Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, is facing new scrutiny after a watchdog group filed two criminal referrals alleging his campaign took unlawful donations from foreign nationals. The Coolidge Reagan Foundation submitted complaints to both the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office asserting Mamdani’s campaign may have violated provisions of the Federal Election Campaign Act as well as New York election law. According to the New York Post, Mamdani’s fundraising included nearly $13,000 from about 170 donors with addresses listed outside the United States. Among them, the report noted, was his mother-in-law in Dubai. Dan Backer, president of the Coolidge Reagan Foundation and a national campaign finance attorney, condemned the donations in a statement. “These are not isolated incidents or clerical errors. This was a sustained pattern of foreign money flowing into a New York City mayoral race which is a clear violation of both federal law and New York City campaign finance rules.” Backer argued the campaign had ample warning but failed to act. "Mamdani's campaign was on notice for months that it was accepting illegal foreign contributions, and yet it did nothing meaningful to stop it." Federal election law explicitly prohibits contributions from foreign nationals. Backer further warned, “Mamdani's campaign repeatedly accepted donations from individuals abroad, some even tied to regions and individuals openly sympathetic to hostile actors. Whether through negligence or intent, this conduct undermines the integrity of the democratic process.” While Mamdani’s team has refunded a portion of the contributions, 88 donations worth $7,190 have not yet been returned. Campaign spokesperson Dora Pekec defended the process in place, noting that Americans living overseas are legally permitted to contribute. “All US citizens and permanent residents, including those who live outside the U.S., are legally permitted to donate to New York City mayoral campaigns under federal campaign finance law and New York State and City law,” she said. Pekec added that safeguards exist to confirm eligibility. “The Campaign has a rigorous compliance process in place to ensure compliance with these laws, including a protocol to confirm whether donors with foreign addresses are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. The Campaign will promptly issue refunds for any donations that are found to be impermissible.” The criminal referrals set up potential investigations that could complicate Mamdani’s already controversial mayoral bid. Promotional Content Mamdani Referred for Criminal Investigation Over Foreign Campaign Contributions

A Buffalo man accused of killing his girlfriend is now facing additional charges that include the murder of his 4-day-old son and setting fire to their home, prosecutors announced. According to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, 30-year-old Kidane Haile strangled 29-year-old Katie Carrig inside their Norwood Avenue residence in the Elmwood Village on October 18th before igniting the house with gasoline. Both Carrig and the infant were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say the blaze was set to cover up the killing and that Haile deliberately caused the death of his newborn child as well. He had initially been charged with Carrig’s murder, but a grand jury has since issued a superseding indictment bringing additional charges. Haile is now charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree murder, and one count of third-degree arson. At the time of the incident, Haile worked at the University at Buffalo as a financial aid advisor. His current employment status with the school remains uncertain. In a statement released earlier, UB described the crime as “a horrific loss” and added, “The university is aware of the serious charge against Kidane Haile. Although the university cannot comment on specific personnel matters, UB has a robust disciplinary process in place to address instances where an employee may have engaged in criminal activity.” If convicted on the top count, Haile faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. He is due back in court on December 1st. Promotional Content Prosecutors: Father Now Charged with Murdering his 4-day-old Newborn

Niagara Falls Police responded to the 9100 block of Cayuga Drive around 8:40pm on October 18th after a noise complaint. Specifically, police were told that Michael Raymond was playing loud music from the backyard of a residence. Responding officers are familiar with Raymond as he has multiple warrants out of the City of Niagara Falls. Upon arrival, officers began walking up the driveway and observed a silver SUV turning around in the driveway. They approached the SUV and observed Raymond in the passenger seat. Raymond exited the vehicle and began to flee on foot. Officers gave chase and Raymond was taken into custody through use of force. Raymond complained of pain after the incident resulting in AMR responding to the scene to provide treatment. He was given an ice pack. Officers transported Raymond to police headquarters for booking and processing. He was held for arraignment. Promotional Content Niagara Falls Police Arrest Michael Raymond by Force After Loud Noise Complaint

Niagara Falls Fire responded to the Seneca Niagara Casino around 12pm on October 28th after reports of a medical emergency. According to the 911 call, a 66-year-old male was found unresponsive but breathing in a hotel room. The call further indicated that it could have been a stroke. No further information is available at this time. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: 66-year-old Collapses with Possible Stroke at Seneca Niagara Casino Hotel

A former New York State trooper is facing charges after prosecutors accused him of deliberately using his patrol car to ram a family’s SUV during a high-speed chase, killing an 11-year-old girl. Christopher Baldner appeared in court Tuesday where prosecutors outlined their case that his conduct during the December 22, 2020, pursuit amounted to a “fatal abuse of power.” According to the Attorney General’s Office, Baldner pulled over a Dodge Journey on the New York State Thruway for speeding. Behind the wheel was Tristin Goods, who was traveling north with his wife and two daughters to visit family for the holidays. Court records show an argument ensued between Baldner and Goods, during which the trooper sprayed pepper spray into the vehicle. Goods then drove off, prompting a chase that reached speeds of 130 mph. Prosecutors allege Baldner twice struck the SUV from behind with his patrol car, causing it to lose control and flip after the second impact. “He used his patrol car as a weapon and rammed into the back of the Goods’ family car, not once, but twice,” Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Gashi told jurors during her opening statement. Eleven-year-old Monica Goods was killed in the crash. Gashi told the jury Baldner’s actions were not accidental but intentional. She argued that the former trooper’s conduct was “deliberate, willful and depraved,” calling the case not just a tragedy but a “fatal abuse of power.” Baldner was indicted in October 2021 on charges including murder, second-degree manslaughter, and reckless endangerment. Three of the endangerment counts are tied to a separate 2019 incident where Baldner allegedly rammed a Dodge Caravan carrying three passengers on the Thruway, forcing it into a guard rail. Defense attorney Anthony Ricco countered that prosecutors were attempting to “demonize” Baldner, insisting that the trooper was responding to a difficult and aggressive driver. Ricco told the jury that Tristin Goods had refused to provide identification or registration and “was raging and swearing, despite pleas from his family to calm down.” He argued that Baldner had focused on Goods’ behavior, not on harming the family. “New York State Trooper Baldner was laser-focused on a man who conducted himself that way in front of his wife and children,” Ricco said. Baldner also reported to dispatchers that night that the SUV had rammed into his patrol vehicle, according to court filings. Ricco suggested that the impact may have occurred because the SUV decelerated before the collision. Baldner retired in 2022 after nearly two decades with the New York State Police. He has been out on $100,000 bail since his indictment. The trial, which will examine both the 2020 and 2019 incidents, is expected to last several weeks. Promotional Content Former State Trooper Killed 11-year-old Girl by Using Patrol Car as a 'Battering Ram'

Law enforcement received a call around 9:30pm on October 28th after reports of menacing with a weapon on the 1300 block of Centre Avenue. The 911 caller - a resident of the home - stated that the incident happened about 15 minutes earlier. A black male unknown to her and her boyfriend broke into their home, got angry at them and pulled out a black handgun, threatening to shoot them. The suspect left the home in a 4-door maroon car. Police responded to the scene. No further information is available at this time. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Black Male Breaks Into Home, Threatens to Shoot Boyfriend and Girlfriend

Hochul’s Domestic Violence Training Mandate for Police Fails to Quiet Critics on Law Enforcement Record Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that starting January 1st, 2026, all police recruits in New York will be required to complete a new 16-hour “Domestic Incident Response” curriculum designed to emphasize survivor-centered, culturally responsive and trauma-informed policing. Under the program, recruits will receive: (1) Lethality assessment training to help officers recognize red-flags of escalating or potentially lethal violence; (2) Interactive decision-based and reality-based scenario exercises reflecting the complexities of domestic violence calls; (3) Training in trauma-informed interviewing techniques to help officers understand how trauma affects survivors; (4) Modules on technology-facilitated abuse such as cyber-stalking and GPS tracking; and (5) Guidance on documenting and using digital evidence to strengthen investigations and prosecution “As the daughter of a domestic violence survivor, I know firsthand that the scars of domestic violence run deep; that’s why I’m committed to strengthening resources from law enforcement to support services so we can better protect survivors,” Hochul said. “We’ve made significant progress — allocating record levels of funding for victim services and law enforcement, and empowering district attorneys to take on violent offenders — but our work is far from finished. I’ll never stop fighting to protect families and ensure every New Yorker is safe.” The initiative is being developed by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, and has been approved by the state’s Municipal Police Training Council. “The new Domestic Incident Response curriculum and our growing STRIVE initiative reflect a clear evolution in how New York approaches domestic violence. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we’re equipping officers with the tools to respond with empathy and awareness, and helping communities build survivor-centered systems that protect families and promote long-term change,” said Commissioner Rossana Rosado of DCJS. While the curriculum may appear progressive, Hochul’s broader record on policing and corrections continues to draw sharp criticism from law enforcement and public safety experts. For instance, numerous corrections officers have accused the governor’s administration of overreach after she issued Executive Order 47.3 which barred local law enforcement agencies from hiring fired corrections staff and was criticized by sheriffs as undermining local hiring authority. Additionally, a recent report revealed that New York’s prison system is facing a severe crisis under Hochul’s watch: staffing shortages, escalating violence against corrections staff, and multiple fatalities among incarcerated individuals. Critics contend her policies, which included early release proposals and delays in oversight, have eroded officer morale and public safety. Despite Hochul’s rhetoric about protecting families and supporting law enforcement, many believe the new training initiative rings hollow against the backdrop of a corrections system in turmoil and a governor who has been accused of choosing symbolism over substantive reform called for by law enforcement agencies across the state. Promotional Content Hochul’s Domestic Violence Training Mandate Undermined by Negative Record on Law Enforcement

