Thursday, December 26

Author: Grace Thompson

Electrical Fault Sparks House Fire on King Street; Dunkirk Fire Department Launches Investigation
Dunkirk

Electrical Fault Sparks House Fire on King Street; Dunkirk Fire Department Launches Investigation

(WNY News Now) – A Friday afternoon fire on King Street in Dunkirk has prompted an investigation, with officials pointing to faulty wiring as the cause.Dunkirk, N.Y. – On October 25, 2024, at approximately 4:09 p.m., the Dunkirk Fire Department responded to a structure fire reported at a residence on King Street. Upon arrival, firefighters quickly worked to extinguish the blaze, preventing it from spreading to neighboring properties. The fire, though controlled, caused notable damage on the first floor of the residence.Once the flames were out, the Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team was called to the scene to determine the origin and cause of the incident. Following a thorough inspection, investigators determined that an exposed electrical wire on the first floor had ignited the fir...
Langworthy Backs Butler: A New Era for Cattaraugus County Sheriff?
Cattaraugus County

Langworthy Backs Butler: A New Era for Cattaraugus County Sheriff?

(WNY News Now) – In a pivotal move for the upcoming election, Congressman Nick Langworthy has officially endorsed Acting Sheriff Eric Butler to take on the role of Sheriff for Cattaraugus County.Olean, NY – On Thursday, Oct. 24rd, Congressman Nick Langworthy offered his full and enthusiastic endorsement of Acting Sheriff Eric Butler to serve as the next Cattaraugus County Sheriff. The election for Cattaraugus Sheriff will be held on November 5th. Congressman Nick Langworthy: “For nearly three decades, Acting Sheriff Butler has demonstrated exemplary leadership and service to the residents of Cattaraugus County, and there is no one more suited to serve as the next Sheriff of this great county. His experience, judgment and ability to seamlessly lead the department should give great comfort t...
Tivoli’s Water Future: Governor Hochul Launches $23 Million Sewer Project
Community

Tivoli’s Water Future: Governor Hochul Launches $23 Million Sewer Project

(WNY News Now) – Construction Begins to Modernize Aging Infrastructure and Protect Public Health.Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on a critical project undertaken by the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority to modernize clean water infrastructure in the Village of Tivoli. Nearly $23 million in state and federal investments will help modernize the village’s 1930s era sewer system to help ensure reliable, resilient wastewater service for the community and provide water quality protection for the Stony Creek waterway.“Ensuring access to clean, safe water for all New Yorkers is a top priority, and that’s why we continue to provide critical grants and financial resources to help communities modernize their water infrastructure,” Governor Hochul said. “To...
New York Invests $100 Million in Afterschool Programs: A Lifeline for 40,000 Children
Community

New York Invests $100 Million in Afterschool Programs: A Lifeline for 40,000 Children

(WNY News Now) – Governor Hochul’s Initiative Aims to Expand Access to Affordable Child Care.Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State has awarded about $100 million in grants to support free and low-cost afterschool programs serving nearly 40,000 children in high-need areas statewide. State officials from the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) also participated in the 25th Annual Lights on Afterschool initiative today by visiting programs in New York City and the Capital Region.“Afterschool programs give our kids outlets to explore their creativity, build their skills and thrive in a supportive environment,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re continuing to invest in free and low-cost afterschool programs and expanding access to affordable child care to help young people gr...
You’re Accepted! Governor Hochul Launches SUNY Top 10% Promise for New York Students
Community

You’re Accepted! Governor Hochul Launches SUNY Top 10% Promise for New York Students

(WNY News Now) – Governor Kathy Hochul unveils a groundbreaking initiative aimed at expanding access to higher education for high-achieving New York students.Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the SUNY Top 10% Promise Program, creating a direct pathway for the highest-achieving New York high school seniors to gain admission and enroll at select SUNY colleges and universities. Governor Hochul first announced this plan as a part of her 2024 State of the State to help more New York students benefit from SUNY’s unparalleled combination of accessibility, affordability, and academic excellence.“Access to higher education has the potential to transform New Yorkers’ lives and change the trajectory of a student’s life,” Governor Hochul said. “Offering New York students graduating i...
New York Liberty Celebrated: Governor Hochul Hails Champions at WNBA Victory Parade
Community

