Good morning, Rochester.

The Town of Irondequoit completed renovations at Bristol Play Area yesterday with a ribbon cutting + new accessible play equipment that includes ramps, climbers, sensory panels, and an inclusive seesaw, funded by American Rescue Plan money from Monroe County.

L3Harris Technologies was selected by NASA to build a test telescope (Engineering Test Unit) for the LISA mission to study black holes and colliding stars.

The work is taking place in Rochester as the project prepares for a mid-2030s launch.

The Mall at Greece Ridge announced that Clarks will open an outlet store on Nov.

20 — the 2,340 sqft shop is located across from the new Pandora and next to Dubai Jewelry — offering a range of men's and women's footwear for the holiday shopping season.

The George Eastman Museum opened its new GAG exhibit on Oct.

2, featuring photos and videos that explore humor and discomfort. The show runs through April 11 and includes works by artists such as Peggy Ahwesh and Lucas Blalock (made especially for the exhibit).

Rochester residents are shifting from screen time to tactile hobbies like knitting and film photography to relieve stress and build human connection.

Local spots like Little Button Craft host regular Fiber Nights — offering hands-on gatherings that support creativity and mental well-being.

Geva Theatre is seeking a new artistic director as Elizabeth Williamson is set to leave at the end of December for San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre.

The board and Executive Director James Haskins are confident the new leader will continue rebuilding Geva’s legacy.

The 2027 Lilac Festival will be held in Highland Park from May 7 to 16 and will feature guided walking tours, a parade, food trucks, art events, and a local farmers market — organizers confirmed the dates yesterday.

Memorial Art Gallery announced that free admission will begin May 1 thanks to a $9 million endowment; on launch day, visitors will enjoy creative workshops, tours, food, and music (designed to boost art access).

A local parental rights advocate from Courage Is a Habit warned that neuro-affirming counseling in schools — meant for supporting neurodivergent students — may reframe ordinary classroom struggles as issues of identity.

He urges parents to review guidelines and use opt-out forms if they disagree.

Four unvaccinated Ontario County residents tested positive for measles by Oct.

5 after Gov. Hochul declared a state disaster emergency to boost vaccine access; local health officials have investigated cases (contacting all exposed) while Rochester hospitals treated children with symptoms earlier this week.

The Power of Pink luncheon will take place on Sunday, Oct.

25, at Harro East Ballroom, offering raffles, music, food and speakers to raise breast cancer awareness in the community. Organizers Sonya Rourke Miller and Christina Thompson (of the Breast Cancer Coalition) aim to support survivors and promote early detection.

Local realtor and AI expert Jeremias Maneiro reported scammers are posting fake TikTok rental listings using stolen photos and red flags like below-market deposits; he advises renters to verify addresses and check that deposits (typically one month’s rent) are correct before signing leases.

Local high school football games in Section V have seen high scores and narrow margins of victory through five weeks of play — only four teams stay unbeaten.

Reporters on the Varsity Voices podcast shared their analysis and predictions for this weekend's games.