Two teenagers have been found guilty on multiple charges connected to the death of 3-year-old Ramone Cartercwho was fatally shot during a neighborhood gathering in 2024. A jury convicted a 16-year-old defendant, who was 14 at the time of the shooting, of second-degree murder, attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. A second teen, now 17, was acquitted of murder but found guilty of first-degree manslaughter and assault. He was cleared of attempted murder and weapons possession. Jurors reached their verdicts just before 10am Wednesday following nearly a weeklong trial and roughly seven hours of deliberation. Carter was killed on June 21st, 2024, while playing outside on Domedian Avenue during a family gathering. The child’s 7-year-old sister, who was also outside, was grazed by a bullet and testified during the trial. She is now 9 years old. “These cases are awful, they’re horrific,” Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane said during a press conference after the verdict. “I can’t even imagine how the families feel in these cases. These are innocent little babies.” Prosecutors argued that Carter and his sister were never the intended targets. Instead, the teens had been aiming at a group of five males in the area that night. The teenagers were arrested a short time later just a few blocks from the scene. Defense attorneys urged jurors to consider whether the actions of the teens met the threshold of intentional murder. “The jury did a very thoughtful and what we believe very careful work in their deliberations,” Keane added. The shooting shocked the community and reignited discussion about gun violence in Buffalo. Carter’s mother, Shakenya Griffin, has since become an outspoken advocate, working with the group Most Valuable Parents to support families and children impacted by violence. Both defendants remain held without bail. The 16-year-old faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison while the 17-year-old could receive up to 25 years. Sentencing is scheduled for January 20th, 2026. Promotional Content Teens Convicted in Killing of 3-year-old Ramone Carter

Law enforcement received a call on October 28th after reports of a group assault on Welch Avenue. The 911 caller - a third party who witnessed the assault - stated that a group of five black males had just fled after beating up a woman. The caller did not specify the extent of her injuries. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the victim was still on scene at that time. No further information is available at this time. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Five Black Males Assault Woman in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls will soon take center stage on a nationally recognized sports series, adding another spotlight to its frequent television appearances during Buffalo Bills broadcasts. ESPN released the trailer Tuesday for season five of Peyton’s Places, hosted by Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning. One of the featured clips shows Manning alongside Bills star QB Josh Allen at Niagara Falls State Park. In the preview, Manning and Allen are seen filling a wooden barrel with Buffalo sports memorabilia – including a red Bills helmet – before pushing it into the water for a symbolic trip over the falls. Manning explains that the act is their attempt to break the so-called curse haunting Buffalo’s sports teams. The trailer opens with Manning outside the Big Tree Inn in Orchard Park only to be “kidnapped” by members of the Bills Mafia. Manning had been spotted back in April filming at both Niagara Falls and Orchard Park, hinting at the episode’s theme. The episode, titled The Bills Mafia is scheduled to premiere November 2nd on ESPN+ as the season opener. According to ESPN’s pressroom, the episode description reads: “After successfully freeing the Detroit Lions from ‘The Curse of Bobby Layne,’ Peyton Manning gets ambushed by former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Steve Tasker and the Bills Mafia, who demand Peyton lift ‘The Buffalo Sports Curse.’ After hearing their pleas, Peyton meets up with Bills quarterback Josh Allen as they attempt to lift the curse.” Season five will include 10 episodes, each diving into unique moments and personalities across football history. Beyond the Bills-themed premiere, other episodes will highlight topics such as former Eagles center Jason Kelce and the “tush push,” Rob Gronkowski attempting to construct a Super Bowl trophy, and a re-creation of the 1975 movie Black Sunday . The November 2nd debut marks the first Peyton’s Places episode dedicated to the Buffalo Bills, with Niagara Falls serving as one of its central backdrops. Promotional Content Josh Allen, Peyton Manning Send Barrel Over Niagara Falls in Bid to Break Buffalo Sports Curse

Law enforcement received a call in the morning hours of October 28th after reports of a brawl with 15 or more people fighting on the 1900 block of Niagara Street The 911 caller stated that the altercation was violent, but with no weapons. The incident took place near a liquor store. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if any arrests took place or participants required medical attention. No further information is available at this time. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Niagara Falls Police Respond to Violent Brawl with 15 or More People

