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April 3, 2026

Empire State Development is investing nearly $3 million into the historic Renold, Inc. plant in Westfield in Chautauqua County.The facility is set to expand, adding an advanced manufacturing cell and nine new skilled positions.

Western NY Observer
April 2, 2026

New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says that Western New York Off-Track Betting needs to “rein in costs and strengthen its financial operations,” following an audit that was released by the comptroller on Wednesday.

Western NY Observer
March 30, 2026

Buffalo has many giant historic buildings that are badly in need of as much as $300 million of rehab. So state Sen. April N.M. Baskin wants to triple the state’s historic tax credit to $15 million for these “white elephants.”

Western NY Observer
March 29, 2026

A $50 million proposal to construct a sprawling indoor sports facility has ballooned to an $80 million venture that now includes a $25 million hotel near the site.

Western NY Observer
March 28, 2026

The City of Buffalo has reduced the number of paid work placements in the mayor’s summer youth program by about half over the last two years.

Western NY Observer
March 28, 2026

The top leadership of the Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy resigned in the last few weeks, leaving the nonprofit with no staff and only an acting chairman just months before the $250M public park is slated to begin reopening on Buffalo’s Lower West Side.

Western NY Observer
March 24, 2026

Mayor Sean Ryan hopes to avoid selling the city’s parking ramps to a newly formed authority but will need Albany to pass a bill allowing the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority to borrow for operating costs.

Western NY Observer
March 24, 2026

Baskin, citing 5/14 massacre, seeks S1OM to expand food services to underserved communities

Western NY Observer
March 23, 2026

Mayor Sean Ryan’s team is pushing the state Legislature and Gov. Kathy Hochul to pass a bill that would allow the city to borrow up to $500 million through the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority, over the next five years.

Western NY Observer
March 20, 2026

Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan pauses demolitions as he reorganizes problem housing plan

Western NY Observer
March 20, 2026

After years of planning, New York plans to kick off a $40 million to $45 million transformation of Buffalo’s Broadway Market this summer, turning it into a “vibrant year-round food and shopping hub.”

Western NY Observer
March 20, 2026

New York state has announced a first-in-the-nation pilot program aimed at reducing gun violence is coming to Buffalo and Rochester.The program works to equip health care providers who work in hospitals with training to assess firearm injury risk.

Western NY Observer
March 20, 2026

Neighborhood Health Center to receive $200,000 in state funding

Western NY Observer
March 18, 2026

The Buffalo Common Council is being asked to consider more than $1.7 million in settlements for suits filed against the city negotiated by the Corporation Counsel’s office, with most of them stemming from incidents involving the Buffalo Police Department.

Western NY Observer
March 18, 2026

Erie County has been awarded $800,000 in Greenway funding to support improvements at Isle View Park and the Two Mile Creek / Sherwood Trail system.

Western NY Observer
March 18, 2026

Construction begins on Buffalo’s Jefferson Avenue streetscape project. The $20 million upgrade is part of a broader $32.5 million project and is designed to improve roadway conditions, pedestrian safety, and accessibility.

Western NY Observer
March 17, 2026

‘Energy prices are too damn high’: Governor Hochul speaks out against soaring gas prices

Western NY Observer
March 17, 2026

Shea’s gets additional $5M state funding boost for the $34.6 million expansion project, bringing the state’s total investment to more than $18 million

Western NY Observer
March 17, 2026

Buffalo homeowners push back on plan to raise property taxes to help plug a projected $25 to $30 million budget deficit

Western NY Observer
March 17, 2026

Lancaster reassessment project raises residents’ concerns

Western NY Observer
March 15, 2026

In a stipulation approved last month by State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Chimes, the town agreed to cut the assessed value of the four properties that constitute the Roycroft by 85%, from $1.48 million to $210,000.

Western NY Observer
March 14, 2026

Crews respond to fuel leak on USS Croaker, water aboard the USS The Sullivans

Western NY Observer
March 13, 2026

Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan says if the city meets its goal of hiring 100 lifeguards for the summer, he will jump in the Cazenovia Park pool dressed in a suit.

Western NY Observer
March 12, 2026

In a note to shareholders last week, Plug Power made it official: It’s massive hydrogen production facility planned for Western NY was dead.The company had a rocky five years in the region as it ran into financial, permitting and political headwinds.

Western NY Observer
March 12, 2026

County Executive Mark Poloncarz promises to veto a youth hunting bill for the second time.”I know what 12- and 13-year-old boys are like, and even with mentors, they do bad, goofy things. I don’t think it’s appropriate.”

Western NY Observer
March 12, 2026

Erie County is marking two years of progress under the Community Climate Action Plan. 🌎 Since its launch, the plan has helped strengthen local climate planning efforts and assisted in obtaining grants and other funding.

Western NY Observer
March 12, 2026

Buffalo mayor Sean Ryan asked in a letter sent to the NYS Department of Transportation that the city take the lead in the Scajaquada Corridor project.

Western NY Observer
March 12, 2026

Tax hikes on the rich. Increased state aid for Buffalo. Rebates of up to $500 for cost-battered utility rate payers. Democrats who control the State Legislature approved all of those proposals in tentative state spending plans on Thursday.

Western NY Observer
March 12, 2026

Developers of the Bewley Building in Lockport say plans could be in jeopardy if a vote currently under consideration to prohibit new approvals for multi-family developments passes.

Western NY Observer
March 12, 2026

Five Buffalo Bills stadium construction workers were detained by federal immigration authorities last weekend, according to Timothy Benes, the business manager of SMART Local 71 in Buffalo.

