Features

New York Attorney General Letitia James NEW YORK —New York Attorney General Letitia James secured an emergency court order temporarily halting the Trump administration’s effort to retract Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits already released to millions of Americans. The ruling, issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, blocks a last-minute directive from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that ordered states to “immediat

The City of Rochester’s Water Bureau will hold a public meeting on Thursday, November 13, at 5:30 p.m. at Lake Riley Lodge, 100 Norris Drive, to discuss updates to the Reservoir LT2 Compliance Project. The project is designed to bring the city’s water storage facilities into compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2), which requires that open, finished water reservoirs be either covered or equipped with a

The Rochester Board of Education’s October 30 meeting drew a full house — and for good reason. After months of frustration over payroll chaos, Rochester City School District (RCSD) employees came forward to share exactly what it’s been like living with the fallout from the district’s new Oracle payroll system. The tone was emotional, honest, and at times, tense, as teachers, aides, and staff described missing paychecks, incorrect deductions, and mounting financial stress. Sin

Raising the Barcode, Inc. held its 4th Annual Fundraiser on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at La Luna Restaurant in Rochester. Founded by Brittany Read, the nonprofit organization aims to help students transition into young professionals through mentorship and career development programs. Read, a 2016 graduate of Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School and a 2020 graduate of Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in legal, strategic and management communications, began hosting coll

The federal government has been partially shut down since October 1 after Congress failed to pass an annual budget. The impasse has led to widespread disruptions affecting millions of Americans, with immediate consequences for federal employees and low-income households relying on government programs for food and health support. More than one million federal employees are currently without pay. Approximately 730,000 workers are continuing their duties without pay, while about

The nostalgic beats of the 1990s will take center stage this Sunday, Oct. 26, as ROC Fest: I Love the 90s Tour  returns to the Rochester Sports Complex from noon to 6 p.m. The event promises not only chart-topping hits and throwback energy but also a strong message of community, service, and local pride. Organizers announced this week that hip-hop legend Tone Lōc —known for his gravelly voice and party anthems “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina”—has joined the festival’s lin

More than 1,000 students and educators from across the Finger Lakes region attended the 27th Annual Rochester Careers in Construction Day last week, at the Monroe County Fleet Center. The event, hosted by Rochester Careers in Construction Inc. (RCCI), featured over 45 employers, construction unions and vendors. The annual event is designed to introduce high school students to careers in the skilled trades — an alternative for those who may not wish to attend a four-year colle

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The Black Cinema Series, a partnership between the Rochester Association of Black Journalists (RABJ) and the Little Theatre, presents "Sinners" at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26. Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Michael B. Jordan and Michael B. Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back, in Ryan Coogler's instant classic/probable Oscar flick. Featuring a star

WASHINGTON —  As the government shutdown reaches its 20th day, pressure is mounting on Congress to reach an agreement to fund federal operations and bring an end to the impasse that has left much of the government paralyzed. The Senate returns to session Monday, where lawmakers are expected to vote once again on a House-passed measure aimed at reopening the government. Last Thursday, the Senate failed for the tenth time to advance a bill that would restore government funding,

Rochester, N.Y. — October 14, 2025 — The Rochester Board of Education held a work session focused on reviewing district policies, refining communication procedures, and outlining the 2026–27 budget calendar. The meeting provided an opportunity for board members to discuss operational updates, policy alignment with state requirements, and the district’s approach to long-term planning and community engagement. Several policy reviews were presented during the session, including

Rochester, NY City Council Rochester’s latest City Council meeting offered more than a glimpse into local governance—it exposed the city’s ongoing struggle to balance ambition with practicality. From library funding to public safety initiatives, the session revealed a government intent on progress but constrained by financial uncertainty and structural inefficiencies. On the surface, the discussions about library investments, fire equipment upgrades, and pedestrian safety pro

AI: Sean Diddy Combs Music fans and legal observers have followed the recent federal prosecution of Sean “Diddy” Combs, a case that...