Two individuals, including one minor, have been accused of stealing a vehicle in the city of Niagara Falls.Shortly after 1 a.m. on Thursday, the Sheriff's Office was alerted via license plate reader technology to a stolen vehicle traveling on Lockport Road in the town of Niagara.After a brief pursuit, authorities were able to stop the 2025 Honda Civic, which investigation revealed had been stolen from a 29-year-old woman in the city of Niagara Falls.The identity of the teen who fell into the Lower Niagara River this past summer has been confirmed. Erie County Medical Examiners have confirmed it was Aung Hla whose body was recovered a week after falling while fishing in a restricted area in July.Hla, who was 18 and a recent Kenmore West High School graduate, was fishing with five other people near the bottom of the stairs in Whirlpool State Park in Niagara Falls on the morning of July 22 before falling into the rapids.

The body that New York State Police found in the Niagara River has been identified as the 18-year-old who fell into the river in July. State Police used dental records to identify Aung S. Hla, who fell into the river around 10:15 a.m. on July 22 while fishing with friends.Niagara County law enforcement agencies will soon have access to a new, state-of-the-art interview room for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.A Batavia woman is dead after a crash involving a disabled farm tractor in Genesee County.On Thursday evening, 64-year-old Victoria Klimczak was driving her Chevy Trax east on Lewiston Road in the Town of Alabama when the crash happened. ACV officially has a new owner. The Buffalo-based online marketplace for automotive dealers announced today it has been acquired by Dallas-based Copart in a deal valued at $1.9 billion. Hundreds of Buffalo Bills fans flocked to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport Friday morning heading to Las Vegas for Sunday's game.

Members of the Buffalo Public Schools community came together Thursday night hoping to voice their questions and concerns about the proposed closure of eight schools before next school year. Only students were allowed to speak.Niagara County law enforcement agencies will soon have access to a new, state-of-the-art interview room for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.Creative Restorations came to Lockport to fill a gap in addiction recovery services. Six months later, its CEO says complaints about clients gathering outside the nonprofit’s office have forced it to find a new home.A Depew man, 47 year old James Muench, was sentenced to five years of probation and a $5,000 fine after he drove through a secure area at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport last year.The City of Lackawanna announced a $1 million state capital grant Thursday, which will be used to support its police and fire departments.The Bills appear likely to have to play without No. 1 receiver DJ Moore once again this weekend.

A Niagara Falls man, 36 year old Mark Paonessa has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after his girlfriend fatally overdosed on fentanyl he was distributing. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz presented his “very tight” 2027 county budget proposal on Thursday, discussing a property tax rate drop and the harsh impact of inflation. A key component of the proposed $2.4 billion budget is dropping the property tax rat by 8 cents per thousand. The Town of Amherst announced the approval of a new hotel bed tax law, calling it a new revenue source for the town. The Town Board approved the law, which requires all short-term lodge establishments in Amherst to collect a 2.5% tax from each room booked.An 11-year-old girl was hospitalized after being shot on East Lovejoy Street Wednesday night. The girl arrived around 10:15 p.m. Wednesday to ECMC suffering from wounds to the arm and chest. 37 year old Ernesto Ramos-Lopez has been charged. The shooting is said to be accidental.

Less than two weeks after announcing plans to close eight Buffalo Public Schools, district leaders are proposing revisions to where students and programs of the shuttered schools will be relocated. The longtime suspect in an alleged murder in Niagara Falls over the summer was charged in connection to the killing on Wednesday. Christopher Colon, 49, was charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse for the alleged killing of 38-uear-old Michelle Destefano. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.The Town of Amherst announced the approval of a new hotel bed tax law, calling it a new revenue source for the town.The owner of Sushi Queen, 35 year old Ping Ye of Amherst, pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport immigrants lacking permanent legal status, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Wednesday.Crosby's announced a donation of more than $23,000 to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center during a check presentation held Wednesday afternoon at the Clinical Sciences Center.

