Current News

Congressman Brian Higgins was joined Monday by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District to announce $12.455 million in federal funding to the Army Corps in 2019 for improvements to the Buffalo Harbor.

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined Monday by Commissioner of Parks, Recreation & Forestry Daniel J. Rizzo, members of the Orchard Park Recreation Department and the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, and Santa Claus at the Casino at Chestnut Ridge Park to announce the return of Santa Land to Chestnut Ridge.

The Niagara County Peach Festival will remain at Academy Park for another year.

For many, the holiday season is filled with joy, family and friends. People come together to celebrate their religion, beliefs and each other. The holiday season also gives one time to reflect on one's blessings in life and be grateful for what one has.

Sam Van Aken is developing real-life trees that will bloom in multiple colors and bear 40 different kinds of fruit.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who topped first-year blueliners and ranked fourth among all rookies with 10 points in 15 games (1 goal, 9 assists), was named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for November.

WellNow Urgent Care - one of New York's fastest-growing urgent care providers, formerly known as Five Star Urgent Care - announced it has expanded its operations by adding seven locations currently operated by MASH Urgent Care. Both WellNow and MASH provide treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses.

Singer/songwriter and former "American Idol" contestant Dave Pittman is set to bow his anticipated sophomore recording, "Different Kind of Love," on Jan. 11, 2019. Produced by Jay Speight and Tyrus Morgan - whose combined production and writing credits include Trace Adkins, NewSong, Unspoken and Ginny Owens - the seven-song set features six original selections, along with a fresh arrangement of the beloved hymn "I'd Rather Have Jesus."

Howie Mandel's hit game show "Deal or No Deal" is back after 10 years - and he's offering up the possibility of a $1 million holiday present in this special episode tonight on NBC (10 p.m.). A family who has overcome all odds, an incredible adoption story and a player who pushes the limits will have the chance to bring life-changing money home for the holidays.

The Erie County Department of Public Works has announced the completion of work on Stony Road Bridge in Lancaster, a two-year project with a total cost of $1.62 million. Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz and Erie County Legislator John Bruso (8th District) joined county Public Works personnel at the bridge to view the completed project prior to the bridge re-opening.

The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center has a new program for families. Every month, the venue will host an hour of story time, crafts and snacks in the train station atrium. Stories and crafts will help the youngest visitors engage with the museum's themes of African-American history, freedom and social justice.

As religious intolerance continues to grow across the globe, 10 Niagara University students took advantage of an opportunity to experience the realities involved with, and to gain further understanding of, current efforts and issues in interreligious relations at the Parliament of the World's Religions (PoWR). The conference, held in Toronto Nov. 1-7, endeavored to cultivate harmony among the world's religious and spiritual communities to achieve a just, peaceful and sustainable world.

The New York State Gaming Commission Division of Lottery renewed its appeal to "gift responsibly" this holiday season; advising holiday shoppers to avoid gifting lottery tickets to those under the legal purchase age. The reminder marks the fifth year the New York Lottery has joined with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and other lotteries nationwide to promote industry efforts to curb underage gaming and encourage responsible play.

Filmed amidst the scenic environment of Iceland, multi-Platinum-selling artist TobyMac has unveiled the music video for "The Elements." The track is from his recently released chart-topping album bearing the same name. The video captures the visual representation of the song.

The average American plans to spend $600 on holiday gifts in 2018 according to a survey of 2,028 American consumers conducted by Decluttr. The survey revealed 25 percent of respondents will go into debt due to holiday spending.

On Monday, Hugh Evans, the CEO of the Global Citizens Organization, took to the 947Am breakfast show to talk about the upcoming and highly anticipated Global Citizens Festival. He announced Oprah Winfrey is going to be the keynote speaker for the event. He also confirmed she will announce a surprise during the celebration of Mandela's centennial year.

Niagara Falls, known as one of the natural wonders of the worlds. However, the community that surrounds it is may not be considered as wonderful.

