Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester’s Veo scooters and e-bikes will be available until mid-December unless severe weather forces early storage, giving locals about another month to ride these green vehicles.

A Veo representative said survey results show rising use as many riders save money on gas and cut back on car trips + the fleet continues to grow in popularity.

A food donation drive will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Innovative Field with food and essential items going directly to Foodlink to help residents affected by the SNAP funding delay.

City officials, the Rochester Red Wings and local leaders sponsor the drive (donated items include nonperishables and hygiene products), and donors should use the Oak Street entrance to Lot D.

Attendees gathered at Kodak Center on November 6 for the Empty Bowls fundraiser to support Catholic Charities Family and Community Services, where local restaurants served soup in unique ceramic bowls—live music and a silent auction added to the lively event.

Proceeds will aid CCFCS in fighting hunger and poverty in our community.

United & Healing Through Hope of Monroe County, led by founder Clay Harris, will host a Thanksgiving food drive on Saturday, November 22 at Full Gospel Tabernacle Church—this event acts as a stopgap measure as nonprofits and individuals work to ease food insecurity amid a SNAP funding freeze.

On November 6th, 2025, slime, Battleship and Trivial Pursuit were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame and are now on permanent display at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester—an honor decided by public vote and expert review.

Rochester residents have listed over 20 dive bars that offer a casual, affordable space with strong local history; many of these spots serve as gathering places + performance venues.

The list includes favorites like Bug Jar, Black Diamond Hotel Bar, and Vertex that continue to shape the city's nightlife.

Spirit Airlines will end its service at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport on January 7, 2026—following its second bankruptcy filing in less than a year.

The airline began daily nonstop flights to Orlando in October 2022 and later added flights to Myrtle Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Las Vegas.

Miss Julie’s School of Beauty — the nation’s first nonprofit cosmetology school for survivors of sex trafficking — opened its doors on November 6 in Rochester.

The school earned state licensing and will train its first cohort next month.

A report by education groups found that New York’s universal prekindergarten funding is unsustainable because pre-K funding stayed flat even as other school funds increased.

The groups recommended raising each student's funding and reviewing costs regularly (if set at $10,000 per student, the cost would be about $1.7 billion per year) to secure a better start for young learners.

Rochester employers are bracing for a new federal rule that imposes a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions filed for skilled workers recruited from overseas—this fee will not affect those already in the U.S., and local organizations are monitoring further guidance closely.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that SNAP benefits for November will be issued at 65% of normal (up from the previous estimate of 50%) so a family of four may receive about $646.

Local food pantries in the six-county region (where 1 in 7 residents relies on SNAP) are preparing for increased demand amid ongoing uncertainty.

Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly visited Golisano Children's Hospital on Wednesday to honor Albert Canady with the Safety Hero Award—he cared for Kelly's grandson after a serious birth complication this summer, and the youngster is now home safely with his parents.

Dr. William Valenti, a leading health professional known for his work in HIV/AIDS, will step down from his post at Trillium Health by the end of this year—his retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished career.

Trillium will also host a World AIDS Day Fundraiser on Dec. 11 at Hyatt Regency to honor his contributions.

Rochester restaurants now offer a range of Thanksgiving takeout meals from single servings to family dinners that include turkey, traditional sides and desserts.

Orders are limited and must be placed by early deadlines, with pickup available on Thanksgiving or November 26 + customers are urged to order soon.

The Bills will play the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium at 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Nov.

9 on CBS—Rochester viewers can catch the game on WROC Channel 8 or via NFL+ streaming.

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.

Debi Bower Book Signing

11 AM - 1 PM — The Bird House — Free entry — Meet local author Debi Bower and get your books signed in Rochester's cozy atmosphere.

Cleveland Monsters vs. Rochester Americans

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Costs vary — Watch the thrilling battle on ice between the Monsters and Americans.

Race with Grace 5K and 10K

1:30-4 p.m. — 3651 Latta Rd, Rochester, NY — Registration fee applies — Participate in the annual Race with Grace to support the community and enjoy a fun day of running.

Rochester Americans vs Syracuse Crunch

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Check event for ticket prices — Watch the exciting showdown between regional hockey rivals in an action-packed evening.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

2-8:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical ballet with dazzling costumes and sets for the whole family.