The longtime suspect in an alleged murder in Niagara Falls over the summer was charged in connection to the killing on Wednesday, according to a Niagara County Court filing. Christopher Colon was charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.An investigation into drug dealing from a bottle return business in Niagara Falls led to the search of a Piece Avenue home Tuesday and the seizure of a gun and suspected narcotics.Jury selection in the federal trial against the Tops mass shooter began Tuesday. One by one, a group of 12 potential jurors took to the stand, answering questions about their views on the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.The Town of Wheatfield is requesting $203,800 from the Niagara River Greenway Commission to assist in transforming a former illegal dumping ground near 102nd Street into the proposed River Road Waterfront Park.Goo Goo Dolls hitting the road for a 45-city North American tour supporting Def Leppard.

Buffalo Police are investigating a fatal shooting on the 200 block of Alabama Street in Buffalo after officers found a female dead with a gunshot wound to the chest at about 9:15 am Tuesday.State and local leaders on Tuesday announced increased funding to support veterans in Niagara County. More than $200,000 from the state is on its way for the Joseph Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project.Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan and the city’s Common Council approved a property tax exemption for disabled veterans on Tuesday. To qualify under the local law, a veteran must meet applicable military discharge requirements and be considered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service.The Draft Room, a popular downtown Buffalo restaurant right across from KeyBank Center, is fighting an eviction attempt by its landlord in court, who claims the business failed to properly renew its lease in a lawsuit filed on Aug. 20.

A Buffalo man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Tuesday for a killing in the city’s Riverside neighborhood last year. Sir Raven Rodgers, 31, shot and killed 47-year-old Rafael Ruiz Quinones around 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 14, 2025 on Isabelle Street near Laird Avenue in Riverside. Quinones was pronounced dead at the scene.The man found guilty on state charges of shooting and killing 10 black people at a Buffalo grocery store has asked a judge to dismiss the 27 count federal indictment against him citing the lack of a "fair and reasonable" jury pool.North Tonawanda's 2027 budget is proposing 4.25% tax increase for residents. A winning Take 5 lottery ticket worth nearly $30,000 was sold in Lockport in Monday night’s drawing. The ticket, worth a total of $29,407.60, was sold at the Tops on South Transit Road.The Seneca Chief will stay at the Flight of Five this winter, giving locals more opportunities to familiarize themselves with the replica canal boat.

That's one monkey off Josh Allen's back. Allen led the Buffalo Bills to a 37-34 overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams on "Monday Night Football," breaking his careerlong winless streak in OT. Six individuals have been arrested following a two-day online child exploitation investigation in Erie County, the New York State Police announced Monday. The suspects are from Lockport, Tonawanda and Buffalo. The Erie County Department of Health has confirmed one travel-related case of diphtheria this month, prompting officials to work with the West Seneca School District to notify students, staff and families of a potential exposure.Chippewa bar Bottoms Up has filed a lawsuit against the City of Buffalo and the city’s common council, alleging that newly introduced operating restrictions negatively affect their most financially profitable event, threatening the future of their business and its reputation.A former Buffalo Sabres first-round pick is moving on after the team traded him to Pittsburgh. Defenseman Ryan Johnson was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins Monday in exchange for defensemen Caleb Jones and Daniel Laatsch, the team announced Monday.

Six people have been charged following an online child exploitation operation in Erie County. The suspects hail from Lockport, Tonawanda, and Buffalo.Crime Stoppers WNY is offering a $2,500 reward for information on a 40-year-old cold case regarding the disappearance of Yolanda Renee Hunt.Hunt was last seen on Aug. 26, 1986, in the area of Goodyear and Walden Avenues and was 18 years old when she went missing.Chippewa business Venu announced Friday that it filed a lawsuit against the City of Buffalo, saying recent changes in operating rules have left the establishment unable to run at full capacity and have caused significant revenue loss.There is going to be multiple 'No Kings' protests in Western New York on Saturday. Organizers with the Buffalo United Coalition say the protests are scheduled exactly one week before early voting for the midterm elections begins and aim to increase voter participation.Bills at the Rams for Monday Night Football. 8:15 Kickoff.

The University at Buffalo co-hosted a symposium with the University of Rochester on Friday to address health equity gaps across the region and chart a path forward. It's Bills, Rams in Monday Night Football. 8:15pm kick off. Chippewa business Venu announced Friday that it filed a lawsuit against the City of Buffalo, saying recent changes in operating rules have left the establishment unable to run at full capacity and have caused significant revenue loss.Veterans from Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight Mission 24 arrived back in Western New York Sunday night to a crowd of family, friends, and community members welcoming them home from a trip recognizing their service and sacrifice. Last December, the town approved the first phase of a plan to rezone development around the new Highmark Stadium. Now the town board wants to go further in its expansion of Orchard Park. Its proposed amendment creates “Gateway Mixed-Use” areas south, north and east of the stadium, as well as closer to Route 219.

