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Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

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Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of April.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Gwen Clifton launched Safe Way Homes of Greater Rochester in 2023 to offer transitional housing, and her latest 10-bedroom property on West Avenue now houses ten residents who can stay up to two years until they become independent. The program has already helped 25 individuals move forward.  WXXI News

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Tom Rogers, who has served more than 13 years at ESL, was named president and CEO of the Rochester-based credit union, succeeding retiring Faheem Masood as the board unanimously selected him to guide sustainable growth.  WXXI News
  • Wegmans Food Markets in Rochester ranked No. 5 on Fortune’s 2026 Best Companies to Work For list today based on employee surveys praising its welcoming service and ethical management — an improvement from last year's No. 6 ranking.  Democrat & Chronicle

CULTURE NEWS

  • Theatre 444 presents Dear Evan Hansen at Cobblestone Arts Center in Farmington from today until April 12 (Kaylie Kemler introduced the production on Wednesday).  ABC 13

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Kevin Sack will speak today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at RIT's MAGIC Spell Studios, Room 2180, on his book Mother Emanuel about the historic Black church in Charleston that survived tragedy. The free lecture links the church’s past to Western New York communities.  Rochester Beacon
  • UR announced on Monday a historic 15% tuition decrease for the 2026-27 academic year, cutting the sticker price by about $10,000 & promising more generous financial aid after a year-long spending review.  Campus Times

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • On Tuesday night, heavy flooding from Oakta Creek overwhelmed Shannon Morgan's family farm outside Wyoming, causing pigs to be seen swimming and some birds to be lost. Neighbors alerted the family and repairs are expected as more rain is forecast.  ABC 13
  • Stream gauges along the Genesee River and Honeoye Creek track rising water levels after Tuesday's record rainfall, with measurements jumping from 300 to over 3,000 cfs (USGS data) and officials expecting levels to gradually recede in the coming days.  News 10

HEALTH NEWS

  • Monroe County announced on Wednesday morning a $4 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act to reduce disparities in prenatal and postpartum care. The funding will expand access to essential services for mothers and families in the county.  News 10
  • The American Heart Association observed National Walking Day on April 1 as local health expert Dr. LeKeyah Wilson discussed walking benefits, and the Rochester Heart Walk & Run event will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 6 at Monroe Community College.  ABC 13

LIFESTYLE NEWS

  • PeeWee is a 6-year-old brown tabby with a bold nose and lively spirit—he loves catnip play and friendly chin nibbling on his favorite perch. His unique character has made him a beloved pet in the community.  ABC 13

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sun, 4/5/26

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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.

    Mon, 4/6/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Wed, 4/8/26

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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.

    Sun, 4/12/26

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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.

    Wed, 4/15/26

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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.

    Fri, 4/17/26

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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.

    Sun, 4/19/26

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  • Walter Trout Performance

    7-9 p.m. — Fanatics Pub — Tickets required — Experience an evening of soulful blues with Walter Trout.

    Wed, 4/22/26

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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.

    Fri, 4/24/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 4/25/26

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Reading changes your mind, applying changes your life.

~ James Clear

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