Rochester
Morning News
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Foodlink is tackling food insecurity with programs highlighted in ARC Rochester’s Spotlight on Hunger. Senior VP Mitch Gruber shared details of the effort to boost food access for residents through local social services. FOX Rochester
- ➤ The Monroe County Sheriff's Office delivered gifts to 50 families in Henrietta on Wednesday as part of its annual holiday toy drive to support over 120 children. Deputy Phil Fantanza led the effort (marking over 30 years of community service) that builds positive community relations. News 10
- ➤ Chris Lopez returned to St Peter's Kitchen on Wednesday, Dec. 17 to see the nonprofit feeding local residents and supporting community food relief. His visit underlined the ongoing effort to build community resilience. ABC 13
- ➤ The Rochester Americans visited Golisano Children’s Hospital and Rochester General Hospital Tuesday to share holiday spirit with young patients and their families. Team members split up to deliver autographs and cheerful greetings as part of their annual tradition. News 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The new Fairlife facility in Webster opens in a few weeks with production starting next month and shipping planned for mid-January. The plant sits near active train tracks but a Fairlife representative said shipments will not use trains while the town extends Boulter Industrial Parkway to Salt Road for future operations. News 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Miner Library celebrates URMC's 100th anniversary with an exhibit titled 'A Century of Research and Education Innovation' that highlights medical milestones and rare artifacts. The History of Medicine section is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for patrons at the library. Campus Times
- ➤ Temple Beth El is celebrating Hannukah with extended events & community gatherings honoring the Hebrews' reclamation of Jerusalem; Senior Rabbi Ben Goldstein said the festivities will bring people together over the holiday. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Prep High School students earned nearly $400,000 QuestBridge scholarships each after months of essay work, high GPAs, and strong SAT scores — awards that ease college costs amid rising tuition and changing federal funding priorities. Spectrum News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Blue Cross Arena will require clear bags for all events starting Jan. 5 to improve security and streamline entry. Guests must use a clear bag no larger than (12 x 6 x 12) or an opaque purse not exceeding (4.5 x 6.5) to meet the new guidelines. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Irondequoit officials extended trash company contracts until Feb. 28 after Waste Management and Casella canceled service for nearly 200 residents this summer due to safety concerns on narrow, hilly streets — a Dec. 16 public hearing reviewed if licenses should be revoked. Democrat & Chronicle
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ URochester holds monthly Red Watch Band training sessions in Wilson Commons to teach students bystander intervention for drug and alcohol safety; participants practice with group discussions and role-play and can earn Medallion credit + certification. Campus Times
- ➤ Mercy Flight of Buffalo signed an agreement to acquire Finger Lakes Ambulance EMS to expand emergency services in the Finger Lakes region + the deal now awaits approval from regional EMS councils and the state Department of Health. Mercy Flight said its air ambulance services will remain unchanged. News 10
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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.
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The Dinner Detective: True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show
6 PM — RIT Inn & Conference Center — Ticket prices vary — Participate in solving a hilarious true crime murder mystery while enjoying dinner.
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Coming Down, Jordan Moss, The Rogues Concert
9 PM - 11:55 PM — Bug Jar — Tickets starting at $6.65 — Experience an eclectic mix of punk and indie rock performances in a local favorite venue.
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In the Zone Card Show
Mall hours — In The Zone — Free entry — Explore a wide variety of cards at this exciting two-day event perfect for collectors.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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