Current News

NBC will televise "The Road to F9: Fast & Furious Fan Fest" at 9 p.m. ET Friday, Jan. 31. The hourlong special will celebrate Universal Pictures' upcoming ninth chapter in the "Fast & Furious" series. It will feature the world premiere of the film's much-awaited trailer.

"Shrek The Musical," produced by the Wilson Music Parents Association, will be staged in the William H. O'Connor Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Jan. 23-25 and at 2 p.m. Jan. 26.

The Niagara County Industrial Development Agency on Wednesday announced its Consolidated Funding Application for the Microenterprise Grant Program has been approved by New York, with $200,000 in funds being made available. The program will provide resources to support and foster the development of local microbusinesses.

Attorney General Letitia James announced over $8 million in grant awards as part of the Cities for Responsible Investment and Strategic Enforcement ("Cities RISE"). Cities will use these grants to launch innovative programs related to housing and strategic code enforcement. The program aims to innovatively address and transform blighted, vacant or poorly maintained problem properties through the use of housing and community data from various state agencies.

Today, international sports and lifestyle brand New Era Cap Co. Inc. commemorates 100 years of being "the true authentic cap on and off the field." From creating fashionable Gatsby-style hats in the 1920s, to the invention of the New Era 59FIFTY fitted cap in the 1950s, to the crowning of a next generation of professional athletes in the 1990s, caps have been worn by those who achieved greatness and changed history.

Looking forward to spring, warmer weather, and a little green? Then join the Youngstown Garden Club at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, for "An Evening of Wintergreen" and garden-themed auction at First Presbyterian Church, 100 Church St.

IRS-certified accounting students from the University at Buffalo School of Management will again provide free tax preparation services to individuals and families with annual incomes below $56,000.

The eighth annual "Magic of Storytelling" campaign kicked off this week, during which Disney will celebrate its 75 millionth book donation to First Book, a nonprofit that provides new, free and affordable books to educators and organizations serving children in need. The "Magic of Storytelling" campaign aims to inspire families' imaginations, cultivate a lifelong love of reading in kids, and bring new books to underserved communities across the country.

Atlantic Records/Hear It Loud have signed Colton Dixon to an exclusive label deal. The award-winning American Idol fan favorite and finalist will debut his first single in nearly three years, "Miracles," on Jan. 24.

Niagara University's online programs in education were ranked among the Top 5 in New York state by U.S. News & World Report, a global authority in education rankings. In addition, Niagara was the only institution of higher education from Western New York to appear on the list.

WarnerMedia today announced an expanded relationship with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the groundbreaking new wrestling league that has already redefined wrestling with resounding success after only a few months. WarnerMedia has extended its deal for "AEW: Dynamite," a Top 20 new cable unscripted series, through 2023. In addition, the parties have agreed to launch another night of AEW action, offering more of the fans' favorite wrestlers, with a second show straight-to-series.

With a "Final Jeopardy!" category titled "Shakespeare's Tragedies" during match four, Ken Jennings was the only contestant to answer correctly: "Who is Iago"? With the winning answer, Jennings was crowned the champion of ABC's "Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time" Tuesday on ABC.

The Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, in conjunction with WNY PRISM, the Cornell University Cooperative Extension, and the NYS Hemlock Initiative is presenting a free public event focusing on the hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive aphid-like forest pest that is currently spreading in Western New York forests. The spread of HWA threatens the Eastern Hemlock, an important tree species that is a critical part of forest ecosystems, provides stream habitat for trout species and creates habitat for numerous other plant and animal species.

The History Center of Niagara will host a trivia program - reminiscing about old TV shows and movies - at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at 215 Niagara St., Lockport.

A University at Buffalo neuroimaging researcher has developed a computer model of the human brain that more realistically simulates actual patterns of brain impairment than existing methods. The novel advancement represents the union of two established approaches to create a digital simulation environment that could help stroke victims and patients with other brain injuries by serving as a testing ground for hypotheses about specific neurological damage.

Catholic Charities today announced the launch of Appeal 2020, setting a goal of $10 million. This year's theme is "Think of Me."

The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team's Road Crew will make two stops during its annual tour. The first stop will be on Feb. 27 in Las Vegas prior to the team's game against the Golden Knights on Feb. 28. That will be followed by a second stop in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Monday, March 16, one day before the Sabres' game against the Hurricanes on March 17. Tickets are $15 each for each event, with all proceeds benefiting the Buffalo Sabres Foundation.

The Christian Sands High Wire Trio, led by Grammy-winning pianist Sands, will kick off the new "Art of Jazz at the Philharmonic" series at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, in the Mary Seaton Room at Kleinhans Music Hall. The trio will perform a special tribute to the legendary jazz pianist Erroll Garner - beloved for "Concert By the Sea," one of the top-selling albums in jazz history - and his classic ballad "Misty."

Assemblyman Angelo J. Morinello (R-C-I-Ref-Niagara Falls) today announced he'll run for reelection to the New York State Assembly in 2020.

