Thruway Board votes to raise tolls for drivers without E-ZPass
Drivers without an E-ZPass will pay 30 percent more to drive the New York State Thruway’s toll roads, beginning Jan. 1.
Kids are not immune from COVID-19 surge
In the last several days, roughly 12 percent to 14 percent of Monroe County’s new COVID-19 cases are in people who are 19 and younger.
Keg Tree canceled as Genesee releases two new holiday brews
Genesee will not be lighting the Keg Tree this year, but the brewery will be releasing two fresh holiday beers.
Monroe County Democratic Party office searched by prosecutors
Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Jacob Ark is said to have led the search of the MCDC’s offices.
The Crawdiddies play ‘Front Row at Bop Shop Records’
On Dec. 4, Rochester roots band The Crawdaddies bring its take on deep Delta blues and heartwarming Americana to a virtual show at Bop Shop.
![[CANCELED] Madrigalia returns in virtual ‘Live from Hochstein’ concert](https://i0.wp.com/www.roccitymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/choice_concert5-1-efb1eea31b7ef246.webp?resize=600%2C450&ssl=1)
[CANCELED] Madrigalia returns in virtual ‘Live from Hochstein’ concert
On Wednesday, Dec. 2, Madrigalia performs a virtual concert as part of WXXI Classical 91.5’s “Live from Hochstein” series,
FAMILY-DANCE | ‘The Nutcracker’
Rochester City Ballet’s annual performance of the holiday classic is available to stream through Christmas Eve.
At long last, new ATMs coming to the Public Market
Using the ATMs at the Rochester Public Market has long been an exercise in frustration. That could be about to change.
Cuomo shifts tactics again to battle pandemic, calls on healthcare retirees
“We are not going to live through the nightmare of overwhelmed hospitals again,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in announcing new rules.
Album review: ‘Medical Record’ by Tyler Westcott & Dr. Jazz
On the new album “Medical Record,” Buffalo-based musicians Tyler Westcott & Dr. Jazz take listeners back to the classic jazz of the ’20s and ’30s.
EP review: ‘Better Days’ by The Sideways
Led by charismatic singer-keyboardist Joe Stehle, The Sideways continue to blend jazz, soul, pop, and funk on its new EP, “Better Days.”
Album review: ‘Always Love’ by Maria Gillard Trio
With “Always Love,” local acoustic musician Maria Gillard lets fly with a new, 10-track CD full of wry wit and easy-going Americana.
Album review: ‘You’re It!’ by the Mike Melito/Dino Losito Quartet
When it comes to straight-ahead jazz in upstate New York, it’s hard to find better musicians than drummer Mike Melito and pianist Dino Losito.
Track review: ‘Love Lives Here’ by Brian Lindsay
On the new single “Love Lives Here,” roots rocker Brian Lindsay channels his inner Springsteen with a defiant hopefulness.
Track review: ‘You’re the One’ by Deborah Magone
On the new dance single “You’re the One,” Deborah Magone has transformed herself from bluesy barroom rock ‘n’ roller to grandiose chanteuse.
John Borek reflects on a page-turner of a life
John Borek, an experimental theater producer and former bookstore owner, recently published his memoir, “The Club Van Cortlandt.”
Boy Jr. makes it big with TikTok mash-ups
Erica Allen-Lubman, a.k.a. Boy Jr., has used TikTok to release clever mini-music videos and gain a broader online audience.
How artist Ephraim Gebre came ‘full-circle’ to create ‘I Am Speaking’
In November, 21-year-old muralist Ephraim Gebre led a project honoring the late John Lewis and reconnected with his mentor Shawn Dunwoody.
Eastman Opera Theatre figures out its first virtual production
Performing live opera in a theater has been impossible during the pandemic, but Eastman Opera Theatre has found a solution with “Our Voices.”
More grim, record-breaking COVID-19 case numbers for Monroe County
County officials reported Monday confirming 541 new cases of COVID-19, the highest single-day total yet.
Council to vote on funding for East Main Street narrowing, bike lanes
Advocacy groups and neighbors strongly supported the inclusion of cycle tracks in the reconstruction project.
Public directory helps people support Black-owned businesses this holiday season
Nearly six years after it started, BOBrochester.com has listed over 700 businesses in dozens of categories.
Monroe County announces COVID-19 rapid testing sites
The new testing sites will be available in Rochester, Irondequoit, Brighton and Gates.
Mayor Lovely Warren’s mother dies from complications of COVID-19, heart failure
Mayor Lovely Warren announced Wednesday that her mother died of complications from COVID-19 and heart failure.
