Rochester
Morning News
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Volunteers from Camp Good Days and Special Times cleaned up Teddi's Place at Highland Park on Thursday, May 7 to prepare the area ahead of the Lilac Festival, which begins today and honors the memory of Teddi Mervis. ABC 13
- ➤ High Falls State Park will add new overlooks, a nature-themed playground and a memorial walk, with construction set to begin this fall (updated plans were shown at an open house on May 5). Remediation work in the gorge continues to clear the way for the project. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Amateur rugby players will gather at Aardvark Park Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m. as the Rochester Renegades host the third annual Meg’s Memorial Rugby Tournament to honor Megan Trutt and raise funds for suicide prevention. News 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local officials announced that a free festival will take place at ESL Ballpark on July 12 to launch America 250 celebrations in Rochester and Monroe County. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ The Rochester Lilac Festival, in its 128th year from today until May 17, will debut new foods such as Italian fare, pierogi, and boozy ice cream along with The Lilac Table tasting event on Saturday, May 16 at 249 Highland Ave. It is set to draw over 500,000 visitors. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ The World Video Game Hall of Fame announced four new inductees on May 7, including Angry Birds, Dragon Quest, FIFA International Soccer and Silent Hill. With 18 games now honored (since 2015), the museum celebrates classic gaming and innovation. WXXI News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Rochester's average gas price rose nearly 30 cents to $4.52 per gallon on Tuesday, making it 44 cents higher than a month ago and the biggest spike since March 2022. News 10
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Fifteen Monroe County students were honored Thursday at the final Do the Right Thing Award ceremony in Rochester for brave, kind actions—local leaders recognized efforts like volunteering and fundraising while News10NBC TODAY will feature a different winner each weekday starting Friday. News 10
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Downtown peregrine falcon Nova hatched the first of her three eggs last Thursday at the nest box atop the Times Square Building — captured by Rfalconcam. Genesee Valley Audubon Society said the eyas is expected to leave the nest in about five weeks before state DEC staff bands any hatchlings. WXXI News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Code 4 Alpha has acquired the rights to 'PTSD 911', a video that explains the mental health challenges facing first responders with input from Carl Simms (retired from Rochester Police) and Cheryl Findley from ARC Rochester. ABC 13
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Shawn Dowd and Gene Beaumont visited 25 local burger joints to rank unique flavors in Rochester. Their top picks include The Gate House (Village Gate) and The Vesper (Capron Street), featuring special burgers, sides, and beers for National Burger Month. Democrat & Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Cara Orlando and Brayden Arber were named Section V Athletes of the Week (presented by Faber Builders) after Orlando received over 17,000 votes for softball and Arber broke a lacrosse goal record with 11 goals during games from April 27 to May 3; votes closed at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ Organizers behind a recent local boxing event ask for donations after incurring over $100K in debt from low ticket sales + owing payments for Blue Cross Arena and fighters. The New York State Athletic Commission has suspended one promoter while organizers plan a public appeal for support. News 10
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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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Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Spring Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Eastman Theatre — Pay-what-you-want — Experience the RPYO's final concert of the season featuring young talent and community support.
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Ismael Loutfi Live
7:30-9 p.m. — Kodak Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant energy of Ismael Loutfi's performance.
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RHVCC Cars & BBQ
5 p.m. — Big Daddy BBQ & Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy a classic car show, tasty BBQ, and live jazz music in a vibrant atmosphere.
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The Music Man
2:00 p.m. — Blackfriars Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a classic musical filled with catchy tunes and charming characters.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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