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo scholarship application process for the 2020-21 academic year is now open. Applications are due by May 1 and must be submitted online.

The Niagara Falls Umpire Association is seeking men and women ages 16 and older to join as umpires. Members work high school baseball for the Niagara Frontier League, as well as many summer leagues in the Niagara County and Grand Island areas.

PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly, in partnership with TNT, will host the official live, red carpet streaming pre-show in celebration of the Screen Actors Guild Awards at 5:30 p.m. ET Sunday, Jan. 19.

Stand-up comedian and actor Sebastian Maniscalco, American rock band Styx, and heavy metal, hard rock singer-songwriter Alice Cooper announce March performance dates at Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort.

With the dramatic increase in the number of reported flu cases and hospitalizations across the state in recent weeks, the New York State Office for the Aging reminds older New Yorkers and caregivers about the importance of getting their flu vaccination as soon as possible. It's not too late - flu season can extend as late as May.

Property tax levy growth for school districts will be capped at 1.81% for the 2020-21 fiscal year, down from a 2% cap in each of the two previous years, according to data released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

The Aquarium of Niagara is introducing "Niño," a 3-year-old Humboldt penguin and the newest member of its penguin colony, to the public.

Congressman Brian Higgins on Monday announced a $1.5 million federal grant awarded through the U.S. Department of Labor to The Service Collaborative of Western New York for its Western New York YouthBuild: Leaders Under Construction program.

Construction is continuing on the second-floor living quarters above The Como Deli and The Country Doctor at South Sixth and Center streets in Lewiston. Owner Zach Casale is renovating the units while also adding a clock tower.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority on Monday announced it has selected Home Inspections By The Fulmer Group to deliver home energy ratings for homebuyers in Erie County, as part of the second phase of the Home Energy Ratings Pilot. The pilot supports the state mandate for a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's "Green New Deal," which puts New York on a path to economywide carbon neutrality.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation invites the public to check out its Bureau of Fisheries' expanded angler outreach programs at the Greater Niagara Fishing and Outdoor Expo, Jan. 17 to 19 at the Niagara Falls Conference and Event Center.

The House of Blues Music Forward Foundation, in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment and the Living Legacy Foundation, on Monday announced its 2020 application period. Students pursuing music industry careers can apply for the college scholarship program now through March 31.

ABC and dick clark productions announced Nik Wallenda, seventh generation of the Great Wallendas, will return to the highwire for a daring 1,800-foot-long walk over the active Masaya Volcano in Masaya, Nicaragua. "Volcano Live! with Nik Wallenda" will air as a live two-hour special on Wednesday, March 4 (8 p.m. EST). This will mark Wallenda's longest and highest highwire walk ever attempted and make him the first person to embark on the 1,800-foot-long walk over the famed volcano.

Acclaimed husband/wife duo Seth & Nirva make their long-awaited return March 13 with "One Voice," an impassioned 13-track collection of music and spoken-word vignettes. The project showcases the couple at their most vulnerable and most confident, tackling such deeply personal topics as racial reconciliation and apologetics.

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined Monday by Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel along with parks' staff, Ed Leake and members of the Town of Orchard Park Town Recreation Department, and event sponsors to announce WinterFest 2020 will be held at Chestnut Ridge Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. If weather permits, the free event will feature sledding, skiing, snowboarding and a snow sculpting contest along with other seasonal outdoor activities.

The Buffalo Zoo is doing its part in helping raise much-needed emergency funds for those affected by the devastating bushfires in Australia.

The new year is quickly heating up for Fair Trade Services' newest artist, Zauntee. Dropping his second single "Center Stage" this past Friday, which can now be heard on all digital formats, he also kicked off his debut appearance on Winter Jam 2020, Christian Music's largest music tour. His music video for "Center Stage" also debuted on Friday, exclusively premiering with Apple Music.

The Buffalo and Erie County Greenway Fund Standing Committee has set 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, as the deadline for submission of projects to be considered in the next round of funding.

The National Hockey League and the Buffalo Sabres today announced the NHL Scouting Combine will remain in Buffalo through 2022, with each of the next three events being held at KeyBank Center and LECOM Harborcenter.

CBS All Access on Sunday announced the second season renewal of its upcoming original series "Star Trek: Picard." Julie McNamara, executive vice president of original content for CBS All Access, made the announcement during the service's biannual Television Critics Association presentation.

CBS All Access, CBS' digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, on Sunday announced the first round of casting for season two of its original anthology series "The Twilight Zone" will include Morena Baccarin, Colman Domingo, Ethan Embry, Jenna Elfman, Tavi Gevinson, Tony Hale, Abbie Hern, Gillian Jacobs, Sophia Macy, Joel McHale, Chris Meloni, Billy Porter, Jimmi Simpson and Daniel Sunjata. Each will appear in an episode of the upcoming 10-episode second season, slated to premiere exclusively on CBS All Access in 2020.