Rochester
Morning News
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Drivers in Monroe County said railroad gate delays have lasted 10 to 30 minutes on Scottsville Road in Chili and East River Road in Brighton as winter weather and rock salt cause the gates to malfunction. CSX said crews are fixing issues quickly + urged safe behavior at crossings. ABC 13
- ➤ Pastor Jerrard Brown, the youngest-ever senior pastor at Holy Trinity Baptist Church on North Street and office manager at Teen Empowerment, discussed his personal journey on Connections with Evan Dawson yesterday — highlighting his belief that a pastor should be a homie to local youth. WXXI News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ RIT professor Rebecca Edwards said Earl Lloyd broke the NBA’s color barrier on Oct. 31, 1950 for the Washington Capitals against the Royals, and local interest is growing as the Royals’ 1951 championship 75th anniversary nears on April 2 (historic legacy celebrated). News 10
- ➤ Officials announced that the 2026 Pride Parade and Festival will take place Saturday, July 18, starting at 11 a.m. as the parade marches down South Avenue to Highland Park — where the festival will feature music, food, local vendors, and crafts until 6 p.m. News 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Roc the Future Alliance presents its 13th State of Our Children Address today at The Theater at Innovation Square. The report shows kindergarten readiness is about 50% and third-grade English is 18% while eighth-grade math proficiency is below 5% — urging local action to boost student success. News 10
- ➤ The Rochester City School District launched Teach Rochester to recruit full-time teachers by offering financial incentives (including debt reduction and personalized mentorship). A Community Outreach Breakfast at East High School kicked off the initiative on Wednesday. News 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rochester officials released the final draft of their ADA Right of Way Transition Plan to remove more than 65,000 travel barriers after a winter with heavy snowfall, and residents can submit feedback until March 5 as the plan will be finalized by the end of March. News 10
- ➤ State funds over $2.6 million to PathStone Corp & Rochester General Hospital will support SNUG Street Outreach programs in 14 communities by training workers to help at-risk individuals and prevent gun violence. Rochester will also get $2 million for a health-led crisis response team dispatched via 911, 988 & 211. Rochester Beacon
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Strong Memorial Hospital celebrated 25 years of heart transplants with the recount of hockey dad Thomas Conroy—its third recipient—who now plays hockey with his sons thanks to advances in surgery and care. WXXI News
- ➤ Aldi recalled 32 oz bags of Bremer Italian Style Meatballs for potential metal fragments after a complaint was received on Feb. 22; consumers in New York should check their freezers and either throw the product away & return it for a refund as no injuries have been reported. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ The University of Rochester will begin a multimillion-dollar study in about 18 months to test whether an HIV drug can reduce inflammation & lower risks of dementia and diabetes in 200 healthy participants aged 60 to 65. The trial aims to improve healthy aging and lessen care burdens. News 10
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Figure skater Ilia Malinin wore a grey 'fear' hoodie printed by Rochester-based Tiny Fish Custom Apparel in his Olympic gala on Sunday—highlighting a local connection with rapper NF’s merchandise and support for local athlete Chris Lillis. News 10
- ➤ Section V girls basketball playoff scores showed wins for teams including Irondequoit, Brighton and Dansville on Feb. 24 and Feb. 21 + championship games will be held on March 4, March 6 and March 7 at Finger Lakes Community College. Democrat & Chronicle
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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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Tannahill Weavers Concert
8-11 p.m. — Lovin' Cup — $35 — Experience the captivating blend of traditional Scottish melodies and modern rhythms from this acclaimed band.
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Corn Hill Neighbors Hockey Night
7:05-9:30 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Save $20 on tickets — Experience thrilling hockey action with the Rochester Amerks against the Toronto Marlies during Corn Hill night.
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Customer Service Insurance Agent - Personal Lines
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.
~ Naval Ravikant
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