 29 and urged residents to care for the urban forest for future generations. ABC 13
- ➤ Officials have unveiled a framework plan for High Falls State Park in Rochester that updates the conceptual plan from 2022—this plan will introduce improved visitor facilities and conservation efforts with further details to be announced soon. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Conservationists in New York launched Bat Week to teach locals the important role bats play and to remind everyone to avoid disturbing hibernation sites — a measure that is key as white nose syndrome has killed over 90% of bats at these sites since 2007. State Department of Environmental Conservation biologist Ashley Meyer said staying away from caves and mines helps bats save energy for spring — ensuring they have a better chance to survive another year. WXXI News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rochester school buses now have cameras that record drivers who pass them illegally when stop arms are out and red lights flash. The city launched a School Bus Safety Program that uses contractor-installed cameras to review violations — the city will fine first offenders $250, second offenders $275, and repeat offenders $300 — with a two-month warning period starting November 3. WXXI News
- ➤ Local food providers in Rochester are bracing for a government shutdown that may pause SNAP benefits for 42 million Americans if no deal is reached by Nov. 1. A recent state report shows Monroe County has 106,801 SNAP recipients and other regional counties also depend on the program—details that guide local food assistance efforts. News 10
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After a 40—9 win over the Panthers, Bills quarterback Josh Allen said he will fix the passing game with minor tweaks and better footwork, even as the team struggles with a weak receiver group. Coach Sean McDermott added that the trade deadline is adding pressure on GM Brandon Beane to upgrade the receiving corps—an essential step for a more balanced offense. Democrat & Chronicle
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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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Grace O'Malley Live Comedy Show
7-8:30 p.m. — Comedy @ The Carlson — Tickets available — Experience an evening of laughter with live comedy from Grace O'Malley.
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