Police are searching for a Connecticut man last seen in the city Tuesday.Steven W. Lyons, 40, of Milford, Connecticut, was last seen on West Jackson Street near the Rolling Grant Wilderness Park entrance.Lyons is described as 6 feet tall, weighing 180 pounds, with black and grey hair and green eyes.He is believed to be in the Lockport area.Anyone with information about Lyons’ location is asked to contact the Lockport Police Department.A Tonawanda man was arraigned on a new charge Thursday after injuring eight people in a crash at a car show in September.Eight people injured after crash at bike and car show in NT Following investigation, Charles Brancato, 73, has been charged with second degree vehicular assault after crashing into a crowd of pedestrians during an event at the American Harley-Davidson in North Tonawanda on Sept. 25.A total of seven pedestrians were transported to local hospitals for treatment, some with serious injuries.Several of the pedestrians were pinned between the striking vehicle and the exterior wall of the business.

The Erie County Legislature unanimously passed a resolution requesting New York State to reimburse the county for housing parole violators during the state corrections officer’s strike. Legislators said this included individuals who would have been transferred to state custody.The Erie County Fire Academy received two new fire engines on Thursday, donated by local agencies to help with future training.Despite warnings from the acting city controller, the Niagara Falls City Council voted Wednesday night unanimously not to increase the city’s 2027 fiscal year refuse and recycling user fee. The increase would have affected 80% of city residents. Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns is facing questions about his involvement recently at a gun show at the Hamburg Fairgrounds, where Nazi paraphernalia was displayed and sold.A Buffalo Bills fan has filed an official complaint, claiming that an Erie County Sheriff's deputy punched his car's window and broke his mirror during a postgame motorcade on the 90 following last Sunday's game.

Work at Love Canal is sparking curiosity among some residents near the fenced-in toxic landfill. The Department of Environmental Conservation said consultants for Glenn Springs Holdings, a subsidiary of Occidental Chemical responsible for managing the landfill, are performing biannual maintenance.Families had the opportunity to weigh in as the first of three community meetings regarding a proposal that could close eight Buffalo Public Schools was held Thursday. Under the proposal, more than 2,000 students would be impacted, and more than 100 positions in the district would be eliminated.A Tonawanda man, 73 year old Charles Brancato, was arraigned on a new charge Thursday after injuring eight people in a crash at a car show in September, the city of North Tonawanda Police Department said.A 38-year-old man was arrested in connection to break-ins at two Elmwood Avenue restaurants, along with five more dating back to June. Salvatore Pierre is accused of breaking into Mr. Greek, located at 1122 Elmwood Ave., around 6 a.m. on Sept. 22. He also allegedly broke into The Cereal Spot, located next door at 1124 Elmwood Ave.

Residents in Orchard Park could soon see development in the area surrounding Highmark Stadium, as discussions over the town’s zoning and codes continue. Residents raised concerns about rezoning in Orchard Park at Wednesday’s town hall meeting.More vacant lots in Buffalo will turn into homes built for families under a new partnership announced at the University at Buffalo on Wednesday. City officials and the University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning will lead the “Buffalo Ready Homes” initiative.Both sides were back in court on Wednesday in the case of admitted Tops mass murderer Payton Gendron, whose federal death penalty trial will begin next Tuesday with jury selection.Gendron is already serving a 250-year to life sentence. Students, former students, teachers, and parents gathered to protest the proposed Buffalo Public School District closure/repurposing plan for the PS 33 Bilingual Center announced by interim superintendent Dr. Ebony Prophet Bullock last week. Visitors at the Buffalo Zoo can now meet two curious red panda cubs sharing an outdoor habitat with their mom, three-year-old Himalaya.

