Rochester
Morning News
Saturday, March 28th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 28th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Seneca Park Zoo is welcoming two male alpacas, Chrome (age 5) and Thunder (age 10), following their move from Lazy Acres Alpaca farm to live in the former Amur tiger exhibit. The zoo also offers special spring break programming today through Sunday, Apr. 5. ABC 13
- ➤ Local leaders gathered Friday at the Roger Robach Community Center in Charlotte to honor Vietnam veterans ahead of National Vietnam Veterans Day on Sunday. The event recognized those who served and the unique challenges veterans faced after returning home. News 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ University of Rochester juniors Stephen Lim and Walter McDonald founded OrbitPhone, an AI startup that helps car dealerships match customers with bank loans while they interview interns to join their team, a move prompted by a 5.6% unemployment rate among recent graduates. News 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ WXXI celebrated Women’s History Month on Friday, Mar. 27 by highlighting local leaders; guest host Racquel Stephen featured Hani Ali of Mental Health Education and Legal Code for Refugee Rights (MELCORR) and Brittany Rumph of Innova Girls Academy, then rebroadcast Pastor Jerrard Brown describing his community work. WXXI News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ RIT will offer a new bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence this fall that features hands-on projects and specialization in agentic AI and robotics, along with a six-course minor open to all majors. Both programs will help students gain practical and theoretical experience in the growing field of AI. News 10
- ➤ Brighton schools halted work on new turf fields behind the high school after construction unearthed historic fill from the 1830s to 1920s that exceeded safety limits. The district is consulting state environmental agencies and will resume work once approved protocols are in place + plans show a spring 2027 start. ABC 13
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local climate advocates rallied in Rochester Friday urging lawmakers to maintain New York’s clean energy targets amid Gov. Hochul's proposal — which would delay mandates for 70% renewable power and a 40% emission cut by 2030. The group warned that postponing the timeline might worsen energy costs. News 10
- ➤ Brighton High School’s athletic field has a pit filled with hazardous ash, glass, mercury and arsenic that will be covered with plastic by the end of the week following the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s recommendation, so the turf field project is paused until further guidance is provided. News 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ NYSDOT closed State Route 33 between Percy Road and Bromley Road in Riga after a culvert failed inspection — drivers are advised to follow detours along State Route 36, Interstate 490, and State Route 259. News 10
- ➤ Local officials honored Hester C. Jeffrey by naming a City Hall office after her on Friday, Mar. 27 & celebrated her work in advancing women's rights and equity. ABC 13
- ➤ Road reconstruction work in Bull's Head will begin Monday when Kensington Street between Silver and Brown streets and Silver Street between York and Taylor streets are closed — the new layout will improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety while supporting future neighborhood development, with construction expected to finish by summer. WXXI News
- ➤ I-590 lane closures start today in Brighton as crews limit traffic to one lane in both directions ahead of a $51.5 million bridge repair project that begins Monday along Monroe Avenue and Allens Creek Road. News 10
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Easter Buffet Celebration
12-5 p.m. — Fedele's Brook House — $65 — Enjoy a delicious buffet featuring carved meats and homemade desserts with the family this Easter.
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Bat Out Of Hell The Musical
7:30-10:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Tickets available — Experience the rock opera journey inspired by Jim Steinman's iconic music.
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Outside Voices at the ADK-GVC Chapter Meeting
6:30-8:30 p.m. — RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center) — Free entry — Discover tips on hiking and canoeing from expert enthusiasts at this engaging community event.
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2026 PBA New York Classic
1-3 p.m. — ABC Gates Bowl — Spectator passes available — Witness the top bowlers vie for championship glory in Rochester.
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Tempest Concert
8 PM – 12 AM — Lovin' Cup — $25 — Experience the vibrant fusion of folk rock and world music from the renowned band Tempest.
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Annual Bird of Prey Days Festival
Various times — Braddock Bay Park — $5 suggested donation for adults, kids free — Experience an exciting weekend of raptor education and conservation activities for all ages.
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Georgia Swarm at Rochester Knighthawks
3-6 p.m. — Blue Cross Arena — Cost info not provided — Celebrate Native American Heritage Night while enjoying a thrilling lacrosse match.
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Walter Trout Performance
7-9 p.m. — Fanatics Pub — Tickets required — Experience an evening of soulful blues with Walter Trout.
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A Beautiful Noise Tour
7:30-10:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of A Beautiful Noise live in Rochester.
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Rochester NY Coffee & Chocolate Festival
10 AM – 6 PM — Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center — Cost TBD — Sample a variety of coffee roasts and indulge in chocolate-inspired sweets from local vendors.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Success is never owned; it is only rented—and the rent is due every day.
~ Rory Vaden
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