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Community leaders, historians and residents gathered Tuesday morning at Frederick Douglass Memorial Square to commemorate the 127th anniversary of the unveiling of the Frederick Douglass Monument, honoring the life and legacy of one of Rochester's most influential historical figures. Brothers of Eureka Lodge #36 F.& A.M. PHA were among attendees at the annual Frederick Douglass Monument Commemoration - Photo courtesy of Rev. Julius Jackson The annual Frederick Douglass Monume

Members of Rochester's Democratic state legislative delegation gathered Monday to highlight what they describe as major victories for Rochester and Monroe County in New York's FY2027 state budget, including a historic $2 million capital investment in Baden Street Settlement and $300 million for the Rochester-Monroe Transformation Initiative. The lawmakers said the budget delivers funding aimed at addressing affordability, housing shortages, child care access, public safety an

The Republican-controlled House has approved a sweeping immigration enforcement package championed by President Donald Trump, delivering billions of dollars for border security, detention facilities, deportation operations, and immigration enforcement personnel. The bill will now move to the Republican controlled Senate where changes are expected; but, while much of the public debate has focused on immigration policy, a less-publicized provision tied to the legislation contin

New York Democrats are moving forward with a proposed constitutional amendment that could reshape the state's congressional redistricting process and potentially give Democrats an opportunity to gain several U.S. House seats ahead of the 2028 elections. The proposal, introduced this week in the Democratic-controlled Legislature, comes as redistricting battles intensify nationwide following efforts by Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps and a broader push by Pre

A former correction officer at New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision has been convicted in the beating death of inmate Messiah Nantwi at Mid-State Correctional Facility, marking the first trial verdict connected to one of the most scrutinized prison abuse cases in New York in recent years. The fatal beating of 22-year-old Messiah Nantwi (left) at Midstate Correctional Facility occurred in March 2025 just months after the December 2025 killing of 4

Monroe County officials have released the public review draft of “Plan Forward,” the county’s first comprehensive plan in more than four decades, outlining a long-term vision for growth, housing, infrastructure, transportation and economic development across the region. But even as county leaders celebrate the milestone planning effort, early debate is already emerging over whether the proposal adequately addresses poverty and the needs of Monroe County’s most vulnerable resi

Three members of Rochester City Council are calling for the city to prioritize affordable housing opportunities when determining the future of former Rochester City School District buildings, following a divided vote over the proposed sale of two vacant school properties. Rochester City Councilmembers Stanley Martin, Mary Lupien, and Chiara Smith Councilmembers Mary Lupien, Stanley Martin, and Chiara Smith issued a joint statement after Council approved the sale of former Sch

The Trump administration is facing mounting criticism after announcing plans to create a nearly $1.8 billion federal compensation fund for individuals who claim they were unfairly targeted or “weaponized against” by the federal government. Critics, including congressional Democrats and government watchdog groups, have labeled the proposal a political “slush fund” designed to benefit Trump allies and supporters. AI generated image of Donald Trump holding scales of justice The

Plans by the Trump administration to move forward with the construction of ICE detention holding cells inside the downtown Rochester federal building are drawing strong opposition from local leaders, including Congressman Joe Morelle and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. The Trump administration plans to build holding cells inside The Kenneth B. Keating Federal Building, 100 State St, Rochester, NY 14614 According to a statement release

The Rochester Police Accountability Board held the first in what officials say will be a series of public community meetings Wednesday evening as the agency attempts to rebuild public engagement and chart a path forward after court rulings significantly reduced its oversight powers. The meeting, held at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park Lodge on the city’s east side, was hosted by PAB Vice Chair Lwan Tecleab, the East District City Council appointee. The event was prom

Political activity is beginning to intensify across Rochester and Monroe County as candidates prepare for what is expected to be a highly watched 2026 election cycle featuring congressional races, local legislative contests, statewide battles, and growing debate over public safety, housing, taxes, and economic development. (L to R) Congressman Joe Morelle is expected to face Democratic primary challengers Robin Wilt and Sherita Traywick in the 2026 race for New York’s 25th Co

Mayor Malik D. Evans Mayor Malik Evans has unveiled a proposed $680 million-plus city budget that is already fueling debate over taxes, public safety, neighborhood investment, and the future financial direction of Rochester. The proposed 2026-27 spending plan, presented last week, calls for Rochester’s first property tax levy increase in nearly five years as city officials grapple with rising pension costs, healthcare expenses, fuel prices, and slowing sales tax growth. Evans