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Mayor Malik Evans Joins East Market Neighborhood To Unveil New Mural
Rochester, N.Y. — Mayor Malik Evans will join residents of the East Market Neighborhood on Saturday, October 25, 2025, for the unveiling of a new community mural located near the Rochester Public Market. The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. at 183 Hayward Avenue, a two-story building visible from the intersection of Railroad Street and Fourth Street near the Market’s entrance. The mural was created through a partnership between local artists, community volunteers, and nei


Clifford Florence Sr. Launches Write-In Campaign for Rochester Mayor
Minister Clifford A. Florence Sr., son of the late civil rights leader Rev. Franklin Florence, has officially launched a write-in campaign for mayor of Rochester, positioning himself as a community-driven alternative in the 2025 mayoral race. Clifford Florence, Sr. (right) with long-time friend and community advocate Howard Eagle - Photo by Rodney Brown, The Crows Nest Radio Show Florence announced his campaign during a public event held Oct. 14 at Inner Faith Gospel Tabern


Students Receive Hands-On Training at 27th Annual Rochester Careers in Construction Day
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


Black Cinema Series Celebrates Spooky Season With Oscar-favorite "Sinners"
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


Split Verdict Derails Justice?
Rochester, N.Y. A Monroe County jury delivered a split verdict Monday in the high-profile case involving three former correctional officers from Marcy Correctional Facility accused in the fatal beating of inmate Robert Brooks, 43, of Greece, New York. The verdict concluded weeks of testimony, evidence, and deliberation over a case that has drawn significant public attention to conditions and accountability within New York’s prison system. The jury found David Kingsley guilt


Government Shutdown Continues
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,


U.S. Postal Service Employee Shot
Rochester, N.Y. — The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is investigating an early-morning shooting Thursday involving a postal service employee in Henrietta. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a shooting around 12:40 a.m. at the U.S. Postal Service’s main processing facility on Jefferson Road. Upon arrival, deputies found a postal worker who had been shot by an unidentified suspect who fled the scene in a vehicle before law enforce


Rochester Board of Education Contentious Work Session Debates Policy Reforms, Communication Standards, and Budget
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


Legacy Makers, Inc. Partners With NYS and Faith Community to Equip Families for Emergencies
Legacy Makers, Inc., in collaboration with New York State and members of Rochester’s faith community, is hosting a pair of Emergency Preparedness Trainings aimed at helping families plan for crises — from natural disasters to financial instability. More than 100 people were in attendance for the October 10, 2025 "Emergency Preparedness Training" hosted at Glory House International Church, 111 N Chestnut St, Rochester, NY - Photo by Rodney Allen Young The sessions will be hel


Minister Clifford Florence Sr. Launches Write-In Mayoral Campaign with Community Rally
Rochester, N.Y. — On October 14, 2025 , Minister Clifford A. Florence Sr. will hold a public campaign event as a write-in candidate for mayor at the Inner Faith Gospel Tabernacle , located at 601 Jay Street . Florence—son of the late civil rights leader Rev. Franklin Florence—has positioned himself as a community-centered alternative in Rochester’s 2025 mayoral race. In recent months, Florence’s campaign has faced obstacles: he was removed from the primary ballot via object


City Council Committee Tackles Financial Uncertainty
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


Sean Diddy Combs' Trial Proves Classism Bigger Problem Than Racism
AI: Sean Diddy Combs Music fans and legal observers have followed the recent federal prosecution of Sean “Diddy” Combs, a case that...


Will Robert Brooks' Family Receive Justice?
Robert Brooks The high-profile trial surrounding the death of Robert Brooks , a 43-year-old inmate at the Mohawk Correctional Facility, opened this week with powerful and conflicting narratives from both the prosecution and defense. Brooks died on December 9, 2024 , shortly after being transferred to Marcy Correctional Facility in upstate New York. Prosecutors allege that Brooks was brutally assaulted and killed by a group of correctional officers— Mr. Gallagher, Mr. Kefir,


Rochester Officials, Advocates Push Back Against RG&E Rate Hike Proposal
Rochester Gas & Electric’s bid to raise electricity and gas delivery rates by double digits has sparked a wave of opposition from city...


Family of Robert Brooks Joins Push for Prison Reform
The family of Robert Brooks has joined the statewide “End Prison Violence” campaign, urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign a prison reform bill aimed at increasing accountability and safety inside New York’s correctional facilities. Brooks, 36, died December 9, 2024 at Marcy Correctional Facility, where body camera footage shows correctional officers beating the handcuffed inmate. Brooks was pronounced dead the following day, with the medical examiner citing asphyxia due to neck c


Dr. Tracy Strawberry brings message of hope to Ruth's Restoration Place fundraiser
Ruth’s Restoration Place held its first annual fundraiser Sept. 11 at the Strathallan Hotel, drawing a crowd to support the new faith-based transitional home for women. Ruth’s Restoration Place founder Cheryl Brown, second from left, with her siblings and a portrait of their late mother, Ruth Rourk, for whom the organization is named. Founded in 2024 by Cheryl Brown, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides safe, supportive housing for women overcoming addiction or incarceration. Bro


Hochul urges restraint in political rhetoric after rise in violence
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul used a Friday morning press conference to call for dialing down political rhetoric, warning that inflammatory...


CBP Presence in Rochester’s Park Ave Spurs Protest, Deflated Tires
A federal immigration enforcement action in Rochester’s Park Avenue neighborhood Tuesday morning drew a swift and forceful response from...


Judge Approves $246M Settlement in Rochester Diocese Abuse Case
A federal bankruptcy judge has given final approval to a $246 million settlement between the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester and...


Songs of Celebration: Rochester Honors Mrs. Midge Thomas on Her 99th Birthday
The Rochester community came together last week to honor Midge Thomas, a beloved matriarch and community leader, as she celebrated her...
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