Rochester
Morning News
Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Genesee Brewery will host its annual Keg Tree Lighting party on Dec. 5 at the Brew House on Cataract Street—music, food trucks, beers including Keg Tree Ale and Genesee Cream Ale, and new Keg Tree donuts from Donuts Delite will feature while the tree, made from over 650 empty beer kegs and 25,000 lights, will be lit around 7 p.m. with the event running until 9 p.m. News 10
- ➤ St. Peter's Kitchen on the West Side is preparing to serve Thanksgiving meals that everyone can enjoy. The kitchen, located at 681 Brown Street + will provide tasty fare to local residents as the holiday approaches. ABC 13
- ➤ On Wednesday, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and West Herr Automotive Group distributed over 1,400 turkeys and food items to local organizations + these groups will hand out the donations to families in need this week. News 10
- ➤ Holidays at the Market returns to the City of Rochester Public Market at 280 N. Union St on Nov. 30, Dec. 7, and Dec. 14 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.—it features family shopping with carriage rides, visits with Santa, and a cookie contest and will end with a special evening event on Dec. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. Local vendors are invited to apply for spaces in covered outdoor sheds. City of Rochester
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Grammy nominee Jim Brickman will perform his holiday show 'Jim Brickman Live! The Gift of Christmas' at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre on Dec. 19th — he shared details about his career and upcoming plans in an interview with Dan Schrack. FOX Rochester
- ➤ Genesee Country Village & Museum appeared in Ken Burns’ PBS documentary 'The American Revolution' with scenes filmed at sunrise and sunset that show the village square and the 1809 Hetchler House in Mumford, said curator Peter Wisbey. The film airs at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV each night this week and the museum will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. WXXI News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, the Flower City Down Syndrome Network donated $30,000 to the Monroe Community College Foundation to fund $1,000 scholarships for special education and human services students—supporting local college students in their academic pursuits. ABC 13
- ➤ Wilbert Jackson, a seventh grader at Andrew Langston Middle School, is being honored for speaking up when he saw students sharing inappropriate photos in a group chat last spring—his alert to a teacher helped keep his classmates safe online. News 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local organizations fear new federal funding rules will put 440 Monroe County residents at risk as HUD reduces permanent supportive housing funds from $14.5 million to $4.7 million once new transitional housing requirements take effect. Partners Ending Homelessness said the change — which mandates 40 hours of weekly support services — may force nonprofits to close and leave 113 households vulnerable to eviction when contracts end in May. ABC 13
- ➤ The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office outlined safety tips on Wednesday morning at Eastview Mall, increasing patrols and using a drone—steps designed to keep over 2 million holiday shoppers safe. News 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Kelly Springer now joins ARC Rochester to share health tips during Diabetes Awareness Month — explaining how fiber affects blood sugar levels. FOX Rochester
- ➤ Monroe County tested 15,570 children for lead poisoning in 2024 and confirmed 299 cases—an increase of 58 from 2023. Officials stressed the need for continued testing and safe housing practices to protect children in older Rochester homes. Rochester Beacon
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ A guide to Thanksgiving Day races in the Rochester area says three turkey trots will take place, with the 54th annual Webster Turkey Trot starting at 10:00 a.m. at Parkview Lodge, Victor’s Turkey Trot 5K and one-mile run beginning at 9:15 a.m. behind Town Hall with packet pickup on Nov. 26, and the Gates Gobble Wobble 5K run and walk starting at 8:30 a.m. at Gates Town Hall where runners will bring non-perishable food donations. News 10
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Rochester Americans vs Utica Comets
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Stream on FloHockey — Catch the thrilling matchup between the Americans and Comets in this live hockey broadcast.
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A Charlie Brown Christmas
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Kodak Center — Tickets start at $72 — Experience the heartwarming tale of Charlie Brown and friends this holiday season.
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Winter Faire
10 AM – 4 PM — The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa — Free entry — Experience a whimsical holiday celebration with local artisans and festive activities across two distinct markets.
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& Juliet
& Juliet — 7:30-9:00 p.m. — West Herr Performing Arts Center — Tickets starting at $78 — Experience a unique twist on the classic story of Romeo and Juliet with this vibrant musical.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
All progress depends on the unreasonable person.
~ George Bernard Shaw
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