Good morning, Rochester.

Rochester’s Fall recreation season runs through November offering over 150 programs for kids, adults, and families including after-school care, athletics, dance, music, and nature exploration — registration is available on the city website.

Taproot Collective was recognized on Thursday, Aug.

27 (at an awards ceremony) for receiving the ROC Youth Employment Network Gold Star Employer Award for offering meaningful seasonal jobs to Rochester youth; the free community program hires young people (supporting local gardens).

Tennis champion Venus Williams will headline the YWCA's 20th Empowering Women Luncheon at the Joseph A.

Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center on Oct. 7 from noon to 1:30 p.m., marking a celebration of local women's achievements and community support.

The Time Machine Music Festival will take place at Hilton Exempt Club on Sept.

12 from 5 to 10 p.m. to raise funds for cancer research; the event supports the Edelman-Gardner Cancer Research Foundation, which has donated $1.6M to Wilmot Cancer Institute.

Local school districts have set varied 2026-27 start dates as classes begin on different days across the region; several districts like Brockport and East Rochester started on Sept.

2 while most begin on Sept. 8, and a few, including Canandaigua, will start after Labor Day.

Rochester is expanding its AI training as the Golisano Institute launches its AI-and-business program (designed to give young workers real responsibility when tools err).

Employers will mentor new hires to help them move quickly toward independent competence.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced free pre-K seats now online for more than 400 school districts (including 42 in the Finger Lakes) as part of her plan to lower costs for families.

Rochester, Greece, Penfield and Webster districts are among those gaining new seats.

Peace Village, Rochester’s only permitted homeless encampment, will restart this fall after a three-year break.

The city will invest an initial $1.2 million from opioid settlement funds + the project is expected to cost nearly $2 million a year for operations and services.

The Telesca Center for Justice in Rochester received $90,000 in state funds to support shared services and community outreach after helping over 50,000 residents in 2025 — the funding will boost legal support as the center prepares for a Medicaid crisis in January.

Ontario County Public Health reported two measles cases in unvaccinated residents on Monday—both individuals are isolating at home.

Officials advised people to check their vaccine status, noting that fully vaccinated residents remain at low risk.

Rochester's Red Wings lost 7-4 to Syracuse on Tuesday, Sept.

2 at NBT Bank Stadium after trimming a six-run deficit with three home runs. The loss did not end their lead in the International League standings — they remain one game ahead of Indianapolis.