Areo (left) and Sumit Majumdar (right) On Friday, October 17th, Niagara Action published a story titled " Staley Road ‘Mob’ Targets Brown Resident During Grand Island Zoning, Town Board Meetings ." Read here: https://www.niagaraaction.com/staley-road-mob-targets-brown-resident-during-zoning-town-board-meetings While writing that article, Niagara Action reached out to Sumit Majumdar for comment and did not receive a response. On Tuesday, October 28th, we received the following response from Mr. Majumdar that we are publishing unedited. He also included a variety of photos and videos to include, which we have done. His response read as follows: Majumdar: Racist Attacks at Grand Island Meeting Crossed the Line When They Denied My Disabled Dog Exists When you originally contacted me for a statement regarding the October Zoning and Town Board meetings on Grand Island, I was not sure I wanted to make a statement. As you can imagine, the entire experience of having neighbors attack me personally - all of whom had never met me – at a Zoning Board meeting for a fence and an agricultural building  was traumatizing. Having had time to reflect on everything, and knowing that if people did this to me they can and maybe already have done this to others, I am ready to share my feelings on what happened. After a number of friends who are prominent and well-respected residents of Grand Island spoke to me about what a beautiful place it was to live, I purchased a home here in 2024. I am an environmentalist and grew up in a rural area, so having acreage where I could do agriculture and rehab animals was always both a dream and a goal for me. In addition to purchasing the property, I have invested a significant amount of money upgrading it to make it more environmentally friendly, preparing it for agriculture, and making it safe for my family and our animals. All the upgrades performed have only enhanced the value of the property. My family and I looked forward to moving into our home this year.    In order to finish upgrades to the property, I applied for a variance for a fence and an agricultural building. I expected to attend a normal, well-governed Zoning Board meeting which would discuss the items on the variance requests. I was simply not prepared for the toxicity and hatred I walked into. No private citizen of any race or ethnic background should ever be subjected to anything like what occurred in that meeting, and frankly I hope this serves as a wake-up call to those in government on Grand Island to ensure it never happens again. Thirty-six people, by proxy or in-person, ganged up and accused me of being a criminal. I was verbally attacked, degraded and intimidated. The hostility was so intense that one of the speakers even openly admitted to trespassing on my property. I have never spoken to or met any of these people, yet they felt free to attack me at a Zoning Board meeting where I was requesting variances for a fence an agricultural storage building. It was aggressive. It was uncalled-for. It was FALSE. It was completely irrelevant to the purpose of the meeting. It was not controlled and shut down by members of the Zoning Board. As the only minority in the entire room, I was faced with a large group of people expressing that I was not welcome in their community. It might be different if I were opening a business on Grand Island and people opposed it, but this is my HOME! Yet, people felt completely justified and comfortable stating openly that they did not want me living here. The barrage of accusations, insults and outright lies at this meeting was improper at best and harassment at worst. The Grand Island officials who sit on the Zoning Board did absolutely nothing to stop it. In fact, they seemed to welcome it and joined in. For example, a Zoning Board member made comments regarding the agricultural area being insufficient for an Agricultural District designation without asking me what was on my application or surveying the site. They were wrong—it is sufficient. To add insult to injury, the agricultural designation was not before the Zoning Board to decide. There is a process for that, and the Zoning Board is not a part of it. To express a personal opinion this with zero knowledge about my specific Agricultural District application or the ability to affect my application – from a position of perceived authority sitting on the Zoning Board – was inappropriate. To further highlight how poorly this was handled by the Zoning Board, after (i) allowing the repeated character attacks that had nothing to do with the variance application, (ii) allowing residents to tell me I wasn't wanted in the community, and (iii) allowing the entire group to stand and face me so that I could see everyone who “was against [me],” a member of the Zoning Board said the Town “has spoken.” The statement made clear that their decision was not based on merit, but based on the slanders, personal attacks, and hatred that the “mob” had expressed. At no time did the Zoning Board take control of the meeting and end the comment period once they heard the repeated personal attacks against me. There was no instruction given to refrain from making any comments except for ones pertaining to the requested variances. It was open season on me, and they allowed it. The Zoning Board clearly saw nothing wrong with what was occurring before them. Instead, they succumbed to a mob and essentially joined it. I was not offered any opportunity to defend myself or correct the outright lies leveled about my business, nor did I ever think it would have been necessary. The Zoning Board allowed that meeting to escalate so far off track and become such a cesspit of hate that a State Trooper was called into the meeting after it had started. I wholeheartedly appreciate whoever made that call. I also appreciate that, without me asking, multiple Grand Island residents who were NOT with that group escorted me to my vehicle to make sure I was safe in the parking lot. All I could think after the meeting was how is this happening in 2025 in a suburb of Buffalo? And also that I couldn't be the only one it's happened to. This is why I'm responding to you. People feel emboldened to spew hatred because no one calls them out, making them more emboldened to repeat it in the future. I've heard that some have claimed your previous article was a "hit piece." How ironic. All Niagara Action did was quote them. What people like this really dislike is having a spotlight on their actions. They bully people and feel self-righteous about it. The only way to deal with that type of hatred is head on. I don’t believe I should need to defend my right to live on Grand Island or justify to people who live in the same Town as I do what type of person I am, but at this point these false allegations were left at my doorstep and need to be addressed. This hatred is founded on lies created for, I believe, some racist agenda. I'm a visible minority and have dealt with racism my entire life. Racism hides behind demonizing narratives to justify despicable behavior. In this case, the attempt has been to demonize me to justify not wanting me living "in their community." As disgusted with this group's behavior as I am, it’s the false allegations and false witness that I find most disturbing, and it needs to be dealt with. So, in response to the numerous false allegations made against me at the Zoning meeting, let me set the record straight regarding them. First, even though this has nothing to do with my home or the Town of Grand Island, the DEC never shut down Buffalo Biodiesel Inc. It never happened. Period. End of story. BBD is fully operating, unfettered and with the full written consent of the DEC. While I understand some people are trying to use a Buffalo News article to justify claiming these things (which again are still not relevant to my home or variances for my home), you have to understand that the article was written by someone just out of college who has no understanding of how the DEC or this business operates. The company was never shut down, it never had its volume restricted, and it has no limitations now. While it would be logical to require a basic understanding of subject matter for a journalist to be able to report on a topic, but unfortunately the Buffalo News doesn't operate that way. "Fake news" and sensationalizing things in order to generate "clicks" are real things. Although it has nothing to do with my home on Grand Island, I would also note that – far from acting in secret or operating as a polluter – I was actually invited as a guest speaker at a DEC Christmas party where Buffalo Biodiesel’s operations and their positive environmental impact were highlighted. Again, though it is entirely irrelevant to my home or the Town of Grand Island, the New York State Attorney General never found that BBD was using the courts to bully and intimidate small restaurants. The NYS AG never even made the allegation. BBD has never been the subject of any legal action by the NYS AG. This is a matter of public record. If this mob did the "due diligence" they claimed to have done, they would have known that. Further, BBD was not sued by 27 restaurants for “leaky barrels.” BBD sued those 27 restaurants for breach of contract—they are defendants. Those same restaurants are still in court as defendants and represented by Attorney Michael Collasano who filed an action trying to flip the script and have those defendants portrayed as victims. His attempt to do so is a violation of the Civil Practice Law and Rules and is pending our motion for dismissal and sanctions against Attorney Collesano for violations of those rules. Regardless of its impending dismissal, the action isn't about leaking barrels. To put it in perspective, BBD services approximately 28,000 commercial kitchens including hospitals, universities, major grocery chains, and government and military facilities. The company has litigated breach of contract actions as needed in New York State Supreme Court for nearly a decade. The suits it files represent less than one percent of its account base because most locations honor their contracts. It is worth mentioning, however, that after filing more than 1000 suits over a decade, the company has never lost a single breach of contract case on the merits. This should indicate how above-board the company is. Moving on to the completely bizarre allegations made that do involve Grand Island and my home: I do not have oil drums at my residence, I do not dump biodiesel into my lake, and I am certainly not running Buffalo Biodiesel out of my house. The claims are not only absurd but insulting, and they’re yet another example of people who insist they did “due diligence” before speaking against me, while in reality they know nothing at all. For perspective, Buffalo Biodiesel is one of the largest used cooking oil collectors in the entire country. It’s complete lunacy to think I could possibly park a hundred semi-trailers at my house. And if I tried to fit all of our employees into a single agricultural building, there wouldn’t be physical space for anything else. These accusations show a complete misunderstanding of the company’s scale. Or maybe it’s disbelief that a minority entrepreneur could build a multi-state environmental company over 20 years of hard work and dedication. Which is ironic, because isn’t that exactly what the American Dream is supposed to be? Since these people do NOT know me, as I said, I’m an environmentalist. I’ve been one my entire life. Many people talk the talk. I actually walk the walk. I’m proud of my company and my actions. Contrary to what was said at the meeting, I have no criminal record, have never been arrested and have never had any type of criminal allegations levied against myself or my company. Again, the "due diligence" they claim to have done should have shown them that. Frankly, my credentials speak for themselves. I am considered to be both nationally and internationally a leading expert in the used cooking oil collections business for contracting, collections and processing. I remain a regular resource for Bloomberg regarding green markets, having answered 1000s of analyst questions. I have also been cited as an expert in the industry and used as a resource by the federal government. I am a limited partner and Lead Energy Advisor to Verite Capital Partners, and have received awards from the Department of Defense for my contributions and support of those serving in the military as well as from police organizations for my active support for them. I was also honored and recognized by the NYS Senate for my charitable work. While my overwhelming positive record does speak for itself, it still should have no impact on a variance application for a fence and an agricultural building. I absolutely should not have to disclose it to avoid being told I'm not welcome to live in the community or to avoid personal attacks by people who have never met me. I shouldn't need to list these things in hopes that I'm "good enough" for the community in which I will live. It begs the question that if this is not sufficient enough to be welcome in Grand Island, what are the incredibly outstanding credentials of those who felt free to publicly pass judgment on me? As a final thought, the truly lowest point was when this group decided to target one of my dogs. In a revealing example of their complete lack of credibility and how far they were willing to go to make up anything to discredit me, they gave false witness and stated that not only do I not have a disabled dog, but that I don’t have any dogs at all. They apparently came to this conclusion because their repeated surveillance of my property – including literal drone flights – failed to capture her image. The entire thing is despicable. I have dogs and one of them – Aero – is disabled. She is a chocolate lab, she’s real, and needs special accommodations. Aero has had two surgeries on her legs to allow her to walk - requiring rehab, has had eye surgery to protect her sight, has survived MRSA, and suffered a spinal stroke resulting in the loss of functionality in her right hind leg. Only through years of rehab has she had some use of her leg restored. Aero loves our home on Staley Road and has been there countless times despite the fact that we have not moved in. She likes to swim in the pond and chase after her toys. Not only does Aero need a front fence over 3’ tall, but so do our other animals because the last thing anyone needs is a dog running onto Staley Road where many of the drivers are speeding in excess of the 45 mph speed limit. Any dog can figure out a way to get over a 3’ fence, even if disabled. To add insult to injury, a Zoning Board member stated that my reason for wanting the variances – including my disabled dog needing a fence that will block her from Staley Road – was a "self-inflicted problem." I am unclear whether she was asserting that my dog's disabilities were my fault or implying that I should have put my dog down to solve my "self-inflicted problem." Either way, it was an outrageous comment. I can defend myself. Aero can’t. I have given refuge to disabled dogs for a long time, including one with double elbow dysplasia and another with a degenerative nerve disease so progressed he needed a wheelchair and chronic care. I find great joy in providing a loving life for animals who would otherwise be outcast or put down, yet these people went so far as to claim I have no dogs at all. When you are the target of this level of hatred, when stories are made up about you to this extent, and when you are made to feel this unsafe it is easy to look at everyone with suspicion. It's natural to believe all people are like that, but the reality is they aren’t. There are so many good people on Grand Island who have been welcoming and inclusive. These people see what happened for exactly what it was and are the quiet heroes—like the ones who called the State Trooper or who walked me to my car because they felt I needed the protection and support. There are those online who have made the story go a bit viral, saying “no, not here,” that conduct isn't acceptable on Grand Island. Then there are the people who have called and stood with me, reminding me that this ‘mob’ does not represent all 20,000+ residents of Grand Island. But this small group’s voices are loud and their tactics repulsive. Evil thrives only when good people do nothing, so I can’t sit idly by and let it go unaddressed. My parents taught me to leave things better than I found them. So I hope my experience will be a catalyst for positive change going forward. If you are in a leadership position in government, your job is to be fair, impartial and not allow bullying or racism. If you are a community member, speak your mind but do so respectfully and truthfully. If you need to violate someone's rights or attempt to degrade their character in a public forum to prove your point, you need to rethink your point. You can't choose who is in a certain community, but you can choose to be inclusive and treat everyone with respect. You can choose to find common ground by talking to someone rather than sow division by making up things about them—the same lesson we teach our children. Although this has been jarring and painful for me and my family, I hope this results in positive change so no one else has to endure what I did. We all deserve that level of respect and peace to enjoy our homes. -Sumit Majumdar Promotional Content Majumdar Slams Grand Island Racism, Says Even His Disabled Dog Became a Target of Lies

Universities across New York State are grappling with a bizarre and troubling trend in which students are recording and sharing videos of themselves urinating in public spaces on campus. The clips, many of which have surfaced under the hashtag #SUNYpissers, have been linked to several institutions including Syracuse University, the University at Albany (UAlbany), and Cornell University. At UAlbany, some videos appear to capture students urinating on the school’s football field and on benches inside academic buildings. Several of the clips have attracted hundreds of thousands of views online, raising alarm among students, faculty, and local residents. University officials say they are taking the incidents seriously. Investigations are underway and reminders are being given to students about both the legal and disciplinary consequences of such behavior. Policies at all of the schools prohibit public urination and disorderly conduct. Violators could face penalties that include fines and school-imposed discipline. In New York, public urination in spaces open to the public is illegal with fines ranging from $250 to $500 for repeat offenses. Promotional Content New York Colleges Alarmed as Students Post Public Urination Videos on Social Media

Rep. Elise Stefanik has pulled ahead of Governor Kathy Hochul in New York’s gubernatorial contest, according to new polling released Tuesday by the Manhattan Institute. The survey found Stefanik with 43 percent support compared to Hochul’s 42 percent. While the margin is within the poll’s error range, the numbers give the Republican congresswoman a slight lead over the incumbent governor. Nine percent of respondents said they would back another candidate while 7 percent remained undecided. The results mark a dramatic shift from August where a Siena College poll gave Hochul a 14-point advantage over Stefanik. The two rivals have been openly critical of one another in recent weeks. Stefanik has attacked Hochul for her endorsement of Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The same poll also showed Mamdani leading former Governor Andrew Cuomo who is running as an Independent. “New Yorkers of all political parties are hungry for new commonsense leadership after decades of Hochul’s failed single party Democrat rule,” Stefanik campaign spokesperson Bernadette Breslin said in a statement. “Elise Stefanik and the people of New York can and will win this righteous fight to Save New York.” During a September appearance on Fox News’s “Fox & Friends,” Stefanik was blunt in her criticism of the governor, saying, “Well, Kathy Hochul is the worst governor in America, and it was only a matter of time before she bent the knee for this raging antisemite communist.” Hochul’s campaign, meanwhile, dismissed the Republican’s claims. “You’ve got to hand it to Sellout Stefanik: when her own polls don’t reflect reality, she can count on Trump and his megadonors – like Betsy DeVos and Paul Singer – to repeat her lies,” Hochul spokesperson Sarafina Chitika told The Hill. “Unfortunately for her, New Yorkers aren’t interested in letting an unhinged Trump enabler anywhere near the Governor’s mansion.” Hochul has also taken aim at the GOP in recent weeks for what she described as racially offensive rhetoric. Addressing reports of a Young Republicans group chat where Nazi terminology was used, she said, “We have a leader from the Republican Party in this state, the highest ranking individual, who in the backdrop of all this calls our candidate for mayor, one of our candidates for mayor, a jihadist and a terrorist. And then somehow says, ‘oh, what they said, these young Republicans was wrong.’ Like, look at what you say yourself. Look at your inflammatory words. And maybe they have an effect on these young people, many of whom you support and have supported you. And you ought to just do a little reexamination of how far this has gone.” The Manhattan Institute poll surveyed 600 likely New York City voters and 300 registered voters statewide between October 22nd and October 26th. Results were re-weighted to reflect the population and carry a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. Promotional Content Poll Shows Stefanik Edges Ahead of Hochul in New York Governor’s Race

