Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester man Michael Rhynes, who served 37 years in state prison after a murder conviction was thrown out due to recanted testimonies, is suing the Rochester Police Department and Monroe County District Attorney’s Office for $200 million—alleging they set him up in a 1984 shooting at Rico’s Bar on Lexington Avenue.

A group of Wells College alumnae who bid over $10 million to reopen the school now want to buy only the campus + buildings after trustees said they are not selling the institution.

They plan to petition the Attorney General as competing bidders aim to repurpose the property.

Lawmakers approved a budget extender on Tuesday to keep state operations funded until today as they continue negotiating stalled talks over pretrial discovery laws and cellphone restrictions in schools.

Governor Hochul plans to push her policy goals while negotiations at the Capitol persist (another extender may be needed).

The New York State Legislature has until today before midnight to reach an agreement on Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget policies—lawmakers have not yet settled on proposals including restrictions on smartphones in schools, a mask ban to lower crime, changes to Discovery Law and mental health hospitalization standards. This marks the fourth year the budget has missed its deadline.

On March 18, Pittsford Village held its mayoral election where a recount confirmed the contest was decided by one vote—both candidates noting the narrow margin.

Incumbent Alysa Plummer said changing demographics and a focus on fiscal responsibility led to her win—she will serve a four-year term.

Rochester is exploring a Bus Rapid Transit system—BRT—that could soon improve safety and transit along Lake Avenue as part of the ROC Vision Zero initiative.

Reconnect Rochester urges the City to aim for a Gold-Standard design with dedicated lanes and universal access for all riders.

In New York the DMV still sends paper renewal notices for car registrations and drivers licenses—electronic alerts replace the paper copy when customers sign up on MyDMV online.

Residents who expect a paper notice may visit any local DMV office or update their settings using their nine digit DMV ID.

Fred Costello, 89, played his 48th season as Rochester’s sports organist at Tuesday’s home opener where he played his 3,458th Red Wings game (he has missed only three games since 1977).

He said he will keep playing at the ballpark as long as his fingers can hit the keys (a plan to continue his legacy well into his 90s).

First Friday Closing Reception

6-9 p.m. — Muck Duck Studio — Free entry — Celebrate the conclusion of the exhibition with engaging conversations and artistic appreciation.

Debi Bower Book Signing Event

10 AM - 1 PM — The Bird House — Free entry — Meet the author of 'Day Trips Around Rochester, New York' and get your book signed.

Rochester Spring Fling KidsFest 2025

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Tim Hortons Iceplex — $15 for unlimited ice skating — Enjoy a day of fun with giant playgrounds and non-stop entertainment for the whole family.

Worry Club Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Montage Music Hall — $28.34 — Experience an evening of live music with Worry Club and special guests Wakely and Scarlet Demore.

Mixology Madness

6-10 p.m. — Water Street Music Hall — $65 per person — Enjoy a hands-on mixology experience crafting cocktails with expert guidance.

Adult Easter Egg Hunt

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Blue Barn Cidery — Bring an empty egg carton and a flashlight for an exciting adults-only Easter egg hunt in the dark.

Happy Hour at Compane Trattoria

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Compane Trattoria — Reservations recommended — Enjoy an evening of social networking over drinks in Fairport.

EXTC Concert featuring Terry Chambers

8-11 p.m. — Lovin' Cup — Ticket information unavailable — Experience an evening of live music with former XTC drummer Terry Chambers and friends.

2025 Easter Brunch at Strathallan

10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — The Strathallan Rochester Hotel & Spa — Ticket required — Delight in a lavish Easter brunch with multiple serving stations and a photo op with the Easter Bunny.

Music Business 101 Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Muck Duck Studio — Class fees may apply — Explore the basics of songwriting business with a BMI songwriter and musician.