Community Missions of Niagara Frontier will receive $694,280 in state funding to continue its work through the SNUG Street Outreach program, part of a nearly $21 million statewide investment announced by Governor Kathy Hochul.   Community Missions is one of 15 organizations selected to receive a portion of the $20.9 million allocated to support SNUG operations in 2026. The program, administered by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, focuses on reducing gun violence through an evidence-based, public health approach.   SNUG teams employ outreach workers, hospital responders, social workers and case managers who act as “credible messengers,” working directly with individuals considered at highest risk of gun violence. The initiative aims to interrupt cycles of retaliation, connect people with services and promote long-term stability in affected neighborhoods.   “I am proud to continue investing in SNUG and the community-based partners who are doing this lifesaving work every day,” Hochul said. “SNUG is helping keep neighborhoods safer, supporting families in the aftermath of violence and creating real opportunities for young people to thrive. These teams are making a meaningful difference in communities across New York, and we will continue to build on that progress.”   The funding announcement follows the governor’s report that 2025 saw record-low levels of gun violence statewide. Data from the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative showed 491 shooting incidents with injury reported last year by participating police departments—the lowest total since tracking began in 2006.   Shooting incidents with injury dropped 16% compared to 2024. The number of people shot declined 22%, from 723 to 566, and fatalities decreased 23%, from 116 to 89.   SNUG operates in designated neighborhoods in Albany, the Bronx, Buffalo, Hempstead, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Niagara Falls, Poughkeepsie, Syracuse, Rochester, Troy, Utica, Wyandanch and Yonkers. The program currently employs 176 full-time and 46 part-time staff members statewide.   State officials say shooting incidents and gun violence victims in the designated “SNUG zones” declined by double digits compared to 2024, reinforcing the program’s success in communities across New York. Promotional Content Community Missions Awarded $694K in State Funding for SNUG Violence Prevention

Doug Mooradian officially announced his candidacy today for Niagara County Legislator in the 7th District, pledging to deliver accountable and results-driven leadership for the residents of Wheatfield and North Tonawanda. For more than two decades, Mooradian has dedicated himself to strengthening the community that he has been fortunate to call home. A trusted business professional and lifelong volunteer, he has served as a board president, fundraising chairman, youth coach, and community advocate — always focused on bringing people together to get meaningful work done. Mooradian previously ran for New York State Assembly in 2022, an experience he says reinforced his belief that local government works best when leaders prioritize practical solutions over partisan labels. “During my last campaign, I had the opportunity to speak with hundreds of residents across Niagara County,” Mooradian said. “While we may identify as Democrats, Republicans, or Independents, most of us want the same things at the local level — safe neighborhoods, responsible spending, economic opportunity, and leadership that listens. Our community is more united than some may think.” Mooradian emphasized that serving in the Legislature requires more than simply holding a title — it requires listening, preparation, transparency, and follow-through. “The 7th District deserves a representative who studies the issues, shows up prepared to ask tough questions, and works collaboratively to deliver results,” he said. “I am running to be that kind of Legislator — someone focused on progress, accountability, and putting our community first.” Throughout his career, Mooradian has led successful multi-year fundraising efforts for Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and the Boys & Girls Club, helping secure critical resources for families throughout the region. He has served on numerous boards and committees and considers coaching his two sons’ youth sports teams among his most rewarding experiences. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Doug is the son of a longtime school teacher and a former Corporation Counsel for the city. He and his wife, Jennifer, have proudly called Wheatfield home since 2017, where they are raising their two sons. A longtime Independent, Mooradian appreciates the opportunity to appear on the ballot as the endorsed Democratic candidate and looks forward to earning the trust and support of district voters. To learn more, residents can follow the campaign Facebook page @ElectDougMooradian or email ElectDougMooradian@gmail.com . Promotional Content Mooradian Launches Campaign for Niagara County Legislature

Niagara Falls could receive a significant boost in state aid under a proposal unveiled by Governor Kathy Hochul. In her executive budget, Hochul is seeking $150 million in new assistance for municipalities outside New York City including a $100 million increase in Temporary Municipal Assistance If approved by the state Legislature, the funding would be distributed based on existing Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) formulas. Under the proposal, Niagara Falls would receive an additional $6.2 million in state support. Hochul said the funding is designed to help communities stabilize their finances. “Having spent years in local government, I understand the unique challenges our local leaders are experiencing, which is why my administration has worked closely with municipalities across the state to increase financial support from the state,” Hochul said. “We want all of New York’s municipalities to succeed, and this funding is crucial to putting all of our cities, towns and villages on a stronger financial footing and allowing them to keep their residents safe and continue providing the vital services they rely on.” The plan would triple the amount of temporary assistance available to cities, towns and villages outside New York City. Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers would each receive the maximum additional $10 million under the formula. Hochul is also proposing an extra $30 million set aside specifically for Buffalo due to their budget deficits, bringing the Queen City’s total to $40 million. The funding request follows recent testimony before a legislative committee from municipal leaders across the state including Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino and Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan who sought increased support amid rising operational costs. The governor’s proposal now heads to the Legislature for consideration. Promotional Content Hochul Budget Plan Would Send Niagara Falls an Extra $6.2 Million

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 1am on February 24th after reports of a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident at Main Street and Cleveland Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller - a third party - said it was a two-vehicle accident and that it was "bad." The same caller said that the impact caused the engine to eject from one of the vehicles. Police, medical and crash management teams were dispatched to the scene. The severity of injuries for any occupants was unknown at the time of the call. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Violent Crash with Engine Ejected from Vehicle in Niagara Falls

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 6:05pm on February 22nd after reports of a possible child abduction on Military Road in Niagara Falls. A 15-year-old male said that he was just abducted, escaped and ran for help. Dispatch noted that there was a suspicious black vehicle in the back parking lot of Judie's Lounge with two passengers. Law enforcement responded to the scene. Limited details are available after law enforcement responded to the scene. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content 15-year-old Abducted in Niagara Falls Escapes, Contacts Law Enforcement

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 1:30pm on February 21st after reports of an attempted armed robbery on the 1300 block of Pierce Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller said that a mixed-race juvenile with a skeleton tattoo on his right hand displayed a black handgun as he demanded money/other items from him. There were three juveniles in total. After the incident, the three suspects ran towards 17th and Pierce. Each suspect was wearing all black with a face mask. It is not believed the juveniles were successful in their robbery attempt. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if any of the juveniles were located. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Three kids Attempt Armed Robbery with Handgun in Niagara Falls

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 1:15am on February 22nd after reports of a medical emergency on the 200 block of Knowlton Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The 911 caller said said that she found a male party who was not breathing with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. She further told dispatch that there with a significant amount of blood. Dispatch advised the female to begin CPR. This did not occur. However, the female then exited the location through the side door and disconnected the line. It appeared she no longer wished to be at the scene with a suspected deceased body. Police and emergency medical responded to the scene. A gunshot wound to the head was confirmed. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Woman Finds Body with Apparent Gunshot Wound to the Head

Buffalo Police officials have suspended a department captain who met in person with Officer Lance Woods hours before he was arrested and charged in the fatal shooting of his wife in Sanborn. City and police officials confirmed Wednesday that the captain – whose name has not been released – has been placed on paid suspension pending the outcome of an internal investigation. The department said the captain spoke with Woods at the D-District station on Hertel Avenue Saturday evening, shortly after his wife was found dead and before his early-morning arrest. Officials declined to identify the captain, citing department policy. “The department remains committed to accountability, due process, and maintaining public trust,” officials said in a statement released by Ian Ott, the city’s director of communications. “Consistent with department policy, the department does not comment on the details of active investigations. The Buffalo Police Department is conducting a comprehensive internal investigation to determine whether departmental policies, procedures and professional standards were followed by personnel involved in this matter.” According to a timeline released by the department, the captain met with Woods at 7:52pm Saturday at the D-District station house—more than three hours after Buffalo police were initially contacted by the victim’s mother. She had reportedly asked police for help reaching Woods because she did not have his phone number. The timeline states the captain contacted Lewiston Police while Woods was present and confirmed that he had the couple’s two children with him at the time. Woods left the station shortly after a shift change at 8:05pm, according to the department’s account. The captain then notified the E-District that Woods had arrived at the station with the children and that they were leaving together. Just after midnight Sunday, Lewiston Police returned to the Buffalo Street residence in Sanborn, where 35-year-old Alexis Skoczylas was found dead during a welfare check. Authorities later classified her death as a homicide and identified Woods as a person of interest. Approximately three hours later, around 3am, Woods was detained by Amherst and Cheektowaga Police. The department’s timeline notes that the captain who met with Woods was relieved from duty at 3am Sunday. She was formally suspended with pay pending the outcome of the Internal Affairs investigation. Woods, who has been charged with second-degree murder, has been suspended without pay. The homicide case remains under investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s Office, which is handling the prosecution because Woods is a law enforcement officer. Buffalo officials have not indicated whether the captain who met with Woods was aware of any active homicide investigation at the time of the Saturday evening discussion. The internal review will examine whether department policies or professional standards were violated. No further details have been released. Promotional Content Female Buffalo Police Captain Suspended After Meeting with Officer who Killed Wife in Niagara County

Seven construction workers have been connected to pornographic graffiti discovered inside the new Highmark Stadium earlier this week, according to sources familiar with the investigation.   The vandalism, which appeared in both completed and still-under-construction sections of the facility, prompted an immediate response from project leaders. Areas impacted reportedly included secure locations requiring special access credentials such as luxury suites.   Work at the stadium was paused for four days after the graffiti was uncovered. Construction resumed Friday.   Sources indicate that three of the seven workers have admitted involvement. As of now, no formal charges have been publicly announced but they are expected in the coming days. The project’s construction management team, Gilbane | Turner, announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.   Despite the disruption, the new stadium remains on track for completion this summer. Promotional Content BREAKING: Seven Construction Workers Identified in Pornographic Vandalism at Highmark Stadium

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 10:20pm on February 19th after reports of a possible hostage situation on Oliver Street in North Tonawanda. The 911 caller - a third party and mother of the victim - told police that her daughter was being held against her will in an apartment. The caller told police that the name of the male suspect was Jamal Burton. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the male suspect was arrested. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Mother Reports Her Daughter Held Hostage by Man in North Tonawanda

An off-duty Buffalo police officer who fatally shot his wife inside their Niagara County home is now facing prosecution by the New York State Attorney General’s Office as local and state authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Valentine’s Day incident.   Lance L. Woods, 53, a Buffalo Police officer assigned as a school resource officer, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, Alexis Skoczylas, 35. Skoczylas was found dead inside the couple’s home on Buffalo Street in Sanborn, Niagara County, after police were dispatched for a welfare check in the evening hours of Saturday, February 14th.   Lewiston Police said officers were sent to the residence at approximately 5:14pm after family members reported they could not reach Skoczylas. A dispatch transmission indicated that “a female, named Alexis, could not be reached by family members” and also that “the female was going through a divorce.”   When officers entered the home they discovered Skoczylas’ deceased body. It has since been confirmed that she suffered a fatal gunshot wound. Authorities have not publicly detailed the events that preceded her death, but prosecutors allege Woods shot his wife while at home with his family.   In a statement, the Attorney General’s Office said, “While at home with his family, Woods allegedly shot his wife, Ms. Skoczylas, causing her death.”   Public records show the property at 5781 Buffalo St. is owned by Woods. The couple had lived there since 2021 and share two children, believed to be between 7 and 10 years old. Court filings indicate Skoczylas filed for divorce in September.   According to Buffalo Police Interim Commissioner Craig Macy, Lewiston Police contacted Buffalo’s 911 dispatch lieutenant at approximately 1am Sunday seeking assistance in locating Woods who was not on duty at the time.   “Buffalo Police detectives worked in coordination with Lewiston Police, sharing resources to support the apprehension of Woods, including using investigative resources to attempt to locate the vehicle Woods was believed to be driving. Woods has subsequently been arrested and charged with Murder," Macy said in the statement.   Law enforcement sources said investigators used cellphone tracking technology to help determine Woods’ location. He was ultimately found at a family member’s home where he had dropped off his children. Cheektowaga and Amherst police officers took him into custody. Sources familiar with the investigation said Woods had told another Buffalo Police officer that he was “trying to go to Pennsylvania.”   Woods was arraigned Sunday at the Niagara County Jail’s centralized arraignment part. Town of Somerset Justice of the Peace Pamela Rider ordered him held without bail pending further proceedings. He entered a plea of not guilty to the second-degree murder charge.   The Attorney General’s Office has indicated that additional charges may be presented when the case is brought before a grand jury in the coming weeks.   Attorney General Letitia James confirmed that prosecutors from her office will handle the case. The referral stems from New York Executive Law Section 70-b, which requires the Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) to review incidents in which a police officer or peace officer may have caused a person’s death, regardless of whether the officer was on or off duty.   The statute mandates that OSI “assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed.”   Although Woods was off duty at the time of the alleged shooting, the law applies because he is a sworn law enforcement officer.   Commissioner Macy said Buffalo Police have initiated an internal review of the events leading up to Woods’ arrest.   “The Buffalo Police Internal Affairs Division is also in the process of reviewing the timeline of events of this rapidly evolving situation,” Macy said in his statement.   Department records show Woods joined the Buffalo Police Department in 2008. At the time of his arrest, he was serving as a school resource officer. Authorities have not released details about his employment status following the charge.   Lewiston Police confirmed that multiple agencies assisted in the investigation including Buffalo Police, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, Niagara Falls Police, the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office, Cheektowaga Police, Amherst Police and the Attorney General’s Office.   Woods remains in held at the Niagara County Jail.   Promotional Content Attorney General to Prosecute Off-duty Buffalo Officer Charged in Wife’s Killing in Niagara County

