Rochester
Morning News
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rochester's Lilac Festival will introduce new compost bins, 100% compostable utensils and three zero waste zones at Highland Park to turn event waste into soil for donation + the festival will run from Friday, May 8 until Sunday, May 17. News 10
- ➤ Lollypop Farm will host four pet care events in Rochester & offer free vaccinations plus pet food. The series begins on Wednesday, May 6 at David F. Gannt R-Center, with events on Aug. 20 at Hochstein School, Sept. 3 at Connected Communities Neighborhood Hub, and Oct. 6 at People’s Pantry. News 10
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Aker Club, a small-format grocery store by Rochester native Zachary Harper, will open soon at Sibley Square (255 E. Main St.) to replace DGX. The project uses a $28,169 tax break for a nearly $500,000 renovation and is expected to serve about 250 customers daily. Democrat & Chronicle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is playing at West Herr Auditorium Theatre from today through Sunday, Apr. 26 as hundreds join to sing along to familiar tunes. ABC 13
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ ARC Rochester aired its Current Cost program on rising energy bills yesterday, featuring interviews with RG&E/NYSEG officials and local business voices from South Wedge. Gov. Hochul’s office stated that her plan will work to keep energy costs down and improve affordability moving forward. FOX Rochester
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Rochester City School District is reversing cuts to social workers and counselors — reinstating about 20 positions with a $4.9M grant — and expects a board vote on the updated budget May 5 as state aid details are awaited. WXXI News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The American Lung Association released its annual State of the Air report on Earth Day, noting that Rochester earned a B for ozone and a D for particle pollution over recent years. The report urged state lawmakers to meet clean air targets for children and sensitive groups. WXXI News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Rochester Americans opened their best-of-three Calder Cup playoff series yesterday in Toronto with a 7:05 p.m. game against the Marlies, having clinched their postseason berth with an overtime push at Hershey. Coach Michael Leone credited the team's grit in overcoming call-ups and injuries for their readiness in the series. Democrat & Chronicle
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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.
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Rochester Regional Health Flower City Challenge
11:00 AM — 285 E Main St, Rochester, NY — Registration fees apply — Enjoy a community-focused half marathon, 5K, and kids races with various volunteer opportunities.
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Family Chess Club
3-4 p.m. — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — Enjoy a friendly atmosphere for chess enthusiasts of all levels to play and strategize.
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The Music of Tina Turner
7-10 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Cost Info not provided — Experience legendary hits from the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll by superstar singers.
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Estate Planning Basics with Nathan VanBrunt
3-4 p.m. — Penfield Public Library — Free entry — Gain essential knowledge on wills, trusts, and common estate planning errors in this informative session.
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Pretty in Pink 80s Party featuring Belious Some
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Photo City Music Hall — Tickets available online — Experience 80s nostalgia with live music, iconic hits, and vibrant party vibes.
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Big Jay Oakerson Concert
9:00 PM — Comedy @ The Carlson — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughs with comedian Big Jay Oakerson.
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Step Off Competition Reunion
2-5 p.m. — East High School — Kids 2 and Under Free, Kids 3-12 $15 — Celebrate the reunion of step competition participants with performances and community spirit.
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Mother Goose by Rochester City Ballet
2-3 p.m. — The Hochstein School — Ticketed event — Experience classic fairytales come to life through Ravel’s whimsical music and ballet performance.
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
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.
~ Helen Keller
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