Summer is approaching quickly in Western New York and, with it, a new season of music, art and entertainment.

Niagara University cut the ribbon Thursday on an $8 million renovation and expansion of its dining facility located at Clet Hall.

To some, that probably comes as no surprise. Frighteningly however, scores of blurry-eyed information seekers, faces lit blue from computer and cell phone screens, share and believe stories like these on social media everyday. Not just the stereotypical tin-foil hat wearing doomsday preppers that appear on that show, Doomsday Preppers. Even bright, honest, salt of the earth types can be duped. And there are very good reasons why...

With the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car Championship quickly approaching, driver Dennis Hanratty Jr. has been, no so patiently, waiting to get back behind the wheel.

On April 15, 2013, two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. The bombs were 12 seconds and 210 yards away.

A student's life is often filled with late-night cram sessions and early-morning classes, but many Niagara University students make sure they fit workouts in during their busy class schedules.

What comes to mind when you hear "summer body"? Most people think of a sleek, toned, healthy human being, be it male or female. It's natural to want this kind of body, not only because it is found attractive to be physically fit in modern day American culture, but also because it is healthy. Being physically fit not only increases health benefits, it also increases mood and confidence as well.

Those who explore the ocean to any extent are treasure hunters. The creatures that inhabit the ocean are available to those who truly look for them.

The NHL playoffs are in full swing. One team that isn't in these playoffs for the sixth consecutive season have many difficult decisions to make. Tim Murray, General Manager of the Buffalo Sabres, has some mistakes to answer for. He recently signed a large contract extension in hopes of delivering at least a playoff appearance for the 2016-17 season, that didn't happen. The

The sound off the bat at Fenway Park was a loud crack, maybe made louder from the chill of an April Boston evening

What the fastest game on two feet? Box lacrosse has really grown through the years.

Lisa, a college sophomore, said, "I was so unsure what to get, so I thought I needed everything and, by the end of the year, I realized I had so much unnecessary things."

It all started with an intriguing piano intro, overlaid with the sound of a female automated voice saying, "This is a Global-Tel link prepaid call from Adnan Syed, an inmate at a Maryland Correctional facility..."

Hannah Baker is smart, pretty and wholesome. She is beautifully sarcastic and fierce in all that she does. Loved by both of her parents and wanting to follow them in their old school romantic ways, she is your average high school student attempting to find herself amongst her peers.

2017 fashion has gone back in time bringing back the 80's and 90's trends that everyone has always seemed to love. Not only are mom jeans and graphic band tees making an appearance, thrift shopping has become a larger fad that many people have taken advantage of; buying and donating clothes equally.

Customers think the hardest part is deciding between Superhero, Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Chip and 47 other flavors. But if they have never been to De Dee's Dairy before, the trip usually ends in the words, "This is a small? It's huge!"

A young child around the age of 5 is out playing on the playground; parents as usual swarm around keeping a tight eye on their children. A fire truck comes by with loud sirens; all the kids are interested and run to the edge of the playground to see the trucks drive by. All of the kids except for one; this kid is screaming and covering his ears.

With the recent passage of ride-hailing apps in upstate New York, Uber will potentially employ upstate citizens looking to make some extra cash. In the state of New York, Uber is only currently operating in New York City while other large cities in the state continue to rely on the taxi industry to transport individuals.

Marriage is a sacred unity between two people. A promise, a bond, and perhaps one of the world's leading goals.

Earth Day, April 22, is meant to be a day to spread awareness. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, the most common way to spend Earth Day is to plant trees. Spreading awareness and being active are the main goals of Earth day since the very beginning.

Community Missions of Niagara Frontier is looking for participants to put their best foot forward and "Walk for Niagara," rain or shine, on Saturday, April 29, at Whirlpool State Park. The annual event helps raise awareness and funds for the nonprofit's crisis and community service programs, which provide clothing, food, shelter and supportive services to those in need.

A few steps through the open doors into a tightly packed conference room led students who attended Niagara University's second annual "Meet the Professionals" night to many other doors full of opportunities.

NU Goes Green is a small club on campus that is currently planning major changes for this semester.

Niagara-Wheatfield High School kicks off the holiday season by decorating the main hall of the school with mini Christmas trees, hot chocolate sales made in the morning and hallways lined with red and green. Mr. Pogel's sociology classes manage to remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas through a program called "Adopt-A-Family."

The final day of the Cataract City Classic could not have finished any better. Each game on Saturday was action-packed and close the entire way, as the biggest defeat was by 12 points. Some of the best athletes from Western New York, as well as the Rochester area, came to the "Wolvarena" at Niagara Falls High School and did not disappoint the loud and energetic fans.

Day one of the Cataract City Classic at Niagara Falls High School did not disappoint.

New York City is the definition of a melting pot. Filled with all types of races, ethnicities and backgrounds from all over the world, it can be concluded New York City is one of the most diverse cities in America.

It's a brand new season for gamers. With many new titles coming out from big developers, there is plenty of new content for gamers to be excited about.

In 2007, Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream was started by two lifelong friends turned Lockport High School teachers. Today, Erik Bernardi, who teaches biology, and Jason Wulf, who is an art teacher, have made Lake Effect into an award-winning ice cream shop.

Have you ever seen a disabled person dancing? Nowadays, seeing people in wheelchairs is not as shocking as a few decades ago. Nevertheless, even today, dancers with disabilities appear in peoples' minds as surprising and inspiring artists.

"Williams is the running back," Al Michaels states, laying the foundation for one of the most memorable plays in NFL history. "The ball is snapped. Play action. Aaand Manning's going to heave one. ..."

The path to success for Niagara University men's basketball player Kahlil Dukes has not been the easiest to come by. The redshirt junior has had an up and down college career that has taken him all across the country.

For the first time, the Lewiston-Porter Alumni Association awarded a non-teacher a mini grant. Susan Gentile, secretary at the middle school, was recognized by the Lewiston-Porter Board of Education at the November meeting for receiving a $500 mini grant to purchase wireless microphones for use in the middle school musical and drama productions.

"Box of Hope" consists of three different events or outreaches meant to reach needs specific to that time of year and in way that is important "because it addresses every single tier of Maslow's hierarchy of human needs. One of these tiers is essential needs, like food and water, which is always provided through the different outreaches of 'Box of Hope.' "

Life as a student-athlete in college isn't all fun and games; it is a nonstop grind that leaves athletes both physically and mentally exhausted at the end of every day.