Saturday, January 25

Author: Grace Thompson

Audit Exposes Long Delays, Costly Errors in NYC Homeless Housing Program
4Nov By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Audit

Audit Exposes Long Delays, Costly Errors in NYC Homeless Housing Program

(WNY News Now) – A state audit reveals major challenges in New York City’s CityFHEPS program, leaving homeless New Yorkers in shelters for months due to administrative missteps and inadequate oversight.New York City, N.Y. – New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s latest audit underscores critical flaws in the City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (CityFHEPS) program, which aims to transition homeless New Yorkers into stable housing. The report found severe delays in program processes and insufficient monitoring by the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS), raising concerns about the city’s capacity to manage homelessness amid a mounting affordability crisis.DiNapoli’s findings, covering July 2019 through December 2023, highlight systemic issues w...
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Chautauqua County Businesses Warned of Scam Targeting Local Advertisers
4Nov By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Business

Chautauqua County Businesses Warned of Scam Targeting Local Advertisers

(WNY News Now) – Businesses in Chautauqua County are urged to stay vigilant as a recent scam targets advertisers, posing as representatives of the Chautauqua County Relocation Guide.Chautauqua County, N.Y. – The County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) issued a warning about a scam targeting local businesses. Reports indicate that an individual has been contacting businesses in Chautauqua County, falsely claiming to represent the Chautauqua County Relocation Guide—a publication produced by CCIDA and the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth.The caller, who uses an unlisted number, reportedly poses as a sales representative and solicits funds, claiming they are for advertisements in the relocation guide. However, CCIDA officials clarified that the official Chau...
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Lockport Man Arrested on Felony Drug Charge Following Task Force Investigation
4Nov By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Arrests

Lockport Man Arrested on Felony Drug Charge Following Task Force Investigation

(WNY News Now) – A coordinated investigation by the Niagara County Drug Task Force led to the arrest of a Lockport man facing felony drug charges.Lockport, N.Y. – On October 25, 2024, Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti announced the arrest of 25-year-old Rodney C. Hill of Lockport, New York, following a focused investigation by the Niagara County Drug Task Force. Hill was taken into custody at approximately 3 p.m. at a residence on Niagara Street Extension in the Town of Lockport.Hill faces a felony charge of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the specific substances involved in the charge. Hill is currently being held in the Niagara County Jail, awaiting arraignment. As are all persons accused of a crime, ...
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Buffalo Teen Arraigned in Alleged Gang Assault, Leaving 15-Year-Old Victim Hospitalized
4Nov By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Arraignment

Buffalo Teen Arraigned in Alleged Gang Assault, Leaving 15-Year-Old Victim Hospitalized

(WNY News Now) – A 16-year-old Buffalo youth faces serious charges after allegedly leading a violent assault that left a 15-year-old boy hospitalized with severe injuries in Buffalo’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Park.BUFFALO, NY — Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced that a 16-year-old male from Buffalo was arraigned late Thursday on charges of Gang Assault in the First Degree, a Class “B” violent felony. The arraignment, held before Youth Part Judge Brenda Freedman, addressed allegations surrounding a brutal incident that occurred on October 29, 2024.At approximately 2:55 p.m. on the day of the incident, the defendant, reportedly with the assistance of several others, engaged in an assault on a 15-year-old boy at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park near North Parade Avenue...
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4Nov By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Consumer

Key Things to Consider When Planning a Funeral for a Loved One

Planning a funeral for a loved one is a deeply emotional and complex task, filled with decisions that can feel overwhelming during an already difficult time. A well-thought-out plan can help honor the life of the person you’ve lost and provide comfort for family and friends. Understanding key considerations for funeral planning can make the process more manageable, helping you create a meaningful tribute that respects the wishes of your loved one. Here’s a guide to essential factors to consider when planning a funeral.1. Choosing the Right Memorial Service ProviderSelecting a reputable and compassionate memorial service provider is one of the first steps in planning a funeral. A reliable provider can offer support, guidance, and a range of services tailored to meet your family’s needs. Whe...
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High-Ranking Gang Leader Extradited and Convicted in Massive Cross-Border Drug Operation
4Nov By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Courts

