Current News

At a press conference, Niagara County and state officials announced the expansion of Niagara County's permanent pharmaceutical drop-box program to the Town of Newfane. The goal is to enhance the collection of pharmaceuticals in rural portions of the county.

Twenty-five public and private leaders from 16 municipal and environmental organizations convened at Woodlawn Beach State Park on Thursday to share ideas and discuss strategies on how to improve water safety and quality in communities across Western New York.

The New York State Public Service Commission announced the cost for electricity supply is expected to remain near historically low levels this summer. In addition, peak power demand forecasts continue to fall thanks in part to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's "Reforming the Energy Vision" strategy. The decline in the amount of electricity consumed during the year helps lower costs for consumers and helps save the environment by reducing air pollution from power plants.

Biking to work is a great way to get your daily exercise! May is National Bike Month and today is National Bike to Work Day - so there's no better time for a refresher on safety! Whether you're riding for fun, health, or to save money on gas, AAA Western and Central New York has tips for bicyclists and motorists to share the road and keep everyone safe.

On April 21, "American Idol" fans began the process of winnowing down the top 10 contestant pool to crown America's next singing sensation via a live coast-to-coast vote. With only three contestants left in the competition, "Idol" fans can help one of their favorites make one more national TV appearance, this time on "Live with Kelly and Ryan."

Earlier this week, Lewiston Police Department officers Brandon Hall (right) and Mitch Pegan dropped off a bottle and can drop-off box at the Red Brick Municipal Building. Deposit money will go to support the Explorers program.

In celebration of Hibbard's 80th anniversary this summer, the iconic original frozen custard stand is unveiling a new flavor, appropriately named "Big Barenaked Bang." The custard features a Hibbard's original recipe made with a coffee base, espresso beans, and pieces of dark chocolate.

The New York Power Authority is in the planning stages of a life extension and modernization (LEM) and controls upgrade program at its flagship Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant. The program will replace aging assets, install digitally integrated sensors and monitors, and provide system hardening and cybersecurity improvements, ensuring NYPA's continued success in powering economic growth and further improving energy resiliency across New York.

Congressman Chris Collins released the following statement Thursday regarding the Senate confirmation of Jane Corwin to serve as the next U.S. chair of the International Joint Commission:

Giada De Laurentiis shares her food and family-filled summer holiday in Capri this summer in a new season of "Giada in Italy," premiering Sunday, June 16 (11:30 a.m. ET/PT), on Food Network.

The Erie County Fair has released its full Gusto Grandstand schedule for the 180th Erie County Fair this August. Highlights of the lineup includes two free, "Throwback Thursday" concerts, an appearance by the "last of the hell drivers" Tonny Petersen, and already announced mainstage shows including Kane Brown and Gabriel Iglesias.

Junior Achievement of Western New York (JA) announced it raised a record-breaking $174,711 from its 35th annual JA Bowl-A-Thon, WNY's largest bowling fundraiser. A total of 1,420 participants representing 64 local companies bowled and raised funds for JA's financial literacy, career and work readiness, and entrepreneurship programs taught by volunteers in WNY schools.

Mayor Byron W. Brown awarded the top prize in his Civic Innovation Eco Challenge - Powered by AT&T, to the Buffalo Cool Roof Project, created by Agnes Wilewicz and Jesse Farinacci of Buffalo.

It Happened to Alexa Foundation announced a whole new happening for this summer. The 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, which assists victims of rape and sexual assault, will hold a different kind of benefit this August. Dubbed "Buffalo's Biggest Basket Raffle," the all-ages event will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, inside the RiverWorks recreational waterfront complex, 359 Ganson St., downtown Buffalo.

The NTHS Multi-Class Reunion Organization awarded the Gene Donner Memorial Scholarship to graduating seniors who are active in school and community activities, and who have also been accepted to an accredited college or university.

On May 8, the Town of Niagara and Town of Wheatfield Lions clubs held their annual Citizenship Awards Dinner and Ceremony honoring fifth-grade students in the Niagara-Wheatfield Central School District.

On Friday, May 31, Starpoint High School will host its sixth annual Art, Music and Food Truck Festival.

On Saturday, June 8, vacant and underutilized buildings will be transformed into a public art initiative known as "Art on Oliver Street." This initiative, led by Lumber City Development Corporation and the Oliver Street Merchants Association, aims to beautify the Oliver Street corridor, promote walkability, and bring attention to many of the unique buildings on Oliver Street. 

