Rochester
Morning News
Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local author CaTyra Polland is leading a Black History Month project to create a chapbook that gives seniors a place to share their wisdom and legacy — a free celebration of the work will be held Tuesday, June 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Five Star Flower City Community Room on Westfall Road. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Renovation work has begun on the former Roy’s Restaurant building on state Route 96 in Manchester — the site will house a retail cannabis store opening by the end of March and a craft beer tasting room with a barbecue restaurant set to open later in spring. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Avelo Airlines announced it will cut 29% of its flights starting in the second quarter after recently extending service at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport to new routes including Raleigh, Charlotte, Nashville, and Lakeland. The airline will notify affected travelers by email + text. Democrat & Chronicle
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Rochester home on Third Street faces animal neglect allegations after video footage showed multiple dogs and crates — Lollypop Farm said one dog had cuts from a damaged kennel and Assemblymember Lunsford proposed bills to strengthen animal protection in the state. News 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Two Rochester museums earned national recognition in USA Today. The RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium was named seventh-best while the Strong National Museum of Play was rated among the top pop culture and children’s museums — national honors that add to the city’s vibrant cultural scene. News 10
- ➤ Brighton held a Black History Month event on Friday, Feb. 20 where local entrepreneurs, professors, and dancer Garth Fagan shared stories on progress (RIT School of Communication professor Katrina Overby emphasized the town’s continuous effort to overcome stereotypes). ABC 13
- ➤ Wicked returns to Rochester after nine years with a show running at West Herr Auditorium Theatre through March 1. Actor Jesse Davidson prepares to portray Elphaba using a multi-step green makeup process that recalls a cherished childhood memory. ABC 13
- ➤ Dan Gross of Stereo Field Recordings has turned Bop Shop Records on Monroe Avenue into a live recording studio that hosts local music shows for streaming and CDs. The venue — reconfigured hours before each event — offers a unique setting where performers and audiences share an intimate experience. Rochester Beacon
- ➤ Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is set to perform at West Herr Auditorium Theatre on May 16 at 8 p.m. — tickets go on sale next Friday at 10 a.m. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Museum of Science Center hosted a National Engineers Week event on Friday, Feb. 20, where L3 Harris engineers led hands-on activities to spark interest in STEM and related careers. ABC 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ University of Rochester Medical Center completed the final section of the Saunders Center for Orthopedics and Physical Performance today. Hospital leaders said the new facility offers a state-of-the-art training space for orthopedic surgery, where women medical students from Western New York learned from experienced faculty. News 10
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Pittsford native and Rochester-born freestyle skier Chris Lillis nearly missed the medal round in men’s aerials at the 2026 Olympics in Livigno, Italy on Friday but will join his team today in the mixed aerials — they aim to defend their gold medal. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Last night, hundreds of athletes celebrated the Special Olympics New York Winter Games with an opening ceremony at the Riverside Convention Center. Today, competitions run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at local venues with free health screenings available at the convention center from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. News 10
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Family Chess Club
3-4 p.m. — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — Everyone from grand masters to rookies can come play and share strategies at this welcoming chess gathering.
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Rochester Speed Dating for Singles Age 31-44
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Hideaway — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and friendly environment.
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Electric Feels - Indie Rock and Electronic Dance Party
9-11:30 p.m. — Anthology — Tickets start at $48 — Experience an unforgettable indie rock and electronic dance party in Rochester.
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Casting Connections: Ice Fishing Edition
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM — Braddock Bay Park — Cost included — Experience a unique outdoor adventure focused on building connections through ice fishing.
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Family Chess Club
3-4 p.m. — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — Engage in chess strategy and fun for all skill levels at this family-friendly club.
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Nintendo Switch Thursday
4:00 – 5:30 PM — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — Experience gaming fun with Mario, Link, and Pokémon at this family-friendly event.
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Grease School Edition
7 p.m. — OFC Creations Theatre Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the classic musical reimagined for schools in a community theater setting.
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2026 Fly Fishers Workshop
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Jewish Community Center — Free entry — Enjoy a day of fly fishing workshops, seminars, and family-friendly conservation education with food trucks and live music.
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Calgary Roughnecks vs. Rochester Knighthawks
1-2 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Ticket prices vary — Marvel at the high-energy lacrosse showdown between two fierce rivals.
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Sensory Friendly Hockey Games: Amerks
6:15-9:30 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Tickets required — Experience a more inclusive hockey game with sensory-friendly adjustments for all fans.
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Customer Service Insurance Agent - Personal Lines
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No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What looks like talent is often careful preparation.
~ Ryan Holiday
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