‘Happiest Season’ is a sweet, gay twist on the holiday rom-com
‘Happiest Season’ is a vibrant, gay twist on a conventional narrative that makes it a welcome addition to the holiday rom-com cannon.
Bello’s plan to expand county crisis response program suffers delay
The county’s plan to make the Forensic Intervention Team an around-the-clock operation has yet to materialize.
Cuomo worried about increasing COVID-19 cases and Thanksgiving’s impact
Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned of a possible rise in coronavirus cases after Thanksgiving at his Wednesday briefing in Rochester.
Calendar preview: Going shopless
Black Friday is a walk in the park, with guided hikes and neighborhood strolls throughout the weekend.
Ganondagan’s virtual Thanksgiving yoga focuses on gratitude, responsibility
Ganondagan sets a proper tone for the holiday with a yoga session focusing on gratitude, community, and our duties to one another.
Governor denies restoring voting rights to parolee Jalil Muntaqim
The state incorrectly listed Jalil Muntaqim, facing felony charges for registering to vote, as having received a pardon restoring his voting rights.
Orange zone communities look to rapid testing to limit shutdowns
The towns of Brighton and Irondequoit are planning drive-through, rapid COVID-19 testing sites, to be initiated as early as next week.
Holiday Movie Showdown
Push yourself away from the turkey and pie and join CITY for November Madness. Our version of the big dance pits Christmas classics against Thanksgiving favorites, and no matter who wins, someone is going to be crying in the mashed potatoes.
YMCA suspends some operations at Carlson MetroCenter
YMCA officials said that membership and usage is down at the downtown Rochester branch.
RMSC exhibit honors women who changed Rochester and the world
“The Changemakers: Rochester Women Who Changed the World,” showcases time-honored heroes and the work of contemporary history-makers.
Orange zone restrictions mean uncertain times for bars, restaurants
Starting Wednesday, restaurants in orange zones can offer only take-out or outdoor dining with a maximum of four people per table.
State Senate Democrats gain veto-proof majority
Both houses of the Legislature, working together, could enact policies without the governor’s agreement by overriding any of his vetoes.
Legislature’s Black and Asian caucus makes county budget recommendations
The legislators say it “remains to be seen” whether County Executive Adam Bello has addressed their priorities in his proposed 2021 budget.
State classifies parts of Monroe County as COVID-19 ‘orange zones’
Parts of the City of Rochester, Brighton, and Irondequoit will be subject to new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Spencerport lift bridge reopens after major renovations
The bridge work in Spencerport is part of the same $16 million project that also involves renovating the lift bridge in Fairport.
Cuomo asks NYers not to gather for Thanksgiving
Governor Andrew Cuomo has also warned that parts of the City of Rochester and other microclusters across the state may see new restrictions.
RCSD planning to reopen schools in early 2021, but timeline is fluid
The Rochester Board of Education is backing a plan by Superintendent Lesli Myers-Small to reopen schools in February 2021.
RG&E to raise rates slightly, scale back natural gas, under plan approved by state
Rochester Gas & Electric has promised not to invest in new natural gas infrastructure or increase natural gas sales.
A Thanksgiving meal to remember
The annual Thanksgiving meal at Avvino, hosted by owners Janine and Tim Caschette, is a Who’s Who of the Rochester restaurant scene.
Calendar preview: Look, listen, dance
This week’s calendar preview features events to accompany long stretches at home, with online workshops, lectures, and dance performances.
The Nationals will scoop up the Red Wings, according to Chuck Schumer
Sen. Chuck Schumer announced Thursday the Washington Nationals would pick up the Rochester Red Wings as its AAA affiliate.
William Clark appointed to RCSD Board
William Clark will replace the seat left by Natalie Sheppard on the RCSD Board of Education.
Cuomo upgrades Buffalo-region to orange zone
Gov. Andrew Cuomo upgraded much of Buffalo and its suburbs to orange zones Wednesday, with the Finger Lakes just behind in infection rate.
The Painted Birds play album release show at Photo City Music Hall on Friday
The Rochester pop-soul band releases the album “Under the Wing” at a live show, also available virtually, at Photo City Music Hall on Friday.
Morelle calls for reversal of rule allowing natural gas ‘bomb trains’
Rep. Joe Morelle said that if the Trump administration won’t act, he’ll take his request to the administration of President-elect Biden.
Folk musician Ben Proctor to play Bop Shop virtual concert on Friday
Folk musician Ben Proctor of The Crooked North will play a rare improvised set via livestream at Bop Shop Records on Friday night.
