Rochester
Morning News
Friday, December 26th, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, Dec. 25, the Dezio and Gingello Foundation honored the late Sister Grace Miller by providing a Christmas meal and free haircuts for men at La Madonna Della Strada — volunteer barbers donated their time and Capone's Italian Eatery supplied the food. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Roc Holiday Village reopens today at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park after its Christmas closure and will remain open through Sunday, Dec. 28. Visitors can enjoy crafts for kids (including face painting), shopping, ice skating, and live music across multiple venues. News 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ State testing results show roughly half of grade 3-8 students are proficient in English and math—a 10-point jump from last year—and Rochester city schools report below 20% proficiency, with a statewide ban on personal devices in classrooms now in effect to help close this gap. WXXI News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents in Rochester can recycle their holiday trees at four locations, with drop-offs beginning today through the end of January. The trees will be chipped into mulch and woodchips that later can be picked up at the Materials Give Back Program on Ferrano Street. News 10
- ➤ The Finger Lakes Land Trust announced this morning that it conserved 35,000 acres in the region (covering lakeshore, farmland, forest and more) after more than three decades of steady work. Projects include protecting Skaneateles Lake and partnering with Aurora for new park developments. Democrat & Chronicle
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Many shopped online for holiday gifts, so experts advise freezing credit online and checking free credit reports from TransUnion, Equifax and Experian to stop identity theft. Margaret Poe says this simple step helps keep crooks from using your private information. News 10
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Michael Kamali, URMC Chief of Emergency Medicine at Strong Memorial, has worked every Christmas for 25 years to care for patients even while families celebrate. He said the holiday is slow but patients need extra care and ER visits often surge the following day. News 10
- ➤ At Highland Hospital’s Family Maternity Center, three families welcomed healthy newborns on Christmas Day when Lilah, Wynter, and Major were born early in the morning. The births add festive joy to the community. News 10
- ➤ Former chef Wayne Williams, who became legally blind after retiring in 2019, has received delivered meals through Meals on Wheels for about a year to help him stay self-sufficient. He shovels sidewalks and visits local shops, showing how volunteers support his daily life. News 10
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ On Christmas Day, hundreds of skiers enjoyed a cherished local tradition at Bristol Mountain Ski Resort when reliable snow-making delivered a white Christmas — a setup that allowed family and friends to connect on the slopes — and celebrate decades of holiday spirit. ABC 13
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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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G. Love and Special Sauce Live
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Rose Marie and John Beston Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of alternative hip-hop vibes from this Philadelphia band inspired by the Beastie Boys.
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School of Rock Seasonal Show: New Wave, Classic Metal, and Pop Legends
5-7:30 p.m. — Lovin' Cup — Free entry — Experience a vibrant showcase of talented young musicians performing classic rock anthems and modern hits.
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
You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.
~ Jack London
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