Community Concerns

(WNY News Now) – Governor Kathy Hochul announced a statewide burn ban and provided an update on the devastating wildfires impacting New York, including the largest wildfire since 2008, as drought conditions exacerbate fire risk.Governor Kathy Hochul provided an update on wildfires burning across New York State and has deployed a multi-agency response to fires in Orange and Ulster counties in close coordination with local fire departments and first responders. Aerial investigation shows the Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park wildfire, which is in both New York and New Jersey, now encompasses 5,000 acres, half of which is in New York, and is 10 percent contained in both states. The fire in the Town of Denning, Ulster County is 95 percent contained within 630 acres. Governor Hochul also annou...

(WNY News Now) – New Yorkers are urged to be vigilant as scams targeting health insurance applicants rise during the open enrollment period for Affordable Care Act plans, warns Attorney General Letitia James.NEW YORK — With open enrollment for New York’s Affordable Care Act marketplace now underway, Attorney General Letitia James is cautioning residents about an increase in health insurance scams. As consumers seek coverage for 2025, scammers are exploiting the confusion of open enrollment to steal personal information and money.The open enrollment period runs from November 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025, with the deadline for coverage beginning January 1, 2025, set for December 15, 2024. New Yorkers are urged to be cautious when navigating the process.“New Yorkers must be able to secur...

(WNY News Now) – If you bought certain generic prescription drugs between 2010 and 2016, you may be eligible for a refund as part of a $49.1 million settlement with two major pharmaceutical companies.HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry joined a coalition of 50 states and territories in announcing cooperation agreements and settlements with Heritage Pharmaceuticals and Apotex — totaling $49.1 million — regarding the companies’ price inflation and manipulation and other efforts to reduce options for consumers.According to the settlements, the generic prescription drug companies will pay a combined $49.1 million to consumers who purchased their products between 2010 and 2016. The companies will also cooperate in ongoing multistate litigation, led by Connecticut, against 30 corporate ...

(WNY News Now) – This Halloween, Niagara County law enforcement will join New York State’s High Visibility Engagement Campaign to combat impaired driving and save lives.In an initiative aimed at reducing impaired driving incidents, Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti announced that local law enforcement will be participating in New York State’s STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign this Halloween. Law enforcement agencies across Niagara County will intensify their presence on the roads, joining a statewide effort beginning on Thursday, October 31, and extending through Sunday, November 3, 2024. This collaborative campaign is designed to prevent impaired driving-related injuries and fatalities.Sheriff Filicetti emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that while pa...