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A powerful Democratic wave swept through Rochester, Monroe County and much of the nation Tuesday, Nov. 3, delivering significant victories for Democratic candidates and reshaping the political landscape heading into the final two years of President Donald Trump’s second term. Assemblyman Demond Meeks gives acceptance speech alongside his wife Cratrina Y. Meeks. The election produced a series of consequential results, including Democratic gains in traditionally Republican area

Community coalition works to eliminate transportation barriers as voters prepare for Nov. 3 election Monroe County residents who need transportation to vote can take advantage of free rides to polling locations through Election Day, Nov. 3, thanks to a collaborative effort involving local nonprofit and civic organizations. The initiative, organized through the Rochester Votes Coalition and Monroe County Rides to Polls, is designed to remove transportation barriers that can pr

Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election is underway across Monroe County, with more than 24,000 residents casting ballots during the first two days, according to figures reported by the Monroe County Board of Elections. The turnout comes as voters prepare to decide a range of federal, state and local races in an election that will help determine political representation and policy priorities for the coming years. Early voting began Saturday, Oct. 24, and continues throug

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Monroe County Legislature has unanimously approved an investigation into the private company providing medical services at the Monroe County Jail following a state report that found serious deficiencies in the treatment of an inmate who died in custody. Monroe County Jail - Rochester, NY The bipartisan committee, established Oct. 13, will examine whether PrimeCare Medical of New York should continue providing health care at the jail and recommend improve

The YWCA Rochester & Monroe County celebrated its 20th Annual Empowering Women's Luncheon on Oct. 7, 2026, welcoming tennis legend Venus Williams as the featured speaker for an afternoon focused on empowerment, leadership and personal growth. Held at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, the sold-out event attracted approximately 1,500 guests under the theme "Serving Strength, Building Futures." Proceeds from the luncheon will support the YWCA's housin

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans Gun violence in Rochester has fallen to levels not seen in more than a decade, according to new data released by Mayor Malik Evans, continuing a downward trend that city officials say reflects a combination of policing, violence-prevention programs, community partnerships and targeted intervention strategies. At a recent public safety update, Evans announced that several key measures of gun violence are now substantially below their 10-year average

New York state has agreed to pay $24 million to the family of Robert Brooks, the Rochester-area man who died after a brutal beating by correction officers at Marcy Correctional Facility in December 2024, bringing the civil litigation surrounding his death to a close while his family vows to continue pushing for changes in the state prison system. Steven Schwarz (Attorney), Robert Brooks Jr.(Son of Robert Brooks), Jared Ricks (Robert Brook's brother), Elizabeth Mazur (Attorney

Millions of New Yorkers will soon find an unexpected envelope in their mailboxes as the state begins distributing one-time energy rebate checks of up to $200, an effort state leaders say will provide some relief from rising utility and household energy costs. Governor Hochul Announces Energy Rebate Checks Going to 8.2 Million New York Households Starting Sept. 21 Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the state will begin mailing the checks Monday, Sept. 21, to approximately 8.2 mi

Monroe County health officials are urging residents to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms of measles following multiple potential exposures in the Rochester area this month, including two involving travelers who passed through Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. The Monroe County Department of Public Health announced Sept. 17 that individuals who later tested positive for measles traveled through the Rochester airport on Sept. 8 and

For Morgann Thomas, creating opportunities for people to connect has become more than an event concept. It has become part of how she sees the community. Morgann Thomas A registered nurse and the visionary behind The Pause NY, Thomas draws from her own lived experiences and observations about how people connect, socialize and build relationships to curate experiences that encourage adults to step outside their routines and make room for something new. That work led me to a qu

Six Rochester City School District schools could be on their way out of state receivership by the end of the 2026-27 school year, potentially marking a significant turnaround for schools that have spent years under heightened state oversight. RCSD currently has seven schools in receivership: Dr. David and Ruth Anderson School No. 16, Henry Hudson School No. 28, Dr. Iris J. Banister School No. 33, East Lower School, Edison Career and Technology High School, James Monroe High S

A nearly yearlong investigation into an alleged drug trafficking network in Rochester has resulted in 22 arrests and the seizure of large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine along with more than two dozen firearms, according to the Rochester Police Department. Rochester Police Capt. Greg Bello announced results of a drug investigation Police announced the results Thursday, Aug. 27, saying investigators executed a total of 24 search warrants during two major enforcement operati

For more than six decades, Dr. David “Sankofa” Anderson worked to ensure that Rochester remembered its history — particularly the Black history that too often had been overlooked, diminished or forgotten. Dr. David Anderson was known as "Sankofa" Anderson, a nationally recognized Frederick Douglass scholar, educator, storyteller, civil rights activist and longtime community advocate, died at age 96. His death prompted tributes across Rochester for a man whose influence stretc

Chabad of Pittsford will celebrate 18 years of serving the local Jewish community with a special concert featuring internationally known American-Israeli rapper and musician Nissim Black. The event, “CHAI PITTSFORD: Celebrating 18 Years of Jewish Life in Pittsford,” is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 7, at 2 p.m. at the Sutherland High School Theater, 55 Sutherland St. in Pittsford. American-Israeli rapper and musician Nissim Black Organizers say the celebration will recognize Ch

With thousands of students preparing to return to classrooms, Monroe County officials are launching a new public awareness effort aimed at reminding motorists of one of the most important rules of the road: When a school bus stops with its red lights flashing, drivers must stop, too. The “Spot the Stop” campaign is being rolled out ahead of the 2026-27 school year as local officials seek to reduce the number of motorists illegally passing stopped school buses and putting chil

Incumbent Letitia James brings nearly eight years running one of the nation's most powerful state attorney general offices. Republican challenger Saritha Komatireddy brings an extensive federal prosecution and national-security résumé. Their contest could ultimately become a referendum on what New Yorkers want their attorney general to prioritize. Letitia James, Saritha Komatireddy (Official Photos) As New York Attorney General Letitia James seeks another term, Republican cha

A social media statement by Monroe County Legislator and Rochester City Council candidate Rachel Barnhart following this past weekend's deadly violence generated hundreds of reactions, revealing sharp divisions over what is driving the city's recurring outbreaks of violence—and how leaders should respond. Despite the ban on large crowds issued by Mayor Malik Evans, crowds gathered this weekend post the annual Puerto Rican Festival, leaving two dead and several injured. The vi

Tenants and housing advocates gathered outside Conifer Realty's headquarters on University Avenue Thursday, calling for improved living conditions at several Conifer-managed apartment complexes and urging state and local officials to reconsider awarding public funding to the affordable housing developer until existing maintenance issues are addressed. The demonstration, organized by the Rochester Tenant Union and residents of several Conifer properties, focused largely on con

Betye Saar, the groundbreaking artist whose powerful assemblage works challenged racism, reclaimed Black identity, and transformed everyday objects into symbols of resistance, died Sunday at her home in Los Angeles. She was 99, just days shy of her 100th birthday. Her family confirmed her death on Monday. Betye Saar - Instagram Photo Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of the Black Arts Movement, Saar spent more than six decades creating works that confront

Thousands of Monroe County residents are losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as new federal work requirements take effect, prompting concerns from local officials and anti-hunger advocates that food insecurity will rise across the Rochester region. The changes primarily affect certain adults between the ages of 18 and 64 who do not have dependent children and do not qualify for an exemption. Under the new federal rules, recipients in this category