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• New York bills aim to reform parole and sentencing

  09-04-2025 20:56 via wivb.com
  
  ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Two proposed bills advancing through the New York State Legislature sparked debate over public safety and fairness in the criminal justice system on Tuesday. The bills could reshape how the state handles parole and good behavior, letting some sentences be reduced by as much as half.S159/A127 would change how parole works for people incarcerated at state prisons, granting supervised release by default unless the Parole Board can prove that they clearly still pose a
  
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• Lita Ford teases new record ahead of Riviera Theatre show

  07-05-2025 13:00 via wivb.com
  
  Lita Ford, founding guitarist of the Runaways, will be bringing her electrifying show to the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda this Saturday. Ford spoke in a phone interview with WIVB earlier this week about her tour and what she’s been working on.“I've got a really kick-ass band, and we just get on stage and kill it as a team,” Ford said. “We do a lot of spur-of-the-moment stuff and the guys in the band are great. Everybody's top-notch musicians, everybody's entertainin
  
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• The Latest: Catholic cardinals to sequester themselves in the Vatican for the start of the conclave

  07-05-2025 12:07 via wivb.com
  
  VATICAN CITY (AP) — Catholic cardinals will sequester themselves Wednesday behind the Vatican’s medieval walls for the start of a conclave to elect the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, a successor to Pope Francis who died in April at the age of 88.The 133 cardinals from 70 countries will be locked inside the Sistine Chapel, where they will vote in secret and silence, a process designed to be both contemplative and free from outside interference. They will surrender their c
  
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• Remembering Chelsea Hacker: 30-year-old killed in Tonawanda car crash

  07-05-2025 03:38 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Chelsea Hacker, a nurse, dog lover and creative, was identified by her close friend as the woman whose life was tragically cut short following a crash that occurred Monday on Twin Cities Memorial Highway.According to City of Tonawanda Police, the 30-year-old woman died after her vehicle was rear-ended by another driver around 5:15 p.m. on Monday. She was transported to DeGraff Memorial Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.Hacker began her nursing career at a priva
  
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• Federal grant pulled from local farming collective over alleged DEI violations

  07-05-2025 02:54 via wivb.com
  
  ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Western New York nonprofit that supplies fresh produce to thousands of families is reeling after the federal government abruptly cut off its grant funding, citing concerns over discriminatory practices tied to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.Providence Farm Collective (PFC), a 37-acre nonprofit farm located in Orchard Park, recently received notice from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that its $750,000 grant — currently in
  
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• Who are the contenders to be pope? They include a street priest, a missionary and a Lutheran convert

  07-05-2025 02:12 via wivb.com
  
  (AP) – Wanted: A holy man.Job description: Leading the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church.Location: Vatican City.There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered “papabile,” or possessing the characteristics necessary to become pope. After St. John Paul II broke the centuries-long Italian hold on the papacy in 1978, the field of contenders has broadened considerably.When the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel on May 7 to cho
  
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• St. Joseph's baseball shines using tech, virtual reality

  07-05-2025 00:45 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Since Paul Nasca became the head coach of St. Joseph's baseball team, the Marauders have been the gold standard in Western New York. A big reason for that is their willingness to evolve as a program by using technology."You come out and take BP and hit off tees," Nasca said. "It's more of the same, but in a different setting. It keeps it fresh."The team uses different forms of technology, such as virtual reality goggles. When it was first introduced three years ago,
  
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• Buffalo Airport TSA prepares for possible delays as Real ID deadline approaches

  07-05-2025 00:09 via wivb.com
  
  CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Starting Wednesday, travelers flying out of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport will need to be Real ID-compliant. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials said travelers could run into delays and possibly miss flights without a Real ID.TSA officials said having a Real ID has been long overdue and that everyone will need to follow the new requirement. Posters around the airport will be up to remind travelers.
  Bart Johnson, the federal security dire
  
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• Buffalo mother uses billboard to raise awareness of son's death

  06-05-2025 23:50 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A Buffalo mother is trying to raise awareness about the murder of her son and is now asking the public for help to find his killer.Over four years ago, Lorenzo Jones, III was shot and killed outside of a corner store in Buffalo. His case remains unsolved.A large billboard in the area of Hertel Avenue and Parkside has been put up in honor of Lorenzo Jones, III. In 2021, he was shot and killed in the area of Hertel Avenue and Sunnyside Place. His family and friends say the k
  
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• Erie County residents visit DMV ahead of Real ID requirement

  06-05-2025 23:36 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Erie County DMVs have seen long lines and fully booked appointment times leading up to May 7, which is when being Real ID-compliant will be required to fly or enter federal buildings."Since I've been Erie County Clerk, this is the highest volume that we've seen at all of our auto bureaus," said Erie County Clerk Michael Kearns. "Last year in 2024 between January and April, we were at about 24,000, approximately, license transactions. We're nearing now at the same period f
  
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• WIVB to hold Buffalo mayoral debate ahead of Democratic primary