By: Scott Yerger      Healthcare spending is reaching unprecedented levels, with national expenditures projected to surge to $8.59 trillion by 2033, accounting for more than one-fifth of the total U.S. economy. While medical innovation continues to reach new heights, the financial burden on employers, families, and public health systems is creating a critical affordability crisis.  Addressing this challenge requires a dual understanding of the modern drivers behind these spikes and the emerging strategies designed to stabilize the system. The Modern Drivers of Healthcare Inflation      Rising costs are no longer just a byproduct of general inflation; they are increasingly driven by a unique set of structural and pharmacological factors. •     The "GLP-1" and Specialty Drug Explosion: Demand for GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Wegovy) has tripled since 2020. These drugs, often costing $1,000 per month without insurance, are intended for long-term use, creating a massive, ongoing expense for health plans. Furthermore, specialty drugs now account for roughly 50% of total drug spend, driven by expensive gene therapies and oncology treatments that can cost millions per dose. •     The Aging Population & Chronic Disease: Approximately 90% of all healthcare spending in the U.S. is dedicated to managing chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). As the baby boomer generation ages, the demand for geriatric and long-term care is placing extreme pressure on infrastructure and labor. •     Labor Shortages & Systemic Inefficiency: Healthcare labor accounts for 56% of hospital expenses. Persistent shortages of nurses and physicians are driving up wages, and these costs are being passed directly to insurers and employers through higher reimbursement rates. The Healthcare Cycle Strategies to Contain and Manage Costs      To bend the "cost curve," stakeholders are shifting away from traditional models toward more active, value-based interventions.  Creating a more informed “healthcare consumer” by educating patients on the importance of preventative medicine and healthy lifestyle choices remains a major goal.  Other industry trends show significant promise in the drive to lower overall costs. 1. Transition to Value Based Medicine: Unlike the traditional "fee-for-service" model that rewards the volume of visits, value-based care aligns payments with patient recovery and health outcomes. By prioritizing primary care and prevention, providers can avoid expensive emergency room visits and hospital readmissions.  Unfortunately, many financial incentives for physicians are still based on volume or productivity targets. 2.  Expanding Telehealth and Digital-First Care: Telehealth has emerged as a major cost-containment tool, often reducing the cost of an initial condition evaluation by $82 per person compared to in-person visits. Digital platforms for musculoskeletal (MSK) care and chronic disease management allow for remote monitoring, which can prevent minor issues from escalating into surgical cases. 3.  Pharmacy Supply Chain Reform: Employers are increasingly "carving out" pharmacy benefits from their main insurance carriers to gain better transparency into pricing. Strategies include requiring prior authorization for high-cost drugs, encouraging the use of biosimilars, and implementing mandatory mail-order programs for maintenance medications. 4.  Promoting "Consumerism" via HSAs and Transparency: High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) paired with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) encourage patients to be more cost-conscious. When combined with transparency tools that allow patients to compare prices for MRIs or elective surgeries, these plans can significantly reduce overspending on routine services.      If you are an employer looking to optimize your benefits, I can help you analyze specific cost drivers in your current plan or suggest vetted Telehealth partners that specialize in high-impact areas like mental health or MSK care.      Large regional health systems are leading the charge through specialty and sub-specialty care integration but the patient as consumer stills hold a significant opportunity to take a bite out of rising costs. YERGER: Healthcare Costs Continue to Rise, But What’s the Solution?

By: Tom George      Governor Kathy Hochul hosted a roundtable with law enforcement and elected officials to announce the “Local Cops Local Crimes Act” which prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies from partnering with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for civil immigration enforcement. Hochul made the announcement surrounded by more than a dozen District Attorneys, county sheriffs, police chiefs and county executives from across the state.      The Act would not prevent police from working with ICE or other federal law enforcement to apprehend dangerous criminals.      The proposal also establishes a right to sue federal officials for constitutional violations, allowing individuals to bring state-level civil actions against federal officers who violations New Yorkers’ U.S. constitutional rights—consistent with the same legal standards that already exist for state and local officers under federal civil rights law.      The Governor stated, “I don’t want local police being forced to do the job of ICE. We also want to ban ICE from sensitive locations so people don’t have to worry about schools, daycare centers, hospitals, courtrooms, and places of educations.”      Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “the goal of the Local Cops Local Crimes Act is a common sense way to ensure that our local law enforcement personnel and resources are reserved for use in our communities, policing them according to the law and not subjugated to federal overreach such as we are seeing across the country with ICE. . . The Act provides protections and remedies for residents whose constitutional rights are violated by federal officers.”      Elected Officials Around WNY Western New York is primarily represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by Tim Kennedy, Nick Langworthy and Claudia Tenney.      Congressman Kennedy’s district includes portions of Erie and Niagara Counties, including the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls.      Congressman Langworthy’s district includes significant portions of the Erie County Southtowns including the City of Lackawanna, Eastern and rural areas of Erie County.      Congresswoman Tenney’s district includes towns and villages in the northeastern corner of Erie County including Alden, Clarence and Newstead, and most of Niagara County including the City of Lockport and Towns of Lewiston and Wheatfield.      Niagara County does not have an elected county executive position. The county operates under a legislative system while the Niagara County Legislature is led by an elected chairman. The administrative functions are managed by a County Manager. Michael Hill represents the 15th District in Niagara County comprising of Hartland, Royalton, and sections of the Town of Lockport. The Niagara County Legislature elected Hill as their Chairman.      Congressman Kennedy held a press conference calling for the complete withdrawal of ICE from WNY and the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Congressman Kennedy supported the Buffalo Police Department for their role in protecting the peaceful protestors in our community.      Congresswoman Tenney has recently focused on securing borders, energy independence, pro-life advocacy, and election integrity. The congresswoman cosponsored a bill restricting Olympic participation to events corresponding with an athlete's biological sex.      Congressman Langworthy introduced legislation aimed at protecting consumer health while restoring common sense to dietary supplement regulation. The congressman stated, “New York is notorious for baseless overregulation that burdens small business without making anyone safer or improving public health. . . .” Western New York’s Political Landscape: Federal, State Leaders Shape Regional Debate

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Niagara Falls Police responded to the 1000 block of Cleveland Avenue around 9:25pm on February 17th after reports of an aggravated assault.   Upon arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated he was standing on the eastern wall next to 1055 Cleveland Avenue (One Stop Convenience Store) when an unknown male walked up next to him and hit him in the face with an unknown object. Officers did observe the victim to have a laceration to his face going down his neck.   The victim stated that he then went inside the store and that is when someone inside the store called 911.   The 911 caller told police that the victim came inside the store bleeding heavily from his face.   The suspect was described as a black male with an orange hoodie, black hat, tan coat, blue jeans and dark shoes. The suspect never said anything to the male and he just cut him and took off Southbound on the 11th Street. He also stated that he did not know the male.   Niagara Falls Fire and medical responded to the scene to provide medical assistance to the victim who was transported to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center for treatment.   Police canvassed the area for the suspect with negative results. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Niagara Falls Man Stabbed in the Face During Violent Assault

An investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s Office concluded that students of color and students with disabilities in Buffalo Public Schools were suspended at significantly higher rates than their white peers and students without disabilities.      The findings stem from a review of district discipline data from 2019 through 2023 school, excluding the COVID-19-impacted year. According to the Attorney General’s report, in the 2022–2023 academic year, Black secondary students were more than six times as likely to receive out-of-school suspensions as white secondary students. Latino secondary students were nearly four times as likely to be suspended as their white counterparts.      Investigators for the AG’s office found that disparities extended beyond serious misconduct. Black and Latino students were suspended out of school for relatively minor, non-violent issues, including absences, cutting class, elopement (defined as leaving a designated school area without permission) and tardiness, at higher rates than white students.      The report also analyzed the average number of instructional days lost per student during the review period. Black students lost an average of 3.85 days per student. Latino students lost 2.23 days per student. White students lost 0.79 days per student. Students with disabilities lost an average of 4.33 days per student, more than twice the amount of instructional time lost by students without disabilities.      Looking at the cumulative totals during the investigation period, Black students accounted for 92,249 out-of-school suspension days. Latino students accounted for 25,247 suspension days. White students accounted for 11,553 days. Students with disabilities represented 50,079 suspension days during that timeframe. In total, 138,970 out-of-school suspension days were administered between 2018 and 2024.      Enrollment data cited in the report shows that Black students make up approximately 42% of the district’s student population. Latino students account for 21%, while Asian or Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander students represent 15%. White students comprise about 17% of the student body.      Beyond statistical disparities, the Attorney General’s Office found due process concerns in how discipline was carried out. The report states that students with disabilities lost substantially more instructional time than their peers without disabilities. It also found that, in numerous cases, students with disabilities were sent home early without formal documentation, characterizing those removals as illegal informal suspensions that limited access to required due process protections.      As part of a resolution with the Attorney General’s Office, Buffalo Public Schools has entered into an Assurance of Discontinuance agreement. Under the terms of the settlement, the district must appoint both an independent monitor and an ombudsperson for a four-year period to oversee compliance and reform efforts.      A district spokesperson made the following public statement in response to the AG’s findings becoming public:      "The approval of the Assurance of Discontinuance agreement between the Buffalo Public Schools and the New York State Attorney General's Office not only recognizes the steps already taken by the district to reduce suspensions, but it will further ensure the district maintains an educational environment that is conducive to learning for all students by reducing the number of suspensions through the use of restorative practices and other positive interventions. The Buffalo Public Schools remain committed to being a district that embraces restorative practices and works to keep more of its students in the classroom."      The agreement formalizes oversight of the district’s disciplinary practices and is intended to address both the documented disparities and procedural deficiencies identified in the state’s investigation. Promotional Content Attorney General Finds Disparities in Buffalo Public Schools Suspensions, Settlement Reached

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 4:50pm on February 19th after reports of an armed robbery on the 1900 block of Welch Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller said that two black males approached him and threatened to shoot him if he did not hand over all the cash he had on him. The males robbed $5 from him. The victim said that during the altercation the black male with the firearm struck him with the gun. Police then received a second call from a third party who said that the black males were still in the area. Police responded and began a search for the suspects. The call ended before any updates were provided. It is unknown if any arrests took place or if the victim received medical treatment. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Victim Pistol Whipped During Armed Robbery in Niagara Falls Over $5

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 6:12pm on February 19th after reports of a hit-and-run incident that occurred in the area of 17th and Willow Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller - a third party witness - told police that a vehicle purposefully tried to run the party over with a vehicle. The striking vehicle did take off. Officers did attempt to obtain the make and model of the vehicle but were reportedly unsuccessful in doing so. The victim, a male of unknown age and race, was reportedly struck by the vehicle, but their condition was unknown at the time of the call. He was able to get up and start walking toward a nearby store to get out of the area in case the vehicle returned to try and strike him again. Police and medical responded to the scene. It is unknown if the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Suspect Nearly Murders Man by Purposefully Running Him Over with Car in Niagara Falls, Witness Says

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 9:20pm on February 19th after reports of menacing with a weapon during a domestic incident on Forest Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller - a third party - said that she had just gotten a worrying call from her mother. She said that her boyfriend held a knife up to her neck during an argument threatening to kill her. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the boyfriend was arrested. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Boyfriend Holds Knife to Woman's Neck During Argument in Niagara Falls

Mayor Sean M. Ryan today testified before the New York State Legislature at the Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the 2026 Executive Budget Proposal, where he laid out the City of Buffalo’s fiscal condition and called for a partnership with the State to restore long-term financial stability.      In his testimony, Mayor Ryan described a city operating under the weight of years of unrealistic budgeting practices and one-time revenue solutions that have depleted City reserves and masked a growing structural deficit. He made clear that Buffalo must both increase local revenue and secure short-term state support to stabilize its finances.       “The City of Buffalo is saddled with the consequences of about a generation of fiscal mismanagement,” Mayor Ryan said. “For years, the city has relied on one-shot revenues and unrealistic budgets. Now, the bill has finally come due.”       Mayor Ryan emphasized that Buffalo’s fiscal challenges are not the result of excessive spending, but of constrained revenue growth over many years.       Buffalo has the lowest per-capita total tax levy among upstate cities. Between 2007 and 2024, the City’s tax levy largely remained flat or declined. Over the past decade, the City’s expenditure growth has remained well below inflation.      Buffalo has the lowest per-capita personnel spending of any upstate city, and more than 70% of City spending goes toward fixed personnel costs and benefits.       “My administration is prioritizing disciplined and efficient spending, but this is not a problem we can cut our way out of,” Mayor Ryan said. “Our services have already been cut to the bone—there is not much left to trim. But if we don’t begin to close our budget gaps, the only option we would have is to further reduce our police force, fire department, and city workers. That’s not something we’re interested in doing.”       The Mayor detailed the real-world consequences of underinvestment, including aging water infrastructure, under-resourced public works operations, and community centers in serious disrepair.       “All of these problems are solvable,” Mayor Ryan said. “We know we can do better. But that starts with honest budgeting of both revenues and expenditures, and honest and responsible planning.”       As part of his testimony, Mayor Ryan requested inclusion of five Article VII proposals in the State Budget to provide both short-term stability and long-term revenue solutions.       The most immediate request is legislation authorizing a second round of bonding through the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority. This legislation would allow the City to amortize potential revenue shortfalls while long-term revenue measures take effect.       “This [legislation] would not create an obligation for Buffalo to borrow,” Mayor Ryan said. “It would just be an option. It would have to be Council-approved.”       The Mayor also proposed amendments to legislation governing the Buffalo Parking and Mobility Authority to strengthen governance and oversight while the City evaluates the long-term fiscal implications of parking ramp restructuring enacted in last year’s State Budget.       In addition, Mayor Ryan requested authorization for three targeted revenue measures: A supplemental tax on vacant and abandoned properties to reduce blight and offset the public costs associated with neglected parcels. A restructuring of eligibility for the homestead property tax rate so that only owner-occupied one- or two-family homes qualify, aligning the policy with its original intent of protecting homeowners rather than extending the lower rate to out-of-town investors. Authorization for a two-tiered real estate transfer tax within the City of Buffalo, paid by the seller.     “We know we can't rely on state support to fix everything that we do, so we'll be seeking property and tax increases over the next three years,” Mayor Ryan said. “But we also don't want to overburden the people of the City of Buffalo, so we would like to have other ways to generate revenues.”      Because the proposed revenue measures would not generate funds until the 2027–2028 City fiscal year, Mayor Ryan also requested direct temporary State assistance to stabilize Buffalo’s budget in the interim.       “With your help and our commitment to a three-year soft-landing plan, we can help avoid the harmful cuts and put Buffalo on a path to fiscal stability,” Mayor Ryan said. Promotional Content Mayor Ryan Says the 'Bill has Come Due' as Buffalo Faces Fiscal Reckoning

