Rochester

Rochester, N.Y. – October 19, 2026 -- Families comparing schools in the Rochester area have a new data point: The Harley School has been named the #1 Best Private High School and the #1 Best Private K-12 School in both Monroe County and the Rochester area on Niche's 2027 Best Schools list.

Harley's STEM programs rank #2 on Niche's list

Niche also ranked Harley #2 for Best High School STEM Programs. According to the school, that is the highest ranking for any private school in the area.

Niche builds rankings from report cards and real reviews

Niche is an online platform for searching for schools and colleges. It publishes its rankings annually, drawing on a comprehensive K-12 report card along with real reviews, user data and surveys. Families use the database to find the right school for their children.

Rochester – October 14, 2026 -- A rotten egg or sulfur smell inside your home should always be treated as a possible gas leak, according to a new HelloNation article featuring Rochester, New York, plumbing expert George Campbell. The piece lays out the early signs of a gas line problem and who is responsible for fixing each part of the system.

Natural gas smells like sulfur only because mercaptan is added

Natural gas has no natural scent. Utility companies add a chemical called mercaptan so leaks can be detected. The article says that smell should never be blamed on another source until it has been investigated.

A hissing sound near a pipe or meter can mean escaping gas

A hiss or faint whistle near a gas appliance, a meter, or an exposed section of pipe can point to gas escaping from a fitting, connection, or valve. Even an intermittent sound should be reported promptly, because the rate of a leak can change without warning.

Rochester – October 12, 2026 -- Parents in Monroe County picking an indoor play center can look at lighting, noise, layout and floor padding, according to a HelloNation article featuring Kristen Bonn of Play Palace.

Soft lighting and quiet corners help kids focus

Soft, natural or adjustable lighting reduces glare, the article explains. Sound-absorbing materials and controlled noise levels let children concentrate without distraction. Quiet corners give them a place to pause, regroup or switch to calmer activities.

Defined play zones let children set their own pace

Open floor plans with clearly marked zones show children where each type of play happens. Separate areas for climbing, imaginative play and creative exploration let them move at their own speed. Padded flooring and safe equipment support motor development and lower the risk of injury.

Rochester, N.Y. – September 19, 2026 -- Eight circus companies take over downtown Rochester this weekend as the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival launches CIRCUS IN THE CITY, the first large-scale outdoor circus event of its kind in Western New York. The free performances run Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19, with shows at Parcel 5 from 5 to 10 p.m. and Gibbs Street from 5 to 9 p.m.

The broader ESL Rochester Fringe Festival continues through September 26, marking its 15th season with 715 performances across 297 productions at 45 venues in 12 days.

Saint Paul – September 15, 2026 -- Minnesota PBS's food series Relish will premiere its seventh season in Spring 2027 with two co-hosts for the first time, chef Karyn Tomlinson and food storyteller Tiffany Alexandria.

Two Minnesota food voices join forces on screen

Tomlinson, chef and owner of Myriel in St. Paul, blends Midwestern ingredients with French technique and the food traditions of her Minnesota upbringing. Alexandria, based in Rochester, founded the Rochester Night Market and runs pop-up dinners, dumpling classes, and photography projects rooted in her Taiwanese heritage.

Fairport, N.Y. – September 12, 2026 -- Bleeding or swollen gums during brushing can be an early sign of gum disease, according to a new HelloNation article featuring Dr. Marian Burgard of Fairport Family Dental.

Bleeding gums often appear before pain does

The article notes that gum disease frequently starts with subtle symptoms, including bleeding during brushing or flossing, swelling, and mild tenderness. These signs can occur even in people with a consistent daily oral hygiene routine. Because pain is not always present in early stages, residents in Fairport and Rochester, NY, may delay seeking treatment.

Plaque buildup along the gum line triggers irritation

According to the article, bleeding gums typically result from plaque accumulating along the gum line, which allows bacteria to irritate sensitive tissue. Swollen gums develop as the body reacts to this irritation.

Rochester – September 11, 2026 -- Families facing a sudden nursing home admission often assume every option to protect savings and property has vanished, but attorney Andrew R. Randisi of Weinstein & Randisi says that isn't always true.

Many families wait until a health crisis forces the issue

According to a HelloNation feature on Randisi's insights, most families delay Medicaid planning until a parent suddenly needs nursing home care or a loved one's health declines sharply. That timing creates immediate pressure around retirement savings, property, and long-term financial stability.

Two common assumptions about timing are usually wrong

Some families believe asset protection becomes impossible once long-term care starts. Others assume a single strategy can shield all savings and property no matter when planning begins. The article states neither assumption holds up under current Medicaid rules.