Rochester Morning News Logo Rochester Morning News

Friday, December 12th, 2025

SHARE

Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of December.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Wegmans customers donated nearly $3.1 million during the fall Check Out Hunger campaign, marking the third-highest total in its 32-year history; Rochester stores alone raised over $120,000 with Foodlink receiving $820,515 to help local food bank partners.  Democrat & Chronicle
  • News10NBC is hosting its first Big Give event today at Innovative Field’s VIP parking lot from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. to collect food donations for the House of Mercy.  News 10

CULTURE NEWS

  • OFC Creations will present 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' musical from Dec. 18 to Jan. 4 at its Theatre Center, with actor Garrett Clayton playing the Grinch (bringing Dr. Seuss’s classic tale to life).  ABC 13

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Rochester City School District’s mental health committee recommended more training and funding to help students before a crisis. The report calls for mental health first aid training, emotional wellness education and renewed funding for mobile mental health teams as the board reviews the proposals this week.  WXXI News
  • Commissioner Isaiah Santiago apologized to board member James Patterson during this week's school board meeting, acknowledging his role in distracting focus from students. A hearing on Patterson’s request to remove Santiago is scheduled later this month and Patterson will make a formal statement.  Rochester Beacon
  • Former head of Rochester's Fashion Week, Meg Mundy, launches Fashion Camp 585 to teach children how to create a local fashion show. The camp offers hands-on lessons and creative guidance for kids in Rochester.  ABC 13

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection warned holiday shoppers to stay alert for online scams as they shop for gifts. The agency offered tips to verify sellers, check secure website indicators, and read return policies after reports showed over $17 million in scam losses last year.  Democrat & Chronicle
  • City officials offer a live PlowTrax map for residents to track 150 snow plows and see when their streets were last plowed — a tool to guide safe winter commutes.  Democrat & Chronicle

HEALTH NEWS

  • Dr. William Valenti was honored at Trillium Health's World AIDS Day event on Thursday evening in Rochester; he received a New York State Liberty Medal and the Key to the City for decades of work fighting HIV/AIDS and will retire from patient care later this year.  ABC 13
  • Rochester General Hospital has been named one of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care and is the only facility in Western New York on the list. The hospital earned its 25th consecutive Baby-Friendly recertification (a rare achievement) that recognizes its high level of care.  News 10

SPORTS NEWS

  • The Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots will play at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 14, at Gillette Stadium. Rochester viewers can watch the game on WROC + channel 8 as part of the CBS broadcast schedule.  Democrat & Chronicle
  • The Amerks will revive Teddy Bear Toss night on Friday, Dec. 19 during their game against the Belleville Senators in Rochester. Fans are invited to bring a new teddy bear or stuffed animal — items to be donated to the Pirate Toy Fund — after the team's first goal.  News 10

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 12/13/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 12/16/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Wed, 12/17/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Thu, 12/18/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 12/19/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 12/20/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 12/26/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 12/27/25

    View event
  • The Turbulents Concert

    5:00-6:30 p.m. — Photo City Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience live performances by The Turbulents and other featured artists in Rochester.

    Sun, 12/28/25

    View event
  • Live Music with Brody Schenk

    7 PM - 1 AM — Abilene Bar and Lounge — $10 at the Door — Experience the heartfelt melodies and storytelling of rising singer-songwriter Brody Schenk.

    Mon, 12/29/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.

~ Anais Nin

About Rochester Morning News

Welcome to the Rochester Morning News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Rochester, New York community. If you like the Rochester Morning News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Rochester.

Advertising Opportunities

Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Rochester and across New York. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.

Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.

Community, delivered

Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe to Rochester Morning News

A free Rochester community newsletter.

Daily local news
We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
6AM City
A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here