New York State Senate Republican Minority Leader Rob Ortt is urging state officials to investigate Candlelight Cabinetry in Lockport following weeks of uncertainty surrounding the company’s operations and the status of its workforce.      Ortt, who represents the 62nd Senate District and serves as the top-ranking Republican in the State Senate, announced that he and Assemblyman Paul Bologna have formally requested that both the New York State Department of Labor and the Office of the Attorney General review the situation. The request comes nearly three weeks after what workers described as quiet furloughs at the longtime Lockport manufacturer.      Employees have publicly raised concerns about unpaid final paychecks, access to 401(k) benefits, and the company’s future. Ortt said the circumstances surrounding the company’s recent actions have raised red flags.      "I’ve seen businesses go out of business. It is always unfortunate, but this just strikes me as unusual," Ortt said. "[Workers] have not been done right, at this juncture, by Candlelight Cabinetry."      Ortt emphasized that calling for an investigation is not something he takes lightly.      "I do not do that lightly. I will be very clear about that. This is not something you willy nilly ask the top prosecutor in the state, and her office, or the Department of Labor, to investigate a business," Ortt said. "However, we are going to work to make sure that somebody gets to the bottom of this. I think we are owed that as a community, but I think the workers and their families are absolutely owed that."      Both the Department of Labor and the Attorney General’s office have confirmed they are aware of the developments involving Candlelight Cabinetry and are reviewing the matter.      Candlelight Cabinetry has been a fixture in Lockport for 36 years manufacturing cabinetry and employing hundreds over its history. The company recently transitioned to new ownership under Andrew Olsen who provided a statement addressing the financial strain facing the business.      "Outside circumstances put significant cash-flow pressure on the organization, but that issue is being addressed," Olsen said.      Regarding the company’s outlook, Olsen added, "The Candlelight team is very close to finalizing a significant realignment and re-capitalization."      In a broader statement, Olsen said:      "Candlelight Cabinetry proudly played a manufacturing role in the Lockport community for 36 years. The company supported hundreds of families through its workforce and community partners. Candlelight recently transitioned to the next generation of ownership with a keen focus on preserving Candlelight’s place in the community’s business and tax base for another 30+ years.      This next generation made significant investments in people, processes, sales, marketing and modernized equipment, with $3.2 million in improved machines and technology placed in service since the transition. That was more than the company invested in many, many years prior. Now the company is receiving increased orders year over year and building toward success.      Outside circumstances nonetheless put significant cash-flow pressure on the organization, but that issue is being addressed.  While having to make some short-term staffing adjustments, the Candlelight team is very close to finalizing a significant realignment and re-capitalization. That will set the organization up to build on its legacy, recent investments and proud heritage for generations to come.”      Despite that reassurance, court records show six active cases in New York State courts naming Candlelight Cabinetry as a defendant. Those cases collectively allege the company owes a total of $6,188,658.51 to multiple entities.      For now, workers remain in limbo as the company works toward what it describes as restructuring, while state agencies review whether further action is warranted. Ortt has said his focus remains on ensuring transparency and accountability for the Lockport community and for the families affected by the company’s recent actions. Promotional Content Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt Calls for State Investigation into Candlelight Cabinetry

Mayor Austin Tylec used his annual State of the City address at the Riviera Theatre to highlight a wave of residential development, infrastructure upgrades and redevelopment efforts underway across North Tonawanda, while also defending the city’s financial management amid ongoing labor tensions and rising project costs.      Framing the city as one on the upswing, Tylec pointed to visible construction activity and what he described as steady fiscal footing.      “North Tonawanda is a city that is moving forward, and it is doing so with intention,” Tylec said Tuesday. “The progress we’ve made is real. It is visible in our neighborhoods, in our infrastructure, in our financial stability, and in the strength of our local economy.”      The mayor’s remarks come as the city adopts a $48.3 million budget for 2026 with projected sales tax revenues of $11.4 million, roughly $500,000 higher than the previous year. Tylec attributed the increase to continued commercial activity and development, along with new revenue streams including cannabis sales tax, the collection of overdue water and sewer bills, REM foreclosures and improved performance at the city-owned Deerwood Golf Course.      “These revenue sources strengthen the city’s financial position without shifting additional burden onto taxpayers,” Tylec said, noting that the budget calls for less than $50 in additional taxes for homeowners. “allowing us to maintain services, invest responsibly and continue rebuilding reserves.”      Still, while the administration points to balanced budgets and growing reserves, critics have questioned whether long-term costs tied to large-scale development projects and infrastructure improvements could eventually strain city resources.      Among the projects scheduled for completion or groundbreaking this year are a $2.3 million extension of the Sweeney Street bike path intended to connect Mayor’s Park with the Botanical Gardens; a realignment of the 19th Street and Meadow Drive intersection; and a $3.2 million walkability initiative on Oliver Street that will add sidewalks, lighting, seating and green infrastructure.      The city also plans to complete work at Charles Fleishmann Park, which includes a new clock tower and streetscape upgrades. Construction is expected to begin on the $8.4 million Payne Park Aquatic Center, a facility that will feature a shallow play area, lap pool with diving boards, locker rooms and a concession stand.      Tylec announced the launch of a sidewalk repair pilot program funded with $30,000. The city will reimburse homeowners for up to 50% of eligible sidewalk repair costs on a first-come, first-serve basis.      The mayor devoted significant attention to what he described as one of the city’s most transformative undertakings, which is the 78 Bridge Street development on Tonawanda Island. The 80-unit mixed-use residential complex, projected to cost more than $30 million, is expected to break ground in June and be completed by 2028. It will mark the first new housing project on the island in decades.      The three-story structure will include more than 100,000 square feet of mixed-use space along the waterfront. In December, the city secured $2.5 million in Regional Economic Development Council funding to support infrastructure work at the 3.3-acre site with developer VisoneCo responsible for matching costs. The project also received $750,000 in Downtown Revitalization Initiative funds to make the riverside frontage publicly accessible.      “It supports not just 78 Bridge Street but other adjacent parcels there,” said Tylec. “We look at the island as something that could be built out to half a billion dollars.”      Additional housing proposals are also advancing. Hamburg-based Alliance Homes is seeking to build nearly 90 units at 235 River Road while People Inc. has proposed converting a former bed tower at DeGraff Hospital into senior housing.      Tylec acknowledged that redevelopment efforts will require careful coordination and infrastructure investment but emphasized the broader economic potential. He also signaled that the administration will continue to pursue large-scale funding opportunities including $30 million in federal grants to support redevelopment of the Twin Cities Memorial Highway corridor.      The city is nearing completion of a study examining options for that highway’s future and plans to hire an engineering firm to design approximately 16,000 feet of new cart paths at Deerwood Golf Course. Talks are also ongoing with the Niagara County Land Bank, state agencies and two private partners regarding a proposed $40 million redevelopment of the former Lowery Middle School into residential or senior housing.      While the mayor outlined an ambitious list of initiatives, not all of the evening’s focus was celebratory. Prior to the address, nearly 70 members of the city’s Department of Public Works union gathered outside the Riviera Theatre in protest as contract negotiations with the city continue. The workers are seeking improved wages and contract terms.      The demonstration underscored ongoing tensions between city leadership and labor groups even as the administration touted economic growth and investment.      During his speech, Tylec acknowledged the union members and said he would meet with both sides Wednesday, expressing confidence that an agreement could be reached. However, no such deal was publicly reported.      Beyond bricks and mortar, Tylec said another priority for 2026 will be addressing neighborhood blight and absentee landlords. The city’s rental registration and compliance program has registered about 65% of rental properties to date. Fees generated through the program are being used to develop a new online platform that will allow residents to submit code complaints, apply for permits, manage contractor licenses and handle rental registrations.      The mayor said the city needs greater transparency regarding property ownership and safety compliance.      “This is part of the program that we really need to understand who owns what properties, what safety features they have to include, and what code improvements,” Tylec said.      Tylec concluded his remarks by arguing that North Tonawanda’s recent progress positions it to compete for larger state and federal investments in the future. Promotional Content Mayor Tylec Touts Development Push, Budget Stability During North Tonawanda State of the City

A long-fought battle in downtown Niagara Falls has entered a quieter phase, but the stakes for local taxpayers may be higher than ever.      For more than two years, the City of Niagara Falls and a private development firm known as Niagara Falls Redevelopment (NFR) have been locked in a legal and political conflict over the future of a multi-million stretch of land near John B. Daly Boulevard, directly across from Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. At the heart of the dispute are two dramatically different visions for the same property. Mayor Robert Restaino’s proposed $250 million Centennial Park arena and events campus and NFR’s proposed $1.5 billion Niagara Digital Campus data center project.      Now, under the supervision of New York State Supreme Court Justice Deborah Chimes, both sides are engaged in court-ordered mediation aimed at resolving three separate legal disputes. While public rhetoric has cooled and both camps have signaled optimism about a possible agreement, many details remain confidential. What is clear is that the financial burden of any settlement, and whichever project ultimately moves forward, will fall squarely on the shoulders of Niagara Falls taxpayers outside funding materializes—as state officials have indicated they won’t engage in funding discussions while litigation is ongoing. The Mayor’s Vision: Centennial ParkArena and Events Campus      Mayor Restaino has championed Centennial Park as a transformative public project designed to re-energize downtown Niagara Falls and reposition the city as a year-round destination for sports, concerts, conventions and community events.      The plan calls for construction of a roughly 7-8,000 seat multi-purpose arena on approximately 10 acres of land currently owned by NFR near the intersection of 10th and Falls streets. The site once served as 10th Street Park. In addition to the main arena, the Centennial Park proposal includes: -An events campus with open green space. -Outdoor performance and gathering areas. -Retail and hospitality components intended to complement nearby tourism assets. -Parking facilities and supporting infrastructure. -Public amenities designed to connect the site with surrounding downtown corridors. -A secondary arena for smaller events. -A seasonal splash pad/ice rink, -A rock climbing wall. -A rooftop entertainment space.      City officials have described the project as an investment that could attract minor league sports franchises, regional tournaments, concerts and special events that currently bypass Niagara Falls. Supporters, and Mayor Restaino, argue the arena would generate secondary economic activity in nearby restaurants, hotels and retail establishments.      The estimated cost of the project has been pegged at approximately $250 million. While the administration has pursued state and federal support, no binding commitments have been finalized. Complicating matters further is that state leaders have made clear they are reluctant to consider significant funding while the city remains embroiled in active litigation over the property.      In the meantime, planning, design and legal expenses have already accumulated, raising concerns about sunk costs if the project stalls or is abandoned. The Competing Proposal: Niagara Digital Campus      Niagara Falls Redevelopment has its own ambitious plan for the same property, proposing a $1.5 billion data center complex known as the Niagara Digital Campus. The project would include: -A large-scale energy-intensive data center campus. -Advanced computing and server infrastructure. -High-capacity electrical and fiber connectivity. -Supporting utility upgrades and technical facilities. -Ancillary commercial development tied to technology operations.      NFR claims the Niagara Digital Campus would generate significant private investment in the city and create hundreds of jobs. Company representatives have stated that construction alone would produce substantial employment opportunities while long-term operations could support a mix of permanent technical, maintenance and security positions. Debate among public officials and residents have referenced hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, though critics have questioned how many would be high-paying local positions versus specialized roles requiring outside expertise.      Data centers typically employ fewer permanent workers than large entertainment venues but can produce stable tax revenue if structured properly. It would also be one of the few businesses in downtown Niagara Falls not dependent on tourism.      The legal battle: eminent domain and ownership claims      The conflict escalated when the city initiated eminent domain proceedings in an effort to forcibly acquire NFR’s land for Centennial Park.      Initially, the city offered NFR $4 million for approximately 10 acres of property. Public records show that NFR purchased the land years ago for roughly $1.42 million. However, NFR has suggested the property’s current market value, especially given its proximity to the casino and tourism corridor, could be as high or exceed $20 million. After all, property is worth as much as the next person is willing to pay for it.      City officials have also advanced a separate legal argument that five of the 10 acres may still belong to the city because NFR allegedly failed to secure proper state approvals when it originally acquired the former 10th Street Park site.      In total, three legal disputes are currently under mediation: 1. Two cases connected to the city’s use of eminent domain. 2. A third case involving a Freedom of Information Law request filed by NFR seeking documents related to Centennial Park design work.      While the court has instructed both parties to avoid public commentary on mediation details, Mayor Restaino has publicly stated that the city is working toward resolution and hopes to provide updates soon.      What remains unclear are the terms of any potential settlement—and the price tag. What could it cost taxpayers?      Land acquisition alone could cost millions. Although the city’s formal offer was $4 million, earlier administrative estimates suggested a possible cost closer to $7 million. If NFR’s higher valuation arguments gain traction in negotiations or litigation, the number could rise substantially.      Beyond purchase price, taxpayers face several likely bills their likely to bear the brunt of (one way or the other): -Legal expenses from prolonged court proceedings (after all, it’s not coming out of Mayor Restaino’s paycheck). -Design and consulting fees already incurred. -Infrastructure improvements needed for either project. -Bond financing costs if the arena moves forward. -Potential incentives or tax arrangements tied to the data center.      If a settlement involves the city abandoning eminent domain in exchange for concessions, taxpayers may still shoulder costs indirectly through infrastructure upgrades or revenue-sharing adjustments.      Adding to the pressure is the state’s position. Without resolution of the property dispute, Albany has shown little appetite for discussing major funding packages. This leaves the city in a precarious position: proceed with a publicly financed arena at significant local expense or negotiate a compromise that could alter the scale or structure of development. Political Tensions and Transparency Concerns      The dispute became a flashpoint during the most recent City Council election cycle, with candidates staking positions on the arena, the data center, or the broader issue of eminent domain.      Some council members have expressed cautious optimism about mediation but emphasize that any agreement must come before the council for approval. Others remain firmly opposed to the use of eminent domain in this case, arguing that the city should negotiate rather than litigate with private landowners.      Former elected officials have raised concerns about negotiations occurring behind closed doors in a private court setting, arguing that residents deserve transparency on decisions that could obligate millions in public funds. The Broader Question: What is the Real Return?      Beyond the courtroom and council chambers lies a fundamental economic question: what development path offers the greatest long-term benefit to Niagara Falls residents?      The arena concept hinges on tourism growth, event bookings and spillover spending. Its success would depend on consistent programming, regional draw and competitive positioning against larger markets like Buffalo and Toronto.      The data center proposal promises private capital and technology infrastructure but raises questions about job quantity, energy consumption and community integration.      At stake is not just a parcel of downtown land, but the fiscal trajectory of a city that has long sought a breakthrough project capable of reshaping its economic future—only to fail time and time again.      Regardless of which way it goes, we will see if this results in more of the same. Promotional Content As City and Developer Negotiate Behind Closed Doors Over Centennial