Art and social justice series ‘Black House Narratives’ debuts Thursday
21st Century Arts presents an 11-day, robust program of screenings, visual art, performances, and discussions with activists and artists.
Brouk, Cooney prevail after absentee counts
Their victories mean that the city will have representation, and therefore influence, in the Senate’s Democratic majority.
Free learning pods provide much-needed option for city families
During the pandemic, learning pods have become an answer for some students. But not every family can afford to hire private tutors.
December state legislative session not ruled out
With elections over, the New York State Legislature is facing pressure to reconvene and deal with pandemic-related economic problems.
COVID-19 numbers for Monroe County show some declines in latest daily report
Tuesday’s report from the Monroe County Department of Health shows 187 new cases of COVID-19, down from the previous day’s 315 cases.
RBTL and other theaters grapple with long, dark season of entertainment discontent
As we enter the darkest period yet of the coronavirus pandemic, venues such as Rochester’s Auditorium Theatre are shuttered in uncertainty.
Lunsford narrowly defeats incumbent Johns in 135th Assembly District race
Absentee ballots propel Democrat Jen Lunsford past Republican incumbent Mark Johns in the 135th Assembly District race.
No raises for Cuomo, lawmakers, judges next year
A state panel tasked with considering salary increases for the governor, state lawmakers, and judges, said raises would not be prudent at this time.
Monroe County hits another grim record in daily COVID-19 cases
Monroe County recorded 315 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday.
Monroe County elections workers begin marathon absentee ballot count
The ballots will determine the outcome in several highly-contested races, including two high-stakes state Senate contests.
Supermarkets limit some item purchases
Wegmans and Tops continue to limit purchases of certain items, including disinfectant wipes and toilet paper.
Cuomo threatens to sue White House over COVID-19 vaccine plans
The governor said the Trump administration’s distribution plan violates the constitutional rights of African-Americans and Hispanics.
Anomaly film festival review: ‘The Columnist’
In Ivo van Aart’s dark comedy-horror film “The Columnist,” a newspaper journalist gets bloody revenge on her merciless internet trolls.
Meeks, Clark expect to hit the ground running
Democrats Sarah Clark and Demond Meeks were elected to fill vacant seats in the state Assembly and they assumed the seats this week.
Anomaly film festival review: ‘The Paper Tigers’
Quoc Bao Tran’s film is a fresh take on the action genre, following three former kung fu students avenging their master’s murder.
LISTEN: As COVID rates rise, Mendoza says it’s time to consider enforcement
Up until now, Dr, Michael Mendoza, the county’s health commissioner, and County Executive Adam Bello have favored education over enforcement.
Thruway to switch to cashless tolls by early Saturday morning
Cameras at 58 locations along the Thruway will record drivers’ E-Z Pass info or read their license plates and bill them for their tolls.
Disparities in the criminal justice system discussed at virtual town hall
The commission is holding multiple public hearings as part of its work to tackle structural racism in Greater Rochester.
Monroe County again breaks record for new COVID-19 cases
The county’s Department of Public Health reported 300 new confirmed cases of coronavirus.
Amazon to add new local distribution facility
Online retail giant Amazon is going to be adding to its operations in Monroe County with a new warehouse and distribution facility in Greece.
Mother of parolee charged with voter fraud says her son made ‘a mistake’
The mother of parolee Jalil Abdul Muntaqim said her son erred in filling out a voter registration form.
Anomaly film festival review: ‘The Twentieth Century’
“The Twentieth Century,” an absurdist political fantasy depicting a dystopian Canada of the past, may have prescient lessons in the present.
Calendar preview: Workin’ it out
This week’s preview highlights the lectures, workshops, and exhibits to inspire continued action now that the election is over.
Cuomo orders new restrictions on bars, restaurants, gyms, in-home gatherings
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is imposing new state restrictions on bars, restaurants, and home gatherings, effective on Friday.
Kodak will continue to pursue pharmaceuticals despite internal issues, financial losses
On Tuesday, Kodak CEO Jim Continenza told investors that the company will move forward with plans to make ingredients for pharmaceuticals.
Parents of students with disabilities see risk of educational gaps amid COVID surge
Amidst rising coronavirus cases, CP Rochester’s preschool classes for students with disabilities have quickly switched to remote learning.
Monroe County breaks daily COVID-19 infection rate again, topping 4 percent
Monroe County on Wednesday reported 281 new coronavirus cases and a testing infection rate of 4.21 percent.