High-Ranking Gang Leader Extradited and Convicted in Massive Cross-Border Drug Operation

(WNY News Now) – An international manhunt ends in justice as a senior gang leader faces prison for his role in a cross-border drug trafficking network between Scotland and England.United Kingdom – Colin Wright, 38, a high-ranking member of an organized crime group (OCG) that operated a large-scale amphetamine lab in Scotland and trafficked heroin and cocaine across the UK, was convicted today. Wright, originally from Motherwell and recently residing in Torre Pacheco, Spain, was extradited following his arrest by Spanish authorities at the request of the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA).Wright’s criminal activities spanned from drug production to trafficking, as he coordinated the movement of narcotics from Merseyside to Scotland and back. Arrested in March 2024, he was returned to the UK o...
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Attorney General James Urges U.S. to Strengthen Global Treaty on Plastic Pollution
4Nov By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Environment

Attorney General James Urges U.S. to Strengthen Global Treaty on Plastic Pollution

(WNY News Now) – New York Attorney General Letitia James, leading a coalition of attorneys general, is pushing the U.S. to adopt stronger international policies to combat plastic pollution at a critical United Nations meeting this month.NEW YORK — Attorney General Letitia James, along with attorneys general from nine other states, has called on the U.S. Department of State to advocate for an ambitious, legally-binding global treaty to curb plastic pollution. In a letter addressed to the department, James praised the U.S. delegation’s recent commitment to supporting plastic production limits and phasing out harmful chemicals, urging further action to confront the escalating plastic crisis.The coalition’s call comes ahead of the fifth session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiati...
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Local Man Arrested for DWI After Crash in French Creek
4Nov By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Arrests

Local Man Arrested for DWI After Crash in French Creek

(WNY News Now) – A 65-year-old French Creek resident faces multiple charges, including driving while intoxicated, following a late-night crash into a field.French Creek, N.Y. – On November 3, 2024, at approximately 2:33 AM, Chautauqua County deputies responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident in the Town of French Creek. Upon arrival, they discovered Dennis P. Griffin, a 65-year-old man from French Creek, a short distance from the scene of the crash, which involved his vehicle going into a field.Deputies quickly determined that Griffin was the driver of the vehicle. During the investigation, it became evident that he was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Witnesses reported seeing Griffin attempt to evade law enforcement, but deputies were able to apprehend him af...
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31Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Election 2024

Niagara County Early Voting Soars Past 2020 Levels

(WNY News Now) – Early voting in Niagara County for the 2024 election is heavily outpacing the early voting levels seen in the 2020 election.Niagara County, N.Y. – In response to intense public interest in early voting totals, the Niagara County Board of Elections is releasing daily updates on early voting in the county for the 2024 election. On day 4 of the 9 days of early voting, the number of votes cast is almost 85% higher than the number of votes cast within the first 4 days of early voting in 2020.As of Tuesday, October 29th, a total of 16,783 early votes have been cast in Niagara County. Over the same time in 2020, only 9,086 early votes had been cast. A chart of the voting trends can be viewed below:With 4 days of early voting finished, 2024 early voting has reached over 80% of the...
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31Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Arrests

Driver Arrested Under Leandra’s Law Near Elementary School in Wheatfield

(WNY News Now) – A morning incident at Errick Road Elementary School led to the arrest of a Niagara Falls woman under Leandra’s Law after staff alerted authorities of her alleged impairment.WHEATFIELD, NY — On October 30, 2024, an intoxicated driver call led Niagara County Sheriff’s Office deputies to Errick Road Elementary School, where they arrested a 34-year-old woman under New York’s strict Leandra’s Law, which penalizes impaired driving with a child in the vehicle.Savannah M. Ciocco, of Niagara Falls, reportedly dropped off a 5-year-old student at the school around 9:18 a.m. before school staff noticed signs of possible impairment and contacted 911. Responding deputies located Ciocco’s vehicle, which had mounted the sidewalk near the school entrance, raising further concern for safety...
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