A Niagara Falls student is being recognized for his calm and decisive response after stepping in to save a fellow student who was choking during lunch.      Dan O’Grady, a junior enrolled in Jeff Brown’s Computer Technology program at the Niagara Career and Technical Education Center, was eating lunch at Niagara Falls High School alongside his friend, Welding student Aiden Hewitt, when the situation turned dangerous.      “We were sitting at a table with our friends just laughing and he was making a strange noise and I realized something was very wrong,” O’Grady said in an interview with Lisa Biolmeier, a public relations specialist for Orleans/Niagara BOCES. “My instincts just took over and I ran behind him in the chair and reached down and started doing the Heimlich maneuver. I was pushing hard on his stomach and I just remember thinking I hope I am doing this right.”      O’Grady had never received formal training in the Heimlich maneuver, but said he recognized the signs of choking from seeing it depicted on television. Acting purely on instinct, he intervened as Hewitt struggled to breathe.      “I just went on instinct. Everything seemed to go in slow motion. A lunch attendant ran over because they thought we were fighting. I was trying to explain what was going on. I was so relieved when Aiden started breathing again. They took him over to the nurse’s office. I was shaking so hard afterwards. I think I was in shock.”     Hewitt said the experience was frightening and credits O’Grady with reacting immediately when it mattered most.      “We have been friends for a couple of years and we were just hanging out and the next thing I felt something lodged in my throat. Dan just jumped up from the table and ran to me,” Hewitt said. “I was really scared and just so grateful that he helped me. It was very scary.”      Instructor Jeff Brown said the incident highlighted O’Grady’s character and presence of mind under pressure.      “He is just a great kid and a great student and we are very impressed with his quick response to save his friend.”      School officials say the outcome could have been far worse without O’Grady’s immediate action. Promotional Content Niagara Falls Student Praised for Quick Action That Saved Classmate’s Life

Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino traveled to Albany on Wednesday, February 12th to formally request $200 million in state funding for his proposed Centennial Park events center, using his appearance at a joint legislative budget hearing to press lawmakers for what he described as transformational investment in the city’s future.      Speaking before state legislators during the annual budget session – often referred to as “Tin Cup Day” (i.e.: begging for money) because of the number of municipal leaders seeking financial assistance – Restaino argued that Niagara Falls faces unique fiscal limitations that make large-scale public investment difficult without state support.      The mayor pointed to the substantial amount of tax-exempt land within city limits, including state-owned property, and acreage belonging to the Seneca Nation. He said the concentration of tax-free property significantly reduces the city’s ability to generate local revenue to finance major development projects on its own.      According to Restaino, state-owned properties in Niagara Falls are valued at approximately $284 million and account for roughly 15 percent of the city’s total assessed property value. He also referenced 51 acres of Seneca Nation territory in the downtown tourism district, including the Seneca Niagara Casino.      “If I was able to tax the state-owned and state-authority property, Niagara Reservation State Park, land owned by the New York Power Authority and other tax-exempt acreage, Niagara Falls would collect approximately $11 million annually,” he said. “Other cities can make similar claims about not being able to tax state-owned property, not to the degree that Niagara Falls is impacted.”      Restaino contended that if Niagara Falls were able to collect those funds, it would be better positioned to finance projects like Centennial Park independently. Instead, he said the city requires state partnership to move forward with the initiative.      Restaino has consistently described the project as a way to diversify the city’s tourism economy and reduce reliance on seasonal visitation. He told lawmakers that amateur and youth sports represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the hospitality industry and argued that Niagara Falls is well-positioned to capture a share of that market.      He also referenced aggressive tourism expansion efforts underway in Ontario, saying New York must think boldly if Niagara Falls is to remain competitive.      “Across the border, the Ontario government has announced a multi-billion dollar effort to double the tourism sector’s economic impact,” Restaino said. “They are thinking big and I would impress upon you all that the adoption of that mentality is what is direly needed for the revitalization of Niagara Falls USA.”      The mayor’s funding request comes as the total estimated cost of Centennial Park has risen to at least $250 million. The $200 million figure he requested from the state would represent the majority of project funding, with the remaining costs expected to be covered through a combination of local resources and potential additional support.      Restaino has repeatedly cited a feasibility study conducted by Sports Facilities Advisory, a Florida-based consulting firm, as evidence that the project is financially viable. The study, partially funded by Empire State Development, concluded that the arena could generate more than $50 million in total economic impact during its first five years of operation.      “Dispels the notion” that the project is unrealistic, Restaino has said of the study’s findings, arguing that Centennial Park is not a “pipe dream.”      “This project has the potential to add to the downtown revitalization of Niagara Falls by stimulating local businesses, encouraging new development and increasing foot traffic by attracting year-round activities and events,” Restaino said.      While the mayor has framed Centennial Park as an economic catalyst, many economists remain skeptical about the broader economic benefits of publicly funded stadiums and arenas.      Research conducted over the past several decades has consistently questioned the economic return on public investment in sports facilities. A 2022 analysis titled “The impact of professional sports franchises and venues on local economies: A comprehensive survey” examined more than 120 studies related to stadium subsidies. The report reaffirmed a long-standing academic consensus that while sports venues can generate social benefits, civic pride and localized spending, their measurable economic impact on host communities tends to be limited.      Restaino referenced other large-scale public expenditures supported by state leaders in recent years including the $2 billion Buffalo Bills stadium project in Orchard Park, billions in incentives for Micron’s semiconductor manufacturing campus in central New York, and $400 million allocated for downtown redevelopment in Albany.      Whether lawmakers will agree remains uncertain. State budget negotiations are ongoing and large capital commitments often face intense scrutiny, particularly when tied to projects still subject to litigation and land acquisition disputes. Up to this point the state has refused to participate in any meaningful funding negotiations while litigation is ongoing between the City and Niagara Falls Redevelopment (NFR).      Time will tell. Promotional Content Restaino Seeks $200 Million in State Funding for Centennial Park During Albany Budget Hearing

Buffalo, NY — Niagara Action, Western New York’s fastest-growing multi-media news platform, has officially been acquired by two corporate entities, one of which is based in Buffalo, NY. Following a formal shareholder vote, Kristy Mazurek has been elected Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of the Niagara Action newspaper.   The announcement comes on the same day that the publication rolled out a print edition for the first time in its 10-year history, distributing 100,000 copies across Niagara County, Erie County, and the surrounding region. The publication maintains a rapidly expanding footprint and delivers to all Tops Friendly Markets and Wegmans locations, in addition to dozens of independent retail and community locations. New distribution sites are being added weekly.   Digitally, Niagara Action continues to demonstrate dominant regional reach:   -400,000–600,000 monthly article page views -Reaches 5–20 million on Facebook monthly -Over 480K followers on Facebook -Exceeding 4 million video views monthly -Post engagement exceeding 1.5+ million monthly   The publication’s continued expansion is being financed by a Buffalo-based business committed to strengthening independent, locally driven journalism throughout Western New York.   Kristy Mazurek brings more than two decades of television journalism experience to her new role. Her distinguished career as a TV anchor and investigative reporter has taken her to major markets including Erie, PA; Buffalo; Detroit; Cincinnati; and Atlanta.   Her investigative reporting has earned her multiple Emmy Awards and nominations in addition to the prestigious Golden Microphone Award from the White House for her groundbreaking exposé on Gulf War Syndrome. She has also served as a panelist on the nationally syndicated program Crime Stories with Nancy Grace.   Beyond broadcast journalism, Mazurek has held significant communications and leadership roles including:   -President of Successful Strategies, Inc. -Communications Director and Liaison to Albany for New York State Assembly’s 143rd District -Communications Officer with the Erie County Executive’s Office -Communications Director for the Erie County Office of Veterans Affairs   Her community involvement includes service on numerous boards and fundraising committees such as the Variety Club – The Children’s Charity, the Miracle League of WNY, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, ARMS (Advancing Research for Multiple Sclerosis), CATS (Child and Adolescent Treatment Services), The Matt Urban Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7275, The American Warrior Festival, Strength in Numbers Military Outreach, Angels of Hope, and the Judges and Police Executives Conference of Erie County.   Raised on Buffalo’s East Side in the heart of Polonia, Mazurek attended St. John Kanty and Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart before studying at Edinboro University and completing her journalism degree at Buffalo State.   She is a cancer survivor and the daughter of Henry Mazurek, former Erie County Legislator and Director of Veterans Affairs, and Patricia Mazurek, a longtime hematology lab technician at ECMC.   Under Mazurek’s leadership, Niagara Action will continue to expand its investigative reporting, community coverage and print distribution network throughout Western New York.   “This acquisition represents not just growth but a renewed commitment to bold, independent journalism that serves our communities,” said Mazurek. “Niagara Action is uniquely positioned to lead the next generation of local news across print and digital platforms.”   With strong financial backing, record-setting digital engagement, and expanded regional distribution, Niagara Action enters 2026 positioned as one of Western New York’s most influential independent media brands. Contract: Niagara Action niagaraaction@gmail.com Niagara Action Announces Acquisition by Two Corporations, Kristy Mazurek Named Editor-in-Chief and Publisher

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 9:07pm on February 15th after reports of a subject with a gun on the 1700 block of Ferry Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller - a third party - relayed to dispatch that his roommate said two people were in the backyard with handguns. The caller was communicating with his roommate via Facebook. The caller then stated the suspects left the backyard and were walking down the driveway. He was able to take pictures of them on his phone. Police were responding to the location. While doing so, they observed two black males running. Additional units then assisted. The males were then observed getting into a vehicle. This is where the audio stops. It is unknown if the males were apprehended. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Suspects Travel through Backyards in Niagara Falls Neighborhood with Handguns Out

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 7:06pm on February 15th after reports of an assault at the Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller stated that she was at the pool area with her son. While there, an unknown male grabbed her son while he was in the water, submerged him under the water and would not let him up for air. At the time of the call, the unknown male was still in the pool area. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the male was arrested. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Stranger at Seneca Niagara Casino Holds Woman's Child Underwater at Pool

