Current News

The nationwide audition tour for the upcoming season of "American Idol" may be complete, but the group of budding superstars heading to Hollywood is about to get bigger. The series that sparked the evolution of the singing competition genre is teaming up with the 2019 American Music Awards for an epic opportunity that will allow America to vote a former fan-favorite contestant through to Hollywood ahead of the upcoming premiere on ABC.

Erie County has been designated a "Clean Energy Community" by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, recognizing the county's leadership in reducing energy use, cutting costs and driving clean energy locally. Erie County received the designation for completing four of 10 high-impact clean energy actions identified by NYSERDA as part of the $16 million Clean Energy Communities initiative announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in August 2016.

Join LiveNF for a celebration of local creativity and holiday fun on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30. The 2019 Makers Market presented by The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area will feature 120 vendors, seven musical guests, live art, and three craft workshops for kids, including the Western New York Book Arts Center Printing Letter Press.

On Friday, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos recognized Nov. 15 as "New York Recycles Day," celebrating the state's national leadership in promoting recycling and reducing waste. New York's efforts complement America Recycles Day, a national initiative to raise awareness of the economic, environmental and social benefits of reducing, reusing and recycling.

Sheriff James R. Voutour announced Deputy Chief Daniel Engert, the deputy jail administrator at the Niagara County Correctional Facility, received a Gold Key Award from the WNY Chemical Dependency Consortium at the 30th annual awards luncheon.

Niagara County's taxpayers can expect their property tax rates to be reduced to a historic low next year if the budget prepared by County Manager Rick Updegrove and Budget Director Dan Huntington is approved by county lawmakers next month.

Earlier this week, the Kaleida Health Foundation coordinated the donation of hundreds of personal care items, child care items and clothing to the Buffalo City Mission to benefit the agency's women and children's shelter, Cornerstone Manor.

The worship team of David and Nicole Binion will release their first holiday album, "Dwell: Christmas," on Friday, Nov. 22, with Integrity Music. The 11-song project features such guests as William McDowell, Steffany Gretzinger, Potter's House Choir, Daniel Johnson, the Binion's 18-year-old daughter and fellow Integrity artist MDSN (Madison).

Legendary New York Yankees closer and five time World Series champion Mariano Rivera will join celebrities, sports icons, former teammates, family and friends to be honored for his unanimous, first-ballot induction into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.

So, what is going on with the Lewiston Family Ice Rink?

The Town of Porter Town Board took limited commentary at its special meeting Tuesday to consider the town's preliminary $5.241 million budget for 2020.

The Lewiston Town Board held a Nov. 7 public hearing on its 2020 $18,463,867 preliminary budget. The numbers represent a $336,238 (1.85%) increase over the 2019 budget. However, the plan also shows a projected 0.47% tax decrease.

Sandy and Bill Gworek Sr. will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this month.

Bob Artis, the Rotary District 7090 governor, visited the Rotary Club of Grand Island's recent breakfast meeting to share Rotary International President Mark Maloney's theme for the 2019-20 year: "Rotary Connects The World."

The late William Koch was honored at the Nov. 4 Grand Island Town Board meeting with a town proclamation noting his lifelong advocacy for preservation of area history.

Arielle Lynn Reed, 28, of Grand Island passed unexpectedly on Nov. 2, 2019.

Building on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's lawsuit against the International Joint Commission, Attorney General Letitia James and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo today filed an expanded lawsuit on behalf of New York state against the IJC for failing to implement its flood protocol for the Moses-Saunders Power Dam.

Veterans Day was a very busy day at Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum. Through the support of National Fuel, active military personnel and veterans were invited to come play in the museum for free.

More shoppers are carrying less cash these days, and it poses a challenge to The Salvation Army, which funds much of its yearly budget through The Red Kettle Campaign.

Michael E. Benedict has announced his candidacy for Niagara County Court judge in 2020.

A special guest visited the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station last week named, Tianna Colarusso. The 9 year old was commissioned in as the youngest honorary U.S. Air Force 2nd lieutenant as part of the "Airman for a Day" program.

