Rochester
Morning News
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Fairfield Lilac Run 5K/10K will be held on May 17 at 1440 South Ave in Rochester. Festival producer Jenny LoMaglio and Sunshine Camp executive director Tracey Dreisbach say the family-friendly race will offer local residents a fun way to get active. FOX Rochester
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Stores and restaurants opened or expanded across Rochester this year, reshaping local shopping from Brighton to Eastview Mall. Prominent new locations include Aldi, Burlington and Boscov’s alongside expanded services from Rochester Emergency Veterinary Services and Oxygen Yoga and Fitness. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Last Sunday, passengers on Delta Flight 2472 waited more than two hours to deplane at Rochester airport after arriving from Atlanta, and airport director Andy Moore said the delay was due to staffing issues within the airline (including contractor challenges) with improvements underway. News 10
- ➤ Most departures were cancelled Monday and additional flights were delayed Tuesday at Rochester Airport due to winter storms, even though runways remained open as crews de-iced aircraft. Airlines made the decisions to cancel flights to keep crews and passengers safe. News 10
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Finger Lakes region received nearly $43 million for 48 projects including infrastructure upgrades in Henrietta, a new headquarters for Headwater Foods, and a housing development in Phelps. The funds will leverage over $160 million in additional public and private investments. Rochester Beacon
- ➤ State officials awarded $42.6 million on Tuesday, Dec. 30 to fund infrastructure upgrades for new housing developments across the Finger Lakes region (including a $3 million project for Headwater Foods' new Rochester headquarters) to support hundreds of new homes and townhouses. WXXI News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Barry Silverstein, a Meta veteran and UR alumnus, has been named director of the Center for Extended Reality to forge academic, industry, and community partnerships in Rochester. The center will build a vision to guide AR/VR research & boost local growth. Rochester Beacon
- ➤ University of Rochester and the Strong National Museum of Play announced a partnership to study the power of play using their collections & exhibit research while planning to co-host conferences, classes and field trips. The collaboration will support upcoming university programs and community engagement. News 10
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A lake-effect snow system brought heavy snowfall across Western and Central New York yesterday—Franklinville recorded 9.1 inches while other towns reported totals from 1.0 to 7.0 inches. Democrat & Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Hochul announced over $2 billion in state financing for 24 housing developments statewide; in Rochester, $58 million will transform a downtown office building into 129 Gateway Apartments + $40 million will fund a 153-unit project in Upper Falls. News 10
- ➤ The City of Rochester has extended its School Bus Safety program warning period to Tuesday, Jan. 20 so that all motorists receive mailed warnings after officials reviewed over 10,000 video clips — cameras on about 800 school buses capture illegal passes, and fines will begin then to support the Vision Zero plan. City of Rochester
- ➤ Rochester officials extended the School Bus Safety Program’s warning period until Jan. 20 — allowing more time to mail warnings to motorists captured by cameras passing stopped buses, nearly 4,000 warnings were mailed since Nov. 3 and fines will start after the period ends. WXXI News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Regional Health reinstated universal masking yesterday after a rise in flu and respiratory illnesses, requiring patients, visitors, and staff to wear masks (extra hand washing was also encouraged) at all its facilities for about one month. News 10
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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.
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Wood Flower Centerpiece Class at Blue Barn Cidery
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Blue Barn Cidery — Includes one complimentary drink — Unleash your creativity in this hands-on class to craft a stunning wood flower centerpiece.
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
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
~ Banksy
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