It was Feb. 2003, Jim Chodak and Corrie Streb were just coming home from an intense talk with Arthur Streb. They were sitting on the couch while Ann Chodak was doing the dishes. All of a sudden Corrie and Jim see a laser light wavering over the window outside for about a good 15 seconds. They look at each other and smile because they knew it was Margaret Streb. The fun aunt, the loving mother, and a wonderful contributor to the community.

What's a better way to kick off the holiday season than by going to see your favorite musical artists in concert?

Today, served with horseradish and sometimes au jus sauce, the beef on weck is offered at many restaurants in and around Buffalo.

A lovely army veteran was willing to share a bit of his story and his 71st birthday wish after years of trials and tribulations after coming home from Vietnam War.

As the fall semester dwindles down to an end, students are preparing for final projects, papers, and cramming to study for final exams. Finals week is often a bittersweet time for students, though many are excited for the upcoming month-long break. Exams can take a toll on one's mind.

Coming off of their first conference tournament appearance in 12 years, Niagara University baseball gears up for another promising season.

In a world with social media on the rise, businesses get most of their publicity through all the different types. Users share photos, hashtags, and locations with friends to publicize where they are and what they are doing at that moment.

Ashley Fox took the opportunity to study abroad in her senior year and final semester at Niagara University. She studied from January to May 2018, moving from Paris to Rome then to Ireland in the span of 4 months, with 6 weeks in each location.

The big man in the red suit arrived in Lewiston via Rainbow Air helicopter on Saturday morning. After successfully landing in Academy Park, Santa met with children and families before boarding his special Deal Realty Float. J&J Strassburg Trucking transported the holly-jolly one to the International Peace Garden, where he greeted even more youth.

George J. and "Penny" Annette (Zarbo) Panepinto recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Two new signs will be installed in the Grand Island Central School District to recognize the service of Grand Island's veterans.

Kelly's Country Store opened the season of giving by presenting a check for $1,000 to Mercy Flight.

Following a public hearing last month that led to the tabling of the Bella Rose Farm Market/Winery proposal at 1243 Ridge Road over real property questions with Modern Disposal, the Lewiston Town Board moved forward Monday with a series of approvals.

The annual Community Baskets collection drive will soon be getting underway in Youngstown-Porter - and organizers can use your help.

Yes, the holidays are in full force in northern Niagara. And with all of us having already experienced the season's first real snowfall (and more expected soon), it sets the stage perfectly for the River Region's next big celebration: Youngstown's "Christmas in the Village."

NBC has announced the second group of superstar acts who will compete on the all-new winter edition of TV's No. 1 alternative series. "America's Got Talent: The Champions" premieres Monday, Jan. 7 (8-10 p.m. ET/PT).

When members of the CAO Head Start-Early Head Start program visit homes, they often see a family has more needs than anticipated and are able to link those families with the proper service agencies.

The Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) Ken-Ton Service Unit, in partnership with the Boulevard Mall, will display more than 100 trees decorated and donated by Girl Scout troops for families in need just in time for the holidays.

The Aquarium of Niagara has welcomed "Lumiere" to its family. He is a rescued male harbor seal from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, California.

NBC has it all on New Year's Eve, as Carson Daly and Chrissy Teigen host "NBC's New Year's Eve" live from Times Square in New York with Leslie Jones. Keith Urban will perform live from Nashville and host the "Jack Daniel's Music City Midnight: New Year's Eve from Nashville's Bicentennial State Park." This lineup of talent will introduce the biggest musical acts of the year (to be announced) and join the crowd in saying goodbye to 2018.

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. and Canalside Management Group invite the public to The Ice at Canalside presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.

Congressman Brian Higgins, a member of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, announced continued efforts to protect and invest in the Great Lakes.

The Wolverines faced the defending New York State Class AA champions Liverpool High School. After a slow start in the first quarter, the Wolverines never looked back and throttled the defending champs, 71-42, at Onondaga Community College.