Though the New York Legislature is out of session, Assemblyman Angelo Morinello wants to start the grass-roots conversation on a bill that is likely to pass if opposition does not stop it.

dick clark productions and ABC announced chart-topping powerhouse trio Jonas Brothers - who received two American Music Award nominations this year for Favorite Duo or Group-Pop/Rock and Favorite Song-Pop/Rock - are partnering with T-Mobile to connect fans coast to coast with a special live performance from their sold-out Boston tour stop as part of the 2019 American Music Awards. The AMA-winning group, whose Platinum-certified comeback album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, will perform at the awards for the first time since 2007.

The stars of ABC's Emmy Award-winning daytime drama "General Hospital" are returning to Elvis Presley's Graceland for a second annual "General Hospital"-themed fan celebration. The three-day event, which kicks off Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, will include numerous exclusive events held in various locations throughout the Graceland campus, including Elvis Presley's Memphis entertainment and exhibit complex and the AAA-rated Four Diamond luxury resort The Guest House at Graceland.

AAA and GoodRx have partnered to provide incredible savings at leading pharmacies to help AAA members save on prescriptions for the entire family, including pets. Even if you have health insurance to pay for your prescriptions, insurance co-pays are often higher than the discounts provided by GoodRx. AAA members can save up to 85% on prescriptions with GoodRx.

Opening day of regular season deer hunting is Nov. 16 in most areas of Western and Central New York, which will stir the deer population, which is already active due to mating season. AAA is warning motorists to be extra cautious on the roads and to scan for deer.

Poverty remains persistent and factors such as access to transportation, consumer debt and affordable housing are contributing factors for most communities in the Buffalo Niagara Region, according to research unveiled this month in a new interactive website created by The Mobile Safety-Net Team, in partnership with the University at Buffalo's Regional Institute (UBRI).

University at Buffalo students who have trouble accessing affordable food now have support on campus from Blue Table. The online food pantry service began with a soft launch in April and has been fully operational since the beginning of the fall semester.

On the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 20, the idea of compassionate community health will be explored at a mini-conference at Mount St. Mary's Hospital (Room 249), 5300 Military Road, Lewiston. All members of the community are welcome to this free event, which will include refreshments and will be held from 5-7 p.m.

The New York Power Authority, in recognition of Native American Heritage Month, will host a variety of cultural activities, presentations and performances on Saturday at its Niagara Power Vista, 5777 Lewiston Road. Visitors can help build longhouses and learn about the history of lacrosse.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has selected Dylan and Paris Brosnan as the Golden Globe Ambassadors for the 2020 Golden Globe Awards season. Dylan and Paris are the sons of two-time Golden Globe Award nominee Pierce Brosnan and filmmaker and environmentalist Keely Shaye Brosnan.

Albert McFadyen, who has taken on the role of FDR for many years, will perform at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at The History Center, 215 Niagara St., Lockport. McFadyen, a longtime actor, will portray President Franklin D. Roosevelt to commemorate the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, and the battles of World War II.

More than 55 million travelers are making plans to kick off the holiday season with a trip of 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving. This will be the second-highest Thanksgiving travel volume since AAA began tracking in 2000, trailing only the record set in 2005.

Following the release of her groundbreaking No. 1 debut album "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?", Darkroom/Interscope Records artist Billie Eilish has released a brand-new song titled "everything i wanted."

The Buffalo Sabres announced the team, in partnership with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, will again take part in the NHL's Hockey Fights Cancer program during the team's home game against the Ottawa Senators at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16.

Tis the season when well-intentioned charitable organizations conduct raffles to raise funds for worthy causes. The New York State Gaming Commission's Division of Charitable Gaming reminds everyone that raffles, like other forms of charitable gaming, are subject to certain laws.

Rock 'n' roll legends KISS announced the "End Of The Road Tour" will make a stop at KeyBank Center at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 2020. This is the band's final tour ever.

dick clark productions and ABC announced multi-Platinum, award-winning singer/songwriter Ciara will host the 2019 American Music Awards. Known for her high-energy performances, including 2018's show-stopping collaboration with Missy Elliott, and timeless R&B/pop hits, she will once again take the stage - this time as host - for an evening of music and unforgettable live moments.

Niagara County native, World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient Everett A. Fitchlee will be honored for his military service from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Elks Lodge, 6791 N. Canal Road, Lockport.

With more than 80 million albums sold and 16 top 30 hits, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world. Now, "Foreigner - Double Vision: Then And Now" takes viewers behind the scenes as original band members join Mick Jones and Foreigner's current lineup for the very first time in the band's 40-year history. Both incarnations of the band share the same stage for an epic performance.