Good morning, Rochester.

Lollypop Farm in Fairport is working with Petcademy to offer 30 days of free training and behavior support for new dog and cat owners—certified trainers are available daily by text or email.

The program also provides online videos and guides to help pets adjust and lower the chance of being returned after adoption.

Local Ukrainian leaders in Rochester have strongly opposed a 28-point US peace deal that would force Ukraine to cede land to Russia — they claim that limits on the military and war crime forgiveness would weaken Ukraine.

The plan, discussed in Geneva, will need presidential approval and Russian acceptance before it moves forward.

Local stores have announced their holiday hours for Thanksgiving through New Year's with Wegmans in Rochester staying open until 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving and reopening at 6 a.m. on Black Friday—Walmart will be closed on Thanksgiving while Tops, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Costco and others set different schedules for Christmas and New Year's.

The Mary Cariola Center received a $25 million donation from Tom Golisano to support plans for a new school—one that will bring together its elementary, middle, and high school programs—and center officials said they will work with the New York State Education Department to find a site that meets all needs. The expansion will help the center boost services for people with severe and complex disabilities.

Miss Julie's School of Beauty opened its doors in Sibley Square on Monday as the nation's first no cost cosmetology school for survivors of sex trafficking and individuals at risk—providing trauma informed training that leads to a New York cosmetology license and will begin classes on December 1.

A local nonprofit, The Children's Agenda, based in Rochester, has proposed a $150 million plan to make child care universal and affordable—using two funding bridges of $75 million each to expand eligibility and cap out-of-pocket costs at $100 per week.

The plan will be tested in select communities and aims to serve 28 percent of qualified children, with officials projecting six years to achieve full coverage across New York.

Rochester’s iconic city mark will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026 with several events announced by Mayor Malik D.

Evans. The city will change its flag at December’s City Council meeting and host activities including a documentary premiere and art installations next spring — marking a half-century milestone.

All New York Thruway service areas reopened after a $450 million renovation finished on Nov.

19 — each stop offers restrooms, gas, free WiFi and a 24-hour Applegreen convenience store while restaurant options vary by location.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an extra $125 million for Rochester’s school modernization plan yesterday, allowing officials to adjust the work plan and keep the project moving forward—ensuring any savings benefit students and faculty.

Sen. Jeremy Cooney said the funding will support renovations at several schools as part of the more than $1 billion public works project.

Monroe County Health Department inspections in November reviewed 84 Rochester restaurants; 22 had critical violations and 71 still carried unresolved issues from earlier inspections, while 13 earned a clean report.

The report detailed examples from locations such as Nam Vang at 1380 Lyell Avenue and Asia Nation at 3240 Chili Avenue.

Rochester sees 13 new restaurants and bars open this year — from a historic Yemeni coffee house to a tiki bar with creative cocktails — giving locals and returning visitors fresh choices for dining and nightlife.

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.

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.

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.

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.

& 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.

Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs. Rochester Americans

5:05-6:35 PM — Blue Cross Arena — Stream online for FloHockey subscribers — Don't miss out on this exciting AHL showdown between two competitive teams.

Samantha Fish Live

7-10 p.m. — Temple Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable night of blues and rock 'n' roll with Grammy-nominated artists blending tradition and innovation.