Amherst police confirmed that an officer shot and injured a woman on Tuesday afternoon at the Colonie Apartment Complex on Sweet Home Road. Authorities said the incident began around 2pm when a female armed with a knife was reported to be acting in a “threatening manner.” According to police, she advanced toward officers before being shot by one of them. Emergency crews provided medical treatment at the scene and the woman was then transported to Erie County Medical Center. Police stated no officers were harmed during the confrontation. At approximately 2:40pm, the public was urged to avoid the area of Durham Drive near Sweet Home Road while officers investigated. Amherst police later clarified that there was no ongoing threat to the community. Officials noted that body-worn cameras recorded the encounter and said the Erie County District Attorney’s Office will conduct a “thorough review.” The names of the individuals involved have not yet been released, police added. Promotional Content Woman Shot by Officer After Threatening Behavior with Knife

On October 27, 2025, at approximately 9:48 pm, Niagara Falls Police responded to investigate a crash spanning from the 5300 block to the 5600 block of Buffalo Avenue.  The crash involved a 2012 Yamaha Sports Bike and an electric bicycle. The driver of the motorcycle was driving east on Buffalo Avenue at a high rate of speed when it collided with a westbound electric bike. Impact appears to have occurred in between the lanes of traffic. The operator of the e-bike, a 53-year-old Niagara Falls man, suffered multiple injuries and was transported to Erie County Medical Center by AMR Ambulance. His condition is currently unknown. The 23-year-old male driver of the motorcycle also suffered multiple injuries and is undergoing surgery at Erie County Medical Center. The Niagara Falls Police Crash Investigation Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation. Charges are pending. Promotional Content Two Hospitalized After Motorcycle Collides with E-bicycle in Gruesome Accident

Law enforcement received a call in the morning hours of October 27th after reports of an assault on the 200 block of 65th Street. The 911 caller stated that a 15-year-old spit in her mother's face and forced her way into the home. It could not be confirmed whether the daughter punched her mother in the face. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the daughter was arrested. No further information is available at this time. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: 15-year-old Daughter Spits in Mother's Face

As New York continues to grapple with heightened political tensions and an uncertain mayoral race, Governor Kathy Hochul chose to spend her evening at an off-Broadway theater premiere instead of addressing mounting challenges across the state. Hochul attended the opening night of The Art of Leaving at the Signature Theater, a comedy about a husband abruptly ending his marriage under the influence of a fraudulent self-help “doctor.” The production stars Audrey Heffernan Meyer, wife of Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer, alongside a cast of established New York actors. The governor, dressed in a black cocktail outfit, was seen mingling with guests and later attending the afterparty at The View, a revolving restaurant above the Marriott Marquis hotel. Hochul reportedly praised both the production and the food, appearing relaxed and unconcerned despite pressing issues back home. Her attendance comes at a time when New York’s political landscape is in turmoil. The three remaining mayoral candidates, including former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, faced off in another contentious debate. Cuomo has sought to present himself as the only candidate capable of preventing Mamdani’s progressive agenda from bankrupting the city while Mamdani continues to push far-left policies that divide voters. While Hochul enjoyed her evening out, New Yorkers face escalating concerns over crime, affordability, and governance. The night also drew other high-profile attendees including actress Christine Baranski, production designer David Rockwell, Cynthia Nixon, and composer Richard Maltby Jr.. Promotional Content Hochul Attends Off-Broadway Play While City Faces Political Turmoil

The NAACP staged a rally in Brooklyn on Sunday to show support for New York Attorney General Letitia James who only days earlier was arraigned on federal fraud charges. James, facing accusations of bank fraud to which she has pleaded not guilty, attempted to rally her base at the First Baptist Church in Crown Heights by casting herself as a fighter. “I want to thank all of you for having my back because I didn’t elect a king and I don’t bow to a king,” she told the crowd. James painted herself as the victim of political retaliation. “Powerful people in Washington are seeking to silence truth; they’re seeking to punish decent and to weaponize justice for political gain,” she claimed, ignoring the charges she pleaded not guilty to earlier this month. The event drew union leaders, community activists, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. One supporter declared, “we will stand with Tish James until these baseless charges are dismissed, and justice is served,” before adding, “she’s Brooklyn’s dream and Donald Trump’s worst nightmare.” James went further, telling attendees the prosecution is part of a broader assault on democracy. “What we’ve got to do is vote, what we gotta do is vote to people about what’s at stake, what we’ve got to do is make sure to bring an army of people to the poll sites and let them know hands off Tish James,” she urged. Despite her defiant rhetoric, James is entering a lengthy legal battle while insisting she will remain in office. Her next court date is scheduled for January 2026. For critics, the rally underscored the troubling spectacle of a sitting attorney general under federal indictment trying to rally political allies. Instead of restoring confidence in her office, James leaned heavily on partisan applause lines and claims of persecution, raising questions about her credibility as New York’s top law enforcement officer. Promotional Content NAACP Rallies Behind Letitia James Despite Federal Charges

Two men were hospitalized with serious injuries following a collision Monday night involving a motorcycle and an e-bike in Niagara Falls. First responders were called around 9:50pm to Buffalo Avenue near 56th Street after reports of a crash. Police found the e-bicyclist down in the roadway west of the 56th Street intersection while the motorcyclist was discovered on the east side. The motorcycle itself slid with enough force to travel all the way to 57th Street. According to police, the motorcyclist had been traveling east on Buffalo Avenue at a high rate of speed. A New York State trooper who was conducting an unrelated traffic stop observed the motorcycle as it sped past, moments before striking the e-bicyclist who was also heading along Buffalo Avenue. Both riders were transported by ambulance to Erie County Medical Center with serious injuries. The Niagara Falls Police Traffic Division is investigating the crash. No charges have been filed at this time, but that is subject to change. We will provide updates if any become available. Promotional Content Motorcyclist, E-Bicyclist Critically Injured in Niagara Falls Crash

New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani drew a crowd in Queens on Sunday with the help of Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, two of the country’s most prominent progressives. But while his campaign billed the event as proof of momentum, critics see it as further evidence that Mamdani is tethered to a far-left agenda that will damage the city. The 34-year-old state assemblymember, running as the Democratic nominee, took the stage at Forest Hills Stadium alongside Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez. Branding his campaign as a “movement of the masses,” Mamdani promised sweeping changes to the city’s housing, education, and labor policies. “When you insist on building a coalition with room for every New Yorker, that is exactly what you create: a tremendous force,” Mamdani told the crowd. “This, my friends, was your movement and it always will be.” His platform includes hiring thousands of teachers, freezing rent on more than a million rent-regulated apartments, renegotiating city contracts, expanding affordable housing, and establishing universal child care. To opponents, the promises are unrealistic, financially unsustainable, and emblematic of a candidate whose ideological zeal outweighs practical governance. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary, did not mince words. In a radio interview Sunday, Cuomo argued that Mamdani’s ideas would drive people and businesses out of New York. “The socialists want to take over the Democratic Party. That’s what Bernie Sanders is all about. That’s what AOC is all about,” Cuomo said. “He wins, book airline tickets for Florida now.” Cuomo has sought to frame himself as the real Democrat in the race, blasting Mamdani as naive and beholden to a socialist movement rather than to the city’s working taxpayers. Mamdani, meanwhile, used the rally to swipe at Cuomo, calling it time to move beyond the former governor’s “playbook of the past.” Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, who have been behind Mamdani since before the June primary, portrayed him as a counterweight to Trump-era politics. “It is not a coincidence that the very forces that Zohran is up against in this race mirrors what we are up against nationally. . . an authoritarian, criminal presidency fueled by corruption and bigotry, and an ascendant right-wing extremist movement,” Ocasio-Cortez told the audience. Sanders argued a Mamdani administration would represent “not the billionaire class” but ordinary families, saying, “In the year 2025, when the people on top have never, ever had so much economic and political power, is it possible for ordinary people, for working class people, to come together and defeat those oligarchs? You’re damn right we can.” The rally, under the slogan “New York Is Not For Sale,” drew other Democratic leaders including Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who bowed out of the race, has instead thrown his support behind Cuomo. With Election Day approaching November 4th, Mamdani continues to lean heavily on the backing of the far left. Promotional Content Mamdani Campaign Leans on Sanders and AOC as Critics Warn of Socialist Agenda

