< Back Shea’s Performing Arts Center About: Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, the historic crown jewel of Shea's PAC, opened in 1926 under the moniker of “The Wonder Theatre” and was the dream of Michael Shea. Cost: See website for concert list and costs. Contact: 646 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14202, USA (716) 847-1410 http://www.sheas.org Previous Next

Italian & Deli < Back The COMO at the Airport Italian & Deli The COMO at the Airport Italian & Deli Since 1927 our eatery on Pine Avenue has been the go-to spot where locals and travelers meet to share family dinners, have a drink, and enjoy a hearty Italian meal. Hours & Information: RESTAURANT HOURS Wednesday-Sunday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Monday-Tuesday CLOSED DELI HOURS Monday-Tuesday CLOSED Wednesday - Saturday 10:00 am - 7:00 PM Sunday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 10158 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Niagara Falls, NY, USA (716) 297-7497 Menu: https://www.comorestaurant.com/dine-in Previous Next

< Back Buffalo Zoo About: What’s the second largest tourist attraction in the region behind Niagara Falls? It’s actually the Buffalo Zoo which features over 1,200 hundred animals! The Buffalo Zoo is located on 23 acres of Buffalo’s celebrated Delaware Park and is one of the oldest zoo’s in the United States. Cost: Regular 13-64………………..…$17.95 Seniors 65+..................................$15.95 Children ages 2-12.......................$13.95 Children under 24 months.............FREE Contact: 300 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo, New York 14214, USA (716) 837-3900 https://buffalozoo.org/ Previous Next

Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing a significant reshaping of Niagara Falls State Park with plans to bring Whirlpool State Park and Devil’s Hole State Park under the same umbrella in an effort to spread tourism beyond the Falls. The idea, she said, is to encourage visitors to stay longer in the region. The proposal, outlined in Hochul’s State of the State booklet released Tuesday, comes as state data continues to show a stark imbalance in where tourists spend their time. Niagara Falls State Park attracts roughly 9 million visitors each year, while nearby attractions just outside its boundaries draw a fraction of that number. The Aquarium of Niagara, for example, sees slightly more than 200,000 visitors annually despite being only steps away from the park’s northern edge. Tour groups and individual travelers tend to cluster around iconic attractions such as Goat Island, the Maid of the Mist boat tour, and the Cave of the Winds, leaving other attractions and experiences overlooked. This is in sharp contrast to the Canadian side of the falls where the attractions on Clifton Hill were strategically placed to benefit directly from the falls and do so at a high rate. Her State of the State booklet describes the plan as a way to create a “seamless corridor of breathtaking overlooks, historic sites and world-class hiking opportunities.” The governor’s office says the goal is to better connect visitors to destinations such as the Aquarium of Niagara and the Underground Railroad Heritage Center, which sits roughly midway between Niagara Falls State Park and Whirlpool State Park. The proposal would extend Niagara Falls State Park northward along the eastern shore of the Niagara River, effectively linking three parks that already form a roughly five-mile vertical line along the gorge. Niagara Falls State Park sits at the southern end where the river makes its dramatic turn over the Falls. Whirlpool State Park lies about two and a half miles north and Devil’s Hole is another mile and a half beyond that. Both Whirlpool and Devil’s Hole are known for breathtaking views of the Niagara Gorge, steep stairways to the river’s edge, and close-up views of the Niagara rapids. According to the governor’s office, the expanded park footprint would add approximately two miles of multi-use hiking trails and improve access to natural and cultural attractions. Officials say the changes are intended to “promote longer tourism stays” and increase visitor spending. “As a native of Western New York, no one understands the majesty of Niagara Falls and its economic impact as a world-class tourist destination more than I do,” Hochul said. “This will benefit not just those who visit, but all Western New York residents by creating a seamless corridor of breathtaking overlooks, historic sites, and world-class hiking opportunities.” Although the park consolidation is part of Hochul’s broader 2026 agenda, she did not mention it directly during her State of the State address. What the idea does not address, however, is the lack of excitement that currently exists among the New York side of the falls in terms of attractions for tourists to experience. Compared to the Canadian side of the falls, it is sorely lacking. Expanding Niagara Falls State Park along the Niagara Gorge along empty unoccupied space would simply exacerbate an already glaring problem. Niagara Falls State Park, established in 1885 as the first state park in New York, spans roughly 400 acres and was the most visited state park in New York in 2024, drawing more than 9.5 million visitors. Tourism remains a major economic driver in the region; visitors to Niagara County spent an estimated $1.163 billion in 2024 and the tourism industry accounted for more than 22% of the county’s workforce. The park hosts major attractions such as the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, the Niagara Scenic Trolley, and the 230-foot Observation Tower. Whirlpool State Park, which opened in 1928, covers 109 acres overlooking the Niagara Whirlpool and recorded 453,643 visitors in 2024. Devil’s Hole State Park, established in 1924, encompasses 42 acres near Niagara University and the Niagara Power Project and drew 357,807 visitors last year. Both parks currently offer free access. Promotional Content Hochul Proposes Expanding Niagara Falls State Park to Encompass Whirlpool, Devil’s Hole