For decades, the city of Niagara Falls has struggled with levels of violent and property crime that far outpace state and national norms, a grim reality backed by the city’s own reported statistics. According to the latest available Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reports (UCR), Niagara Falls recorded 237 violent crimes in 2024, translating to a violent crime rate of 501.1 incidents per 100,000 residents, roughly 40% higher than the national rate and significantly above the statewide average. Property crimes in the same year numbered 1,328, yielding a rate of 2,807.8 per 100,000 people, which is nearly 60% higher than the national property crime rate and dwarfing comparable figures from across New York State.      These troubling figures do not exist in isolation. Long-term comparisons suggest that while some categories of crime have shifted over time, Niagara Falls remains an outlier among cities of similar size. Other independent crime indices consistently rank Niagara Falls among the more dangerous cities in New York State with crime scores and victimization probabilities far above benchmarks for comparable urban centers.      Residents have felt the effects firsthand: a one-in-200 chance of being victimized by violent crime annually, and a one-in-36 likelihood of falling prey to property crime, are sobering statistics for any community.      Local reporting has underscored patterns of assaults, thefts, home invasions, and vehicle thefts that continue to disrupt daily life even as official narratives fluctuate. Despite national trends showing modest overall decreases in violent crime in 2024 according to broader FBI figures, local data in Niagara Falls paint a stubbornly persistent picture of disorder and danger.      Yet, even as these statistics underscore a long-standing public safety crisis, a new controversy has emerged—one that goes beyond raw numbers and into the very heart of civic transparency.      Not too long ago, local media outlets, including Niagara Action, received upwards of ten police incident reports daily via email each morning from the Niagara Falls Police Department. These reports were the lifeblood of community crime reporting. Journalists would sift through them, identify serious violent incidents, burglaries, home invasions, shootings, and more, and publish what the public needed to know.      Over time, however, the volume of these reports has dwindled markedly. Incident reports involving assaults, robberies, burglaries, shootings, menacing, and other serious crimes that once appeared reliably each morning seldom appear on a weekly basis in our inbox.      Today, media outlets are lucky to receive five to ten reports a week, and most of those focus on non-violent minor offenses such as traffic matters, shoplifting, and etc., rather than the more serious offenses that have plagued this city for decades. This shift raises profound questions about whether the Restaino administration’s handling of police data is obscuring the true scope of violent crime in Niagara Falls.      Did the crimes themselves stop? Unlikely. Once Niagara Action realized what was happening, we began utilizing police audio for our reporting, which is when we ascertained that there should certainly not be a shortage of police reports.      Police audio revealed that the Niagara Falls Police Department was withholding police incident reports for burglaries, assaults, home invasions, menacing and a host of other crimes.      Let’s review what was disseminated by the Niagara Falls Police Department to media outlets in December and January. For transparency, the police department says they have a policy that they cannot disseminate incident reports that are from “domestic incidents” despite the fact that they have grown very accustomed to redacting the ones they do send out. DECEMBER -A total of 25 reports were sent out on 9 separate occasions -21 out of 25 reports were non-violent -6 traffic -10 shoplifting -2 theft -3 misc. -4 violent and/or serious crimes -2 burglary -1 criminal mischief -1 assault JANUARY -A total of 22 reports were sent out on 8 separate occasions -18 out of 22 reports were non-violent -6 traffic -6 shoplifting -2 theft -4 misc. -4 violent and/or serious crimes -2 burglary -1 criminal mischief -1 menacing      Niagara Action does not publish all police audio recordings that are generated. We are selective to the ones we believe are most pertinent and have enough information for us to write an article with some supporting detail.      Below are the titles for 17 articles we published to our website in December with police audio that the Niagara Falls Police Department DID NOT send out a police incident report for. All violent crimes are in bold: (1) Black Shoplifter Assaults Dollar Tree Employees and Threatens to Blow their Heads Off in Niagara Falls (2) Niagara Falls Police Find Scared 8-year-old Next to Man who Overdosed Inside Home (3) Woman Spits on Victim and Attacks Him with Knife During Domestic Dispute (4) Woman Threatens to Set Neighbor on Fire with Lighter Fluid in Niagara Falls (5) Stranger Tries to Abduct Child at Niagara Falls Hotel (6) Black Male Forces US Postal Worker to Hand Over Mailbox Keys in Niagara Falls (7) Police Pursue Suspects After Targeted Shootings in Downtown Niagara Falls (8) Neighbors Point Guns at One Another Over Amazon Package in Niagara Falls (9) 18-year-old Daughter Tries to Slice and Dice Father in Niagara Falls (10) Woman Calls 911 After Daughter was Shot in Niagara Falls (11) Father Drops Newborn Child While Attacking Baby Momma With Brass Knuckles in Niagara Falls (12) Male Threatens Spencer's Employee with Gun During Possible Dildo Dispute in Niagara Falls (13) Neighbor Calls Police as Son Starts Beating Elderly Father to Death in Niagara Falls (14) Suspect Breaks Into Ex-girlfriend's Home, Starts Threatening to Kill People with Knife (15) Boyfriend Threatens to Shoot Woman's Child, Starts Shooting Gun Through Front Door in Niagara Falls (16) Suspect Holds Knife to Woman's Neck During Domestic Incident in Niagara Falls (17) Suspect Injects Victim with Unknown Substance During Break-in      Below are the titles for 15 articles we published to our website in January with police audio that the Niagara Falls Police Department DID NOT send out a police incident report for. All violent crimes are in bold: (1) Pizza Delivery Guy Robbed at Gunpoint in Niagara Falls, Police Arrest Both Suspects (2) Police Respond to Apartment Building at 1am for Bald Man Banging on Hallway Wall with Axe (3) Boy Comes for Revenge and Points Gun at Ex-Girlfriend’s Head in Niagara Falls (4) Niagara Falls Man Tells police ‘I just shot my mother and sister’ (5) Police Listen Over Phone as Woman and her Daughter are Attacked in Niagara Falls (6) Black Male Tries to Slice Up White Woman with Machete in Niagara Falls (7) Landlord Forces Way Into Tenant’s Apartment with Pitchfork in Niagara Falls (8) Suspects Flee through Woods After Crashing Stolen Vehicle in Snow, Apprehended by Niagara Falls Police (9) Suspect Beats Victim with Crowbar at Niagara Falls 7-Eleven (10) Steven Nickerson Allegedly Threatens Woman with Knife During Niagara Falls Domestic (11) Suspect Threatens to Kill Victim with Machete During Armed Robbery at Niagara Falls Motel (12) Niagara Falls Police Apprehended Dangerous Robbery Suspect by Force (13) Cab Driver Witnesses Woman’s Face Destroyed During Niagara Falls Assault (14) Niagara Falls Officer Struck by Vehicle and Hospitalized, Other Passengers Unresponsive (15) No Fries for You – Suspected Drunk Driver Wakes Up in McDonald’s Drive-Thru Line in Niagara Falls      So altogether, out of these 32 incidents – most of which were violent – the Niagara Falls Police Department did not send out a single police report.      Niagara Action sent an email to City Administrator Anthony Restaino on February 12th asking the following questions: 1.  Is Mayor Restaino aware that the Niagara Falls Police Department is releasing only a limited number of police incident reports to the media? When did he become aware of this practice? 2. Why are the majority of reports being shared with the press non-violent in nature, while reports involving violent offenses appear to be largely absent? 3.  Who specifically ordered or approved the reduction in the number of police incident reports released to media outlets — Mayor Restaino, the Police Chief, or another city official? 4.  Was there a formal directive, written or verbal, instructing the department to limit the release of certain categories of crime reports? If so, when was it issued and by whom? 5.  Is the City of Niagara Falls intentionally limiting the release of violent crime reports to shape public perception of crime levels? 6. If the City denies limiting transparency, how does it explain the discrepancy between police radio traffic and the small number of official incident reports being made available to the public? 7. Does the administration believe withholding or selectively releasing incident reports is consistent with its stated commitment to transparency and public accountability?      "I ask that your answers be given by Saturday, February 14th, 2026, at 9am. If you would rather give a statement instead of answering the questions, you are free to do so and we will include the quote in full," the email read.      The Restaino administration refused to answer all seven of the questions, nor did they provide a statement.      This is not the first time that the Restaino administration has been embroiled in an issue with police incident reports.      Back in 2021, Mayor Restaino and his administration stopped a decades-old practice of released police incident reports to the media. Here is an excerpt of an article published by the Niagara Falls Reporter dated January 30th, 2021:      “Niagara Falls Mayor Robert M. Restaino released his most recent city update on Friday, January 29th, 2021, which included a minute and a half segment on police incident reports. The City of Niagara Falls, and Restaino in particular, have been under fire by a variety of media outlets over the past two weeks after it was initially reported by the Niagara Reporter that the city had ended a decades old practice of disseminating police incident reports to media outlets each day. Restaino, in a statement earlier this week, stated that he made the decision to protect victims. Media outlets were quick to point out that this decision was made during a record-setting year for the Cataract City who saw 18 homicides in 2020.”      The numbers tell one story while radio traffic tells another. In just two months, Niagara Action documented 32 separate incidents – most of them violent – that never generated a publicly disseminated police incident report, despite being serious enough to require law enforcement response.      During that same period, the Niagara Falls Police Department distributed only 47 total reports combined for December and January with the overwhelming majority involving traffic stops, shoplifting, and minor thefts.      The pattern is unmistakable: while police audio reveals assaults, armed robberies, shootings, menacing, domestic violence, and home invasions, the official paper trail provided to the media paints a far calmer picture. When transparency narrows while crime remains active, residents are left to wonder what narrative is being curated—and by whom.      The Restaino administration’s refusal to answer seven direct questions about this practice only deepens concern. Transparency is not selective and public safety is not public relations. In a city that continues to rank above state and national crime averages, the free flow of information is not a luxury—it is a necessity. ALL ARTICLES WITH POLICE AUDIO CAN BE FOUND ON THE NEWS TAB UNDER CRIME Promotional Content Is the Restaino Administration Hiding Violent Crime Incident Reports in Niagara Falls from Media?

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 7:40pm on February 15th after reports of a violent domestic altercation on the 1000 block of 92nd Street in Niagara Falls. Unknown who the 911 caller was. The domestic incident was in progress during the call and police could hear it unfolding. A male was holding the female back from leaving. The female could be heard screaming, including, "you're a child beater." Additional information then came in that the altercation was between a father and daughter. Police responded to the scene and the woman was able to leave the residence safely. It is unknown if the father was arrested. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Woman Screams 'You're a child beater' as Man Won't Let Her Leave the Home in Niagara Falls

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 4:40pm on February 16th after reports of menacing with a weapon at Delta Sonic on Niagara Falls Boulevard in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller and complainant said that a white male with face tattoos was blocking the entrance to the car wash. When the caller beeped the horn at him, the suspect pulled a knife on him. The suspect then would not leave the side of the complainant's vehicle. The complainant was afraid for his safety and that of his vehicle, moreso. The male seemed unhinged, unbalanced (and probably unmedicated). Police responded to the scene. It is believed the male with the face tattoos was arrested. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Male with Face Tattoos Blocks Entrance to Delta Sonic in Niagara Falls, Starts Waiving Knife Around

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 11:19pm on February 12th after reports of an assault with a weapon on the 1900 block of Pine Avenue. The 911 caller - a third party - said that he was asked by the victim to call police, stating that he was just hit in the head with an axe and that he was bleeding heavily. Niagara Falls Police and Fire (for medical) responded to the scene. The severity of the male's injuries are unknown. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Niagara Falls Police Respond to Emergency Call After Man Hit in Head with Axe

By: Sumit Majumdar, CEO of Buffalo Biodiesel & Limited Partner of Verite Capital Partners As New York State pursues aggressive decarbonization, the answer may not lie in abandoning gas infrastructure, but in changing what flows through it. PEOPLE OFTEN ASK ME: "Why are you so passionate about the environment? Why are you building an RNG plant and what the heck is RNG? How is it different, and why is it so important?" To answer that, I have to go back to the beginning. As a lifelong environmentalist and a person living with asthma, my journey didn't start in a boardroom—it started with a simple desire to breathe clean air. Having traveled the world and choked on the smog of countless industrial cities, I became hyper-focused on carbon. I asked myself a fundamental question: What can I do to reduce my own carbon emissions right now? Mass transit wasn't a viable option for my line of work, and cycling 50 miles a day wasn't practical. While zero emissions is the ultimate goal, electric vehicles (EVs) didn't exist at the time. So, I went after my greatest emission source: my vehicle. I traded my SUV for a Volkswagen TDI running on biodiesel made from recycled fryer grease. The result was immediate. Carbon emissions dropped by 81%. I felt I was doing my part. This personal victory evolved into a business mission. I began recycling cooking oil to produce biofuels, displacing diesel fuel to help others lower their footprints. But as we processed fryer oil, we were left with a byproduct: effluent and food slurry. For over a decade, we took this food slurry to incinerators or farm-based digesters. I soon realized the limitations of the existing system. The farm digesters would typically compost the waste, or worse, flare the resulting methane—burning it off into the atmosphere. Even if they used it in electrical generators, it felt like a half-measure. A schematic of an anaerobic digester, showing the conversion of organic waste into biogas and bio-fertilizer. I saw a hidden danger in this energy cycle. We burn vast amounts of natural gas in our homes and businesses, producing CO2. The common refrain is to "electrify everything," but we must ask the uncomfortable question: Where does that electricity come from? Is it from the Huntley plant? Is it from burning coal or natural gas? If we are running natural gas generators to make electricity, we are only shifting the emissions, not solving them. This is where the quiet revolution of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) begins. The "Now" vs. The Underground In the global race to mitigate climate change, the spotlight has largely fallen on electrification. However, a pragmatic solution exists that addresses the immediate threat of methane while utilizing our current infrastructure. Unlike conventional natural gas, which is extracted from geological reserves deep underground, RNG is the product of the "now." It is derived from the decomposition of organic matter—food waste, agricultural manure, and wastewater sludge—that society generates daily. By capturing the methane released from this waste and refining it to pipeline quality, we create a carbon-negative fuel source. We don't need to dig for it; we just need to stop wasting it. A schematic of a gas upgrading unit, showing the repurposing of the RNG and the green carbon dioxide. The Anatomy of an RNG Plant The technological heart of this process is the Anaerobic Digester. Unlike a landfill, which is an open environment where waste rots unpredictably, a digester is a sealed, oxygen-free tank. Inside these tanks, microorganisms break down organic material in a controlled environment. The result is raw biogas—a mixture of roughly 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide. This raw biogas is then passed through a sophisticated upgrading system. The system removes moisture, siloxanes, and other impurities, purifying the methane to over 99% concentration. At this stage, it is chemically identical to geological natural gas and can be injected directly into the interstate pipeline grid to heat homes, power factories, or fuel heavy-duty trucks. The remaining carbon dioxide is easily cleaned to food grade 99.9% purity, with membrane filters making it a valuable commodity. This CO2 can be run through an attached greenhouse, creating the perfect atmosphere for massive, healthy produce. It can also be liquified or frozen to be used in carbonics, such as green dry ice or green liquid carbon dioxide for your favorite soft or hard beverages at your local bar! The Methane Emergency To understand the value of RNG, one must understand the enemy: methane. While carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most prevalent greenhouse gas, methane (CH4) is the most aggressive. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), methane is over 80 times more potent than CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 20-year period. Currently, vast amounts of methane leak into the atmosphere from two primary sources: 1. Fossil Fuel Operations: Through leaks in extraction and the wasteful practice of "flaring" (burning off excess gas). 2. Organic Decay: From landfills, dairy farms, and wastewater treatment plants where organic matter rots uncontrolled. "Flaring is a double failure," energy analysts explain. "Not only are you burning a valuable resource without capturing its energy, but flares are often inefficient, releasing unburnt methane and other pollutants directly into the air." RNG production reverses this dynamic. Instead of drilling for new carbon, it captures the "fugitive" methane from organic waste before it hits the atmosphere. A cross-section of a landfill showing uncontrolled methane emissions and inefficient flaring. BY THE NUMBERS: THE NEW YORK OPPORTUNITY New York State generates a massive amount of organic waste annually. Currently, this is a liability costing taxpayers money to dispose of. RNG turns it into an asset. • Total Organic Waste Available: 8–10 Million Tons per year statewide.      o Includes: 2.4 million tons of NYC food scraps, upstate dairy manure, and food processing waste (cheese/yogurt whey). • RNG Production Potential: ~44.4 Trillion Btu per year.      o Volume: Roughly 44 Billion cubic feet of renewable natural gas.      o Impact: This is enough energy to heat over 430,000 homes in New York State.      o Alternative: Or, replace 320 million gallons of diesel fuel annually (enough to power every refuse truck in the state 15 times over). A Double Environmental Win This is where the "carbon negative" aspect of RNG comes into play. By capturing methane that would have escaped and using it to displace fossil fuels, you get a double benefit. 1. Methane Reduction: Organic waste currently accounts for 34% of New York State's total methane emissions. Diverting this waste to digesters would effectively eliminate these fugitive emissions, cutting the state's overall methane footprint by roughly 15%—a massive single-step reduction. 2. CO2 Equivalent Reduction: Using this RNG would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 3–4 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year. • Visual: That is the equivalent of taking over 850,000 cars off the road permanently. The Landfill Kicker Beyond the clean air and energy, there is a tangible benefit for every municipality: space. Digesting this waste, rather than dumping it, slows down the "rate of climb" on our garbage mountains by 35%. This drastically reduces the need for new landfills in our backyards. For clean air, we need to do a few things. First, we need to reduce METHANE emissions—the giant problem. Taking organic waste and digesting it tackles the methane problem, the energy problem, and the landfill problem all at once. It is the common sense solution for a cleaner New York. DATA: THE CLEAR ADVANTAGE A comparative chart illustrating the environmental benefits of an RNG system over a conventional natural gas system. A Blueprint for the Future What began as a decades-long dream is now crossing the finish line, evolving from a concept into a concrete reality. This facility represents more than just a renewable energy plant; it is a proof of concept for a new industrial age—one where clean air technology is happily married to agriculture and industry. By treating "waste" not as a burden but as a resource, we are closing the loop on pollution. We are capturing methane that would otherwise heat our atmosphere, purifying water that protects our local watersheds, and creating high-quality jobs that support our community. This project demonstrates that the principles of Gaia theory—where living organisms interact with their inorganic surroundings to form a self-regulating, complex system—can be applied to modern industry to solve our most pressing challenges: employment, nutritional security, and environmental stewardship. The science is better than it has ever been, and the support from government and industry confirms that the time for this transition is now. We are not just building a plant; we are building a legacy of conservation and innovation for the next generation. COMING NEXT WEEK: In the next installment of this series, we will move from the machinery to the greenhouse. I will take you on an in-depth dive into the agricultural breakthroughs of this system, detailing exactly how the captured CO2, nutrient-rich liquid effluent, and organic solids from the RNG digester are used to supercharge crop growth and revolutionize sustainable farming. ------------------------------ ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sumit Majumdar is a lifetime environmentalist who has served as the CEO of Buffalo Biodiesel Inc. for over 20 years. He is a regular contributor to Bloomberg Green Markets and has held positions on the boards of publicly traded companies on both the Nasdaq and Frankfurt stock exchanges in the technology and green energy sectors. He is the recipient of the Patriotic Employer Award from the Department of Defense and has received numerous accolades for his commitment to the community and the environment, including honors from the New York State Senate. Mr. Majumdar recently joined Verite Capital Partners as a Limited Partner. He is currently being personally mentored by Don Jones, the Chairman of Verite Capital Partners. Outside of his leadership at Verite Capital, Don Jones is a board member of Nuvance Health and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Felician University, where he received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award. Mr. Jones is also the recipient of the Catholic Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award and has been a long-time advocate for community programs to elevate underserved groups and to promote ethical business practices that benefit both the community and the environment. BEYOND FOSSIL FUELS: How Renewable Natural Gas Turns Environmental Liability into Clean Energy Assets

