articles | Narm Nathan

UR students launch hunger strike

Participants call on the University of Rochester to recognize the genocide in Gaza and sever its alleged ties to the Israeli war effort and settlement movement.

New focus on the homelessness crisis

Advocates, providers, and legislators agree: unsheltered and chronic homelessness in Rochester and Monroe County are on the rise and must be addressed.

UFW pushes for farms to honor union contracts

United Farm Workers organizers have called on Wayne County’s Wafler Farms to implement a contract imposed in arbitration.

NY Fed chief voices cautious optimism on the economy

In an interview with the Beacon during his visit to Rochester Monday, New York Federal Reserve Bank president and CEO John Williams discussed tariffs, artificial intelligence and other issues.

Zone of contention

When Verizon applied to build a cell tower along Portland Avenue, residents mobilized in opposition, raising questions about lack of transparency and inconsistencies in the review process. The application was denied, but their concerns remain.

ICE raid disrupted by crowd of opposition

Activists and community leaders arrived Tuesday morning as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers targeted roofers on a project near the George Eastman Museum, leading to a standoff.

The sanctuary city battle

Sued in April by the Trump administration over its sanctuary city policy, Rochester is not backing down: City Council this week codified the city policy. But the legal fight is far from over.

Food and health care access at risk

With enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, sweeping changes to eligibility and funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid are coming.

Motel 6 near airport faces new claims

Some tenants say unsanitary conditions continue at the motel, which provides emergency housing for Monroe County’s Department of Human Services.

ICE raids Asian food store in Henrietta

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers made multiple arrests in a raid Wednesday morning at the Asia Food Market on Brighton Henrietta Town Line Road.

Housing advocates criticize RPD dismantling of encampments

City officials defended the actions at three unhoused encampments, saying they were taken in response to open-air drug activity.

Push for sanctuary city ordinance continues

City Council is facing criticism for tabling action on the ordinance pending the outcome of the Trump administration’s lawsuit against the city.

Higher ed under the ax

For Rochester-area colleges and universities, expenditures of federal awards have totaled nearly $1 billion annually—but that number would be cut sharply if the Trump administration has its way.

WROC workers press Nexstar to join union talks

Some two years after a successful move to organize, the television station’s staff are still waiting to be heard.

UR graduate students go on strike

The Graduate Labor Union, which seeks increased wages and representation for University of Rochester graduate students, says it has been frustrated with negotiations for a private election agreement.

Advocates push for passage of state rental-subsidy program

Supporters believe the Housing Access Voucher Program could be a key tool in alleviating housing problems, but it is opposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who thinks the price tag is too high.

The Good Cause question

Rochester City Council is weighing whether to opt in to new statewide Good Cause Eviction protections. Tenant groups support the legislation, while landlords warn of unintended consequences.

The surge in homelessness

As numbers climb, advocates say Rochester and Monroe County aren’t doing enough.