New York Liberty Celebrated: Governor Hochul Hails Champions at WNBA Victory Parade

(WNY News Now) – Governor Kathy Hochul praised the New York Liberty for their remarkable championship victory in the WNBA Finals during a spirited parade ceremony, emphasizing empowerment and inspiration for future generations.Governor Kathy Hochul joined the New York Liberty parade float after their championship run that secured the 2024 WNBA Finals. Welcome to the sweet land of liberty. On behalf of 20 million incredibly proud New Yorkers, I say welcome home to our champion women. Let’s do it again next year.I also want to thank the leadership organization, led by Clara Wu Tsai and Joe Tsai, who believed in empowering women, investing in them, giving them the resources they need and never giving up faith. You created a team of champions. You said you could create an elite team of profess...
Buffalo Man Faces Sentencing After Meth Distribution Guilty Plea
Buffalo

Buffalo Man Faces Sentencing After Meth Distribution Guilty Plea

(WNY News Now) – A Buffalo man has admitted guilt in a meth distribution case involving multiple undercover buys, facing up to two decades behind bars.BUFFALO, N.Y. — Chemere Barclay, 32, of Buffalo, pled guilty to federal charges of possessing and distributing methamphetamine, as announced by U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross. Barclay’s plea, entered before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna M. Duncan, who is prosecuting the case, revealed that from August 2023 to January 2024, Barclay sold methamphetamine in a series of seven controlled buys orchestrated by the New York State Police and Lackawanna Police Department. These exchanges provided key evidence, solidifying the c...
$850K Retail Theft Ring Uncovered in PA: Nine Charged in Multi-State Scheme Targeting Major Retailers
Arraignment

$850K Retail Theft Ring Uncovered in PA: Nine Charged in Multi-State Scheme Targeting Major Retailers

(WNY News Now) – Three alleged leaders and six other suspects are charged in an organized retail theft ring accused of stealing $850,000 from T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods through an elaborate return-fraud scheme spanning 1,000 stores across nine states.HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced charges on Thursday, October 24, 2024, against three alleged leaders of an organized retail theft ring that authorities say manipulated return policies to generate nearly $850,000 in payouts from major retailers. The ring primarily operated in southeastern Pennsylvania, affecting over a thousand store locations across nine states.The accused leaders, Davon Whitfield, 40, of Roslyn; Naima Scott, 47, of Abington; and Zonay Griffin, 26, of Philadelphia, along with six ad...
New Support Group Offers Solace for Suicide Loss Survivors in Jamestown
Chautauqua County

New Support Group Offers Solace for Suicide Loss Survivors in Jamestown

(WNY News Now) – The Mental Health Association (MHA) in Chautauqua County has launched a new Suicide Loss Survivor Support Group, providing a compassionate space for those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide.Jamestown, N.Y. – At the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County (MHA), they know that someone who has lost a loved one to suicide suffers their own unique experience of grief.  The MHA’s new Suicide Loss Survivor Support Group is led by volunteer Tina Morgan, who lost her son to suicide. It recognizes that suicide loss is grief unlike any other and that those who have not been through it don’t necessarily understand. It is a safe place, where confidentiality is of the utmost importance. And whatever participants’ beliefs, they are welcome to share without fear of judgme...
Attorney General James Triumphs in Defending New York’s Gun Safety Laws
Breaking News

Attorney General James Triumphs in Defending New York’s Gun Safety Laws

(WNY News Now) – A significant legal win for gun safety in New York, as the Second Circuit Court upholds key provisions of the state’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act.New York – New York Attorney General Letitia James celebrated a victory today as the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the majority of New York’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA). The decision reinforces the state’s stringent gun safety regulations, which were put into place following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.The CCIA, which has been in effect since September 2022, faced several legal challenges aimed at weakening its provisions. However, today’s ruling confirms that most of the law’s requirements will remain intact, ensuring str...