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The Republican-controlled House has approved a sweeping immigration enforcement package championed by President Donald Trump, delivering billions of dollars for border security, detention facilities, deportation operations, and immigration enforcement personnel. The bill will now move to the Republican controlled Senate where changes are expected; but, while much of the public debate has focused on immigration policy, a less-publicized provision tied to the legislation contin

New York Democrats are moving forward with a proposed constitutional amendment that could reshape the state's congressional redistricting process and potentially give Democrats an opportunity to gain several U.S. House seats ahead of the 2028 elections. The proposal, introduced this week in the Democratic-controlled Legislature, comes as redistricting battles intensify nationwide following efforts by Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps and a broader push by Pre

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

The Trump administration is facing mounting criticism after announcing plans to create a nearly $1.8 billion federal compensation fund for individuals who claim they were unfairly targeted or “weaponized against” by the federal government. Critics, including congressional Democrats and government watchdog groups, have labeled the proposal a political “slush fund” designed to benefit Trump allies and supporters. AI generated image of Donald Trump holding scales of justice The

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

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

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