  06-05-2025 23:09 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – All five candidates on the ballot for the Democratic nomination in the race for Buffalo mayor have agreed to take the stage for a debate held by WIVB News 4 on June 3, exactly three weeks before the primary election.The 90-minute event, hosted at D'Youville University's Kavinoky Theatre, includes a debate from 7-8 p.m. and a town hall-style question-and-answer period from 8-8:30 p.m.
  The debate will air live on WIVB, WIVB.com, and our free connected TV app, WIVB+. Th
  
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• Over 30 cats, kittens, dogs rescued from 'uninhabitable' Hamburg home, more expected

  06-05-2025 22:45 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Nearly 35 pets were rescued from "uninhabitable" conditions on Tuesday morning at a Hamburg residence and more are expected to be rescued later, the SPCA Serving Erie County announced.Thirty-one cats and kittens and three dogs, all infested with fleas, were rescued from "condemned," unsanitary conditions. The cats and kittens had mats of feces in their fur and were covered in urine, the SPCA said.Humane traps were set up at the Hamburg residence to save more cats later Tu
  
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• How your mailbox can help feed neighbors in need this weekend

  06-05-2025 19:18 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. -- From peanut butter to canned vegetables, a simple donation left by your mailbox this Saturday could make a big difference for families across Western New York.The Stamp Out Hunger food drive is back. Organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers, the annual event encourages residents to leave non-perishable food items by their mailboxes. Mail carriers will collect the donations during their regular routes, turning everyday deliveries into opportunities to support the
  
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• Erie County CO resigns, charged for alleged contraband conspiracy

  06-05-2025 18:08 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A correction officer with the Erie County Correctional Facility has resigned after he was arrested for allegedly bringing contraband into the jail and providing it to an inmate, the Erie County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday.Matthew Morano, 29, allegedly brought contraband believed to be tobacco and K2 into the jail and provided it to a 31-year-old inmate, Luis Bonilla, multiple times. Police said Bonilla had the contraband placed in the mailbox at his home in Cheekto
  
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• Free Michael Jackson tribute coming to Erie County Fair

  06-05-2025 16:00 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Michael Jackson tribute show is coming to the Erie County Fair this year.Jalles Franca, hailed as one of the top impersonators of the king of pop around the world, will host his 'MJ Live!' show at the fair on Aug. 13 as part of the Channel 4 Concert Series.Franca, who is from Brazil, has won numerous awards for his performances and has performed from Los Angeles to Hollywood to Dubai.The concert is included with gate admission to the Erie County Fair on Aug. 13. Ad
  
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• Woman killed in crash on Twin Cities Memorial Highway

  06-05-2025 12:39 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A 30-year-old woman was killed in a crash on the Twin Cities Memorial Highway in Tonawanda on Monday, police said.Police said that the woman, driving, a Chevrolet Trailblazer, was rear-ended by a Chevrolet Tahoe being driven by a 55-year-old man around 5:15 p.m. Monday. She was transported to DeGraff Memorial Hospital and was pronounced dead.
  The driver of the Tahoe was taken to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital to be treated for injuries.The crash is still under in
  
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• Local film industry happy with proposed foreign film tariff

  06-05-2025 04:42 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Over the weekend, the White House announced a potential new round of tariffs -- this time targeting the film industry. President Donald Trump is proposing a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the United States, citing both economic and national security concerns.“I think it's great that the federal government is noticing that we're losing a lot of productions to overseas,” said Jennifer O’Neill, owner of Buffalo FilmWorks, a film production facility
  
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• 'It's living history': Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight Mission 19

  06-05-2025 02:19 via wivb.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. (WIVB) — On a cool spring morning, 35 local heroes from the World War II, Korean, Vietnam and Cold War eras set off to the nation's capital for the trip of a lifetime.Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight takes veterans on all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C. throughout the year to see the memorials built to commemorate their courage. News 4 anchor Jordan Norkus and photojournalist Allison Staebell had the special privilege of joining them on Mission 19."They're building tha
  
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• Sabres drop 2 spots in draft lottery, will pick 9th

  06-05-2025 01:38 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Sabres hold the No. 9 selection in the 2025 NHL draft after dropping two spots in Monday night's lottery.If Buffalo does not trade its first-round pick, this will be the 10th time in 13 years that the Sabres make a selection in the top 10. The last time the Sabres held the ninth pick was 2022 when the drafted forward Matthew Savoie, who was traded to Edmonton last offseason for centerman Ryan McLeod. Buffalo also selected defenseman Paul Cyr at No. 9 in 1982.Buffalo h
  
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• Hotel occupancy tax, parking ramp authority in proposed NYS budget

  06-05-2025 01:10 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The proposed New York State budget will include each of Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon's proposals to help balance the City of Buffalo's budget -- a 3% hotel occupancy tax and a new Parking and Mobility Authority to sell city-owned parking ramps, New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie told reporters Monday.Scanlon has been pushing for both proposals -- which needed authorization from the New York State Legislature -- in order to help balance Buffalo's budget deficit. La
  
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• D'Youville softball team heading to D2 NCAA tournament

