Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced Monday that New York has joined seven states, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and several environmental groups in reaching an agreement that will require the nation's largest power company to make further cuts in air pollution emissions at 16 of the company's coal-fired power plants.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority announced Monday that the Erie County Medical Center Corp. was awarded $1.4 million to support two energy efficiency projects that are projected to cut electricity costs by roughly $680,000 annually.

What began as a simple idea earlier last week blossomed into a sight to see Sunday afternoon at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel. A small group of servers at The Western Door: A Seneca Steakhouse learned about "Goin' Bald for Bucks" - a fundraising program through Roswell Park Cancer Institute - and decided to take part.

For the first time, viewers in the U.S. will be able to stream Sunday's Oscars show in its entirety across multiple platforms, including ABC.com, the ABC Player app, and the free, ad-supported Hulu and Hulu Plus subscription service.

The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum is excited to offer its first annual "Home School Day," designed specifically for home-educated children and their families.

Dig out the bathing suits and grab your friends. The 2013 Olcott Lions Club "Swim for Sight" at Krull Park in Olcott Beach is just around the corner.

Parent Network of WNY presents a free workshop, "Guardianship, Wills and Trusts Information," on Tuesday, Feb. 26, from 6-8 p.m. at 1555 Fashion Outlet Blvd., Niagara Falls (at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara).

ECOsponsible project manager Dennis Ryan met Tuesday with Village of Lewiston trustees to update them on his company's intent to use the lower Niagara River to generate electricity through hydrokinetic turbines.

The Niagara County Municipal Clerk's Association inducted its new officers on Thursday.

More than 40 Niagara University students worked the phones to raise almost $100,000 during the college's recent fundraising campaign.

Three remaining Robert Moses Parkway North alternative designs are in agreement regarding the section of roadway between Main Street and Findlay Drive. (Image courtesy of the scoping report presentation.)

St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 6167 Walmore Road in Sanborn, will host its monthly contemporary worship gathering Saturday Night Alive on Saturday, Feb. 23, starting at 5:30 p.m.

"Guardianship, Wills and Trusts," a free workshop for families of people with developmental disabilities, will be presented by Parent Network of WNY from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, 1555 Fashion Outlet Blvd., Niagara Falls.

Travelers from Mongolia visited the Town of Niagara Town Hall last week. From left are Mongolian Olympic champions Naidan Tuvshinbayar (judo) and Munkhsailhan Usukhbayar (wrestling) Town of Niagara Supervisor Steve Richards; and Pagva Bira, Ph.D., chairman of the National Authority Police Force (Khuch) Bayanzurkh District, Mongolia.

Three pastry chefs will go head-to-head in Verona next month to see who will win the title of American Culinary Federation Northeast Region Pastry Chef of the Year, sponsored by Plugrá European-Style Butter.

The Niagara Catholic Jr./Sr. High School Drama Club presents the witty, fast-paced musical revue, "EXTRA! EXTRA!"

Niagara University's "What's On Your Mind?" advertising campaign garnered a silver medal in a national competition of college and university marketing materials.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has released a proposed environmental incentive policy, which is aimed at improving practices at businesses, local governments and other regulated entities to better protect the environment and prevent pollution, Commissioner Joe Martens announced. A public comment period on the draft policy has begun and extends through April 22.

Western New York's top high school hockey teams will face off for the 29th annual Super Sunday High School Hockey Championships, scheduled to occur over two days next week - Monday, Feb. 25, and Tuesday, Feb. 26 - at First Niagara Center.

New York's Discover Clean & Safe Boats - equipped with all the gear required and recommended for legal, safe, and environmentally friendly boating in New York waters - will be at the Buffalo Bills Boat Show Feb. 27 through March 3 at the Buffalo Bills Healthy Zone Fieldhouse in Orchard Park.

The Buffalo Niagara Sales & Marketing Executives will honor Russell J. Salvatore, president and CEO of Russell's Steaks, Chops and More Restaurant and Salvatore's Grand Hotel, as Executive of the Year at its annual Elite Sales & Marketing Awards.

State University of New York Empire State College will hold public information sessions about its associate and bachelor's degree programs at its Niagara Frontier Center, Appletree Business Park, 2875 Union Road, Cheektowaga, on:

Assemblyman John Ceretto, R-I-C-Lewiston, criticized legislation Thursday that has been introduced by a New York City assemblyman.

Statement from State Sen. Mark Grisanti:

Niagara Hospice is looking to grow the number of volunteer services the organization provides to hospice patients. It has launched a volunteer campaign to recruit dedicated and compassionate individuals looking for fulfilling volunteer experiences that truly make a difference - qualities all hospice volunteers are known for.

City of North Tonawanda Mayor Robert G. Ortt announced Wednesday he will seek a second term as mayor of the City of North Tonawanda.

As schools across Niagara County begin in earnest putting their school budgets together, the Niagara USA Chamber is urging them to stay within the state's property tax cap. The county's leading business organization has said it will publicly and actively oppose any budget that exceeds the cap.

State Sen. George Maziarz, R-C-Newfane, drew a line in the sand Wednesday with the Public Service Commission regarding its proposals to raise statewide energy rates by nearly $1 billion. He said this increase would plunder hydropower revenue from Western New York in its ongoing proceeding to evaluate contingency plans in the event of the closure of the Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, N.Y.

The NBC Sports Group's coverage of the third iteration of "Hockey Day in America" this past Sunday scored with viewers as the second game of its doubleheader on NBC was up 31 percent compared to last season, while NBC Sports Network's evening game was up 200 percent vs. a comparable 2012 game.

The Niagara Tourism & Convention Corp. has announced the popular "Today with Kathie Lee & Hoda" will offer the Niagara USA destination as a prize for a vacation, Thursday morning on their celebrated show.

Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier announced late Wednesday afternoon that Lindy Ruff was relieved of his duties as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres. Regier also announced that Ron Rolston will serve as the interim head coach of the Sabres, beginning with the team's game against Toronto on Thursday, and continuing through the remainder of the season.

The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce will honor 10 businesses and individuals at the annual Chamber Awards Gala on Friday, May 17, at the Niagara Falls Country Club in Lewiston.

On Feb. 13, the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy awarded certificates of completion to the 14 men and women who comprised the 15th and most recent graduating class of the NCLEA's basic corrections course.

Niagara County lawmakers spoke with one voice Tuesday night as they unanimously backed a trio of resolutions opposing New York state's radical new gun control law, the NY SAFE Act, which was signed into law by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo just weeks ago.

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. board of directors met Tuesday to approve several items that represent Gov. Andrew Cuomo's vision for a revitalized Buffalo waterfront.

Whether it's cold, chilly or freezing outside, it will be cozy comfy inside the Aquarium of Niagara as it holds its first fundraiser of the year, "SEAsonings - The Original Taste of Niagara." The popular event is March 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Whirlpool Street facility.

'Hard Rock Rising': Hard Rock Café Niagara Falls - USA 'Global Battle of the Bands' competition gives Niagara Falls-area talent a chance at international stardom.

On Saturday, Feb. 23, the third annual Robert G. Hoch Winter Memory Walk 2013 to benefit Hospice Foundation of Western New York will take place on the West River Road Parkway beginning with registration at 10 a.m. An after-party will take place at Riverstone Grill from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Grand Island Chamber of Commerce has recognized Fahim Mojawalla, owner of Creative Leather Concepts and Island Ship Center, along with Liz Wilbert of Realty USA, for their generosity by stepping up as a Bronze sponsors for this year's Citizen of the Year Awards event.