Task force to tackle internet access gaps, inequities in Monroe County
Of particular concern is how the county might provide high-speed internet to households in need for free or at a low cost.
Since Daniel Prude’s death, has mental health care for people of color changed?
Prude’s death reignited an already active movement for racial justice, this time with emphasis on mental health and policing.
YMCA permanently closes Carlson MetroCenter fitness facility
The Carlson MetroCenter is the second YMCA fitness facility in the city to close in the last year.
Recreational marijuana is now legal in New York
New Yorkers 21 and older will be able to buy smokeable and edible forms of marijuana in retail stores as soon as next year.
Grand jury refuses to indict parolee Jalil Muntaqim on voter fraud charges
The case of Jalil Muntaqim was used as an example by advocates for restoring voting rights to felons.
Music Hall of Fame scraps April ceremony — again
Acts including The Dady Brothers are among the artists awaiting induction to the Rochester Music Hall of Fame.
Legal pot opponents make last-ditch effort to derail legislation
Law enforcement figures from Monroe County are among the loudest opponents of legalizing marijuana.
A divided City Council passes police reform plan
By a vote of 5-to-3, the Rochester City Council has passed its state-mandated police reform plan.
After hours of debate, City Council to vote on police reform plan for Rochester
After about six and a half hours of debate, City Council will ultimately vote on Rochester’s state-mandated police reform plan Monday.
GrassRoots postpones summer festival until next year
The four-day summer event typically brings a wide range of roots-oriented music to the region.
Vote to legalize cannabis in New York could come Tuesday
By late 2022, adults in the state would be able to buy cannabis in retail stores and sample it in tasting rooms.
Warren eyes using pot revenue for reparations
Mayor Lovely Warren is exploring paying reparations to, and setting up a universal basic income program for, Black and brown residents.
Bausch + Lomb marks 50th anniversary of the soft contact lens
Happy 50th to SOFLENS, the first mass-produced soft contact lens in the U.S.
Rochester Police to take a “holistic approach” to crime spike
RPD Chief Herriott alluded to a plan to work with judges and lobby for stiffer penalties for specific crimes.
Fri COVID-19 vaccine at former Kodak site postponed due to weather
The appointments will be rescheduled for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, March 27-29.
City Council calls for mayor to fire Corporation Counsel Tim Curtin
The City Council is calling for the immediate firing of Corporate Counsel Tim Curtin due to his handling of the Daniel Prude fallout.
Grace Road Church buys elegant Lyric Theatre
The Rochester Lyric Opera has confirmed the sale of the Lyric Theatre to Grace Road Church.
Sexually transmitted disease rates soar in Monroe County
A spike in STDs was seen across Monroe County in 2020, including a 77 percent increase in gonorrhea.
PAB lawyers up to help gain access to RPD documents
Shearman and Sterling, based in New York City, will be providing pro bono legal assistance to ensure the PAB receives documents from RPD.
State lawmakers approve repeal of legal protections for nursing homes
The legislature has approved a measure which would strip nursing homes of pandemic-given legal protections.
Cuomo and State Legislature clash over proposed taxes on the wealthy
As the state budget deadline of April 1 approaches, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Democratic leaders in Legislature disagree on raising taxes on the wealthy.
Dates announced for 2021 Lilac Festival
This year’s festival will span three weekends and visitors will be required to wear masks.
Two variants of COVID-19 found in Monroe County
COVID-19 variants from the United Kingdom and California have been identified in a limited number of cases in Monroe County.
‘Tenacious Women’ making their way to Geva’s stage
Geva Theatre Center’s new commissioning project calls on 25 playwrights to tell the stories of local women who have had a vital impact on society.
Protesters march on anniversary of Daniel Prude’s fatal encounter with RPD
A crowd of about 100 marched through Rochester, commemorating the one-year anniversary of Daniel Prude’s fatal encounter with police.
Reed, facing sexual misconduct allegations, won’t run for office in 2022
House Rep. Tom Reed had previously said that he was considering a run for governor in 2022.
Irondequoit waives library fines on items for children and teens
The Irondequoit Public Library becomes the first suburban library in Monroe County to follow a nationwide trend of dropping fines.
Dryden Theatre joins The Little with April reopenings
The Dryden, which shut down in January 2020 — at first because of construction, and then COVID-19 — will reopen to the public on April 2.
University of Rochester to hold hybrid commencement
Eligible graduates, faculty, and staff can participate in-person, but family and friends will have to watch the ceremonies online.
County and city partner with URMC for pop-up vaccine clinics in minority communities
The additional vaccination hubs — dubbed ‘equity pods’ — are designed to target city residents who can’t access larger vaccination sites.