  06-05-2025 00:31 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- D'Youville University's softball team is going to the NCAA tournament for the first time since joining Division II.The Saints didn't have an easy path to winning the East Coast Conference championship. They lost the first game of the double elimination tournament against top-seeded host St. Thomas Aquinas. But they rallied to win elimination games against Molloy and Mercy before beating St. Thomas Aquinas twice Saturday in the championship round.
  "We just did it with the
  
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• Human remains found in Niagara Falls home, police link discovery to accused murderer Richard Fox

  05-05-2025 23:43 via wivb.com
  
  NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Niagara Falls neighborhood is shaken after police uncovered human remains inside a basement in a home on Orleans Avenue."Just hearing about it would've been shocking. Living next door is insane. Living next to ghosts," said Antonnio Passauer, who lives next door to the home where human remains were found."It was crazy to think human remains, found in the basement? Wow," said Thomas Owens, who lives across the street.Police told WIVB News 4 that 61-year-old Richard
  
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• Human remains found in Niagara Falls home, police link discovery to accused murderer

  05-05-2025 23:43 via wivb.com
  
  NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Niagara Falls neighborhood is shaken after police uncovered human remains inside a basement in a home on Orleans Avenue."Just hearing about it would've been shocking. Living next door is insane. Living next to ghosts," said Antonnio Passauer, who lives next door to the home where human remains were found."It was crazy to think human remains, found in the basement? Wow," said Thomas Owens, who lives across the street.Police told WIVB News 4 that 61-year-old Richard
  
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• Buffalo man charged following fatal shooting on William Street

  05-05-2025 22:07 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Buffalo man was arraigned Monday on a second-degree murder charge for fatally shooting a victim last month on William Street in Buffalo, the Erie County District Attorney's Office announced.Officials said around 1:30 a.m. on April 19, 31-year-old Mikel Lowe intentionally shot the victim, 36-year-old Deval Watkins, with an illegal handgun on the 400 block of William Street.He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the highest charge.Lowe w
  
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• A look inside Upstate Steel's production of steel for new Bills stadium

  05-05-2025 21:24 via wivb.com
  
  BLASDELL, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Upstate Steel, a local company involved in the construction of the new Buffalo Bills stadium, gave WIVB News 4 an exclusive look into how it plays a large role in building the stadium.Last month, the last piece of structural steel was put in place on the stadium's structure, but there is still a lot more work that needs to be done before it opens to fans next year.Upstate Steel is located at 250 Lake Ave. in Blasdell, which is where its 90,000-square-foot warehouse and f
  
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• Prison guard who helped beat cuffed New York inmate to death pleads guilty to manslaughter

  05-05-2025 19:00 via wivb.com
  
  UTICA, N.Y. (AP) — A corrections officer pleaded guilty to manslaughter Monday in the fatal beating of a handcuffed inmate at an upstate New York prison — an attack that was caught on video by guards' body cameras, sparked public outrage and led to charges against more than a dozen people.
  Christopher Walrath, 36, was one of six guards charged with second-degree murder in the Dec. 9 beating of Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility. He pleaded guilty to first-degree manslau
  
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• Niagara Falls man indicted, found incompetent to stand trial for fatal People Inc. assault

  05-05-2025 18:47 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Niagara Falls man was found incompetent to stand trial and was arraigned on a first-degree manslaughter charge Monday morning after he fatally assaulted another People Inc. resident last month, the Erie County District Attorney's Office announced.Around noon on April 1, at the People Inc. on Heritage Road, 26-year-old Daniel Abbotoy allegedly intentionally caused serious physical injury to 56-year-old Diana Robinson, of Amherst, which resulted in her death. Robinson die
  
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• Buffalo man sentenced for fatal shooting on Jefferson Avenue

  05-05-2025 17:20 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Buffalo man was sentenced on Friday to 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting a victim and threatening another victim with an illegal gun in September 2022 on Jefferson Avenue, the Erie County District Attorney's Office said.Officials said around 5:15 a.m. on Sept. 20, Joel Coleman, 43, intentionally caused the death of the victim, 34-year-old Nicholas Petroski, by shooting him with an illegal gun. The shooting happened inside of Petroski's residence on the 400
  
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• Upstate New York prison guard pleads guilty to manslaughter in an inmate's 2024 beating death

  05-05-2025 17:04 via wivb.com
  
  UTICA, N.Y. (AP) — A correctional officer pleaded guilty to manslaughter Monday in connection with the killing of inmate Robert Brooks, whose brutal beating while handcuffed at an upstate New York prison was recorded by officers' body cameras.
  Christopher Walrath, 36, was one of six guards charged with second-degree murder in the Dec. 9 beating at the Marcy Correctional Facility. He pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter during a hearing at state court in Utica. The plea deal calls fo
  
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• Buffalo Bandits back in NLL Finals for 5th straight postseason

  05-05-2025 05:35 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The back-to-back champion Bandits are returning to the National Lacrosse League Finals for a fifth consecutive postseason after sweeping their semifinal series.Sunday night's 11-9 victory in Vancouver followed Buffalo's 9-3 win Friday night at KeyBank Center. The championship series will begin May 16 in Banditland against the winner of the semifinal series in which Saskatchewan leads Halifax after the opening game.In pursuit of their sixth indoor lacrosse championship and
  
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