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Civil rights advocates, voters, and Democratic lawmakers across Tennessee are accusing Republican lawmakers of intentionally weakening Black political representation after the state approved a controversial new congressional map that dismantles Tennessee’s only majority-Black congressional district. State Senator London Lamar represents Tennessee's 33rd senate district as the youngest female and African America legislator in the Tennessee State Senate history The new map, pas

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

Faith leaders and community members across the region are preparing for a multi-day series of events marking the National Day of Prayer, with Rochester serving as a focal point for what organizers describe as one of the largest regional gatherings in the Northeast. Bishop David J. Singleton Sr. (Center with red shirt) is accompanied by other clergy, planners and community members in front of Rochester City Hall. Photo provided. Observed annually on the first Thursday in May,

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

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Community members gathered at Rochester City Hall to protest proposed budget cuts to student support services within the Rochester City School District ahead of a City Council budget hearing. Dozens of people gathered at City Hall Monday, April 27, 2026 to protest proposed RCSD budget cuts. (Photo by Alayna Delice, MRMG) Counselors and social workers support students beyond the classroom, speakers said. They described working with students dealing with serio

WASHINGTON — Authorities say a 31-year-old California man acted alone in a shooting that disrupted Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, sending hundreds of journalists and top government officials scrambling for cover and forcing the evacuation of President Donald Trump. Here is what is known so far about the suspect: Driver's license photo of Cole Tomas Allen Identity and background The suspect has been identified by law enforcement as Cole Tomas Allen,

The first of seven trial dates has been scheduled in connection with the death of Sam Nordquist, as prosecutors move forward in a case that authorities say involves multiple defendants and serious criminal allegations. Sam Nordquist - FB photo According to court filings, the initial trial is expected to begin in the coming months, with six additional dates reserved to accommodate separate proceedings. The staggered schedule reflects the complexity of the case, including the n

Six staff members of Rochester Police Accountability Board have been laid off following a court ruling that significantly limits the agency’s authority, officials confirmed. The layoffs, announced Friday by Executive Director Lesli Myers-Small, come in response to a March 20 decision by a New York appellate court that upheld earlier rulings stripping the board of key investigative and disciplinary powers. In a statement, Myers-Small said the decision to reduce staff was drive

ANNANDALE, Va. — Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife before taking his own life in what authorities describe as an apparent murder-suicide early Thursday, according to police. Justin Fairfax served as Virginia Lt. Gov from 2018 to 2022 Officers with the Fairfax County Police Department responded shortly after midnight to a residence in Annandale, Virginia, where they discovered two people dead inside the home. Preliminary findings indicat

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A new national housing analysis shows that for most Americans—including those in upstate New York—the long-standing belief that buying a home is cheaper than renting has largely flipped. According to a report by Construction Coverage, rising home prices and higher mortgage rates have made buying more expensive than renting in the majority of U.S. cities. As of early 2026, the typical monthly mortgage payment is about 20% higher than the median rent nationwid

Tops Friendly Markets customers can now use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to order groceries for delivery through DoorDash, marking a significant expansion in how families access food across upstate New York. The grocery chain announced the new option Wednesday, allowing shoppers to use Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards directly within the DoorDash app to purchase eligible food items. Company officials said the move is aimed at improving acce

A looming U.S. Supreme Court case over birthright citizenship is drawing national attention this week—but for Black Americans, the stakes are deeply rooted in history and could carry lasting consequences. At the center of the debate is a challenge to the 14th Amendment, the post-Civil War constitutional provision that guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil. The amendment was ratified in 1868 specifically to overturn the infamous Dred Scott decision, which declared

Thousands of demonstrators across the United States took to the streets Saturday as part of the nationwide “No Kings” movement, with multiple rallies held in the Rochester area drawing hundreds to several thousand participants in a show of opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies. The protests were part of a coordinated national day of action that included more than 3,000 events across all 50 states, making it one of the largest single-day protest mobilizations in U.S.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said her office helped recover more than $1.5 million for consumers in 2025, resolving thousands of complaints related to medical billing errors, insurance denials and coverage disputes. NY AG, Letitia James According to the Attorney General’s Office, the Health Care Helpline handled 4,890 complaints statewide last year, securing approximately $1.53 million in restitution and savings for New Yorkers. The annual report, released this wee

Two pilots were killed and dozens of people injured after a passenger jet collided with an emergency vehicle while landing at LaGuardia Airport late Sunday, forcing a full airport shutdown that is expected to last into Monday afternoon. The aircraft, identified as Air Canada Express Flight 8646, struck a Port Authority fire truck on the runway at approximately 11:40 p.m. as it arrived from Montreal, according to federal officials and multiple media reports. Authorities said t

A coalition of Rochester-area business leaders is calling on state lawmakers to address disparities in charter school funding, arguing that current formulas leave local students at a disadvantage compared to their peers in other upstate cities. The push comes as New York’s state budget negotiations enter their final stages, with education funding emerging as a key issue. Dozens of business leaders and organizations have signed a letter urging Albany to increase per-pupil fund

A national delegation of Black business leaders met with White House officials and members of Congress this week, pressing for expanded economic opportunities and policy reforms aimed at strengthening Black-owned enterprises across the United States. Photo: Front Row (L-R) - Charles DeBow, Lynne Patton, Dr. Ken Harris and Kevin Daniels The meetings, organized as part of the National Black Chamber of Commerce’s National Business Policy Conference in partnership with the Nation

It took just a single word to ignite an international conversation, a word no one invited, no one expected, and that, for one man, came unbidden. At the 79th BAFTA Awards, John Davidson, a Scottish advocate for Tourette’s syndrome and inspiration for the film I Swear , experienced a vocal tic that produced a racial slur as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award. What was meant to be a celebration of life and resilience suddenly became a lightning rod for debate

State Sen. Samra Brouk says the New York State Senate’s Democratic majority budget proposal includes several investments aimed at strengthening mental health services, supporting working families and increasing funding for Rochester-area programs. NYS Senator Samra Brouk - D, Rochester The Senate approved its “one-house” budget resolution Thursday, outlining the chamber’s priorities as negotiations begin with the Assembly and Gov. Kathy Hochul over the final state spending pl

The New York State Conservative Party is sharply criticizing Democratic leaders in Albany, accusing them of prioritizing their own financial interests while residents struggle with rising costs across the state. Gerard Kassar - NY State Conservative Party Chariman In a statement released this week, Gerard Kassar, chairman of the New York State Conservative Party, blasted Democrats for supporting a potential pay increase for state lawmakers and floated changes to the legislati