Thursday, January 9
New York Liberty Celebrated: Governor Hochul Hails Champions at WNBA Victory Parade
26Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
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...
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Buffalo Man Faces Sentencing After Meth Distribution Guilty Plea
26Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
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...
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$850K Retail Theft Ring Uncovered in PA: Nine Charged in Multi-State Scheme Targeting Major Retailers
26Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
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...
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New Support Group Offers Solace for Suicide Loss Survivors in Jamestown
26Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
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...
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Attorney General James Triumphs in Defending New York’s Gun Safety Laws
26Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
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...
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AG James Issues Voter Guidance and Hotline to Safeguard November Election
26Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Election 2024

AG James Issues Voter Guidance and Hotline to Safeguard November Election

(WNY News Now) – New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced resources and tips to protect voters’ rights and combat AI-driven misinformation for a safe and transparent 2024 election.New York – As New York’s early voting period begins on October 26, Attorney General Letitia James has released a series of guidelines and resources aimed at ensuring New Yorkers’ voting rights remain protected. The guidance, which includes essential voting deadlines, rights protection, and safeguards against election interference, also establishes an Election Protection Hotline available throughout early voting and on Election Day, November 5.AG James emphasized that “every New Yorker should be able to vote easily and without fear,” and her office has taken steps to ensure voters are informed about t...
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New Fund Aims to Protect Endangered Species Amid Renewable Energy Growth
26Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Community

New Fund Aims to Protect Endangered Species Amid Renewable Energy Growth

(WNY News Now) – New York DEC Unveils Proposal for Mitigation Fund to Offset Wildlife Impacts from Energy Projects.The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a proposed regulation to implement a fund to help offset negative impacts to endangered and threatened species populations during the construction of renewable energy and energy transmission projects. The proposed Endangered and Threatened Species Mitigation Bank Fund regulation is available for public comment until Jan. 15, 2025, with two virtual public hearings on Jan. 8, 2025.“New York’s green energy transition continues to keep the protection of the state’s most vulnerable wildlife and their habitats at the forefront of our work,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “The Endangered and Threatened Speci...
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Allegany County Moves to Enhance Public Transit: New Partnership with Cattaraugus County
26Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Allegany County

Allegany County Moves to Enhance Public Transit: New Partnership with Cattaraugus County

(WNY News Now) – In a pivotal step for regional mobility, Allegany County has approved a contract with Cattaraugus County to manage the Olean Area Transit System (OATS), effective January 1, 2025.Belmont, NY – At their October 23, 2024, Legislative Board meeting, the Allegany County Board  of Legislators approved a Public Transportation Services Agreement with Cattaraugus County for  coordinating the operation and administration of the Olean Area Transit System (OATS) for a  three-year term commencing on January 1, 2025, and remaining in effect through December 31,  2027. Access Allegany, the public transportation system in Allegany County, is managed by  Mobility Managers Ardent Solutions who also plans to manage OATS. The agreement, first  requested by Cattaraugus County leadership in Ju...
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Amherst Woman Sentenced to 18 Years to Life for Killing Newborn
26Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Courts

Amherst Woman Sentenced to 18 Years to Life for Killing Newborn

(WNY News Now) – An Erie County judge has sentenced Andee R. Wright of Amherst to 18 years to life for the murder of her newborn son, marking a tragic end to a case of concealed pregnancy and infant death.Buffalo, N.Y. – Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced that 33-year-old Andee R. Wright received an 18-year-to-life sentence from Acting Erie County Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio. Wright was convicted of second-degree murder after a six-day trial and found guilty of intentionally killing her newborn baby.On October 5, 2020, Wright gave birth to a 37-week-old boy alone in a bathroom at a residence on Eggert Road in the Town of Tonawanda. Following the birth, Wright did not call for emergency assistance for herself or the baby. She was later discovered in medical d...
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Jamestown Firefighters Contain Severe Structure Fire; Resident Treated, Pets Lost
26Oct By Grace ThompsonNo Comments
Breaking News Update

Jamestown Firefighters Contain Severe Structure Fire; Resident Treated, Pets Lost

Mobile Users Click Here For Video(WNY News Now) – A fierce fire broke out on the second floor of a Jamestown residential building Thursday evening, resulting in one resident hospitalized for smoke inhalation and two kittens lost to the blaze.Jamestown, N.Y. – On October 24, 2024, a significant fire erupted at a residential building on 539 Crescent Street in Jamestown. The Jamestown Fire Department (JFD) responded to the alarm at 4:37 p.m., with multiple units from Engine 3, Engine 4, and Ladder 1 on site, along with Chief officers. The Jamestown Police Department (JPD), ALSTAR EMS, Chautauqua County paramedics, and National Fuel provided assistance in the operation.Arriving at the scene, JFD’s Car 1 found heavy smoke and flames emerging from a second-story window in the structure’s A/D cor...
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