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Good morning, Rochester! In today’s edition: First baby of 2026, Beers of the World closing, a swing dance masquerade, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Cold-weather wellness boost: St. John’s Nursing Home in Rochester promoted indoor exercise, hosting a movement class with balls and weights to keep seniors active, echoing research that links activity to lower dementia risk — read the full story.
Regional beer shops in flux: Beers of the World will close its Henrietta and Batavia stores February 28, citing economic and industry changes. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sundays — find the last day and hours.
A heartwarming family milestone: Highland Hospital in Rochester welcomed the city’s first baby of 2026 just three minutes after midnight on New Year’s Day, to parents Sydney and Tim Provo, joining an older brother — read the full story.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
New statewide policy shifts: New York’s 2026 laws took effect. Minimum wage is $16 outside NYC, Long Island, and Westchester. Epi-pen costs are capped, child tax credits rise to $1,000 for under 4 and $500 for ages 4 to 16, and Gift Act lets close friends authorize organ donation when no next relatives. Get all the details.
Burrito night upgrade: When you want more than the usual, Neno’s Gourmet Mexican Street Food builds burritos your way, from jalapeño-cheddar tortillas to smothered Burrisuizo or Suizomole, plus a Birria Burrito that hits hard. Add salsa verde, queso, and cozy vibes… consider dinner officially upgraded.
Curiosity break, anyone? When your brain needs a midweek reboot, the Rochester Museum & Science Center delivers hands-on exhibits, live demos, and a quick hop to the Strasenburgh Planetarium for starry escapism. Great for kids, kids-at-heart, and anyone overdue for a little science-fueled delight.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🔥 Winter Warmup @ Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester | Friday (1/9) at 5:00 PM – Take a midwinter sanity break and slip into MAG for half-price admission, live tunes, and a hot chocolate cocktail you can actually wander with. Browse THE STORE for local gifts, then linger over 52 Impressionist masterworks, the Art Spot trail, and Brown Hound comfort.
🏒 Laval Rocket at Rochester Americans @ Blue Cross Arena | Friday (1/9) at 7:00 PM – Hockey night at the War Memorial, as the Amerks host Laval. Expect fast shifts, a few questionable penalties, and the perfect excuse to yell with your neighbors and crush a white hot. Seats are easy to snag, atmosphere is pure Rochester.
🏒 Robert Morris Colonials at RIT Tigers Men’s Hockey @ University Arenas at RIT | Friday (1/9) at 7:05 PM – RIT Tigers take on the Robert Morris Colonials at RIT’s Polisseni Center, and it’s the good kind of loud. Expect cowbells, sharp checks, and the Corner Crew politely educating the refs. Snag seats at RITtickets.com, wear orange, and call it quality time with icing.
🎮 PokeKon-Fest @ RIT Inn & Conference Center | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – This all-ages fan fest packs cosplay, card trading, and plenty of Pikachu into one very enthusiastic Rochester room. Bring the kids, or your inner ten-year-old, then haggle for rare cards, snap photos, and pretend the walk from parking counts as your daily gym.
🌳 The Surprising Story of Durand Eastman Park @ Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County | Saturday (1/10) at 1:00 PM – Think you know Durand Eastman Park? Get the real story on our prettiest shoreline escape, meet the other namesake, Dr. Henry Durand, and hear about the Lady in White, local quirks, and the quiet deals that built your favorite beach, golf course, and trails.
🎭 Swing Dance Masquerade @ Groove Juice Swing | Saturday (1/10) at 7:00 PM – New year calls for a little mystery and a lot of swing, so dust off your fox-trot, polish that mask, and grab your dancing shoes. The Biltmore Commandos are back with brass and bounce, perfect for twirling, people-watching, and pretending you remember every step.
🎯 Envision 2026 @ Artisan Works | Sunday (1/11) at 12:00 PM – Starting the year at ARTISANworks with vision boards, good food, and just enough mystic flair to make resolutions fun. Supplies are provided, plus wellness vendors, tarot readers, reiki, spell jars, and a cash bar. Your $14 unlocks the sprawling gallery, artisan shopping, and people-watching.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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How it works:
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📻 Rochester report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 44°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 3%
Partly sunny, with a high near 44. South wind around 5 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy. Low around 36, with temperatures rising to around 44 overnight. South wind 5 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
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Tomorrow – High: 55°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 77%
Rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 55. South wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain showers before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. West wind 5 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
This house is wild
At 2 Flower Dale Drive in Ridge Meadows, this charming 2 bed, 1 bath ranch townhome leans into light and ease. A bright open floor plan flows under cathedral ceilings, with a skylight and abundant windows amplifying the sunshine. The living area centers around a cozy fireplace for instant ambiance. Single level living keeps everything simple.
First floor laundry adds everyday convenience, and the kitchen comes complete with all appliances. The address delivers a centralized location that is close to shopping, dining, and commuting routes, yet it sits on a quiet residential street. A practical footprint, easy maintenance, and community setting make this spot appealing year round.
Take a peek inside →
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