Current News

On Thursday, FOX Sports Films presents three documentaries from its Sports Emmy award-nominated "Magnify" series that focus on social justice issues through the lens of sports.

Niagara County Legislator Dave Godfrey announced the Niagara County Department of Emergency Services has a limited supply of infrared thermometers available for businesses to help them meet the state reopening guidelines.

New York State Sen. Chris Jacobs announced Anne D. Gioia is the 2020 New York State Women of Distinction recipient for the 60th Senate District. Gioia, a Buffalo resident, has been a long-time civic leader throughout the Western New York Community.

Having just solidified its position as the No. 1 network in entertainment among adults 18-49 for the first time in four years, ABC is announcing its 2020 premiere schedule.

Hulu announced a straight-to-series order for "Dopesick" from Emmy Award-winning writer Danny Strong ("Empire," "Recount," "Game Change"). The eight-episode limited series will star Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Michael Keaton and will be directed by Academy Award-winning director Barry Levinson ("Paterno," "Rain Man"). The project, based on the New York Times bestselling book of the same name by Beth Macy, comes to Hulu from FOX 21 Television Studios and The Littlefield Company.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday issued an executive order recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday for state employees, in recognition of the official emancipation of African Americans throughout the United States. The governor will also advance legislation to make Juneteenth an official state holiday next year.

Based on guidance issued Wednesday morning by the New York State Department of Health that requires hospitals across the state to submit their updated patient visitation information 48 hours before implementing those changes, Erie County Medical Center this afternoon submitted to NYSDOH the institution's updated patient visitation information.

As the novel coronavirus spread across the globe, so too did a variety of do-it-yourself face coverings. However, there can be some hidden dangers with DIY personal protective equipment.

The Niagara County Youth Bureau is sponsoring the summer food service program (SFSP) and announced the open program site locations for 2020.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos announced a "Free Fishing Weekend" for June 27-28. The event is the second of six "Free Fishing Days" offered in New York state every year.

Coronavirus stats for June 17

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced 20 of DEC's campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill parks will open on June 19 for the 2020 season. Three additional campgrounds are slated to open June 26, and additional DEC campgrounds and day use areas will open in the coming weeks as DEC works to safely reopen these facilities to meet guidelines in place to protect staff and visitors from the spread of COVID-19.

AAA Western and Central New York is celebrating an anniversary this month. In fact, 120 years ago, in the year 1900, Automobile Clubs of Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse were founded by motoring enthusiasts. There were more horses than cars on the roads, yet anxious motorists began organizing automobile clubs excited about the new mode of transportation.

Niagara County Legislator Chris Robins on Wednesday called on New York state to update its guidance on organized youth sports to allow practices to begin immediately.

Island Dispatch for June 12, 2020

Per Lewiston-Porter Central Schools Secretary to the Superintendent/District Clerk Marisa I. Barile, the unofficial results for the 2020 annual meeting and budget vote are as follows:

It was a summery Tuesday night in Lewiston, and people were out at Artpark, but the entertainment was a little different than usual.

As it has for several years for its annual Disability Pride festivities, Independent Living of Niagara County is celebrating the anniversary of the Supreme Court "Olmstead v. LC" decision (June 22, 1999), which confirmed the Americans with Disabilities Act's provision that people with mental health disabilities have the right to live in the least-restrictive environment (that is, in our communities).

Heading into the 2020-21 season, NBC unveils a fall lineup capitalizing on strong incumbency and momentum following a number of multi-year pickups for stalwart shows, including "New Amsterdam," "Chicago Fire," "Chicago Med," "Chicago P.D." "Law & Order: SVU" and "This Is Us." Featuring gripping dramas that include "Manifest," fan-favorite comedies "Superstore" and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" and unrivaled alternative programming, including the return of coaches Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani and host Carson Daly on "The Voice," the network's fall schedule sees 16 returning shows, and one new drama with "Law & Order: Organized Crime."

NBC has renewed its hit mystery thriller "Manifest" for a third season.

NBCUniversal announced the return of the iconic "30 Rock" to NBC for a special upfront event. Beloved characters from the original series including Liz Lemon (Tina Fey), Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin), Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan), Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski), Kenneth Parcell (Jack McBrayer) and others will return for the one-time event and celebrate the stories and talent featured in NBCUniversal's 2020-21 television season.

