Rochester Beacon

The mission of the Rochester Beacon is to strengthen the Rochester community by providing a platform for sharing ideas and viewpoints that promote open dialogue and encourage informed public engagement. We tackle the various challenges facing Rochester by offering thoughtful opinions, thorough analysis, and diverse commentary. Our commitment lies in the careful effort to shed light on the complexities of truth through accurate facts, extensive research, and an inclusive approach, understanding that true journalistic objectivity is a goal we strive for, but may never fully achieve. We bring attention to the community's urgent issues, engage in essential public debates, and foster discussions aimed at finding solutions. We uncover the unseen, amplify underrepresented voices, question the norm, and support initiatives that work towards a brighter future for everyone. We create a space for open-minded conversations about vital social, economic, and political matters, welcoming a variety of perspectives. We aim to establish a sustainable business model for responsible, high-quality journalism in the digital age, focusing on innovation and welcoming new ideas.

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Putting new farmworker protections to the test - Rochester Beacon

2 weeks ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Julia Rock

This story originally appeared in New York Focus, a nonprofit news publication investigating power in New York. Sign up for its newsletter here. Earlier last month, about a dozen workers arrived in Wolcott, a small Wayne County town halfway between Rochester and Syracuse, to grow apple trees. At this time of year, farmworkers are grafting and budding — farmer-speak for fusing trees together — and planting long rows of seedlings.
Rochester seeks proposals for modular housing initiative - Rochester Beacon

2 weeks ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Jacob Schermerhorn

Development In a move to increase housing supply, the city of Rochester Tuesday said it is seeking proposals for the design, manufacture, delivery, and installation of up to nine units of modular, HUD-certified housing. “Quality housing is the foundation of strong families, thriving neighborhoods, and a prosperous city,” says Mayor Malik Evans.
Catholic Charities closes refugee resettlement program - Rochester Beacon

2 weeks ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Smriti Jacob

Catholic Charities Family and Community Services has decided to close its refugee resettlement program due to recent changes in immigration policy. This is a blow to the new-immigrant community that relies on the agency’s services. In addition to the resettlement program, CCFCS has shuttered its migrant children foster care program and some specialized programming for Afghans and refugee families with special needs.
Federal cuts threaten lead poisoning prevention efforts - Rochester Beacon

2 weeks ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Jacob Schermerhorn

The Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning, a local nonprofit that has been in existence since 2000, is in danger of losing federal funding integral to its program. Last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, which began with the Lead Contamination Control Act of 1988, was abruptly cut. CPLP was awarded funds through Causewave Community Partners in 2023.
How the Oasis Project has grown - Rochester Beacon

2 weeks ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Smriti Jacob

When the Rochester Beacon a year ago launched its formal internship program, the Oasis Project, it was an experiment. Up to that point, nearly 20 student writers had published their work with us. Driven by our commitment to mentoring emerging journalists, we took the next step. Three students were admitted to last year’s cohort. Narm Nathan, a recent University of Rochester graduate in data science, continued his work with us after the internship and joins us this summer as a contributing writer.
Comedian Kellye Howard to work it out at Geva - Rochester Beacon

3 weeks ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Jacob Schermerhorn

Performer and comedian Kellye Howard is headed to Geva Theatre’s Work Out Room in June. The new “Work Out Room” comedy series, launching with Howard, is an opportunity for comedians to try out their freshest material in real time on Geva’s Fielding stage. Baron Vaughn, Geva’s 23/25 Artist in Residence, curated the program. Vaughn envisions it as a way for audiences to witness more of the creative process while also finding entertainment and joy in up-and-coming comedians.
Competing visions of Rochester housing - Rochester Beacon

3 weeks ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Jacob Schermerhorn

As housing costs rise, inventory supply lags demand, and the path to homeownership becomes more precarious, all candidates in next month’s Democratic primary for Rochester mayor agree that housing is one of the most important issues in this election.
Three Eastman School students among national competition winners - Rochester Beacon

4 weeks ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Smriti Jacob

Three Eastman School of Music students have been named winners of the 2025 Yamaha Young Performing Artists competition. The program honors young musicians studying in the United States who demonstrate excellence in jazz, classical and contemporary genres. In total, 11 students earned the honor. Saxophonist Zachary Costello, percussionist Kai Gray, and pianist Yanzuo Nicole Liu from Eastman are among the winners. Pianist Christopher Yao received an honorable mention.
A reshaped RCSD board race - Rochester Beacon

1 month ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Jacob Schermerhorn

The race for three seats on the Rochester City School District Board looks strikingly different today than it did just a month ago. Instead of a seven-candidate contest in the June 24 Democratic primary, the number has fallen to four: current RCSD board president Camille Simmons, and board hopefuls Kareem-Ba McCullough, Vince Felder, and Heather Feinman.
Jewish Federation CEO Dragon takes new post - Rochester Beacon

1 month ago | rochesterbeacon.com | Smriti Jacob

The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester will see a change in leadership. CEO Meredith Dragon is leaving the area to be chief executive of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ., one of the largest and most prominent chapters in the federation system. Dragon, who joined the local federation in 2016, will be executive vice president and CEO of the New Jersey organization.