By: Sumit Majumdar, CEO of Buffalo Biodiesel & Limited Partner of Verite Capital Partners Special Report: The 2026 Venture Outlook INTRODUCTION: A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE Many people have asked me recently: How did you get into venture capital, and why did venture capital invest in your company? To provide clarity, I want to explain what venture capital looks like today for a deal like mine. There is no question that this article does not cover the entire universe of investment triggers; it is based strictly on my specific experience and industry. However, the lessons here are universal for any founder looking to scale. THE HOOK: WHAT VCs ACTUALLY CRAVE In the current vintage of venture capital, the "idea" is no longer the currency—execution is. At Verite Capital Partners, we aren't just buying into a product; we are buying into a Market Leadership trajectory. We look for a "Unicorn DNA" composed of three non-negotiables: 1. Defensible Innovation: Can your business survive innovation, price wars, legal battles, regulatory hurdles, and even organized crime unleashed by your competitors? If you are easily disrupted, you are not defensible. 2. Operational Efficiency: Can you grow without hemorrhaging cash? 3. The Will to Lead: Do you have the infrastructure to capture 50% of your niche, or are you content being a feature in someone else’s ecosystem? If you can't demonstrate all three, you aren't a venture-scale business; you’re a lifestyle company. THE EFFICIENCY MANDATE: RATIOS THAT MATTER In 2026, capital is "expensive," and the "growth-at-all-costs" era has been relegated to history. To secure a seat at the table, your "Magic Number" must be backed by rigorous efficiency AND proven operational experience. Over a decade ago, the CEO of Metalico told me: "I don’t invest in businesses, I invest in management." That wisdom remains the bedrock of modern investing. • The Burn Multiple (1.0 – 1.5): This is the ultimate health check. If you spend two dollars to generate one dollar of Net New ARR, you don’t have a business; you have an expensive hobby. • The LTV:CAC Ratio (3:1 Minimum): In my experience scaling Buffalo Biodiesel, the moment your acquisition cost encroaches on your lifetime value, your scalability vanishes. • The Rule of 40: The sum of your growth rate and profit margin must equal or exceed 40%. This ensures you can survive market volatility while remaining an attractive acquisition or IPO target. RAISING IN "STACKS": THE STRATEGIC TRANCHE The era of the $20M "blind" check is over. We are seeing a rise in Stack Funding. This involves a single investment round released in performance-based tranches: 1. The Launch Stack: Initial capital to finalize the MVP and core team. 2.  The Traction Stack: Released only upon hitting predefined Revenue or User Milestones. 3.  The Scale Stack: Unlocked for national expansion. This "stacking" method de-risks the investment for Limited Partners while allowing the founder to preserve equity by proving value before the next tranche of capital is "priced" or released. THE "DUAL EDGE": IP AND REGULATORY STRATEGY To achieve true market dominance, you must leverage the synchronization of Intellectual Property (IP) and Regulatory Intelligence. • The IP Edge: Patents and trade secrets are strategic weapons. They create a "Freedom to Operate" window, giving you a multi-year head start and acting as a 3x valuation multiplier. • The Regulatory Edge: Treat regulation as a catalyst, not a hurdle. By integrating regulatory strategy into early R&D, you can identify "fast-track" pathways, shaving 12–24 months off a product launch. • The Synergy: If you have IP but no regulatory path, you have a science project. If you have a regulatory path but no IP, you have a commodity. Market leaders own the intersection. MARKETING EVOLUTION: FROM CONCEPT TO LEGACY A business is a living organism; its voice must change as it grows. At Buffalo Biodiesel, our marketing today looks nothing like it did at the conceptual stage. • Conceptual Phase (Founder-Led): Focus on "The Why." You are selling a vision to early adopters through direct community engagement and waitlists. • Growth Phase (Performance Marketing): This is purely mathematical—optimizing your CAC through digital channels to prove the "Machine" works. • Established Phase (Brand Equity): At this stage, you are building a "moat." Marketing becomes defensive, focusing on reputation, industry leadership, and customer retention. You are no longer introducing yourself; you are asserting your dominance. If you meet the requirements for VC, congratulations you are an operator with a solid business.  There are plenty of strong concept start-ups that never succeed or meet their growth potential due to operational challenges that include capital and management.  The next article will be about financing for small businesses and how to obtain seed capital and growth capital. THE VC LANDSCAPE: SIZE AND SPECIALIZATION : Founders often make the mistake of pitching the wrong "weight class." The ecosystem is now highly stratified, and knowing who to talk to is half the battle. ----------------------------- ABOUT THE WRITER Sumit Majumdar is a lifetime environmentalist who has served as the CEO of Buffalo Biodiesel Inc. for over 20 years. He recently joined Verite Capital Partners as a Limited Partner. Majumdar is currently being personally mentored and coached by Don Jones, the Chairman of Verite Capital Partners. A titan in the retail space, Jones holds significant positions in the medical and education sectors and previously worked for industry icons like Steve Jobs and Charles Schwab, to name a few. A regular contributor to Bloomberg Green Markets, Majumdar has held positions on the boards of publicly traded companies and has served as CEO for companies listed on both the Nasdaq and Frankfurt stock exchanges. He is the recipient of the Patriotic Employer Award from the Department of Defense and has received numerous accolades for his commitment to the community and the environment, including honors from the New York State Senate. Does Your Business Have the Secret Sauce that Venture Capital Craves?

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 1:25pm on December 20th after reports of an unwanted party on Cleveland Avenue in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller said that a male named "Jimmy" came over to help her with an appliance and was refusing to leave. The caller then told police that she had "many swords and knives" and would "use them if she had to." At the time of the call, the male party was still at her home. Police responded to the scene. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Woman with Samurai Swords Threatens Man who Won't Leave her Home in Niagara Falls

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 3:10am on February 8th after reports of an assault on the 400 block of 6th Street in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller - a third party - said that her 20-year-old daughter called and said that she had just been jumped by six females at this air BnB and was currently locked in a bathroom. At the time of the call, the victim was still locked in the bathroom with the six females waiting on the other side of the door to continue assaulting her. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if any of the individuals who assaulted the victim were arrested. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Girl Locks Herself in Bathroom After Being Severely Beaten at Niagara Falls Air BnB

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 1pm on February 1st after reports of an assault with a weapon at the Sam's Club gas station on Military Road in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller said that a "male swung on him" because he said he was blocking traffic for fuel. The caller also stated that he was kicked several times as well. After being "swung on" and kicked in the legs "multiple times," the male "pulled a knife" on him. The caller thought he was going to die. Police had the license plate number and a possible ID on the suspect. Police responded to the scene but the suspect had already fled. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Victim Violently Assaulted Gassing Up Car at Sam's Club in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls Police responded to the 2000 block of 18th Street around 9:30pm on February 10th to assist Niagara County Probation with a home check. Upon arrival, officers observed a black SUV in the driveway known to be operated by a female and a black male known to police who was wearing a face covering carrying a small child into a residence. Probation officers made contact with the female and male at the door and she indicated another person was inside, initially claiming the male was her brother. When the male removed his mask, he was positively identified as Jeremiah James Walker. Supervisory Probation Officer Bill Collins contacted Walker in an upstairs bathroom and, after Walker exited the bathroom, searched the bathroom and located suspected narcotics. Walker was then detained. Collins continued his search upstairs and found a Glock 44 handgun in a baby’s playpen which had an apparent auto sear (“glock switch”) affixed to the rear of the firearm, rendering it fully capable of fully automatic fire. On scene, both the female and Walker denied ownership of the gun and were transported to Niagara Falls Police Headquarters. Once there, Walker admitted that the firearm belonged to him and signed a written statement accepting responsibility. The female was released from custody. Walker was subsequently arrested and charged with criminal possession of an assault weapon in the 3rd degree. No further information is available at this time. Promotional Content Niagara Falls Probationer Hides Fully Automatic Glock in Baby Playpen

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 1:30am on February 9th after reports of a home invasion and violent assault on the 500 block of Oliver Street in North Tonawanda. Dispatch advised that a male broke into the apartment and was physical with a female occupant. The female declined EMS at the time of the call. It is unknown if she opted to seek medical treatment herself. The 911 caller was a third party who heard the physical altercation. Screaming could be heard from the apartment in addition to loud noises as bodies were moving around. No further details will be given as to what occurred during the assault and its nature. North Tonawanda Police were working with Tonawanda Police to locate the suspect vehicle, which was described as a black sedan. The suspect was referred to as an Uber driver. It is unknown if the he was located in the time following the termination of the police audio. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Uber Driver Breaks Into Apartment and Assaults, Possibly Sexually, Woman in North Tonawanda f

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 2:30am on February 7th after reports of a burglary at McDonald's on the 1700 block of Pine Avenue in Niagara Falls where the suspect sustained serious hand injuries. The 911 caller said that a white male had a serious laceration(s) to the hand and a knife in his pocket. Witnesses or other third parties told police that the white male attempted, or succeeded, in forcing his way into the building, which resulted in the bloody laceration. It was unknown at the time of the call whether the knife played a role in gaining access and/or the injury. The suspect was still on location when police arrived. It was described by police as a "severe hand laceration." AMR was requested to the scene. It is unknown if the male was arrested. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Suspect Sustains Gruesome Hand Injury After Breaking Into Niagara Falls McDonald's with Knife

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 1:45am on February 7th after reports of a violent stabbing on the 2300 block of Orleans Avenue in Niagara Falls. Dispatch advised that the suspect(s) ran out of the door prior to police arrival. Police immediately requested that AMR be dispatched to the location after finding a victim at the location with visible stab wounds. Police then located a second individual at the location with visible stab wounds and requested a second AMR to the location. Both of the male victims were identified by police at the location. It is believed the identify of the suspect is also known by law enforcement. Police canvassed the area for the suspect. It is unknown if they were successful in locating the suspect after the call ended. The current condition after both victims were transported to a local hospital is unknown. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Niagara Falls Police Respond to Violent Stabbing Leaving Two in Serious Condition

