Rochester
Morning News
Friday, May 1st, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Despite rainy skies, 25 food trucks and stands served fresh fare at the annual Food Truck Rodeo held at the Public Market on April 29, including new vendor RocLobster offering four types of lobster rolls (5-9 p.m. events continue monthly through September). Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ The US Army Corps of Engineers hosts a guided tour of the Mount Morris Dam today at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Locals can purchase tickets to explore the landmark. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Penfield Players present 'These Shining Lives' at Penfield Community Center until May 9. Directed by Shawnda Urie and featuring Erin Pfund (playing Catherine Donohue), the play tells the true story of Radium Girls who suffered radium poisoning during and after WWI. ABC 13
- ➤ Christine Ridarsky shared her account of one of Rochester's major fires. She offered details (including photos and letters) that show the tragedy's lasting mark on the community. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ A historic 1942 Lehigh Valley Railroad caboose returned to Manchester Railroad Memorial Park after a yearlong fundraising effort, arriving by truck on Monday, Apr. 27 and moved into place on Tuesday, Apr. 28. The 22-ton caboose (built in Sayre) now offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rail heritage. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ JCC CenterStage presents The Sound (a play based on the Danish resistance that helped 7,500 Jews escape Nazi persecution) from May 2 to 17. ABC 13
- ➤ Finger Lakes Community College hosts free music concerts starting today with a Beatles tribute at the main campus auditorium (3325 Marvin Sands Drive) and continues with chamber choir shows May 2-3 plus student jazz and guitar concerts May 4, 5, and 8. Democrat & Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Brighton High School's STEM team flew to Washington, D.C. Thursday to compete in the National Science Bowl finals after winning consecutive championships — representing Rochester on the biggest stage in science education. The competition runs until May 4 and offers cash awards for top finishers. News 10
- ➤ Gates Chili postpones online tests for grades 3–8 after a statewide technical glitch disrupted some exams — most students completed theirs without problems. State education officials say they are working with a vendor to possibly reschedule remaining tests before May 15. NewsRadio WHAM
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The city has begun cleanup on the 40-acre former Vacuum Oil site along the Genesee River in the PLEX neighborhood after ExxonMobil’s legal breakthrough. Workers are clearing trees and pumping water as they prepare to finish remediation by the end of the year + plans for redevelopment and a park are on track. Rochester Beacon
- ➤ Officials in local lakeshore communities monitor Lake Ontario levels (246.8 ft) as rising water and forecast rains raise flood concerns, with possible flooding expected Friday, May 8. Greece and nearby areas are preparing sandbags and deploying pumps to protect properties. News 10
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rochester City Council is considering a sale of two vacant RCSD school buildings to charter schools after a public hearing on Thursday, April 30 — a second hearing is on May 9 with a council vote on May 19. ABC 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ At Strong Hospital, the donated organs of 17-year-old Talon Gracioso saved four lives last year — his honor walk with friends, teachers, and family helped ease the pain of his loss. News 10
- ➤ Monroe County is using $4.5 million from state opioid settlements to support Delphi Rise's Open Access Clinic (on Hinchey Road in Gates) for the next five years. The county said this effort ensures immediate care for those needing substance use treatment. WXXI News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bles'ng Muhammad from Aquinas earned over 16,000 votes by scoring three touchdowns while Gates Chili's Joshua Yakowitz netted six lacrosse goals in a Section V Athlete of the Week vote. The contest presented by Faber Builders (for performances from April 13 to 19) honored top local sports talent. Democrat & Chronicle
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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.
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Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra: Broadway In Hollywood
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Eastman Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a musical journey from Broadway to Hollywood with your RPO featuring hits from iconic stage-to-screen sensations.
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Don McLean Concert
7:30-11:30 p.m. — West Herr Auditorium Theatre / RBTL — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless music of a GRAMMY Award-winning legend known for 'American Pie'.
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Toddler Time at Winton Library
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — An engaging hour of songs, rhymes, and stories to boost early literacy for toddlers.
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Cupid's Boomerang: Infrared Radiation Orchestra
8:00 p.m. — Bug Jar — Tickets starting at $12.30 — Experience an electrifying night of music with Cupid's Boomerang and Infrared Radiation Orchestra.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.
~ Andrew Carnegie
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