The Zonta Club of Niagara Falls held its annual installation and awards dinner at the Four Points by Sheraton hotel on Wednesday evening. Zonta International, founded in 1919, celebrated its 100th birthday, while the Zonta Club of Niagara Falls celebrated its 95th birthday.

Tuesday night, the Town of Niagara held its monthly Town Board meeting at Town Hall. While the meeting was rather brief, one resident - Denny Klidonas - suggested some adjustments to the town's parking ordinance.

The Kiwanis Club of Niagara-Wheatfield recently held two fundraising events. One was the annual pancake breakfast and basket raffle, and the other a document-shredding event. 

The Niagara-Wheatfield Hall and Wall of Fame Committee will dedicate the Armand "Ace" Cacciatore wrestling room at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at Niagara-Wheatfield High School. Alumni, friends and former N-W wrestlers and coaches are invited to attend the ceremony.

Last Friday, Niagara-Wheatfield continued its giving tradition, as the Falcons girls lacrosse team hosted "Lax for Love."

Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal wants viewers to join him on his post-NBA season summer break and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how this towering mogul spends his time. TNT's "Shaq Life" is an immersive premium docuseries that offers unprecedented access to the day-to-day of what goes into the business of being Shaq.

WarnerMedia announced it is partnering with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the new professional wrestling promotion featuring a world-class roster of diverse male and female wrestlers, giving fans a new wrestling experience for the first time in 20 years. WarnerMedia and AEW together will build this powerhouse sporting league from the ground up and will begin airing weekly matches later this year.

The Erie County Agricultural Society and No Limit FPV have reached an agreement with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) and MultiGP to hold the first North American Drone Masters on Aug. 10-11. The event will take place during the Erie County Fair inside the Gusto Grandstand and will be a free event with paid admission to the Erie County Fair.

Niagara Falls is full of skilled makers, bakers and producers, and the Niagara Falls Tractor Supply store is bringing these talented individuals and businesses together for a communitywide, family-friendly event. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, the store will host its annual "Market Day" event, featuring local vendors and their homemade and homegrown goods.

WarnerMedia has ordered a second season of its post-apocalyptic sci-fi series "Snowpiercer" prior to its series premiere. Based on the acclaimed film of the same name, the anticipated futuristic thriller will debut next year on TBS.

Western New York Congressmembers Brian Higgins, Chris Collins, Tom Reed and Joe Morelle are leading a letter signed by 24 members of the House of Representatives pushing for full implementation of the pilot records database (PRD) required in the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill of 2010. This electronic database would provide information such as FAA records and qualifications, practical test results, past legal enforcement actions, and driver records to allow air carriers to make informed, transparent pilot hiring decisions.

Arts Services Initiative of Western New York welcomed Rachelle Toarmino as its new communications and development manager. Toarmino is the first to fill this brand-new position for the eight-year-old nonprofit.

Visitors to Old Fort Niagara over the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, May 25 and 26, will be treated to a timeline military event: "Soldiers through the Ages." This annual reenactment features reenactors as soldiers and civilians from the 15th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, special displays of military vehicles, period camps, weapons demonstrations, uniform programs and hands-on activities for families.

Pressing work at the Town of Lewiston water treatment plant on Pletcher Road was a newsmaker at the Lewiston Town Board session on Monday.

Following a cross-country search for the next singing sensation, "American Idol" rounds out its second season on ABC with an epic grand finale event, featuring the Top 3 contestants: Alejandro Aranda, Laine Hardy and Madison VanDenburg.

In the 20 years since JoAnn Falletta first stepped on to the BPO podium as music director, Buffalo has undergone a renaissance.

Buffalo State College will confer degrees on more than 1,830 undergraduate and 580 graduate students during its 147th commencement celebration, Saturday, May 18, in the Sports Arena.

Western New York's best-known restaurateur-philanthropist joined Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center officials on Wednesday to roll out the proverbial red carpet for medical center patients and visitors.

Representatives from Lewiston Council on the Arts recently met with the Town of Lewiston Board members to update them on the event schedule for the 2019 cultural season. While the highlight is the Lewiston Art Festival on Aug. 10-11, programming continues through the fall with the Marble Orchard Ghost Walks and a "Tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald."

The Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday announced the team hired Ralph Krueger as the 19th head coach in franchise history.

Six physicians will soon be joining the medical staff at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, five in primary care and one in obstetrics and gynecology, expanding the availability of care at its six outpatient centers.

Dang Tuan Pham, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.M.B.S., has joined Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center's medical team of providers in the minimally invasive medical weight loss, metabolic and bariatric surgery program. He is a veteran practitioner in metabolic and bariatric surgery.