Law enforcement received a call around 6:30am on October 27th after reports of a tenant running around outside naked with a knife on Hope Boulevard in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller stated that it was the upstairs tenant who was running around naked outside menacing people with a knife. Police noted that crisis services had been unable to coax her out of the apartment. She locks the doors and law enforcement is unable to get in. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the woman was taken on a psychiatric hold at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center or placed under arrest. No further information is available at this time. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Woman Runs Around Naked Holding a Knife in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls Police were on routine patrol around 2:30pm on October 22nd when they observed an unknown male – later identified as Dominic Monahan – operating a black/yellow all-terrain vehicle (ATV) on the 1700 block of Elmwood Avenue traveling eastbound on the roadway. Officers did get behind Dominic at which point he did turn around and saw the police vehicle behind him. Afterward, Dominic did accelerate and passed illegally on the left of multiple vehicles that were stopped at the posted stop sign at the intersection of 19th and Elmwood Avenue. Officers activated their lights and sirens in an attempt to initiate a traffic stop at which point Dominic fled. Due to the rainy weather and wet roadways, Dominic was unable to swiftly flee as his ATV kept hydroplaning and doing circles. Officers followed behind Dominic and observed him flee southbound on 19th Street from Elmwood Avenue and then eastbound on the 1900 block of Forest Avenue until he spun out at the intersection of Forest and 20th Street. Dominic then traveled south on the 800 block of 20th Street until he went off-road traveling westbound through a residential property. It was at this point he collided with a chain link fence and came to a jarring halt. After multiple failed attempts to get through the chain link fence, Dominic stopped and was placed under arrest. He immediately told police, “I’m sorry for running.” The ATV was found to have no valid NYS registration, no insurance, no inspection, no approved lights for the roadway, and was not street legal approved. A tow was requested and took possession of the ATV. Officers transported Dominic to police headquarters for booking and processing. Promotional Content Dominic Monahan of Niagara Falls Flees Police in ATV before Crashing Into Chain Link Fence

Governor Kathy Hochul’s appearance at Zohran Mamdani’s “New York is Not For Sale” rally quickly turned uncomfortable when she was drowned out by chants of “tax the rich.” Instead of addressing the pointed heckling directly, Hochul attempted an odd deflection by insisting she thought the crowd was cheering for the Buffalo Bills. “I thought they were saying ‘Let’s go Bills,’” Hochul told a reporter when asked about the chants. “I wasn’t sure… I heard some noise, I heard a lot of cheers. But later on it became clear to me, I know there is a passion for that.” The event, held at Forest Hills Stadium, featured progressive icons Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders rallying support for Mamdani’s campaign. Hochul’s presence, and her endorsement of Mamdani, underscored the Democratic Party’s internal rift with her own discomfort around his tax-the-rich platform on full display. Despite being heckled, Hochul attempted to reframe the moment as a show of enthusiasm. “I love the energy out there, I told them that,” she said during a press conference the next day. “What I want to do is bottle all that up and use it in a few days.” Critics, however, saw the governor’s explanation as tone-deaf and dismissive, highlighting her struggle to connect with the party’s activist base while trying to keep her own political footing. By dragging the Buffalo Bills into the mix, Hochul fueled speculation that she understood the crowd’s message but chose to ignore it. Promotional Content Hochul Awkwardly Spins ‘Tax the Rich’ Heckling at Mamdani Rally Into Buffalo Bills Cheer

Law enforcement received a call around 6pm on October 25th after reports of an assault on Plaza Drive in an apartment. The 911 caller, who was the victim, stated that she was just assaulted by a downstairs tenant. Specifically, the male punched her in the face and choked her. It is unknown what led to the violent assault. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the victim required any medical attention for her injuries or if the suspect was arrested. No further information is available at this time. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Niagara Falls Woman Choked and Punched in the Face by Tenant

Photo Credit Google Maps Law enforcement received a call in the evening hours of October 25th after reports of weapons being found at the Speedway Gas Station on Payne Avenue in North Tonawanda. The 911 caller - a store clerk - stated that she found a backpack full of knives and an axe that a juvenile left inside the store. The clerk said that the juvenile was nearby at another store with a larger group of kids. Police responded to the scene. The outcome is unknown. No further information is available at this time. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Juvenile Leaves Bag Full of Knives and Axe at North Tonawanda Gas Station

Law enforcement received a call around 11am on October 25th after reports of a road rage incident in Niagara Falls on Porter Road. According to the 911 caller - who was one of the parties involved - the other individual(s) appeared to have a handgun and were generally threatening. Afterward, the suspect vehicle fled eastbound on Porter Road. There are no leads or further information is available at this time. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Road Rage Incident Turns Violent As Driver Reports Firearm Involved

Law enforcement received a call in the morning hours of October 25th after reports of an assault with injuries on the 1900 block of Falls Street. Officers stated that the female victim "was dragged" as "missing skin from her back and shoulder." Niagara Falls Fire and AMR are believed to have responded to the scene to provide medical. It is unknown if any arrests took place. No further information is available at this time. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Woman's Back Torn Apart After Being Dragged on the Ground

Law enforcement received a call on October 25th after reports of a violent domestic incident on the 500 block of 22nd Street in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller said that her cousin was beating his pregnant girlfriend. A lot of screaming could be heard in the background of the call. The 911 caller contacted police again and stated that the situation was escalating. The male suspect - who goes by KDOT - owns a firearm and does not know if he has it on him now. However, she was concerned it could be used. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the boyfriend was taken into custody or what injuries, if any, the girlfriend sustained. No further information is available at this time. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Male Assaults Pregnant Girlfriend in Niagara Falls

A traffic stop in North Tonawanda led to the arrest of a Niagara Falls man on multiple felony drug charges, police announced. According to the North Tonawanda Police Department, officers pulled over a vehicle on River Road around 2pm on October 24th. During the stop, K9 Sasha was deployed to check for narcotics. Police said the dog gave a positive alert, prompting a search of the vehicle. Investigators then secured a search warrant for one of the occupants, identified as 51-year-old Ennis Ruffin of Niagara Falls. The search revealed a quantity of suspected crack cocaine and powder cocaine along with a large amount of cash. Ruffin has been charged with two class B felonies: criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree with intent to sell and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree for possessing more than one-half ounce of a narcotic drug. He was arraigned in North Tonawanda City Court and, because of his four prior felony convictions, was ordered held without bail at the Niagara County Jail. Promotional Content Ennis Ruffin of Niagara Falls Man Arrested on Felony Drug Charges After Traffic Stop

Niagara Falls Police responded to Seneca One Stop on the 600 block of Niagara Street around 1am after reports of an unwanted person. Upon arrival, officers were met by employees requesting that Zakarria Perkins be removed from the premises. The manager on duty told police that she asked Perkins to leave multiple times because she was being “rude” to the staff. Officers then spoke with Perkins who immediately stated that she felt unsafe because the officer was white and “shoot[s] black people.” Perkins then began to state that she was sexually assaulted in the store but would not elaborate. The manager told police that nothing happened inside the store and that Perkins was visible throughout that time. Perkins was told that if she did not leave, she would be arrested for trespassing. She refused to leave and was taken into custody. While in the back of the patrol vehicle, Perkins began to yell irrational statements and was not making any sense. As a result, officers placed Perkins on a 9.41 MHL paperwork and she was taken to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center to be admitted in the psych ward. Promotional Content Suspect Tells White Cop She Feels Unsafe Because he 'shoots black people' in Niagara Falls

On October 21st around 11am, Officer Rutkowski was exiting Starbucks at 6690 Niagara Falls Blvd. and began walking to his police vehicle. It was at this time he observed a red 2009 Chevrolet Malibu illegally parked along the curbline in front of the business. The vehicle was obstructing the officer’s path to exit the parking space. There was a white male inside the vehicle that was seated in the driver’s seat. The male had a piece of foil in one hand and a brown rolled cigarette-like object in his other hand that he was attempting to light. Officer Rutkowski approached the driver side of the vehicle and asked the driver what he was doing, to which he replied, “finishing my marijuana.” Officer Rutkowski advised the driver that it was illegal to consume cannabis inside a motor vehicle. The driver was requested to produce his identification. The driver provided a photograph of his New York State Driver’s License, identifying him as Bradley Zadul. Additional police units arrived on scene. Police radio checked the driver’s license status and for warrants. Zadul had a valid license and an active bench warrant out of the City of Niagara Falls that was issued on October 16th, 2025, for failure to provide DNA. The driver was requested to exit the vehicle at which time he was advised he was under arrest for a warrant. He was secured in handcuffs and transported to police headquarters for booking. No further information is available at this time. Promotional Content Bad Luck: Man Smoking Weed Outside Starbucks with Warrants Blocked Police Officer's Vehicle

Niagara Falls fire investigators are working to determine what sparked a massive fire that tore through a local motel and forced dozens from their rooms on Saturday morning. Crews were called to the Swiss Cottage Inns, located at 6831 Niagara Falls Boulevard, around 1:30am after Niagara Falls police responded to a noise complaint at the property. When officers arrived, they discovered flames and heavy smoke coming from the west side of the building. Police began knocking on doors and helping evacuate residents and animals from the motel. Firefighters battled the blaze for almost three hours. Officials said that although the fire initially appeared to be under control, the situation worsened when smoke thickened and another section of the motel ignited. Despite the extensive damage and chaotic evacuations, no injuries were reported. Promotional Content Overnight Fire Forces Dozens From Niagara Falls Boulevard Motel

