Current News

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $9.3 million in supplemental funding for 24 current successful brownfields revolving loan fund (RLF) grantees. The supplemental funds are going to communities that have demonstrated success in using their RLF to clean up and redevelop brownfield sites. The funds will be used to continue progress in reusing vacant and abandoned properties and turning them into community assets such as housing, recreation and open space, health facilities, social services and commerce opportunities.

Mount St. Mary's Hospital has unveiled a fourth series of works from artists of Intandem. The works were created by people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities during fine arts classes. The newest display is located in the hospital's main hallway.

The Niagara Global Tourism Institute, a Niagara University-led initiative to transform the regional tourism industry, is kicking off summer by celebrating five years of operational success in the region.

New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes and Codes Committee Chair Joseph R. Lentol announced Thursday the Assembly passed legislation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana and expunge the records of those with low-level convictions (A.8420-A, Peoples-Stokes).

Multi-Platinum, four-time Grammy-nominated rock band Goo Goo Dolls have unveiled their new single, "Miracle Pill," via Warner Records. The track will be featured on the band's brand-new album. also titled "Miracle Pill," which is set to be released this fall.

Award-winning artist and songwriter Zach Williams announced the release of "Rescue Story," his brand-new song that is now at radio stations across the U.S. and at all digital and streaming platforms. "Rescue Story" is the first to release from Williams' upcoming album, slated to release this fall.

Riley Clemmons is releasing a brand-new, multi-track single of "Fighting For Me" today, housing a piano and remix version of the resonating song. "Fighting For Me" has gained a lot of popularity, being streamed 2.4 million times, along with over 420,000 views of the lyric video on YouTube.

Put on your ponchos and sandals - the Maid of the Mist season is officially underway. Adventure-lovers and thrill-seekers from all over the world are lining up to get an up-close look at one of the greatest (and wettest) marvels in the natural world.

The Diocese of Buffalo reports the passing Wednesday, June 12, 2019, of Father Lynn Shumway.

Summer kicks off in Niagara Falls tonight with the start of the 2019 "Old Falls Street Block Party" concert series, sponsored by Old Falls Street USA and presented by Sheraton Niagara Falls. A diverse lineup of new and returning musicians will perform at 7 pm. each Friday next to the hotel.

Evy Magnusson Newlin, 92, was called home on the morning of May 27, 2019. She was predeceased by her husband, Lyman Newlin.

The Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday announced the 12th annual Buffalo Sabres Foundation Golf Tournament, presented by J.W. Danforth, will take place Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Wanakah Country Club in Hamburg. Registration for the tournament will begin at 8:30 a.m., with a 10 a.m. shotgun start.

The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy announced plans to invest $19.58 million over the next five years on roughly 42 capital improvement projects designed to enhance the city's renowned Olmsted-designed parks and parkways.

The National Hockey League announced the 2018-19 NHL All-Rookie Team, including the three players voted as finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie: goaltender Jordan Binnington of the St. Louis Blues, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres and forward Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks.

For the first time ever - after four decades - a previously unreleased version of "Time," recorded in 1986 by Freddie Mercury for the concept album of the hit musical of the same name, has emerged after two years of work by the globally successful musician, songwriter and producer Dave Clark. The long-time friend of Mercury's uses the song's full title, "Time Waits For No One." The track is set for release via UMe on June 20, along with a new video.

New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan and Labor Committee Chairman Marcos Crespo on Wednesday announced the Assembly passed the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act (A.8419, Nolan).

Republican state leaders Sen. Rob Ortt and Assembly members Angelo J. Morinello and Mike Norris passed bills that authorize Niagara County to collect hotel room taxes in order to generate revenue for the Discover Niagara Shuttle.

North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur G. Pappas announced last Friday that another city resident will experience an exterior paint makeover this summer.

Stonewall Property Management recently announced their official open house date for 600 River Road Apartments and Townhomes. The $20 million development is one of Western New York's only leasable waterfront properties, located in North Tonawanda on the Niagara River.

