Category: PostNews

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) – We will never know how things would be different if he were still in charge. But Andrew Cuomo’s team wasn’t comfortable with the amount of money that was requested from the public to help build a new Buffalo Bills stadium when he was in office, a source close to the former governor’s administration told News 4.

New York State, Erie County, and the Bills continue to negotiate details regarding a new facility in Orchard Park. The state and county are expected to contribute nearly $1 billion to help pay for the $1.4 billion stadium, the New York Post reported earlier this month.

But a final deal still hasn’t been announced. Asked Monday during an event in Albany about that $1 billion dollar number, Governor Kathy Hochul said, “I’m not negotiating in public. All will be told at the right time.”

Hochul, who succeeded Cuomo in August, has consistently said that she anticipates she’ll be able to address state money for the project in the budget. On Friday, she also specified that economic development money could be used as a funding source.

The state budget is due on April 1. The ongoing negotiations over the massive Empire State spending plan in Albany will coincide with the NFL league meetings in Palm Beach, Fla. from March 27-30.

Hochul expects Bills stadium deal to be in place this month

Gov. Hochul also suggested Friday that conversations to build a new stadium were stalled when the Cuomo administration was in charge.

“My administration was the one that jumpstarted the conversations,” she said. “They were going nowhere. The Pegula family and the Pegula organization knows that. They know I’m very invested in this.

“My number one objective with respect to the Bills is make sure they stay in Buffalo and to get them a new home.”

A spokesperson for Pegula Sports and Entertainment declined to comment on the Cuomo administration’s concerns about the size of the subsidy that was requested.

Cuomo resigned from office last year soon after the New York State Office of the Attorney General released a report which concluded he sexually harassed women. Cuomo maintains he didn’t violate any law or regulation. Recent remarks he has made to religious groups has fueled speculation he may be gearing up to run for office later this year.

“We say make progress. Answer these questions. Deal with these real issues. When you make progress, you will generate hope for people,” the former governor said to the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization in the Bronx last Thursday.

Exclusive Poll: Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo could have a shot in a Democratic Primary

A News 4/The Hill/Emerson College poll conducted earlier this month shows he trails Hochul by fewer than four points, within the margin of error, should he challenge her in a June Democratic primary.

Jack O’Donnell, a veteran Albany lobbyist and consultant, pointed out a number of people on the left of the political spectrum may share the concern of a large public investment in a football stadium, particularly those living in New York City.

“We’re going to hear (from those people) that this money should go to education or childcare,” O’Donnell said. “So aligning with those priorities, that’s politically wise statewide.”

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A number of community members have been calling for security changes since the shooting and stabbing at McKinley High School last month.

Now, it appears Buffalo Public Schools are looking to expand their security force. Currently, the school district is accepting applications for security officers.

Will Buffalo Schools make security changes after McKinley High incident?

To qualify, an applicant must be a Buffalo resident and have one of the following lists of requirements:

High school diploma, GED or equivalency diploma with six months of experience as a full-time security guardHigh school diploma, GED or equivalency diploma with 15 credit hours from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, police science or law enforcement

All who are qualified will be contacted for an interview. Applicants must have a valid New York State driver’s license and Security Guard Registration Card at the time of appointment and must maintain that.

To apply for a security officer position, click or tap here.

PENDLETON, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Starpoint middle schooler has been charged with a felony after authorities say he threatened violence at the school over Snapchat.

On Sunday, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office received a report about a Snapchat photo indicating possible violence against Starpoint Middle School.

An investigation then began, resulting in the arrest of a student, whose name was not released. He has been charged with making a terroristic threat.

Following his arrest, the student was released to the custody of his parents. He’ll appear at Niagara County Probation at a later time.

“We will continue to investigate all school threats and take the appropriate action,” Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti said in a press release.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — NOCO is sharing tips for saving energy as spring begins.

Here’s what they say people should think about doing:

Fill in cracks around your doors and windows with caulk to keep warm air in and cold air out.Replace your furnace filter. NOCO says it should be cleaned or replaced monthly, or as often as the maker recommends.Change the battery on your thermostat.Clean off your AC unit and schedule an annual tune-up.Replace incandescent lights with LED ones. These save energy and last longer, NOCO says.Change timers on your timed lights.Use air purifiers to mitigate dust and pollen.

BATAVIA, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office says a Lackawanna man lied to them about having drugs when he was brought to the County Jail.

On Sunday night, Adam Bortle, 38, was arrested on a warrant out of Batavia. When he was brought to the jail, the Sheriff’s Office says he denied having any narcotics or other jail contraband on him.

But officials searched him, and they say he had multiple controlled substances.

Now charged with promoting prison contraband and three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, Bortle was held for arraignment.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A western New Yorker’s project, called “Good Deeds,” has earned him a national spotlight.

Jordan James will be one of Monday’s guests on “The Drew Barrymore Show.” But before the episode airs, Jordan took time to chat with us on Wake Up!

North Tonawanda native highlights good deeds happening in WNY

Watch our interview with him in the video above and catch “The Drew Barrymore Show” at 3 p.m. on CBS.

MINA, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Chautauqua County man has been charged with stalking, reckless endangerment and reckless driving.

This past Thursday, New York State troopers responded to I-86 in Mina after receiving a report that a woman was being followed.

According to State police, 26-year-old Sherman resident Andrew Graham waited for the victim in Sherman after seeing her photo on social media at dinner.

While she was in her vehicle, police say Graham followed her down several roads, at one point driving in front of her, forcing her to stop.

Police say Graham proceeded to get out of his own vehicle before striking the victim’s, but no damage was done.

According to police, the victim proceeded to drive onto I-86, where Graham allegedly followed her until the Findley Lake exit, where they were interviewed by State troopers.

Graham was arrested and taken to the Chautauqua County Jail.

The post Introducing Lorna Fitzpatrick, finalist for the 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award appeared first on Buffalo Niagara Partnership.

WEST SENECA N.Y. (WIVB) — March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day. Down syndrome occurs when a person has three copies of the 21st chromosome.

News 4’s Gabrielle Mediak recently came across a portrait of Josh Allen, drawn by a member of Harrison Phillips’ Playmakers. The group promotes social inclusion for kids with developmental differences.

In the video above, meet the artist — Jack Monson.