FLCC wins grant to fight student food insecurity
Finger Lakes Community College is among 17 schools that were awarded SUNY grants to purchase refrigerators for their food pantries.
Rep. Tom Reed accused of sexual misconduct by former lobbyist
The Republican congressman, who has publicly noted he’s considering a run for governor, is now facing sexual misconduct allegations.
Genesee Brewery invests to accommodate growth in Seagram’s Escapes
The corporate parent of Genesee Brewery is expanding capacity, but this time the focus is on a product that is part of the company’s ‘Beyond Beer’ portfolio.
Virtual talk on racism against Asians and Asian Americans begins Sunday
The conference was scheduled before the killings in Georgia, but that tragedy underscores the need for the discussion.
Assembly’s choice of impeachment firm faces criticism
The law firm hired to help look into multiple allegations of sexual harassment against Cuomo has some associations that could call its objectivity into question, critics say.
Low-income neighborhood groups asked to spread word about COVID vaccines
As low-income neighborhoods lag behind the rest of the county in vaccination rates, Rochester Area Community Foundation is launching a community vaccine education program.
Racial and Structural Equity Commission releases final report
The nearly 300-page final report details a slew of recommendations on how the city and county could achieve racial equity.
Nearly $400 million in federal aid coming to Rochester-area schools
The nearly $400 million in federal aid includes $228 million earmarked for the Rochester City School District.
Rochester City Hall evacuated after bomb threat
Rochester City Hall has been evacuated after a bomb threat was called in to 911.
Low-profile Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is no stranger to politics
Calls for Gov. Cuomo’s resignation amid sexual harassment allegations and a nursing home scandal have focused attention on Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul.
George Eastman Museum revives lost Orson Welles film
Orson Welles’s 1938 film “Too Much Johnson,” recovered by George Eastman Museum, is a hybrid of silent film and live performance.
City Council votes to urge city administration to fire Prude officers
A resolution urging the city administration to terminate the officers involved in Daniel Prude’s death passed Tuesday evening.
One year in, Virtual Jazz Club continues its streak of nightly concerts
Laura Dubin and Antonio Guerrero started their evening Virtual Jazz Club performances one year ago on Tuesday, and plan to keep them going.
Monroe County nearly triples staffing for mental health intervention program
The Forensic Intervention Team is now operating around the clock, and county officials plan to add the equivalent of 18 full-time positions.
State ‘close’ to marijuana legalization, Assembly speaker says
Supporters believe cannabis legalization will pass as a stand-alone bill outside of the annual budget, which is due April 1.
The Little Theatre announces plans to reopen
The Little Theatre’s interior lights inside will dim again when it reopens for public screenings beginning April 16.
RPD bans chokeholds, orders officers to intervene
Rochester police officers now have a “duty to intervene” when they witness a colleague using unreasonable force.
Eastman alum Maria Schneider wins twice at 63rd Grammy Awards
Fellow Eastman alumni Sarah Brailey, Christopher Theofanidis, and the late Christopher Rouse were also among Sunday night’s Grammy winners.
Poll: Half of New Yorkers say Cuomo should stay
A new Siena Poll also shows that Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s favorability rating among Democrats has plummeted 30 points since February.
Bello received call from state vaccine ‘czar’ gauging his support for Cuomo
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello on Monday also called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign.
Family of man killed by police last week calls for changes in policing
The Rev. Myra Brown, the pastor at Spiritus Christi, said Sunday that her cousin’s mental health struggle became a death sentence for him.
St. John Fisher trustees say Giuliani can keep his honorary degree
Trustees announced that they did not have the votes to strip Rudy Giuliani of his honorary degree, despite pressure from faculty and alumni.
Daniel Prude probe: Mayor, city officials suppressed info about his death
An independent probe found that officials at the highest levels of city government suppressed information about Daniel Prude’s death.
Assembly begins impeachment investigation of Cuomo
The move comes after 59 Democrats in the Legislature wrote a letter asking for the governor’s immediate resignation.
Food insecurity up 38% in Monroe County
A slice of the latest COVID-19 stimulus package focuses on curbing food insecurity. At least one advocate is hoping the benefits last longer than advertised.
Council members to urge RPD chief, city to consider firing Prude officers
City Council will vote Tuesday to urge the city to take disciplinary action, up to firing, the officers involved in Prude’s death.
Duffy on Cuomo allegations: ‘Not once have I heard of such things’
Asked if he had ever heard of misconduct complaints against Gov. Cuomo during his time as lt. governor, Bob Duffy replied, “Never.”
Ruby Red Kolsch makes an early return
Genesee’s Ruby Red Kolsch will be back next week, and will be gearing up for its longest season yet.