What began as a standard zoning variance request quickly escalated into a tense and possibly biased confrontation as residents of Staley Road turned a series of town proceedings into a campaign of personal attacks against Sumit Majumdar, a longtime energy executive and President & CEO of Buffalo Biodiesel Inc.. During an October 2nd, 2025, Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, Majumdar explained his plans for 3012 Staley Road. “I’d like to request a variance for the height and size of the storage facility and also an increase in fence height from 3 foot to 6 foot for the front fence,” Majumdar told the board. He explained that he had applied for agricultural district zoning in September, adding, “I have several animals including a disabled dog and I want to increase the fence height from 3 to 6 feet . . . I’m also in the process of getting a rehabilitation license for wildlife. [The storage facility will be used for] the processing and storage of organic garlic that I’ll be cultivating on the property. I’m [also] going to be raising chickens.” The request was straightforward: a 6-foot fence and an agricultural storage building on a 14.43 acre property that Majumdar bought in 2024 for $1.2 million. 3012 Staley Road owned by Sumit Majumdar Instead of focusing on the variance itself, and despite Majumdar not yet having moved into the Staley Road property, many neighbors launched attacks on his character, his livelihood, and his company—often repeating false claims. At the same hearing, Mary Pfalzer of 3013 Staley Road claimed, “A Google search unfortunately led me to his company [Buffalo] Biodiesel being closed by the DEC for failure of keeping permits over the last seven years, and another few articles about 27 customers suing to get out of contract for leaky barrels.” She continued, “I’m concerned that this storage unit is going to end up being for business equipment which could have leaky barrels or whatever. I do not think the intent is really for agricultural or proper storage.” After conducting the same Google search, Niagara Action found these claims to be false. Buffalo Biodiesel has not been shut down by the DEC, nor are there lawsuits by 27 customers over “leaky barrels.” The company remains a functioning and growing business having just announced this past week a $300 million partnership with Verite Capital Partners and Majumdar’s appointment as Lead Advisor Director of Energy and Limited Partner at the firm. Yet the accusations kept coming. Sherry Kern of 2905 Staley Road tied her opposition to her personal distaste for Majumdar’s professional reputation, stating, “After doing some research regarding Buffalo Biodiesel, which this landowner currently owns. . . we are very concerned this warehouse. . . will be used for perhaps collecting or storing used oil – a commercial activity in an R1 zone. His company has been operating illegally for seven years according to the DEC that is why we are here today.” This is another provable falsehood. Buffalo Biodiesel was not operating “illegally” for the past seven years, but with the permission of the DEC through multiple extensions. In fact, nowhere in a consent order signed on October 3rd between the company and DEC was there any mention of illegal activity, but merely missed deadlines. Majumdar recently commented the situation in an interview, stating, “We appreciate the DEC’s constructive approach and the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to full environmental compliance and continuous improvement. This process has strengthened our company, clarified regulatory expectations, and positioned us for sustained growth.” At an October 6th Town Board meeting, Kern went further, openly admitting that neighbors had spied on Majumdar’s property by drone. “We did have somebody who lives nearby . . . take pictures with a drone,” Kern told the board. She even offered the drone photos to town officials as “evidence.” The tone of the proceedings became more aggressive as additional speakers took the microphone. Jim Carlson of 2885 Staley Road suggested – without proof – that Majumdar intended to run chemical processing at his home. “It does result in waste products… I think this situation here, if in fact that building is allowed to be built, it’ll turn into a processing factory and then who knows maybe use those ponds for disposal purposes.” He even made a comment regarding Majumdar’s speech to the board, saying, “I'm speaking into the mic like he did not do very well.” Ron Schlifke of 3348 Staley Road pointed at Majumdar while calling him “a sketchy individual,” declaring “to let a sketchy individual like this guy come in and dump, you know, just run the risk of having biodiesel disposed back there and stuff, forget it.” He then made a comment – which could only be described as a veiled threat – to the board members, stating, “You know I'm going to hold everybody [accountable] right now. If there's a disaster you know. I mean this guy's got a horrible reputation. Just Google it.” One witness who did not wish to be named in fear of retribution described Schlifke making an aggressive gesture toward Majumdar as he returned to his seat. Other residents echoed the same rhetoric. Paul Koppmann of 246 Timberlink Drive told the board, “I'm not going to take up your [time], but I do think that a couple of points really you need to consider. Number one is who you're dealing with and their reputation.” John Gross of 2783 Staley Road said, “The reputation of this gentleman is in question as far as the research we’ve done.” Ron Fortman of 2944 Staley Road escalated matters further by asking all Staley Road residents opposed to the project to stand up, an act that left Majumdar singled out as more than fifteen people stared him down. According to a source at Town Hall, Town Supervisor Peter Marston spoke with Majumdar and apologized. He stated that there is no place at a variance meeting for personal attacks and lack of decorum. The personal assaults against Majumdar stand in stark contrast to his professional record. Majumdar has spent over two decades in the used cooking oil industry building Buffalo Biodiesel into one of the most recognized names in the field. His expertise has been sought nationally, with frequent contributions to Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal. In a Wall Street Journal article dated July 22nd, 2022, Majumdar warned of “gaping loopholes” in renewable fuel credit systems. Sumit Majumdar In a Bloomberg article on October 18, 2023, he raised alarms about organized crime in the cooking oil industry, stating that the scale “could no longer be dismissed as petty theft – this is systemic.” Earlier this month, Buffalo Biodiesel announced that Majumdar had joined Verite Capital Partners as Lead Advisor Director of Energy and Limited Partner. Verite’s founder Don Jones praised him, stating, “Sumit has shown extraordinary resolve and steady leadership while guiding Buffalo Biodiesel through a challenging operational environment. His operational expertise, public-market leadership, community ties in Buffalo, and commitment to sustainable energy give Verite a valuable perspective.” Majumdar himself emphasized his community commitment in a statement. “This opportunity strengthens Buffalo Biodiesel’s strategic network and gives us a stronger voice… We remain fully committed to protecting our employees and partners, and continuing to serve our customers.” During her remarks, Kern brought up the “Make Staley Road Safe Committee,” a group she described as existing “to prevent further negative situations from developing unchecked.” However, one Staley Road resident who wished not to be named due to fear of being targeted, described this committee as having a “mob mentality.” He told Niagara Action: “I can’t tell you the unbelievable pressure that these people put on other residents and elected officials to get what they want. It’s scary. [Might] as well have been a Salem which trial." When asked why the "mob" descended upon Majumdar, he responded: "because he's not white." ***Niagara Action makes absolutely no allegation that any speaker referenced above is racist or in any other way discriminated against Majumdar due to the color of his skin. *** The committee’s members appear to have mobilized en masse to oppose Majumdar’s proposed 6-foot fence and agricultural storage building, not only by flooding town meetings with hostile speakers but by surveilling his property and bearing false witness before a municipal board with comments memorialized in the public record. Opposition faced by Majumdar is reminiscent of the fierce grassroots opposition Grand Island residents mounted against Amazon’s proposed “Project Olive” warehouse in 2020. Then, a broad coalition known as CRED4GI organized petitions, packed town halls, and carried protest signs reading “Amazon, NO!” to stop what they viewed as an inappropriate development on the island. In both cases, residents mobilized aggressively against a project they feared would change the character of their community. But the Amazon fight was waged against one of the world’s largest corporations in a multimillion-dollar development proposal, while the Staley Road campaign has centered on a single homeowner requesting variances to raise chickens, grow garlic, and rehabilitate animals. The contrast underscores how quickly legitimate civic activism can, in Majumdar’s case, morph into personal attacks and intimidation. The spectacle raises serious questions about whether the zoning variance process is being distorted by personal vendettas and whether its board members can be impartial given that residents could turn on them next, possibly jeopardizing their position. At the Town Board meeting, even the chair was forced to interrupt Kern when she began repeating statements about lawsuits and Majumdar’s reputation, saying, “Very well, let’s leave that out of the equation, let’s talk about the property.” The zoning board denied Majumdar’s requests, most parroting comments made by speakers throughout the meeting. Majumdar, one of the few executives of color in Western New York’s renewable fuels sector, now faces a community that has organized against him before he has even moved into his home. Niagara Action reached out to Majumdar to ask if he is filing an Article 78 proceeding in Erie County Supreme Court, but he did not respond to our request for comment. If you would like to watch the Zoning Board meeting, click here: https://youtu.be/dH1SJWd8_50?si=D-_iq_sfmF25sczs If you would like to watch the Town Board meeting, click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/1uXIf-mKH2w?si=V_dNbw1tERz6d_zx Promotional Content Staley Road ‘Mob’ Targets Brown Resident During Zoning, Town Board Meetings

Law enforcement received a call in the morning hours of October 24th after reports of shoplifting at Tops on Niagara Falls Boulevard. Multiple people called 911. Reports indicated that three people were fighting in the vestibule. An employee told police that a white, heavy set female with brown hair pulled a knife while shoplifting. She was in the parking lot at the time of the call. The employee further stated that the female suspect stabbed herself during the altercation in the vestibule. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the female was apprehended. No further information is available at this time. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Female Stabs Herself During Shoplifting Altercation

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed off on yet another expansion of New York’s gun control laws, requiring police to confiscate firearms during domestic violence calls. The move has been praised by progressives but slammed by Republicans and gun rights advocates as a direct assault on due process. The measure, which took effect immediately after Hochul’s signature on October 16th, goes further than a 2020 law that gave officers discretion to remove weapons in plain sight. Under the new mandate, police are obligated to seize firearms if a victim claims to feel threatened or if officers decide a risk exists. The seizure occurs despite the circumstances and without investigation into the validity of abuse claims. Supporters frame the law as a public safety tool. “No one should live in fear in their own home,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, a Democrat who carried the measure in the Assembly. “By ensuring that law enforcement temporarily removes firearms when responding to domestic violence calls, we’re giving survivors the time and safety they need to take their next steps.” Sen. Peter Harckham, the bill’s Senate sponsor, added, “While I am heartened that this legislation has been signed into law, now it is up to law enforcement professionals statewide to help further protect residents who experience domestic violence.” Hochul, who has leaned heavily on gun control to bolster her progressive credentials, championed the bill despite mounting concerns over constitutional rights. Republicans say the law will unfairly punish lawful gun owners while doing little to address repeat offenders already released under the state’s controversial bail reform system. State data shows that between 2018 and 2022, New York saw 613 domestic homicides. Most involved knives or cutting instruments, while firearms were used in about 34% of cases. Even so, critics argue Hochul is exploiting tragic statistics to justify seizing more guns. Tom King, president of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, warned about the abuse of power embedded in the statute. “When the enforcement people also become the prosecution and are able to institute a warrant because of a perceived threat without any background check, it puts us all in danger,” King said. He noted that New York’s Red Flag laws already allowed courts to authorize gun seizures with judicial oversight, which is a safeguard Hochul’s new mandate sidesteps. Republicans in the state Senate opposed the bill in June. Sen. George Borrello of Sunset Bay said the law is deeply flawed, pointing out that it could strip firearms from victims while their abusers quickly return to the streets under lax bail policies. He argued lawmakers should focus on jailing violent offenders rather than restricting lawful citizens. The law also lengthens the time police can hold seized weapons. Instead of two days, officers now have at least five days before guns must be returned if there is no court order or legal restriction barring possession. Critics warn that in practice, gun owners may face costly and drawn-out court battles just to reclaim their property. King pointed out that under Red Flag cases, even after orders are lifted, owners often need lawyers and court motions that cost thousands of dollars. Promotional Content Hochul Expands Gun Control Again, Mandates Firearm Confiscation on Domestic Calls

