Rochester
Morning News
Thursday, November 27th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 27th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes will host ROC the Day on Tuesday, Dec. 2—an online 24-hour fundraiser where donors choose from over 500 local nonprofits in areas like education, health, human services, the arts, the environment, and animals. The event aims to raise $1 million and builds on past campaigns that have raised more than $12 million for local causes. News 10
- ➤ Greece Olympia student Anthony Medina was honored as the final recipient of fall’s 'Do The Right Thing' awards for stepping in during a friend fight instead of recording it — his action highlights the importance of setting a positive example for peers. News 10
- ➤ The 8th annual News10NBC Toys for Tots Holiday Drive is underway with a goal to collect 125,000 toys so every child can have a gift to open during the season. Coordinator Alexis Hogle said they have gathered 30,000 items so far and are most in need of STEM kits, arts and crafts, and self-care items for children ages 9 to 15—donations are accepted at 860 drop-off sites through Dec. 14. News 10
- ➤ The Pirate Toy Fund will hold a party at Bunsty's on Sunday, Nov. 30 at noon—Otto Harnischfeger and Steve Ball from The Dawgs shared details about the upcoming celebration. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rebecca Vang opened a Crust Pie Co. storefront at 133 Gregory St. in the South Wedge where she makes pies that mix her family recipes with local produce — a step that follows her work at local farmers markets and shared kitchens. Rochester Beacon
- ➤ 7 Brew will open a new drive-thru coffee shop in Penfield at 1968 Empire Blvd—built on the site of a former Chili’s that will be torn down this spring, with the facility expected to open about 12 weeks later and offer drinks like coffee, tea, Italian sodas, smoothies, shakes, energy drinks, and hot chocolate. Democrat & Chronicle
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ AAA projects 81.8 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home this week for Thanksgiving — 90% driving — while the National Highway Safety Administration warned that the Wednesday before the holiday was one of the worst nights for drunk driving. A Stop DWI campaign is running statewide through Sunday to urge drivers to stay safe on the roads. News 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Genesee Brew House keg tree tops Newsweek's national list by beating Rockefeller Center's tree and eight other displays with its design built from 650 empty beer kegs and 25,000 lights as chosen by readers. A free lighting event will be held Dec. 5 at the Brew House from 5 to 9 p.m., with Dean Jones lighting the tree at 7 p.m. + special Keg Tree Donuts available to benefit the Breast Cancer Coalition. Democrat & Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, local nonprofit WellVentions offered a crash course in business sense to young entrepreneurs—Chris Lopez visited the training to learn more about its efforts. ABC 13
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Delayed draft regulations under New York's Climate Act have left local developers and officials uncertain about power capacity and economic growth. A state Supreme Court judge ordered the DEC to issue the rules by Feb. 6, 2026 — the decision seeks to guide climate reform as local communities contend with rising energy burdens. Rochester Beacon
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rochester will redesign its flag for the 50th anniversary of its city mark. The new design shows a modern mark—a five-pointed white flower on a blue background. Democrat & Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Pizza Shoppe in Penfield is closed after a Monroe County health inspection found mouse droppings in flour, onions, and other areas—inspectors also reported gaps in the building and uncovered food. The owner said that food served remains safe and the restaurant will reopen once pest control work is completed and approved by the county. News 10
- ➤ Jackie Sierra and other members of the Rochester Fire Department advise residents to follow strict cooking safety tips this Thanksgiving — they recommend keeping flammable items away from heat sources. Their guidance aims to reduce kitchen risks — helping families celebrate the holiday safely. ABC 13
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Happy Goat Hangout opened at Eastview Mall on Nov. 23, offering shoppers baby goat snuggling and yoga with set hours on weekdays and weekends — the attraction runs through the end of January and has already drawn over 100 visitors on its opening day. Democrat & Chronicle
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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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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.
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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.
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Rochester Americans vs Utica Comets
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Check local listings for pricing — Catch the Utica Comets face off against the Rochester Americans live on FloHockey.
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Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
7:30 p.m. — OFC Creations Theatre Center — Tickets available — Enjoy a whimsical musical adaptation of the classic holiday tale of the Grinch who stole Christmas.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life is not what happens to you, but how you interpret what happens to you.
~ Alfred Adler
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