Trio Ghidorah releases debut album Saturday as part of Bop Shop concert livestream
The classical guitar trio of Eastman graduates creates intricate musical arrangements that expand their instrument’s repertoire and sound.
Video released of Rochester officer shooting man outside Open Door Mission
The video of the shooting early Wednesday morning shows an officer shooting an unidentified man in the chest five times.
Man killed by police was shot five times, City Council member says
Mary Lupien, the Council member, said the man was clutching a knife and appeared to be in mental distress when he was approached by police.
County Republican legislators seek oversight of county-forced business closures
The “Business Closure Transparency Act,” proposed by Joe Carbone, would enable the Monroe County Legislature to review and reverse closings.
RPD shoots, kills man who they say threatened officers with large knife
Rochester Police say a man is dead, shot by police, after threatening officers with a knife near the Open Door Mission early Wednesday morning.
City moves to foreclose on CityGate, claims developer owes $737,000 in back taxes
The city alleges that CityGate developer Anthony J. Costello & Sons has neglected to turn over property taxes.
Cuomo is business as usual as calls for his removal mount
Embroiled in two scandals, Gov. Andrew Cuomo stays the course.
Prude family files new lawsuit against city, Rochester police officers
The claim, like the one it supplants, accuses three police officers of using excessive force as they restrained Prude during his arrest.
Big Logic & the Truth Serum colors outside the genre lines with new singles
Since COVID-19 began, Justin Gurnsey and his band have released seven new singles, ranging from rock and reggae to folk and country.
Racial equity and the RPO: a thread
There’s more work to be done before the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra reflects the city it serves.
Cuomo loosens capacity restrictions on restaurants
But state officials warn that if COVID-19 infection numbers begin to rise, they may have to tighten capacities.
Senate leader says Cuomo must resign; governor says ‘no way’
The demand comes following two new allegations of inappropriate behavior from more women over the weekend.
County official alleges Cuomo acted inappropriately when she was his aide
The Wall Street Journal reported the allegations by Ana Liss, the county’s current director of planning and development, on Saturday.
RPD officers pepper-sprayed mom as 3-year-old looked on
Officers responded to call for a suspected shoplifter. From there, the confrontation escalated.
Great Red’s ‘Inside the Moon’ alternates between mellow and mind-blowing
On its new EP, indie rock band Great Red continues to up its game with mood music that can be either soothing or edgy.
New indictment against Rochester developer Bob Morgan and 3 others
An indictment has been filed charging Robert Morgan and three of his colleagues with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.
Eastman saxophone alumni lead Cowboys & Frenchmen on “Our Highway”
The new EP “Our Highway” by New York City jazz quintet Cowboys & Frenchmen is propelled by Owen Broder and Ethan Helm on saxophones.
Rochester women create a safe festival for chaotic times
The CommUNITY Arts and Wellness Festival aims to bring people together in a safe way during uncertain times.
In Andrea Durfee’s mystical art, people are at one with nature
Sweet dreamscapes are made of these.
A darker Amanda Lee Peers comes into the light with ‘Sinner’
Amanda Lee Peers’s album “Sinner” reflects the singer-songwriter’s inner transformation since appearing on “The Voice” nearly seven years ago.
State-FEMA mass vaccination site opens at old Kodak Hawkeye building
On Wednesday, the first Rochesterians received their initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the old Kodak Hawkeye building.
Cuomo says he’s sorry, but that he won’t resign
Gov. Andrew Cuomo for the first time publicly addressed the sexual harassment accusations that have dogged him for days.
Rochester baseball legend Joe Altobelli has died
Joe Altobelli, known as “Mr. Baseball” to Rochester Red Wings fans, has died from natural causes at the age of 88.
Alyssa Trahan’s ‘We Used to Be Happy’ has a Nashvegas veneer
On the new single “We Used to Be Happy,” a glossy pop-music sheen dulls the authenticity of Alyssa Trahan’s country tune.
Rochester City School District can’t hire cooks soon enough
After discolored sandwich meat was found in students’ lunches earlier this week, the RCSD has stopped distributing food from a Long Island vendor.
In ‘Constellations,’ one couple connects across many universes
‘Constellations’ explores the infinite possibilities of one relationship and the tension between choice and fate, played out in the space of an hour.
Legislators to strip Cuomo of emergency powers
The bill to strip Gov. Andrew Cuomo of his emergency powers comes as he is embroiled in a pair of scandals.
Beef Gordon and Hieronymus Bogs collaborate on new single ‘Ashes’
On the collaborative single “Ashes” and its accompanying video, Beef Gordon’s quirky pop meets the mystical folk of Hieronymus Bogs.