New York is set to phase out the sale of new gas-powered cars and trucks, moving toward a mandate that all vehicles sold by 2035 must be zero-emission. Opponents say that the policy puts ideology ahead of practicality. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Pete Harckham and Assemblyman Steve Englebright, requires all new passenger cars and light trucks to be zero-emission within the next decade, with medium- and heavy-duty trucks to follow by 2045. The legislation mirrors California’s controversial mandates and expands on New York’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which imposed some of the most stringent climate targets in the country. Supporters hailed the move as bold. “Thanks to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York envisions a not-too-distant future where electric vehicles dominate our roads,” said Senate Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Todd Kaminsky. “The challenge of transforming our transportation sector is imperative to combating climate change—and this bill is exactly the bold, aggressive and necessary action required to help us meet those goals, reduce our carbon footprint and ultimately save our planet.” Harckham echoed that message: “Requiring vehicles to be entirely free of carbon and other toxic emissions is the best way to ramp up our fight against climate change. We need to take decisive action right now, and I am heartened that a number of other states have realized this as well. Together, we can make a difference, but it is going to take an all-out initiative to save our planet, and this is how New York and other states can impact the environment.” But while Hochul and her allies champion the mandate as forward-looking, Republicans argue it is unrealistic, expensive, and damaging to average New Yorkers. Critics note the high cost of electric vehicles, the lack of charging infrastructure, and the strain on an electric grid already struggling to meet demand. For many upstate and rural residents, the law is seen as government overreach that forces lifestyle changes on people who have little say in Albany’s progressive agenda. The mandate comes as automakers scramble to accelerate production of electric models, but skeptics warn that forcing the transition by law will push prices higher, limit consumer choice, and disproportionately hurt working families who cannot afford expensive EVs. Not to mention, disproportionately hurt lower income families across the state who cannot afford a new vehicle. Assemblyman Englebright defended the move, saying, “We need to take aggressive action and end carbon pollution to successfully combat the climate crisis. Transitioning to zero-emission vehicles in New York will definitely help reduce the dangerous pollutants that are harming our environment and causing myriad health problems for our residents. Also, building cleaner cars will mean more new manufacturing and service jobs across the country.” Despite those assurances, Hochul’s embrace of aggressive climate mandates has cemented her reputation as a governor willing to impose progressive policies regardless of cost or feasibility. Republicans say the gas-car ban is yet another example of her prioritizing green ideology over the economic realities faced by New Yorkers already coping with high taxes, inflation, and rising utility bills. Promotional Content Hochul Pushes New York Toward Gas Car Ban Despite Concerns Over Costs and Overreach

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Friday that New York will use state money to replace federal Medicaid funds stripped from Planned Parenthood by Republicans in Congress — a move critics say highlights her relentless progressive agenda and disregard for fiscal restraint. According to Hochul, the decision ensures coverage for more than 200,000 patients across New York, including over 100,000 Medicaid recipients who depend on Planned Parenthood’s 47 health centers. “Washington Republicans have shown time and again that they’ll stop at nothing to undermine women’s health care,” Hochul said. “I’ve directed the state to fund these vital services. I will always stand up for reproductive rights and the health care New Yorkers deserve.” The governor’s plan comes in response to H.R. 1 legislation passed earlier this year that bars federal Medicaid dollars from going to organizations that provide abortion services. That ban directly impacts Planned Parenthood’s five New York affiliates, effectively cutting off Medicaid reimbursements not just for abortion but for all of the other services they provide. Hochul’s pledge means state taxpayers will now carry the cost of keeping the clinics afloat, including services such as contraception, HIV prevention, cancer screenings, and prenatal care. Planned Parenthood affiliates welcomed the intervention, warning that without it many clinics in rural and underserved areas would have been forced to slash services or close. Still, Republicans argue the governor is once again prioritizing divisive progressive causes over broader state needs. To them, the decision illustrates the same pattern seen in her gun-control initiatives, climate policies, and health mandates: Hochul moving New York further to the left. The funding announcement is part of her wider reproductive rights platform, which already includes $25 million annually for abortion services, new legal protections for abortion providers, and a statewide “Abortion Access Program.” Critics point out that while Hochul frames these steps as essential for “health equity,” they come as New York faces budget pressures, rising crime, and declining population. Promotional Content Hochul Funnels $35 Million to Planned Parenthood After Federal Medicaid Cuts

Niagara Falls responded to the 1200 block of 92nd Street around 8pm on October 20th for a welfare check. Dispatch advised officers that there was a white Chevrolet Malibu parked on the 1200 block of 92nd Street with a person slumped over behind the wheel. Upon arrival, officers observed the vehicle parked in the street in front of 1231 92nd Street. Officers observed the keys to be in the ignition and the vehicle running, but in park. A white female, later identified as Katie Seibert, was in the driver seat slumped over the wheel. Officers turned the vehicle off, took the keys out of the ignition, and attempted to wake Seibert. She woke up and appeared disoriented, telling officers that she was “just tired” and that was why she was slumped over the wheel. Seibert stated that she is prescribed methadone and last took it in the morning. After a brief investigation, Seibert was arrested and charged with Operating Motor Vehicle Impaired by Drugs. No further information is available at this time. Promotional Content Katie Seibert Arrested After Being Found Dozing Behind Wheel in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls Police responded to the 500 block of 62nd Street around 10am on October 18th after reports of a neighbor dispute. Niagara Falls Police and Fire Departments responded to the scene. Officers spoke to the victim who had blood on his left hand, a missing tooth, and a swollen and bruised left eye/cheek area.   The victim told police that his neighbor – David Davis – walked over to his property while he was in his shed. Davis entered the shed and trapped the victim inside. Davis accused the victim of shooting out a window and punched him in the head and face 5-6 times. The victim sustained lacerations, a broken upper left canine tooth, swelling and bruising to the eye and left cheek area. Officers responded to the 6100 block of Kies Avenue to speak with Davis. He stated his window was shot out with a BB gun and, based on the trajectory of the damage, assumed it came from his neighbor’s house. There was no witness to the incident and the police were not called on the matter. Davis added, “I went over there, but that’s all I’m gonna say.” Davis was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for booking and processing. He was charged with Assault 3rd. AMR arrived on scene to transport the victim to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. He complained about additional pain to his left radial head in his elbow after falling to the ground while being assaulted by Davis. Promotional Content Niagara Falls Man Trapped, Beaten Bloody in Shed by Neighbor

Niagara Falls Police responded to Wrobel Towers around 3pm on October 17th after reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that she was traveling in the elevator and, when the door opened, Nicole Hickson was waiting for her to exit and immediately began to stab her with a knife. The victim “maced her” in return. Officers learned that the two women are feuding over a deceased male that they both had a relationship with. The victim had serious lacerations to her left hand. She was treated by Niagara Falls Fire Department Engine 3 and then AMR paramedics before being transported to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Hickson was apprehended in the lobby and transported to police headquarters for booking and processing. She was charged with assault 2nd. Police overheard her tell someone on the phone that she stabbed the victim in “self defense” after being pepper-sprayed in the face. No further information is available at this time. Promotional Content Love Triangle Involving Deceased Man Leads to Violent Stabbing in Niagara Falls

Law enforcement received a call in the afternoon hours of October 22nd after reports of domestic violence with injuries in the area of Eckhert Street in Buffalo. The 911 caller - a female - was approached by an older woman who asked her to call 911. The woman said that she was being beaten and was thrown down a flight of stairs. She complained of severe pain from a back injury. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if an arrest took place. No further information is available at this time. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Older Woman Beaten and Thrown Down Flight of Stairs

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed yet another gun control measure into law, drawing sharp criticism from Republicans who view her as aggressively advancing progressive policies at the expense of lawful gun owners. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Michelle Hinchey, D-Saugerties, expands New York’s temporary extreme risk protection order known as TERPO. Under the new law, courts are authorized to consider evidence of animal cruelty when deciding whether to strip an individual of their firearms. However, the level of evidentiary proof is woefully low. Previously, judges could issue a TERPO in cases involving threats of violence, reckless firearm use, or substance abuse. Hinchey’s measure adds animal cruelty to that list, citing FBI research and findings by the National Sheriffs’ Association linking animal abuse to broader violent behavior. Hinchey framed the law as a public safety step, saying, “Animal cruelty is often a warning sign of escalating violence, and a tactic used to control victims of domestic abuse. Allowing our courts to consider animal cruelty in extreme risk protection cases can help disrupt cycles of harm and save lives.” Supporters of the measure – including Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, and the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence – echoed Hinchey’s talking points, portraying the law as a common-sense safeguard. Figueroa said, “This legislation recognizes the established connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence and empowers judges to consider this evidence when deciding whether to issue a TERPO. Connie Neal, the coalition’s executive director, added, “By ensuring that judges consider animal cruelty when deciding whether to issue an Extreme Risk Order of Protection, we can help prevent further harm and save lives.” While Hochul and her allies present the legislation as a public safety victory, Republicans and Second Amendment advocates see it as another step in what they argue is the governor’s relentless push to tighten gun restrictions and expand judicial power to seize firearms. Critics point out that New York already has some of the nation’s strictest gun laws, yet Hochul continues to champion new regulations instead of addressing violent crime and recidivism. The governor has frequently tied her political future to high-profile progressive causes, from abortion access to climate mandates, and now once again to firearms restrictions. For many Republicans, the latest law is just another example of Hochul’s using headline-driven issues to expand state control while ignoring concerns of ordinary New Yorkers who feel overregulated and unsafe. Promotional Content Hochul Uses Progressive Agenda to Expand Gun Control and Target Law-abiding Owners

