Rochester Beacon (https://rochesterbeacon.com/2025/12/)
The ShinShinim program run by the Pittsford schools and the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester is a cultural exchange that brings Israeli high school graduates here. Some parents praise the program, but others say Muslim students have felt traumatized by it.
Nearly $43 million in Regional Economic Development Council funding will support 48 projects in the Finger Lakes region.
Hired by UR to lead its Center for Extended Reality, Meta veteran Barry Silverstein says immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality should operate as a system. “When we pull the pieces together,” he says, “the outcomes become more meaningful and valuable.”
Among the hundreds of articles published by the Rochester Beacon over the last 12 months, a number of them were favorites—for readers and the Beacon’s writers alike.
In the Rochester Beacon’s annual year-end reader survey, a majority sees potential for a positive impact on our lives but nonetheless is generally pessimistic.
Rochester City School District commissioner James Patterson apparently will not drop his effort to have fellow board member Isaiah Santiago removed from the school board.
Brewers are bruised and grinding through adversity, but still managing to pour some genuinely exceptional pints.
Without H-1B talent, Rochester’s economy would be slower, smaller, and less competitive. But changes like untying the visas from companies are needed.
Fairport native Claudia Hoyser will release vinyl of her new album, “Before the Dawn,” with a free acoustic show at Record Archive.
The Caring Music Group, founded 15 years ago by Tony Falzano, is a musical troupe that supports small nonprofits in the Rochester area.