Seneca Park Zoo named a ‘worst zoo for elephants’ by animal advocacy group
An animal advocacy group has Seneca Park Zoo in its sights, but international zoo accreditors have praised the zoo’s elephant program.
Cuomo scandal: For victims of abuse, going public isn’t easy
For victims of intimate partner violence wonder if they’ll be supported or dismissed when sharing their story publicly.
How Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s political fortunes rose and fell with COVID-19
A year ago this week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that COVID-19 was here. What has transpired since has been a wild ride.
Weekly clinic will vaccinate Monroe County grocery store workers
Officials expect that each weekly clinic will vaccinate 300 to 400 people.
Ryan Sutherland’s ‘Loner’s Paradise’ is equal parts mystique and stark reality
On his retro-rock album “Loner’s Paradise,” singer-songwriter Ryan Sutherland mixes melancholic lyrics with casual guitars and bouncy vocal hooks.
Cuomo to give AG subpoena powers to investigate allegations against him
Two former aides have come forward and accused New York Governor Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment.
From social club to obstacle to police reform. How the Locust Club came to be.
For six decades, the union has had a double-barreled primary charge: protect the rights of officers and defend those accused of misconduct.
The pandemic’s school daze
The 12-month COVID-19 pandemic is often described as a “lost year,” and perhaps nowhere has that been felt more than in schools.
COVID-19 changed the way we vote — and who votes
It took a global pandemic for New York to experiment with allowing all registered voters to cast their ballots by mail.
WFH: The pandemic turned homes into workplaces
As government-mandated COVID-19 shutdowns forced companies to reduce office headcounts, many rapidly shifted to work-from-home models.
Cressida Dixon: Tending to Monroe County’s dead when no one else will
Seasoned estate lawyer Cressida Dixon is the new Monroe County public administrator, becoming the first woman to hold the post.
For St. Patrick’s Day, celebrate local Irish-style ales
While there’s no St. Patrick’s Day parade this year, the beer is still flowing and that alone is a reason to celebrate.
Coronavirus and civil unrest are forever linked
George Floyd and Daniel Prude died at the hands of police officers, and both killings fueled protests nationally and locally.
COVID-19 has taken something from each of us
One year in, the COVID-19 pandemic has upset social patterns, robbed people of their livelihoods, and claimed many lives.
History in the unmaking
Forlorn and forgotten, the Rochester Historical Society, the city’s oldest cultural institution, is selling off its collection to stay afloat.
COVID-19’s toll on tenants: Falling behind and crossing fingers
The pandemic has been a massive public health concern, but its economic fallout has left some people at risk of losing their homes.
Fightin’ words: Rochester hip-hop artists combat racial injustice
The ongoing struggle against racism is deeply embedded in the music of artists such as Cello Brown, Bushido Garvey, and Suburban Plaza.
Social inequities exacerbate COVID-19 pandemic’s racial gaps
Blacks and Latinos are more vulnerable to COVID-19 for the same reasons driving other disparities: structural racism and poverty.
Locust Club President responds to CITY’s questions on police reform and the union
Rochester Police Locust Club President Michael Mazzeo responds to a series of CITY’s questions on policing and the union.
The arts go dim due to COVID-19
The pandemic has been a slog for arts organizations, whose bottom lines have been decimated shutdowns.
Pandemic and racial reckonings fuel Black artists
Amidst a paralyzing pandemic and tumultuous social protests, Rochester’s Black artists kept creating.
Biographical films and TV shows that bring historic leaders to life
Had enough of European royals on TV? So have we. Expand your worldview with these shows and films that focus on leaders from other nations.
RoCo’s latest exhibit is a real artpocalypse
Rochester Contemporary’s ‘Last Year On Earth’ showcases creative responses to the events of 2020.
Women have been hit hardest by the pandemic’s job losses
Some have taken to calling the economic fallout from the pandemic the first female recession, or the catchier “she-cession.”
Police pepper sprayed a child; groups say city needs better crisis response
The Rev. Lewis Stewart said the city needs to hasten its launch of the new Person in Crisis team and ban cops from pepper spraying children.
As America climbs that hill, we must prepare to fight
There’s no point in trying to understand the insurrectionists. All we can do is see them as they are and prepare for future confrontations
City releases RPD bodycam footage of 9-year-old getting pepper sprayed
Officers handcuffed her, who was agitated, put her in the back of police car, and pepper sprayed her when she didn’t obey repeated commands.
Myra Brown’s call to fight for justice
The Rev. Myra Brown believes in living the Scriptures by standing up for the oppressed and confronting hate.
Composting is growing, but we’re a long way from getting with the program
There is growing interest in and demand for composting in the Rochester region, but more needs to be done to meet it.