In what it portrays as an effort to remedy reputational harm rather than seek a payday, Buffalo Biodiesel, Inc. (“BBD”), a Buffalo-based company that collects used cooking oil from more than 28,000 restaurants across the Northeastern United States, has filed suit in Erie County Supreme Court against The Buffalo News (“BN”) and Manhattan-based attorney Michael Collesano. BBD claims it’s seeking to restore its reputation and confront a coordinated smear campaign against its business, stating it will dedicate any proceeds to initiatives supporting a free and independent press and to environmental projects. The 76-page legal filing outlines a sweeping set of allegations aimed at defendants BN, Collesano, and BN reporter Mackenzie Shuman who is not named specifically but is referenced to throughout. The complaint is written in the company’s voice and repeatedly frames the dispute as an existential threat to its business—a reputational and commercial attack carried out in court papers and then echoed in newsprint. “Plaintiff plans to dedicate all proceeds from this action to efforts that restore its reputation and demonstrate that the litigation is not being pursued for financial gain,” the complaint states. “These funds will be directed toward initiatives that support a free and independent press and toward environmental projects designed to reduce carbon and methane emissions." COLLESANO’S CLASS ACTION FALSEHOODS? For Context, Michael Collesano filed a lawsuit against Buffalo Biodiesel making various allegations in 2024 and sought class action certification. He was denied and the lawsuit dismissed. The complaint’s narrative begins with what it calls Collesano’s “attempted class action” against BBD. “That on or about August 14th, 2024, Defendant Collesano filed a Summons and Complaint against Plaintiff requesting certification for a class action lawsuit,” the complaint says. It contends that the lawsuit, which it notes is publicly accessible, contained “dozens of claims” it says were designed to damage BBD’s standing in the community and the industry including allegations of “fraud, tax evasion, anti-trust violations, victimizing our suppliers, and operating a criminal enterprise.” “Defendant Collesano has no personal knowledge of these claims yet has made statements NOT made upon information and belief,” the complaint says. “Even when prefacing a statement upon information and belief, Defendant is making personal accusations against Plaintiff. He has no information to base these statements upon, yet has done so anyway.” A central theme of the complaint is that the “class action” label – which court records show was never established –  was used unethically by Collesano. BBD asserts that while the lawsuit was ongoing and Collesano was seeking class action certification, he was telling third parties and potential clients that he was counsel in a class action lawsuit. “Upon information and belief, during the pendency of motion practice – which spanned months – Defendant Collesano told third parties, including prospective clients for his own legal practice that he found on NYSCEF, that he was counsel for a class action lawsuit despite the fact that the class action was never certified,” the complaint alleges.   The company claims those representations were then used by competitor businesses to take away existing clients and damage their reputation to prevent BBD from signing new ones. “This lie that Defendant Collesano had a class action lawsuit, which was NEVER certified, was used by competitors of Plaintiff – namely Lifecycle Renewables, Inc. (‘Lifecycle’) and Baker Commodities Inc. (‘Baker’) – to tarnish our reputation in the oil collection industry, poach existing suppliers, and deter future ones,” the complaint states.  The complaint even alleges a relationship between Collesano and one or both of these competitors. “Upon information and belief, Defendant Collesano has worked with Lifecycle to tarnish Plaintiff’s reputation and financially harm the business,” the filing says, and adds a similar allegation regarding Baker. This allegation turned out to be true. In separate reporting done by Niagara Action on January 8th, this publication confirmed that during an on-the-record argument on December 23rd, 2025, Attorney Collesano stated that he was hired and being paid by a competitor of Buffalo Biodiesel. However, at this time it is unknown which competitor. As an example of the tone and content it says Collesano deployed, BBD quotes at length from an attorney affirmation it says he filed after the company moved to dismiss the lawsuit he sought to have certified as a class action. The complaint argues that even in court filings Collesano made statements designed to injure the business’s reputation rather than litigate narrow legal issues. The complaint reproduces excerpts, including: “The threat of regional crime is used by the Defendant to justify their brutal court tactics against hundreds of innocent and ignorant small business owners who are simply operating restaurants and are the real victims here.” It quotes another line as: “My clients are simply small business owners who have been sued because the Defendant has a problem with third-parties taking their oil, and these lawsuits which prey upon innocent people, working on marginal businesses are the fraud.” (these are comments made by Collesano about BBD in his failed class action lawsuit) BBD also highlights statements it characterizes as inflammatory and intended for public impact. “Defendant has threatened to sue an unknown number of small businesses using uniform doctored letters originally sanctioned by the New York State Attorney General and letters implying these potential plaintiffs are either committing crimes, will be committing one if they do business with BBD’s competitor, or are responsible for preventing them,” one excerpt says. (these are comments made by Collesano about BBD in his failed class action lawsuit) Another excerpt quoted in the complaint alleges that BBD uses litigation not to resolve disputes but to pressure settlements: “The Defendant is not using the Court system to litigate these claims, but to serve complaints, and then cherry pick the most vulnerable who choose to 1) settle for a sum less than a legal defense, 2) Default (which can be due to business failure and abandonment), and 3) hire counsel in which case the matters stagnate.” (these are comments made by Collesano about BBD in his failed class action lawsuit) The complaint’s broader point is that Collesano’s filings do not merely accuse the company, but rather read as a list of personal grievances describing the business model as predatory, criminal, and dishonest. It quotes language such as: “BBD uses the existence of ‘theft’ of their ‘property’ as a bludgeon to intimidate anyone and everyone in its orbit,” and, “BBD uses misrepresentation and fraud to entice these businesses into contract.” (these are comments made by Collesano about BBD in his failed class action lawsuit) From there, the complaint claims Collesano did not keep those claims within the four corners of pleadings. Buffalo Biodiesel alleges he told judges and others that a class action existed in order to affect ongoing discovery disputes. “Upon information and belief, Defendant Collesano had told Erie County Supreme Court Judges that there is an existing class action suit as a reason to delay answering discovery demands in cases where he is defense counsel to parties sued by Plaintiff,” the filing says. It also alleges he repeated the same claim to “prospective and current clients,” telling them “that there is a class action lawsuit that they could join against Buffalo Biodiesel.” COLLESANO SOLICITING CLIENTS UNETHICALLY? The complaint then spends considerable time outlining what they consider unethical advertising and solicitation practices by Collesano, asserting he is using court dockets to identify and contact defendants in BBD cases. The complaint cites New York’s Rule 7.3 governing solicitation. “Rule 7.3 states that ‘(a) A lawyer shall not engage in solicitation: (1) by in-person or telephone contact, or by realtime or interactive computer-accessed communication unless the recipient is a close friend, relative, former client or existing client . . . .” BBD says Collesano “solicited clients from NYSCEF, reaching out to defendants that are being sued by BBD offering to represent them,” and claims he did so across multiple states. “Upon information and belief, Defendant Collesano, who practices law out of New York City, has solicited clients in states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, and others,” the complaint alleges, adding: “these businesses who were sued by Plaintiff did not find Defendant Collesano on their own – he found them.” The complaint also notes what Collesano says to the people he contacts, including statements about BBD’s contracts, conduct, regulatory status, claims that the company was “being shut down by the DEC,” and that there was a class action. The complaint then quotes what it describes as an admission Collesano made in correspondence to a grievance committee, in which he discussed building a database of cases and sending letters: “This motivated me to instruct my secretary to build a database list of cases where BBD had sued small businesses in the past few months and to send a letter to them which I filed with the Committee,” the quoted passage says. It continues: “The letters sent resulted in my receipt of many calls. I was advised by all those responding that none of those business owners held BBD in a positive light. Some became my clients.” BBD argues that amounts to an admission of misconduct under the solicitation rule the. “In stating so, he implicated himself under Rule 7.3,” the complaint asserts. It then attributes an ideological motive to Collesano, alleging he framed the campaign as existential and personal. “In that same correspondence to the Grievance Committee, Defendant Collesano explained that he solicited clients because it is the purpose of his existence on Earth – his ‘raison d'être’ as he referred to it – to protect businesses from BBD,” the complaint says. The filing shows the solicitations did not stop with active defendants. The complaint alleges that BBD received a letter from current suppliers who received a solicitation letter from Collesano, asserting that it’s being sent broadly to people who settled with them in the past. According to a brief review of closed files on NYSCEF, Collesano could have sent this letter to hundreds of suppliers. “The letter from Defendant Collesano is being sent to every single defendant that Plaintiff ever settled a lawsuit with,” the complaint alleges, adding: “Again, he is finding these individuals again through NYSCEF and encouraging them to hire him, stating that their settlement can be set aside.” According to the complaint, some of the recipients are current suppliers whose settlements included continuing service and signing new contracts, meaning a solicitation encouraging them to reopen closed disputes could, BBD argues, directly interfere with business relationships. “Upon information and belief, Defendant Collesano is soliciting these individuals and encouraging them to breach a legally binding settlement agreement, interfering with Plaintiff’s contracts,” the complaint alleges. BUFFALO NEWS REPORTER SHUMAN BIASED? COMPLICIT? A refusal by Mackenzie Shuman to investigate claims against Michael Collesano. The filing then shifts to BN and reporter Mackenzie Shuman, an environmental reporter and climbing gym front-desk employee, focusing first on an article published August 17th, 2025. “Defendant BN published, an article titled ‘Buffalo Biodiesel, in trouble with state regulator, also faces lawsuit from 27 customers’ on August 17th, 2025,” the complaint says. The complaint calls the piece defamatory and says it contained “numerous false and defamatory statements, implications and insinuations” about Plaintiff’s service practices, its dealings with customers and suppliers, and its relationship with state regulators, including references to the New York Attorney General and the Department of Environmental Conservation. From BBD’s perspective, the most damning part is not simply what the article reported, but what information the newspaper refused to report. The complaint alleges that the August 17th article relied on a lawsuit Collesano filed on behalf of 27 plaintiffs around Aug ust 7th, 2025, and that Collesano contacted Shuman to drive coverage. “Upon information and belief, Defendant Collesano contacted [BN Reporter Shuman] after the lawsuit was filed so that a story could be written to injure the reputation of Plaintiff in the community and with current and prospective clients,” the complaint alleges. It adds: “The story was written by [BN Reporter Shuman] and published by Defendant BN less than 10 days after the lawsuit was filed.” The complaint says that before publication, their in-house counsel spoke with Shuman and provided a detailed roadmap of court history and reasons the company believed the new lawsuit was defective and/or without merit. “Upon information and belief, prior to the August 17th article being published, Plaintiff’s in-house counsel spoke with [BN Reporter Shuman] and provided information regarding Defendant Collesano. They discussed Defendant’s losing attempt at a class action lawsuit alleging the same facts – verbatim – as are included in the new lawsuit, why the new lawsuit will be dismissed as it directly violates the CPLR, about all existing lawsuits against each of the 27 plaintiffs therein, grievances filed against him, and more,” the complaint says. The lawsuit claims none of that context appeared. “Rather than look into these claims or elaborate at length about what had been told to her by Plaintiff’s in-house counsel, Defendant’s [BN Reporter Shuman] quoted only eight words, ‘[I’m] not going to respond to something that’s nonsense,’” the complaint states. BBD says call records reflect a longer conversation. “This statement is false because Plaintiff has the call records between Plaintiff’s in-house counsel and [BN reporter Shuman] where a conversation occurred in excess of 10 minutes,” the complaint alleges, asserting that during the call he gave “several statements as to the veracity” of the lawsuit, described a forthcoming motion to dismiss, and provided information about Collesano and other issues. The complaint argues that portraying that exchange as a curt eight-word dismissal implied the company was ducking scrutiny. The complaint also accuses Shuman of failing to research Collesano’s background, credibility, and personal legal issues, alleging she “did no research into Defendant Collesano, his claims against Plaintiff, his credibility, mental health issues, alcoholism or pending lawsuits involving him personally.” To underscore what it says was readily discoverable on public dockets, the complaint references additional attached exhibits: a complaint filed May 11, 2025, in which Collesano sued a woman for defamation after she told him he “ha[s] a little dick;” a housing-related legal action involving eviction and a foreclosure/common charges dispute; and photos the complaint says Collesano posted on Facebook featuring alcohol. These exhibits, according to the complaint, are not merely gossip but evidence of Collesano’s credibility—or lack thereof. It argues that a reporter intent on due diligence would have examined them, and that failing to do so left readers with an incomplete picture of the person driving allegations. Further damning, however, is that Shuman failed to investigate potential financial motivations for Collesano’s actions. “Upon information and belief, by virtue of failing to do her due diligence as a reporter, [BN Reporter Shuman] failed to make a connection between the debt Defendant Collesano has and his fervor to solicit suppliers that Plaintiff is suing as his clients, lying about his abilities, lying about a class action against Plaintiff, and promising results that will never happen.” As the complaint states, “Defendant Collesano colluded with BN for a quick ‘money grab’ using Defendant BN’s article to solicit over seventy Buffalo Biodiesel defendants.” The filing repeatedly referenced Shuman and BN as ignoring information given to them by BBD and publicly available court documents available on NYSCEF, including the litigation history between the parties and a decision dismissing Collesano’s attempted class action issued by Erie County Supreme Court Judge Deborah Chimes. The complaint also asserts Shuman declined to explore allegations that Collesano worked with competitors Lifecycle and Baker to harm Buffalo Biodiesel. “Upon information and belief, [BN Reporter Shuman] failed to explore allegations made by Plaintiff that Defendant Collesano has conspired with competitor companies – namely Lifecycle and Baker – to injure Plaintiff, allowing them to poach clients and deter future business,” the complaint alleges. It goes further, stating: “Upon information and belief, Defendant Collesano has received compensation and/or client referrals from Lifecycle and Baker for engaging in a campaign to maliciously and intentionally harm Plaintiff’s reputation in the oil collection industry, steering clients to them.” SHUMAN AND COLLESANO WORKING WITH COMPETITORS OF BBD? Not only did BBD allege that Collesano and Shuman worked together to achieve a mutual goal of hurting BBD, but that they did so in concert with one or multiple competitors of the company.  “Upon information and belief, [BN Reporter Shuman] worked in concert with Defendant Collesano to write a negative and damaging story to Plaintiff’s reputation in the community and financially as it pertains to current and future suppliers,” the complaint asserts. It alleges that information and allegations in the story were provided by Collesano, and that he selected which clients would speak. The complaint refers to several competitors such as Lifecycle Renewables, Darling Ingredients, CS, Green Planet, Auto Bi-products, Evergreen and Baker Commodities who used the misrepresentations of Defendant Collesano, and the subsequent publications of BN Reporter Shuman, to “tarnish Plaintiff’s reputation in the oil collection industry, poach existing suppliers, and deter future ones.” According to federal filings, there is an active federal lawsuit between Darling Ingredients and BBD. Darling alleges that BBD stole dozens of their vats from locations that they were servicing. However, this has been denied by BBD. In a counter-complaint filed by BBD, they levied several causes of action of their own. “Since Buffalo Biodiesel commenced operations, Darling Ingredients has engaged in a calculated and persistent campaign of unfair, unlawful, and patently improper conduct, deliberately targeting Buffalo Biodiesel’s business interests and contractual relationships,” the counter complaint wrote. In total, their allegations include making false statements about BBD, engaging in extortion and threats of criminal prosecution, exerting economic pressure and threatening regulatory or legal consequences, inducing breaches of contracting, being involved in unlawful waste vegetable oil transactions, distributing material to BBD suppliers to induce breach, conversion of equipment, dissemination of defamatory material to current and prospective suppliers, and etc.. Included below is their Answer and counterclaims. Back to BBD’s lawsuit against BN and Collesano. SHUMAN FABRICATES STORIES REGARDING DEC ACTION AGAINST BUFFALO BIODEISEL? The complaint then quoted or paraphrased statements it says appeared in the August 17th article and explains why BBD characterizes them as false and defamatory. Among the statements the complaint highlights is the article’s framing that the company signs restaurants to contracts, fails to collect oil, and then sues when restaurants turn to other vendors. Another is the article’s description of the Attorney General’s past actions which BBD argues was mischaracterized. BBD also took aim at the headline language, calling the phrase “in trouble with state regulator” defamatory and claims the Department of Environmental Conservation never used such language, nor made any such statement. The complaint argues that the headline and narrative were crafted to make ordinary readers believe the company was on the verge of being shut down, prompting suppliers to flee and competitors to scoop up contracts. The complaint then took aim at BN as a whole, alleging that the newspaper was warned before publication of the articles and that they went ahead and published/printed the story anyway. In one of the complaint’s most direct accusations against the newsroom, it alleges that BBD’s in-house counsel reached out to the newspaper’s counsel and urged the paper not to publish what the reporter was preparing. “Upon information and belief, an attorney for Defendant BN was contacted by In-House counsel for Plaintiff. In that correspondence, Plaintiff’s in-house counsel informed counsel for Defendant BN of what [BN Reporter Shuman] was going to write and urged that it not be published due to its falsity,” the complaint alleges. It continues: “Upon information and belief, Defendant BN had notice that [BN Reporter Shuman’s] reporting was not accurate,” and, “Upon information and belief, despite knowing that [BN Reporter Shuman] was writing a false article where she did not do her due diligence to investigate the story, Defendant BN published the August 17th, 2025, article.” The complaint then goes article by article, arguing that the initial coverage set the tone and that subsequent pieces amplified what BBD calls the same core mischaracterizations. It points to a September 5th, 2025, article titled “Buffalo Biodiesel allowed to stay open, but must ramp down production, state says,” which the complaint alleges misrepresented and/or totally fabricates statements from the DEC and falsely implied the company was required to reduce operations. It then includes an October 9th, 2025, article titled “Buffalo Biodiesel has finally applied for its permits, but state says shutdown still possible,” and alleges that the reporting used language suggesting Buffalo Biodiesel operated “illegally” or without proper permits for years. In the September 5th article, BBD says that Shuman “manufactured false quotes from the DEC,” alleging she changed her explanation for where she obtained information—first claiming the DEC provided it, then calling it public, then attributing it to a third party. As the company repeatedly writes throughout, “the DEC never released a statement regarding BBD.” The complaint outlines collateral damage experienced by President of BBD Sumit Majumdar shortly after the articles were published. It describes a Grand Island Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on October 2nd, 2025, and alleges residents spoke against Sumit Majumdar’s – President of BBD – request for variances while repeating statements the complaint says were fueled by the Buffalo News’ coverage. “Several residents from Grand Island spoke in opposition of the variances citing Defendant BN’s defamatory articles,” the complaint alleges. It says residents repeated “falsely” that the company was being shut down by the DEC, and referenced lawsuits and alleged leaking barrels, all of which BBD says came from Shuman’s negative and inaccurate articles. Majumdar’s request was denied, which the complaint says is an example of real-world harm. BBD sued the Buffalo News individually for (1) defamation and (2) negligence. BBD sued Michael Collesano individually for (1) defamation and 2) tortious interference with contract. BBD then sued both the Buffalo News and Michael Collesano together for tortious interference with business relationships. BBD claims it can substantiate all claims and, in support thereof, attached 28 exhibits. The company insists that the damage was foreseeable and, in its view, preventable. What BBD believes happened is apparent across each page of their complaint. They don’t believe this was sloppy. They don’t believe this was just reporting. They don’t believe this was just adversarial. Rather, it was a deliberate act of reputational sabotage carried out by an attorney and a newspaper willing to print what the company calls “nonsense” because it sells. Attached below is a PDF with the complaint and all 28 exhibits: Promotional Content Buffalo News and NYC Attorney Sued by Buffalo Biodiesel, Alleges Scheme to Destroy Business