A Buffalo man was found guilty of killing his 3-month-old son in May 2025, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office said Wednesday. Jurors found that Elijah Rogers, 28, killed his son via blunt force trauma to the head at a home on Tonawanda Street on May 23, 2025. The baby was pronounced dead at the scene.Buffalo has filed a lawsuit seeking to pause construction of the Seneca Nation-built gas station and truck stop on Miami Street, city officials said Wednesday.A steel pipe and tube manufacturer based in Lackawanna, Welded Tube USA, will pay $1.5 million in order to resolve allegations that is improperly obtained relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Attorney’s Office.The Niagara Falls City Council is holding a public hearing on a recommendation from acting City Controller Sean Bird to increase the city’s 2027 fiscal year refuse and recycling user fee.A cancer vaccine being tested at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is helping some patients with glioblastoma live longer, according to new trial results that were just released.

Former state Department of Environmental Conservation engineer Dylan Keenan is accusing the agency of retaliating against him for blowing the whistle on Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Niagara Falls after he began warning his supervisors in 2023 that the Goodyear plant was exceeding safe limits for various toxic chemicals.Days before Interim Superintendent Dr. Ebony Prophet-Bullock announced a districtwide restructuring and closure plan that aims to save the Buffalo Public Schools $24M annually, a brand new 2026 Chevy Tahoe was delivered to the district. No one is saying who the $70,000 vehicle is intended for.North Tonawanda police say speed was a factor in a Tuesday crash on River Road that left three people with injuries.The Lewiston Village Board awarded Georgia-based Wahoo Docks the engineering work for repairs to the Lewiston Landing docks.Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins provided a chance for job seekers who have come out of the criminal justice system to receive resources and guidance on Tuesday. Dion’s Dreamers Foundation and Peaceprints of WNY hosted a job fair on University at Buffalo’s South Campus.

A former state Department of Environmental Conservation engineer has accused the agency of retaliating against him for blowing the whistle on Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Niagara Falls over alleged underreporting of toxic air emissions, according to complaints filed in state and federal courts.The Town of Niagara has unveiled its 2027 budget proposal, which includes a property tax increase. Local officials say the adjusted rate will fund critical public infrastructure improvements and cover inflationary increases in operational expenses.Chippewa bar The Cowboy was closed by Buffalo Police after its owner, 72-year-old Alfred Castricone, allegedly stabbed someone before inadvertently stabbing himself on Oct. 2.Castricone was arrested Monday in connection with Friday’s stabbing that occurred on Friday.The New York Power Authority formally approved $1 million in economic development funds for Candlelight Curated’s modernization work.The 35th annual Niagara Cup Classic raised $40,253 to support Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center’s $56 million Capital Improvement Campaign.The Buffalo Sabres are back at KeyBank Center Tuesday night to face the Minnesota Wild in the first meeting of the season between the teams.

One Amherst resident and two Buffalo residents have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit mail theft after a letter carrier was robbed of her postal key, which could be used to gain access to all blue collection boxes located in the Niagara Falls area. One person is dead following a motor vehicle accident in the town of Wheatfield on Monday. Shortly before 4:30 p.m., deputies responded to a report of a single car motor vehicle accident in the 3000 block of Mapleton Road,Buffalo Public Schools is proposing to close eight schools beginning in the 2027-28 school year as the district works to address declining enrollment, the cost of operating nearly 60 schools and ongoing staffing challenges. Reeds Jewelers announced Monday that they will be expanding and relocating their flagship store, moving from Maple Road in Amherst to the corner of Main Street and Chateau Terrace in Snyder.Niagara Gospel Mission raised more than $270,000 at its annual Vision Dinner, Friday night, providing Help, Hope and Healing to men and women experiencing homelessness.

The Niagara County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle and an a car in Pendleton Saturday afternoon. The crash occurred about 3 p.m. at the intersection of Lockport and Wheatfield-Pendleton Townline roads. The accident remains under investigation. A man shot in the head while riding his bike in Niagara Falls Sunday night suffered minor injuries, according to Niagara Falls Police. Officers responded to the 27th block alley between 27th Street and Pierce Avenue about 10:50 p.m. Sunday. The man was found lying in the alley with a graze wound to his head. A 15-year-old boy was taken to a hospital after he was hit by an SUV while riding an electric dirt bike in North Tonawanda on Sunday. Police said the teenager was struck by the SUV at the intersection of Twin Cities Memorial Highway and Schenck Street, suffering non life threatening injuries. A man is in custody following an incident that saw multiple agencies responding to what started as a welfare check in Depew Sunday night, at 149 Cornell Drive.