New York Attorney General Letitia James entered federal court on Friday with a broad smile and upbeat demeanor despite standing accused of serious financial crimes. James pleaded not guilty to two felony counts tied to a Virginia property purchase, but her public remarks outside court raised eyebrows for their theatrics and lack of accountability. When prompted by U.S. District Judge Jamar Walker, the 67-year-old answered only “Yes” when asked if she understood her rights and then replied, “Not guilty, judge, to both counts.” Her attorney, Democratic insider Abbe Lowell, handled the remainder of the plea. Outside, James attempted to rally supporters by co-opting the words of Martin Luther King Jr., declaring, “I believe that justice will rain down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.” Her backers responded with chants of “We Stand With Tish!” and “No Fear!” Nowhere in her remarks, however, did she actually assert her innocence. James was indicted October 9th on one count of bank fraud and one count of making false statements to a financial institution. Federal prosecutors allege she secured favorable mortgage terms – saving nearly $19,000 – by falsely claiming she would occupy a Norfolk home as her secondary residence. Instead, according to the indictment, the property was used as a rental, housing her grandniece. During the half-hour hearing, James was released on a personal recognizance bond, with trial scheduled for January 26th, 2026. Prosecutor Roger Keller told the court the government is prepared to call up to 10 witnesses. James’ legal team is expected to argue that interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan was improperly appointed by former President Donald Trump. Halligan previously represented Trump and assumed the post after her predecessor was forced out. James has claimed this proves the case is politically motivated. In remarks outside court, James again painted herself as a target. “This is not about me,” she insisted. “This is about all of us and about a justice system which has been weaponized. . . . This justice system which has been used as a tool of revenge and a weapon against those who simply did their jobs and stood up for the rule of law.” She continued with a defiant tone: “But my faith is strong! I have this belief in the justice system and the rule of law. And I have a belief in America and all of its individuals who have stood with me – not only in New York but all across this nation.” James then added, “I have heard from just about every jurisdiction in this nation who have said, ‘Stand up and be tall. Never ever bow down or back down or break or bend.’” Yet court records show James herself has treated the Norfolk property as an investment. State ethics filings documented rental income between $1,000 and $5,000 per year since 2020, undermining her sworn mortgage application. The property only appeared on her official asset disclosures this year, after federal officials flagged discrepancies in her loan paperwork. In her initial response to the indictment earlier this month, James dismissed the charges as “baseless,” calling them politically motivated by Trump. Notably, she did not repeat that language on Friday. James’ case arrives less than a year after she secured a high-profile civil judgment against the Trump Organization that was later overturned on appeal, vacated a $355 million penalty she had touted. Her office continues to pursue reinstatement of that fine, which, with interest, now exceeds $500 million. Her next hearing is set for December 5th where her defense team is expected to flood the court with motions aimed at delaying or derailing the trial. Promotional Content Letitia James All Smiles at First Court Appearance After Federal Arraignment

Cheektowaga Police say a woman was killed late Thursday night after being ejected from her vehicle during a two-car collision that involved juvenile drivers. The crash happened at about 11:30pm along Union Road near the Route 33 off-ramp. Investigators reported that the 54-year-old victim was thrown from her vehicle. Despite emergency crews’ attempts to save her life she was pronounced dead at the scene. According to officials, two 15-year-olds were in the other vehicle involved in the crash. Police said the driver was a male and both teens remained at the scene after the impact. The cause of the crash remains under active investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Cheektowaga Police Lt. Brian Bzibziak at (716) 686-3527. Promotional Content 54-year-old Woman Ejected from Vehicle and Killed in Crash Involving 15-year-old Driver

Press Release, PR Newswire Buffalo Biodiesel Inc. ("BBD"), a leading used-cooking-oil recycler and renewable green energy fuel producer headquartered in Buffalo, New York, today announced a transformational capital and growth partnership with Verite Capital Partners ("VCP"). The agreement secures a planned $300 million funding program that will accelerate BBD's expansion from a 15-state footprint to 25 states across the entire eastern United States, from Montreal to Miami. Under the terms of the agreement: Don Jones, founder and managing partner of Verite Capital, upon full completion of the funding, will become a minority owner of Buffalo Biodiesel and will assume the role of Chairman of the Board . The funding will support BBD's construction of two new state-of-the-art renewable natural gas (RNG) plants — one located in the Northeast and another in the Southeast (Mississippi). At full funding, BBD expects to add 600+ new employees , as it scales its operations and processing infrastructure. The funding rollout will occur in three stages , enabling organic growth from 15 states to 25 states — covering "all states east of the Mississippi" — once the rollout is fully executed. BBD's geographic footprint will extend from Montreal to Miami , reinforcing its east-coast and international reach. "This partnership marks a pivotal moment not just for our company, but for the region's clean-energy future," said Sumit Majumdar, President & CEO of Buffalo Biodiesel. "With Verite's backing, we can double down on our mission: collecting used cooking oil from tens of thousands of restaurants, converting organic waste into renewable natural gas, and expanding sustainably from Montreal down to Miami. The two new plants and the hundreds of new jobs they bring will deliver real economic impact across underserved markets." Don Jones added, "We at Verite Capital believe in business with purpose. Becoming a partner and Chairman of Buffalo Biodiesel allows us to invest in a growth company that aligns with our values — equity, community and clean energy. Together, we'll expand operations east of the Mississippi, build meaningful jobs and bring RNG production to new markets. We're honored to join this journey and help accelerate sustainable fuel solutions while empowering communities." Buffalo Biodiesel currently serves over 28,000 restaurant supplier locations across 15 states and has established one of the largest used-cooking-oil networks in the Northeastern U.S. The new funding and strategic partnership will enable the company to strengthen its logistics, processing and monitoring systems, launch the two new RNG facilities and scale operations systematically into the Southeast corridor. Promotional Content Buffalo Biodiesel Announces $300 Million Growth Partnership with Verite Capital Partners; Don Jones to Become Minority Owner and Chairman

Law enforcement received a call in the afternoon hours of October 23rd after reports of a male with a knife at Niagara Falls State Park. The 911 caller - a male - stated that he was hiding in a bathroom stall. The male suspect, who was in the bathroom, kept screaming that he had a knife. According to the caller, it sounded as if he planned on hurting someone. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the suspect was apprehended. No further information is available at this time. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Suspect Threatens Tourists at Niagara Falls State Park with Knife

Law enforcement received a call in the evening hours of October 23rd after reports of a domestic incident involving weapons on the 8300 block of Buffalo Avenue. The 911 caller - a resident in the building - told police that a white male is beating up his girlfriend, who was screaming and calling for help. He also stated that the father of the suspect was standing in the hallway with a bat in one hand a knife in the other. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown what injuries the woman suffered as a result of the incident. No further information is available at this time, including if the suspect or his father were arrested. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content AUDIO: Woman Violently Beaten During Domestic Dispute

Authorities say the weekend house fire in Buffalo’s Elmwood Village that killed a woman and her newborn was not the tragedy it first appeared to be. Prosecutors now allege the woman was strangled to death before the blaze ever began and that, although still under investigation, that the fire was deliberately set in an attempt to cover up her murder. The Erie County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that 30-year-old Kidane Haile has been indicted in connection with the case. Haile faces one count of second-degree murder for the death of his girlfriend, 29-year-old Kathleen Carrig. Emergency crews responded Saturday morning to a blaze at 428 Norwood Avenue. Carrig and her 4-day-old infant were found inside and pronounced dead at the scene. Haile was rescued from the residence and transported to Erie County Medical Center where he remained for several days under treatment for smoke inhalation. Investigators later determined Carrig’s cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation. The DA’s office said she was already dead before the fire started. Prosecutors allege Haile killed Carrig inside their apartment. The fire was ignited in an effort to conceal the crime. The cause of death for the infant has not yet been determined, but prosecutors said additional charges are likely. “We are saddened by tragic death of this young mother and her newborn baby,” said District Attorney Mike Keane. “We are committed to a thorough examination of the evidence and anticipate filing additional charges against the accused.” Haile is being held without bail and, if convicted, faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Promotional Content Prosectors: Fire Staged to Coverup Murder of Girlfriend and 4-day-old Infant

New York Attorney General Letitia James is set to stand before a federal judge on Friday, facing fraud charges that could land her in federal prison. On the eve of her arraignment, James attempted to portray herself as a victim, calling the mortgage fraud allegations against her “baseless.” Her attorneys filed paperwork Thursday seeking to have the case thrown out, arguing that the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Lindsey Halligan, was unlawfully appointed. Halligan was tapped by former President Donald Trump last month. James is expected to plead not guilty to charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution in the Norfolk federal courthouse. Prosecutors allege she falsely claimed a Virginia property would serve as her secondary residence while treating it as a rental investment, a maneuver that may have saved her nearly $19,000 over the life of the mortgage. Comey, also indicted in the same district, faces charges of obstructing Congress and making false statements. He, too, is attempting to discredit the appointment of prosecutors. Despite the severity of the charges, James was embraced at a rally in Foley Square Thursday night where a small group of allies sought to cast her as the target of political persecution. Governor Kathy Hochul, Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Congressman Dan Goldman all took turns defending her. “If they can do this to the attorney general of a state like New York, heaven help the rest of us, cause they can come after anyone,” Hochul declared, framing the indictment as an attack on all New Yorkers. Williams went further, insisting that Trump orchestrated the case out of vengeance. “He made it very very clear he’s going to go after his enemies. He made it very very clear he’s going to find somebody who does that, irrespective of whether it is the right thing to do.” Promotional Content Hochul and Mamdani Defend Letitia James at Rally Ahead of Friday Fraud Arraignment