Rochester
Morning News
Friday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ RGE’s community event concluded yesterday at Irondequoit Public Library from 4 to 7 p.m.+ visitors learned about the Home Energy Assistance Program and smart meter tips before winter arrived. The Little Theatre screened a witch documentary with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.+ the MAG hosted archaeologist Dr. Alexander Smith as he discussed death-related objects from 6 to 7 p.m. News 10
- ➤ Beacon has been chosen to join NewsMatch 2025 — a matching-gift campaign that runs from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 and helps local nonprofit news. Readers can start donating on Saturday, Nov. 1 to support a $20,000 goal that funds quality local reporting. Rochester Beacon
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Grand opening festivities for Boscov’s at The Mall at Greece Ridge began on Thursday with Charity Day when customers donated $5 to shop early, and the store officially opens today. The 175,000 square foot venue features toy and candy departments and will host Family Fun Day today — followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and fireworks on Saturday. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Joseph Avenue Arts and Culture Alliance has raised $2.8 million to create an arts education and performance center on a historic former synagogue site in Northeast but still needs $1.9 million to start construction. Plans include a 300-seat theater and community spaces for seniors, students, and families—construction will begin sixty to ninety days after final funding is secured. Rochester Beacon
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ New York is home to nine bat species—including two endangered ones—that help control pests while white-nose syndrome has killed over 90% of bats at some hibernation sites. Local efforts to protect bat roosts also aim to support these crucial creatures. Democrat & Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New York State Police and volunteers begin the 49th Annual Pumpkin Patrol tonight on the Thruway—working to prevent Halloween pranks and checking for impaired driving until tomorrow night. NewsRadio WHAM
- ➤ Gov. Hochul declared a state of emergency because SNAP funds will run out Saturday and benefits for 3 million New Yorkers, including 135,000 near Rochester, are at risk. She set aside $65 million in state funds to provide 40 million emergency meals and support food banks if a federal deal is not reached. News 10
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Bills and Chiefs will face off at Highmark Stadium on Nov. 2 at 4:25 p.m. with CBS airing the game locally on WROC channel 8—Jim Nantz will call play-by-play—while betting lines favor the Chiefs at -2 and the over-under is set at 52.5. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Recent Section V girls volleyball playoff results show teams in eight classifications secured wins on Oct. 29 and Oct. 30 to advance toward the NYSPHSAA tournament — standout plays featured key stats in digs, kills, and assists. Scores ranged from shutout wins to competitive five-set matches across Class AA to Class D-2. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Churchville-Chili's Tessa Wood achieved six straight shutouts in the section semifinal—she discussed her record in a video that highlighted her key role on the team. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Austin Billings, Mallory Howe, and Ryan Schumacher were named Section V Athletes of the Week for October 20–26 as voted by fans and presented by Faber Builders—Billings earned praise for his two rushing and two passing touchdowns, Howe won the girls varsity cross country race in 17 minutes and 50.5 seconds at Parma Park, and Schumacher scored the go-ahead goal with 11 saves in a Class AA soccer match. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Buffalo Bills signed a three-year deal to hold training camp at St. John Fisher University starting in 2026—ending their one-year handshake deals. The contract will keep the team in Rochester until 2028 and supports a long-standing local partnership. Democrat & Chronicle
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Bridgeport Islanders vs Rochester Americans
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Stream on FloHockey — Catch the action as the Bridgeport Islanders face off against the Rochester Americans.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Simple and easy are not the same thing.
~ 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