Rochester
Morning News
Thursday, December 4th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 4th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Toys for Tots Holiday Drive runs through Sunday, Dec. 14 in Rochester and seeks unwrapped gifts for newborns to age 16 (102,000 toys donated last year), while organizers report the drive has collected 632,000 toys over the past decade from 443 local drop-off boxes. News 10
- ➤ Today, the Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York warns consumers to be alert for online shopping scams as the holiday season approaches. Officials advise shoppers to verify secure websites (look for HTTPS with a lock) to ensure deals are legitimate. ABC 13
- ➤ The Chamber announced that out-of-water activities for the 2026 Wild Water Derby might move after the village set a new liability insurance policy, though the water race remains on the Canandaigua Outlet; the final location will be decided at the Dec. 10 Village meeting. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ This weekend, the Rochester Public Market (280 N. Union St.) will distribute FreshConnect Emergency Response Checks from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help SNAP recipients and low-income families access healthy food, offering $20 vouchers per family member with returns available each Saturday through Dec. 27. City of Rochester
- ➤ Genesee Brew House will host its keg tree lighting tomorrow at 25 Cataract St. from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the tree lit at 7 p.m. and new beer-infused donuts available for adults plus food trucks on site; ride-share is recommended due to limited parking. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Yesterday, NYS Sen. Cooney hosted the Year-End Community Awards Ceremony, honoring local citizens, businesses & groups for building a stronger Rochester. Three Senate Proclamations & nine Empire Awards were given to organizations like B.L.O.O.M. Roc, Rochester Oratorio Society, Willie McGlory, ABC School of Driving, and the Inn on Broadway. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Marketplace Mall's interior in Henrietta will close on Dec. 31 unless a major tenant takes over the space, though businesses with exterior entrances will remain open & serve customers. Democrat & Chronicle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Worldwide Documentaries will screen Running to Stand Still (Migrants Search for Hope in the Promised Land) at the Dryden Theatre on Dec. 8 from 7-9:30 p.m. A panel discussion follows with local leaders (including Mayor Malik Evans and City Councilmembers) to address immigration issues in our community. Rochester Beacon
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Starting New Year’s Day, Rochester workers earning minimum wage will see their pay increase by 50 cents per hour, raising the wage to $16 (part of a statewide measure passed in the 2024 fiscal budget). News 10
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Seneca Park Zoo reported Friday that its 20-year-old Amur tiger Katya died after her kidney disease and arthritis worsened, leading officials to choose euthanasia. Katya was the oldest Amur tiger at an accredited zoo, leaving a cherished legacy in the community. WXXI News
- ➤ Monroe County’s Department of Environmental Services held its first public meeting last month to plan a Climate Adaptation Resiliency Plan that addresses climate change risks in Rochester and suburbs. The department will host more in-person and online sessions and surveys as it works to complete the plan by summer 2026. Rochester Beacon
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The American Heart Association hosted its annual 'Go Red for Women' luncheon Tuesday at Monroe Golf Club in Pittsford, raising funds for life-saving research and spotlighting heart disease risks among women with Nikki Rudd emceeing and Megan Vargulick urging better care. News 10
- ➤ URMC psychologist Dr. Meredith Gansner explains that a new study in Pediatrics finds kids who start using smartphones at age 12 are more likely to face depression and obesity. The research guides local families and health care providers in making informed decisions. ABC 13
- ➤ UR Medicine’s lung cancer screening program, launched in 2022, increased its rate from 33% in March 2022 to nearly 72% in June 2025 + it enrolls eligible patients for annual follow-up tests. Democrat & Chronicle
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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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Belleville Senators vs. Rochester Americans
7:05-8:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Ticket info available online — Catch the exciting showdown on the ice between the Senators and Americans.
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Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings
7-7:59 p.m. — Temple Theater — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of Christmas Carols performed by a string quartet under candlelight.
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3HB's Ugly Sweater Party
7-10:30 p.m. — Three Heads Brewing — $10 entry — Groove to funky tunes at a jam-filled ugly sweater extravaganza with local band Calabash.
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Cleveland Monsters vs. Rochester Americans
5:05-6:35 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Check for ticket prices — Watch the exciting matchup as the Monsters take on the Americans on the ice.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.
~ Albert Einstein
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