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Bronson marks 15 years of Marriage Equality Act, warns LGBTQ+ rights remain under threat
Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson joined LGBTQ+ advocates, community leaders and local organizations Wednesday to commemorate the 15th anniversary of New York's Marriage Equality Act, celebrating the landmark law while warning that marriage rights could once again face legal challenges. Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (center) was among the marriage equality advocates celebrating 15 years of the passage of New York State's Marriage Equality Act. The event, held at Rainbow Senio
6 days ago2 min read


Barnhart Questions Monroe County Sheriff's Participation in Federal D.C. Security Operation
Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart is seeking answers from Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter regarding the deployment of a sheriff's deputy to Washington, D.C., as part of a federal security operation connected to the Trump administration's Freedom 250 events. Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart In a statement released Monday, Barnhart said she had requested an immediate explanation from Baxter after images circulated online appearing to show a Monroe County Sherif
Jun 232 min read


Rochester celebrates Juneteenth with festival, parade and community events
Communities across the Rochester region are commemorating Juneteenth this week with festivals, educational programs, performances, and community gatherings honoring the end of slavery in the United States and celebrating Black history, culture and resilience. Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans of their freedom—more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Procl
Jun 192 min read


Frederick Douglass Monument Commemoration Marks 127 Years of Rochester History
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
Jun 102 min read


State Budget Delivers Historic $2 Million Investment for Baden Street Settlement
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
Jun 93 min read


Harper's Corner Project Brings New Housing, Commercial Space to Downtown Rochester
Four long-vacant historic buildings at one of downtown Rochester’s most prominent intersections have been transformed into affordable housing and commercial space through a $12.8 million redevelopment project that state and local leaders say will help fuel continued investment in the city’s urban core. Local leaders and community stakeholders gathered for ribbon-cutting celebrating Harper's Corner project. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday announced the completion of Harper’s Corne
Jun 83 min read


RCSD Reaches Settlement With Teachers Union Over Payroll Crisis
The Rochester City School District has reached a settlement with the Rochester Teachers Association, bringing an end to a months-long legal dispute stemming from widespread payroll problems that affected hundreds of educators and staff members. The agreement, approved unanimously by the Rochester Board of Education, resolves a lawsuit filed by the teachers union after the district's transition to a new Oracle payroll system resulted in missed paychecks, payroll errors and inc
Jun 82 min read


Former Mid-State Officer Convicted as Robert Brooks Case Still Looms Over NY Prisons
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
May 282 min read


Monroe County’s New Comprehensive Plan Draws Early Criticism Over Poverty, Housing Gaps
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
May 273 min read


Rochester Councilmembers Call for Housing Priority in School Building Redevelopment
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
May 252 min read


ICE Detention Cells Planned for Downtown Rochester Federal Building Draw Sharp Criticism
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
May 182 min read


WXXI Names Mikhaela Singleton as New Host of NPR’s Morning Edition
WXXI Public Media has announced a major change to its radio lineup, naming veteran journalist Mikhaela Singleton as the new local host of NPR’s Morning Edition on WXXI News. Mikhaela Singleton Singleton officially joins the station Monday, May 18, when she will co-host the morning program alongside longtime host Beth Adams during a transition week airing from 5 to 9 a.m. on WXXI News (FM 105.9) and WRUR-FM. Singleton is scheduled to assume full-time hosting duties on May 26.
May 152 min read
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