The Niagara Falls City School District is asking the community to come together and support a 4th grade student at Cataract Elementary School who is facing a life-threatening medical challenge and needs a kidney transplant. The student – Amir Jones – has shown remarkable strength while dealing with kidney failure and has reached the point where a transplant is necessary. Doctors are seeking a living kidney donor with an O-positive blood type, which would dramatically improve Amir’s health and long-term outlook. Medical experts note that kidney transplants are among the most successful forms of organ transplantation for children, often leading to improved energy levels, better physical growth, and a significantly higher quality of life. A kidney from a living donor can function for 15-20 years or longer. Donors themselves are typically able to live full, healthy lives with one kidney. School staff, family and friends are encouraging anyone who may be eligible – or who knows someone who might be – to consider learning more about living kidney donation. Even for those unable to donate, sharing the information can increase the chances of finding a match. Amir’s strength wills him to put a smile on his face each day. Let’s make sure that smile inspires others for years to come. To find out more information or to see if you are eligible to be a living donor please visit: https://livingdonorreg.upmc.com/ Promotional Content Niagara Falls School Community Seeks Kidney Donor for Elementary Student

Two parents from Buffalo, New York are facing disturbing felony charges after prosecutors say they repeatedly abused a 7-year-old child, including forcing the child underwater in a cold bath as punishment. Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane announced Tuesday that Jacklyn J. Balabis, 26, and Parris D. Woods, 24, were arraigned on a 15-count indictment. Balabis is the child’s mother and Woods is the child’s stepfather. Both defendants appeared before Justice Kelly Vacco and were ordered held without bail. The indictment charges each defendant with two counts of first-degree assault, six counts of attempted first-degree assault, six counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. According to prosecutors, emergency responders were called to the defendants’ Buffalo residence on December 11th at approx. 10:47pm after the child was found unresponsive. The child was rushed to Golisano Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, remaining hospitalized for eight days while being treated for hypothermia and additional injuries. Investigators allege Balabis and Woods intentionally used water as a dangerous instrument to inflict serious physical harm. Prosecutors say the child was forced into a cold bath and held underwater, almost to the point of death on several occasions. The indictment further alleges a pattern of abuse between October 16th and December 11th where the child was violently physically abused, deprived food, forced to exercise and take cold showers. “These disturbing allegations involve physical abuse and the deliberate deprivation of basic needs. No child should ever be subjected to this level of cruelty - especially by the hands of those entrusted with their care,” Keane said. “This case demands accountability and we will prosecute the accused to the fullest extent of the law.” Both defendants face up to 25 years in state prison. Promotional Content Parents Nearly Kill 7-year-old After Repeatedly Forcing Him Under Ice-cold Water as Punishment

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 3:25am on February 1st after reports of a domestic disturbance on the 100 block of Tremont Street in North Tonawanda. The female 911 caller and victim said that the male locked her in the apartment and would not let her leave. She told police that he was unstable and on bath salts. The male took the caller's purse and was blocking her exit. After running his name, there were multiple hits for active orders of protection safeguarding other women. Police responded to the scene and the male came outside. It is unknown if he was taken into custody. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Male High on Bath Salts Imprisons A Woman Inside North Tonawanda Apartment

A 15-year-old was arrested in North Tonawanda after police say he made threatening statements toward other juveniles and was later found to be in possession of a gun. The story was first reported on January 28th.   According to the North Tonawanda Police Department (NTPD), officers were alerted after staff at the North Tonawanda Youth and Recreation Center reported that a male teen had been making gun-related threats toward other youths with whom he was having ongoing conflict. The information was passed along to detectives for further investigation.   Police went to the teenager’s home where detectives spoke with both the juvenile and his parents. During the visit, detectives conducted a search of the teen’s bedroom and located a loaded handgun hidden inside the ceiling.   The teenager was arrested and charged with Criminal Possession of a Firearm. After processing, he was released on an appearance ticket to his parents. The case will proceed through the juvenile court process. Promotional Content North Tonawanda Teen Arrested After Threatening to Shoot Kids at Recreation Center with Gun

The story of Peter, a purported 68-year-old homeless veteran who took part in operation Desert Storm, was one that Niagara Action and several other local outlets was happy to share. It was a heartwarming story how Christopher Robert met Peter and did so much to help him and his family. From bringing him food and clothing to giving him rides to get medication, Chris went above and beyond what any stranger would do. Chris rallied a community to Peter's aid at a tremendous rate, raising more than $12,000 in just a few days. That makes what we are about to share with you all the more heartbreaking, and quite disturbing. It was a lie. It was all a lie. Peter is not a veteran. He never took part in operation Desert Storm. Heck, Peter isn't even 68-years-old. Niagara Action has been told that Chris is just as much a scammer as Peter, though this has not been confirmed. "I know him personally," said one person in a Facebook message to Niagara Action, "and don't talk to him anymore. He was scamming people in the sports card industry and l've seen it first hand and have talked to people that he has scammed." The messages about Peter flooded in as well. "Hi, I would like to inform you that the 'homeless veteran' you posted about, Peter, he's a fraud," said one woman in a message to Niagara Action. "He's no veteran. He's not even 68. He's 57." As news of the story spread, several people stepped forward to correct the narrative. All of the larger organizations - including Niagara Action - who shared the story on social media have removed it. This is what one person who messaged the Niagara Action said: "FYl the whole Chris Robert and Peter go fund me is a scam. Sweet buffalo has taken the post off the page and go fund me will be sending refunds, Chris is a known scam artist in the sports card community and Peter is not a veteran. In fact numerous people have commented stating he walks around with wads of cash. I've seen it with my own eyes." Peter will not be getting any money. If you want to waive hi to Peter, he will still be on his bench for 6-10 hours most days of the week on the corner of Military Road and Niagara Falls Boulevard. However, we think most of those waives might be the one finger salute from now on. ORIGINAL STORY A Town of Niagara family is receiving help from a stranger after their financial situation left them living in a motel while a 68-year-old Desert Storm veteran spends long days asking for help on a busy corner--often with little luck. Christopher Robert - just a regular guy from the community - says he met Peter, a homeless veteran, after repeatedly seeing him sitting on a bus bench at the corner of Military Road and Niagara Falls Boulevard for hours at a time. According to Robert, Peter spends between six and ten hours a day at the location in all weather conditions while trying to support his family. Robert said he initially gave Peter small amounts of cash when passing by, but eventually decided to stop and speak with him. He invited Peter into a nearby Tim Hortons for coffee and learned more about the family’s situation. What he learned was heartbreaking. Peter lives in a motel room with his wife, who is disabled and battling cancer, and their 18-year-old son. The family has been relying on his wife’s disability payments to cover housing costs, but the benefits are currently under review and, according to Robert, haven’t been issued for several months. After meeting his wife and son, Robert created GoFundMe to help them cover living expenses and medical expenses. He describes the family as humble and struggling to stay afloat without assistance. Since their first conversation, Robert says he has brought Peter food, clothing, hand and foot warmers, and transportation to pick up prescriptions. “After hearing his story and meeting his family, they are just the most wonderful, humble people,” said Robert. “They don’t do drugs or drink. So I took it upon myself to create a GoFundMe for Pete‘s family. And it would mean the world if you can even just share this if you can’t afford to donate. This is a family from the Town of Niagara. Let’s help them out guys!” The GoFundMe campaign asks for donations to prevent them from losing their temporary living situation, which is already not ideal. Promotional Content Fake Niagara County Veteran Scams Community Out of Over $12,000

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 12:30pm on February 1st after reports of a burglary on the 1100 block of 15th Street in Niagara Falls. The 911 caller said that he watched two black female and a black male pry open the front door and pop open the front window with a snow shovel to enter the home. The suspects arrived in a silver sedan that was parked out front during the burglary. As the 911 caller, who appeared to be a third party, called police, he heard one of the females say "this is my house I'll get in however I want to." The caller made clear to police that the suspects were not acting as though one of them forgot a key to their own home. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the suspects were still on scene or had already fled. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content Burglary Suspects Improvise and Use Shovel to Break Into Home in Niagara Falls

LISTEN TO POLICE AUDIO BELOW Law enforcement received a call around 4:09pm on January 30th after reports of menacing with a weapon outside of Walmart on Niagara Falls Boulevard in North Tonawanda. The 911 caller said that he was in the Walmart parking lot and saw an older model black Ford Escape. Inside of the vehicle were several white males in their teens, one of which said he has a gun. The teens were laughing and reportedly making several other comments as well to others, whipping around the parking lot. Police responded to the scene. It is unknown if the vehicle was still there once police arrived. A partial plate was given to dispatch. No further information is available at this time. These are merely allegations and should not be taken as fact. LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO HERE: Promotional Content White Teens at North Tonawanda Walmart Scream they Have a Gun

A male juvenile was taken into custody Thursday afternoon following a shooting on 77th Street that left a woman hospitalized, according to the Niagara Falls Police Department.   Police responded around 5:15pm to the 300 block of 77th Street after reports of shots fired. When officers arrived, witnesses said the victim had already been placed in a private vehicle and was being transported to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.   Police then relocated to NFMMC where they were escorted to an adult woman suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Authorities said the victim is expected to survive her injuries, though it is being referred to as a serious.   Responding officers learned during their initial response that the suspected shooter was believed to be inside the same vehicle that brought the victim to the hospital. Officers located the vehicle and detained the juvenile suspect shortly afterward.   The case remains under investigation by Niagara Falls Police Department. Although formal charges have not been announced, he is expected to be charged with several crimes. Promotional Content Kid Detained After 77th Street Shooting in Niagara Falls Sends Woman to Hospital

A Town of Niagara family is receiving help from a stranger after their financial situation left them living in a motel while a 68-year-old Desert Storm veteran spends long days asking for help on a busy corner--often with little luck. Christopher Robert - just a regular guy from the community - says he met Peter, a homeless veteran, after repeatedly seeing him sitting on a bus bench at the corner of Military Road and Niagara Falls Boulevard for hours at a time. According to Robert, Peter spends between six and ten hours a day at the location in all weather conditions while trying to support his family. Robert said he initially gave Peter small amounts of cash when passing by, but eventually decided to stop and speak with him. He invited Peter into a nearby Tim Hortons for coffee and learned more about the family’s situation. What he learned was heartbreaking. Peter lives in a motel room with his wife, who is disabled and battling cancer, and their 18-year-old son. The family has been relying on his wife’s disability payments to cover housing costs, but the benefits are currently under review and, according to Robert, haven’t been issued for several months. After meeting his wife and son, Robert created GoFundMe to help them cover living expenses and medical expenses. He describes the family as humble and struggling to stay afloat without assistance. Since their first conversation, Robert says he has brought Peter food, clothing, hand and foot warmers, and transportation to pick up prescriptions. “After hearing his story and meeting his family, they are just the most wonderful, humble people,” said Robert. “They don’t do drugs or drink. So I took it upon myself to create a GoFundMe for Pete‘s family. And it would mean the world if you can even just share this if you can’t afford to donate. This is a family from the Town of Niagara. Let’s help them out guys!” The GoFundMe campaign asks for donations to prevent them from losing their temporary living situation, which is already not ideal. Anyone interested in donating can do so here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-peters-family-through-tough-times Promotional Content Niagara County Veteran from Operation Desert Storm Begs for Help on Street Corner to Support Family