Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of September.
Good morning, Rochester.
🎭 Culture
After a Tuesday launch party at the Spiegeltent, the 15th annual Rochester Fringe Festival continues with 715 shows at 45 venues.
Free outdoor acrobatics will take place at Parcel 5 on Friday and Saturday — adding music, theater and dance for local audiences.
The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester has announced 12 toy finalists for the National Toy Hall of Fame.
Public voting is open through Sept. 23 & winners will be revealed in November.
🎓 Education
McQuaid Jesuit unveiled a memorial on Wednesday that honored 10 alumni who died while serving in the military.
The display (located behind Keenan Hall and featuring each member’s photo and background) remains lit 24/7 to mark their service.
Rochester Teachers Association members voted unanimously to seek mediation via the state Public Employment Relations Board after their labor deal expired, as negotiations stalled over proposals for class size, teacher pay, and school safety — the district has not yet responded.
URochester School of Nursing changes its name to the School of Nursing and Health Sciences to mark its centennial celebration and new interdisciplinary focus.
The update includes the launch in summer 2028 of a physical therapy doctoral cohort (promoting team-based care) to address evolving local health needs.
🌲 Environment
The City of Rochester has started work at 354 Driving Park Ave on the Miyawaki Forest Project to convert an old parking lot into a native forest.
Planting will begin in spring 2027 & Councilmember Bridget Monroe says the project supports the city’s Climate Action Plan and community tree equity.
Rochester’s fast charging network is limited even as local EV registrations rise.
One Whole Foods location in Pittsford offers a 250 kW charger — a rare fast charging option in the region.
🏥 Health
Monroe County’s overdose deaths fell to 243 in 2025 — a 17% drop from 2024 — while cocaine appeared in 81% of cases, shifting focus from opioids.
County officials announced a new overdose surveillance dashboard and stress that prevention must now address cocaine alongside opioids.
On Sept. 16, the state health department launched a measles dashboard that shows 57 cases statewide, including clusters in New York City and upstate counties.
Health officials monitor — providing vaccines and advice to slow the spread.
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