Carlie McClinsey of North Tonawanda was part of the Ithaca College Ad Lab team that won the American Advertising Federation's National Student Advertising Competition on Friday, June 7, in Hollywood, Florida.

Last year, Niagara-Wheatfield High School alumni who graduated 50-plus years ago formed a committee to plan a multi-class reunion. The reunion, which was held in August, was a huge success, so the committee decided to continue the tradition this year.  

The McGuire Group's five Western New York facilities are among a short list of facilities statewide that have achieved the top quintile status for six consecutive years, with the McGuire Group being the only multi-facility provider in the state to have achieved this milestone. 

Tuesday night, the Town of Niagara held its monthly Town Board meeting and discussed a variety of topics, including the Grenga property on Military Road and the Fourth Avenue pathway.

In recent weeks, there have been several rumors regarding the relationship between the Niagara County Sheriff's Office and the Town of Wheatfield. 

There were hugs, high-fives and tears as Niagara-Wheatfield High School seniors took some time to visit their elementary schools on June 14.

Recently, the Niagara-Wheatfield Teachers Association announced their 2019 scholarship winners - Kierston Klidonas, Nicole Guldin, Brianna Walker and Olivia Gonyea.  All four students attend Niagara-Wheatfield High School and will graduate on June 27.

The Orleans/Niagara BOCES life skills program graduated 19 students at the Historic Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda.

Recently, several student athletes of Starpoint High School signed to continue their careers in college.

The sun finally decided to shine on a Monday at the Town of Niagara's Veterans Memorial Community Park, setting the stage for a perfect and calm environment for the debut of "Music Mania Mondays." 

At 6 p.m. Thursday, June 27, the idea of "compassionate community action" will be explored at a mini-conference at St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church, 917 Garden Ave., Niagara Falls. All members of the community are welcome to this free event, which will include refreshments.

Nearly 70% of Americans think it's unlikely a driver will get caught by police for driving while high on marijuana, according to a new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey. An alarming finding shows an estimated 14.8 million drivers report getting behind the wheel within one hour after using marijuana in the past 30 days. The impairing effects of marijuana are usually experienced within the first one to four hours after using the drug. And marijuana users who drive high are up to twice as likely to be involved in a crash.

WellNow Urgent Care - one of New York's fastest-growing urgent care providers - is now accepting patients at its new Cheektowaga facility located at 3450 Union Road. The new facility is the first to offer patients extended hours of operation, treating patients seven days a week from 8 a.m. to midnight, with no appointment needed.

The New York Power Authority is stepping up its sustainability efforts with a new, five-year plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve resource efficiency across operations. The plan aligns with and supports Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's "Green New Deal" clean energy and climate goals and policies.

There is a line - a chorus, in fact - in The O'Jays' hit 1975 song that says, "Got to give the people/Well, well/Give the people what they want."

Every 4th of July is a party on "Live with Kelly and Ryan," and this year, Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest will celebrate America's birthday with a show full of music, games and summer fun.

The Buffalo History Museum announced a new, free celebration for families this summer plus updates to its regular lineup of fun.

HGTV star Tarek El Moussa is living proof behind the power of medical crowdsourcing - a phenomenon that taps into a global community of doctors, patients and viewers working together to help find answers to emotional, difficult - and potentially unsolvable - medical challenges.

American Medical Response graduated its fourth "Earn While You Learn" academy on Tuesday, bringing 21 EMS new professionals to the Buffalo area.

On Tuesday, Western New York lawmakers honored the military service of Army Staff Sgt. David Bellavia in the New York State Capitol. Bellavia, who will be awarded the Medal of Honor next week by President Donald Trump, was recognized for his accomplishments while serving in the U.S. Army.

American Jack Hughes and Finland's Kaapo Kakko headline the class of the future NHL stars who will converge on Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada, as NBC Sports presents live, exclusive coverage of the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft on Friday at 8 p.m. ET on NBCSN. Coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. with "NHL Live."