ESPN, ABC and ESPN Deportes will televise the 2021 Pro Bowl from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021. The National Football League officially announced the Las Vegas Raiders' new stadium as the site of the game today.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State COVID-19 Maternity Task Force, chaired by Secretary Melissa DeRosa, on Tuesday announced Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed the State Department of Health to allow midwife-led birthing centers in New York for the first time.

Congressman Brian Higgins joined a bipartisan group of more than 60 members calling to temporarily waive local fund matching requirements for all national heritage areas. This waiver would come at no cost to taxpayers and would enable national heritage areas to access already appropriated federal funds in order to better support their communities working to weather the COVID-19 crisis.

The 72nd Emmy Awards will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, who returns for the third time and will also be serving as executive producer for television's biggest night. The show will be broadcast, Sunday, Sept. 20 (8 p.m. EDT), on ABC. Previously, Kimmel hosted both the 64th and 68th Emmy Awards.

Swedish indie rock group The Sounds have released its sixth album - the first full record in seven years, "Things We Do For Love" (Arnioki Records).

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced hospitals and group homes will be allowed to accept visitors at their discretion. Any facility that chooses to allow visitors must follow state guidelines, including time-limited visits and requiring visitors to wear PPE and be subject to symptom and temperature checks.

The Grand Island Neighbors Foundation has received many donations from members of our community during this COVID-19 pandemic and would like to thank all members of our community who have provided food and cash to help us in our mission to serve those in need on Grand Island. We would like to highlight several of our more significant contributions.

The Buffalo Sabres today announced the team has relieved Jason Botterill of his duties as general manager. Senior Vice President of Business Administration Kevyn Adams has been named general manager.

Coronavirus stats for June 16

On Tuesday, Western New York entered phase three of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's "New York Forward" reopening process. This stage includes the following:

New York Power Authority fishing facilities including the fishing pier at the base of the New York Power Authority's Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Plant will open for the season on Monday, June 22, weather and water levels permitting. The fish cleaning station and handicap access elevator at the dam site will also be available.

Erie County Clerk Michael Kearns announced that, effective Wednesday, four Erie County auto bureau locations will be reopening to the public by appointment only. The facilities slated to reopen are the Southtowns Auto Bureau (located in the Southgate Plaza), the Northtowns Auto Bureau (located in the Sheridan Plaza), the Downtown Auto Bureau (located in the Rath Building) and the Cheektowaga Auto Bureau (located in the Urbandale Plaza).

Is hip pain affecting your quality of life? Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bone loss and injury are all common causes of hip pain. If painful hips are preventing you from doing everyday activities or the things you love, there are options to consider.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today shared tips to help ensure a smooth process for taxpayers who have yet to file their personal income tax returns. The extended filing deadline is July 15.

New York Attorney General Letitia James and Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced the state has, for the third time, renewed an order to halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to New York that has been specifically referred to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for collection for an additional 30-day period.

Researchers from the University at Buffalo are conducting a new clinical trial to test the effectiveness of an inhaler-based medication on non-critical COVID-19 patients, using in-home visits, telemedicine and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to evaluate subjects and collect data.

The number of U.S. households with motorcycles is growing, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. That means if you own one of the roughly 13 million motorcycles parked in garages or outside homes across the county, you'll need to take one more important thing with you on the road to keep you and your prized machine protected: specialty insurance.

People looking for work are invited to interview for temporary and permanent direct care positions at Empower. The not-for-profit organization is looking for additional help to support people with disabilities living in sites in Niagara Falls, Lewiston, the Town of Niagara, Sanborn and Lockport. Open interviews will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Empower's administrative offices, 9812 Lockport Road, Town of Niagara.

William Mattar law offices have kicked off the "William Mattar 4 Graduates" contest, where 2020 high school graduates can enter to win free college textbooks for the upcoming fall semester. Car accident attorney Mattar launched this contest to support students in the community as they begin their college education. Three winners will be randomly selected to each receive $500 toward their textbook purchase for college and university courses.