Local businessman, community leader and Niagara Falls Board of Education member Russ Petrozzi today announced he will run for Niagara County Legislator this November in the 5th district. The seat is currently held by Legislator Chris Robins, who announced he will not seek re-election. Petrozzi plans to seek the Republican and Conservative lines. “I have a long career in serving this community and I want to continue doing that as a legislator where I think I can have a significant, positive impact for the people of Niagara Falls and the Town of Niagara,” said Petrozzi.  “Chris Robins is a good friend and has done a great job for our community.  I would like to continue that.” Petrozzi is the long-time Vice President of Capitol Cleaners, a company founded by his family.  The company is long-known for its community involvement, in particular the “Coats 4 Kids” campaign it ran each year.  Petrozzi has also served on a Niagara Falls Board of Education, having first been elected in 2000.  He has served on numerous community boards including the Niagara USA Chamber and Empower Niagara (formerly United Cerebral Palsy Association of Niagara County) and received several awards for his efforts. “I love this community and have dedicated much of my life to trying to make it better,” said Petrozzi.  “I want to serve in the Legislature because local government is about working together to get things done, not partisanship.  Legislator Robins is a Democrat and I am a Republican but we share a very similar approach to government and the issues.” Petrozzi said if elected he wants to explore ways to strengthen the ties between county government and localities in a way that results in equal or better services at lower costs. He also wants to be part of the county’s efforts on brownfield revitalization to turn former industrial sites back to productive use. “As a small businessman, I know firsthand how the affordability crisis is impacting the community and the fact is we cannot ask people to keep paying more,” said Petrozzi.  “We need to look for new ways to deliver for taxpayers and we need to grow our tax base.  That has to be our focus.” Promotional Content Local Businessman and Community Leader Russ Petrozzi Announces Run for County Legislator

A "Niagara Falls man" wounded in an early morning shooting on the New York State Thruway remains at the center of an investigation filled with bizarre statements and unanswered questions as law enforcement pieces together what actually happened. Niagara Action was first to identify the shooting  victim as 32-year-old Dante Richardson, a former failed legislative candidate for the Niagara County Legislature. Richardson suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his legs and has since been released from the hospital. The shooting occurred shortly after midnight as Richardson was driving northbound on the I-190. He was operating a Chevy Impala with a female passenger seated in the front, referred to as his girlfriend. At some point between the Vulcan Street and Sheridan Drive/Kenmore Avenue exits a dark-colored vehicle reportedly pulled alongside Richardson’s car and fired multiple shots into the driver’s side door of Richardson's vehicle. According to sources, Richardson and his passengers were on their way home from a bar. It is unknown if Richardson was intoxicated. Investigators documented three bullet holes along the left side of the Impala, including two rounds that entered below the driver’s side door handle and another penetrating near the front edge of the rear driver’s side door. Richardson was struck multiple times in the legs. Richardson later told authorities that he began losing sensation in his legs at which point his girlfriend climbed over him to continue driving the car toward Niagara Falls. During that time, 911 was called to report the shooting. However, this information has already prompted suspicion due to the space available for two people to fit on the driver’s side of the vehicle as Richardson allegedly never moved. Niagara Falls police officers were already at the hospital when the Impala arrived around 1am. Officers encountered Richardson and two passengers, neither of whom were injured. Hospital staff brought Richardson inside for treatment. He was later transferred by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center. Before New York State troopers arrived, Niagara Falls police secured Richardson’s vehicle and noted the visible bullet damage. A bullet was also recovered from the roadway near the car. The vehicle and evidence were later turned over to the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation who have assumed control of the case. Once at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Richardson reportedly refused to cooperate with law enforcement and told them to leave-a questionable decision for someone who purports to be the victim of a crime. However, this is not surprising given Richardson’s history with law enforcement. In 2014, he was convicted in Erie County Court of first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon for a violent home invasion that occurred in Buffalo in 2012. He is considered a violent felon under New York's penal code. Prosecutors alleged the home invasion was both calculated and violent. Once inside the home wearing masks and armed with a loaded .32 caliber pistol, Richardson and his accomplice Wielbon repeatedly threatened the victim’s life while demanding money. One allegation was that the gun was forced into the woman's mouth, breaking at least one of her teeth. Richardson fled the residence when Buffalo Police arrived, escaping $10 in cash and a bag of condoms. On April 4th, 2014, Judge Case sentenced him to 10 years in state prison. Richardson ultimately served eight years of that sentence before being  released on parole, where he remained under supervision until 2023. In their press release, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office joked that after Richardson’s trial the jury, “quickly saw through the defendant’s lies, as evidenced by their 1½ hours of deliberations, which included lunch.” As of now, the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation continues to examine physical evidence, review surveillance and traffic data, and interview any potential witnesses. No arrests have been made at this time. For now, the shooting has left more questions than answers. Promotional Content Violent Felon Dante Richardson Refuses to Cooperate with Police After Curious Shooting