Local News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The pending closure of Durham School Services’ Rochester operations is raising new questions about the future of student transportation in the Rochester City School District, particularly for students with disabilities and families who rely on consistent daily transportation services. According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filing with the New York State Department of Labor, Durham School Services — operating locally as Monroe Sch

Former Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren is weighing in on Rochester’s renewed debate over red-light cameras, arguing the city’s own data does not support claims that the technology consistently improves public safety. Former Mayor Lovely Warren cancelled Rochester's Red Light Camera program in December, 2016 In a recently posted social media video, Warren criticized city officials for citing New York City statistics during recent public discussions instead of relying on Roche

Tensions surrounding the proposed 2026–27 budget for the Rochester City School District continue to grow, but the debate is far from one-sided. While protests and advocacy groups have raised concerns about cuts to student services, some observers and community voices say the plan also reflects necessary investments and long-term strategy. The district’s budget process has entered a critical phase, with public hearings, community feedback and internal revisions shaping what re