Rochester
Morning News
Monday, December 15th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 15th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Economic Justice Committee of Citizen Action hosted its second Roc the Block Party on Saturday, Dec. 13, at East High School — featuring music, free food, local vendor displays, and the distribution of winter clothing and non-perishable goods for Rochester residents. News 10
- ➤ Tailor Square — originally a 1930 Hickey Freeman building — has had all three elevators out since Friday, leaving residents with mobility challenges worried about emergencies. Management says it is working to repair the system and has offered a hotel stay, though many find that option unworkable. News 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ DeWolf Brewing Co. opened Dec. 11 on Maple Ave. in Victor (its space renovated from a historic feed store site) and offers a 10-barrel brewing system with craft lagers, while a small plate menu will launch in January. Democrat & Chronicle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Rochester International Jazz Festival added 13 new artists to its Club Pass Series today, joining 10 performers set to showcase at Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theatre. Festival performances will take place from June 19 to 24, 2026 across several local venues. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ A decades-old diorama showing Rochester’s Genesee River gorge circa 1910 is stored in a building near Palmyra (collected by Clark L. Rittersbach) and may be restored for display in the future High Falls State Park. The model captures early industry details that shaped our city. WXXI News
- ➤ On Sunday, locals joined a Santa Stampede on Park Avenue, dressing as Santa — running or walking to share Christmas cheer with their neighbors. News 10
- ➤ Yesterday, Rochester community members gathered at Washington Square Park and The Wintergarden to celebrate Hanukkah’s first light (honoring victims of an Australian attack) while local, state, and town officials provided enhanced security. Menorah lightings will continue across Monroe County. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews repaired a water main break near the intersection of Blossom and Ellison Hills Drive in Penfield on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.+ The break closed the road from Ellison Park's entrance to Browncroft Boulevard as officials said freezing temperatures likely contributed. News 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Rochester General Hospital was named one of 26 New York hospitals recognized for top maternity care in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 ranking. The hospital was recertified as Baby Friendly for 25 straight years + one of only eight in the nation to reach this milestone. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Health experts said new HIV cases in New York increased by over 20% from 2020 to 2024, with Black diagnoses in Rochester up 35% over the past decade, and they stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted care & testing, calling for more investments in prevention. WXXI News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Sal Maiorana recapped the Bills' 35 to 31 comeback win over the Patriots on game day, detailing a thrilling rally that energized fans. Democrat & Chronicle
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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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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.
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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.
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Afterglow - Neon Noir New Year’s Eve Party 2026
8:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. — The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa — $115+ — Ring in 2026 with a Neon Glow at this festive New Year’s Eve celebration featuring an open bar and live DJs.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
~ Soren Kierkegaard
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