Western NY Observer
March 12, 2026

Child care services at 11 State University of New York community colleges are being expanded to include evenings and weekends and create additional spots for infants and toddlers, Gov. Hochul’s office announced Thursday.

Western NY Observer
March 11, 2026

Dozens rally at Buffalo State University, calling for $16 million in state funding

Western NY Observer
March 11, 2026

North Tonawanda City Attorney Edward Zebulske was arrested in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, according to a police report obtained by 7 News.

Western NY Observer
March 11, 2026

Mt. Aaron Missionary Baptist Church and its nonprofit affiliate are following up their Mt. Aaron Village affordable housing project on the East Side with a much smaller venture that will see construction of 15 affordable single-family homes.

Western NY Observer
March 11, 2026

Buffalo Public Schools scrapped plans to close two elementary schools next year after community outcry, but 7 News has learned the idea has simply been kicked down the road.

Western NY Observer
March 10, 2026

Property tax hikes are coming to Buffalo under the Ryan administration, Buffalo Deputy Mayor Benjamin Swanekamp confirmed to 7 News.

Western NY Observer
March 10, 2026

Gov. Kathy Hochul said that the state is trying to be as helpful as possible to the City of Buffalo, but she stopped short of backing Mayor Sean Ryan’s plans for a city property tax hike and to borrow money through the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority.

Western NY Observer
March 10, 2026

The new blowers should prove more resilient in case of a future severe windstorm or snowstorm and federal aid would cover part of their cost, Town Engineer Matthew Sutton said.

Western NY Observer
March 10, 2026

Rosalyn Cheatom, owner of Our Family Daycare, won final city approval for her planned $5.8 million day care and apartment project on East Ferry Street in the Genesee-Moselle neighborhood.

Western NY Observer
March 7, 2026

WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WKBW) — Local governments say they’re paying more to keep lights on, and those costs can ultimately fall back on taxpayers through municipal budgets.

Western NY Observer
March 7, 2026

Leaders at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff unveiled a brand new $6 million visitor center Friday.

Western NY Observer
March 6, 2026

An audit of Erie County’s public defender program conducted by the comptroller’s office found major cost increases since 2022 and excessive caseloads among county attorneys which led to high attorney work hours

Western NY Observer
March 6, 2026

Buffalo Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams plans to hire a former city employee Karla Thomas who was fired in 2010 after her department paid more than $2 million in benefits to deceased city employees.

Western NY Observer
March 6, 2026

Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper receives $2M grant to restore Gill Creek shoreline in Niagara Falls

Western NY Observer
March 6, 2026

The City of Jamestown has been awarded a $250,000 grant through the State’s Homes and Community Renewal program in an effort to support two major initiatives – the Accelerating Housing development and addressing buildings that are deteriorating. (Spectrum News 1)

Western NY Observer
March 5, 2026

Lawmakers seek $15M for refugee services

Western NY Observer
March 4, 2026

ECSO chief who pleaded guilty after series of hit-and-run crashes set to retire at the end of March

Western NY Observer
April 19, 2025

Fredonia residents could see 65% tax hike

Western NY Observer
April 18, 2025

The Buffalo Urban Development Corporation and City of Buffalo are planning a $400 million project to revamp the intersection of Commercial Street and Marine Drive, next to Canalside, the Explore & More Children’s Museum and the redone BMHA’s Marine Drive apartments.

Western NY Observer
April 15, 2025

A recent audit shows that much of the medical equipment, including oxygen tanks, ventilators and CPAP machines, purchased by the Cuomo administration in the early days of the pandemic have been sitting around in warehouses in various parts of the state.

Western NY Observer
April 15, 2025

Groundbreaking on 47 new affordable Buffalo homes finally begins, part of $24.5M effort

Western NY Observer
April 8, 2025

The University at Buffalo is launching a new academic department focused on artificial intelligence and how it affects society as part of a $5 million state investment.

Western NY Observer
April 8, 2025

Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed to change election procedures so candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run together in the primary rather than separately.

Western NY Observer
April 8, 2025

Acting Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon on Tuesday released his proposed 2025-2026 city budget. He says his $622 million spending plan works to address what he calls a $70 million shortfall, proposing an 8% property tax levy increase.

Western NY Observer
April 6, 2025

Amherst’s $28,000-per-month lease for new youth center latest target of taxpayer ire

Western NY Observer
April 6, 2025

State leaders are taking more measures to help prevent future gun violence with three new laws.

Western NY Observer
April 3, 2025

The City of Buffalo plans to remove the pedestrian skybridge that crosses Main Street from the AM&A’s Department Store building to Main Place Mall in downtown Buffalo at an estimated cost of about $50 million

Western NY Observer
April 1, 2025

The Erie County Legislature has unveiled half a million dollars in funding to build a new structure in the city of Buffalo.

Western NY Observer
April 1, 2025

New York State to release some inmates early in response to ‘current staffing crisis’

Western NY Observer
March 31, 2025

Dunkirk city officials said they need more revenue to address years of overspending that has resulted in more than $20 million in unpaid debts, and residents must absorb an 84 percent tax increase this year.

Western NY Observer
March 30, 2025

Western NY Observer
March 22, 2025

Nearly $2 million earmarked for 22 N.Y. nonprofits to support state parks

Western NY Observer
March 19, 2025

Dunkirk Treasurer’s Office closed at direction of State Comptroller’s Office amid investigation

Western NY Observer
March 17, 2025

400 New York mayors, local officials ask for more funding to small governments in state budget

Western NY Observer
March 9, 2025

Over a third of $178M Erie County ARP funds going to sewers

Western NY Observer
March 9, 2025

The city is rolling out an expanded pothole repair initiative and a $17 million investment in citywide road repaving for 2025.

Western NY Observer
March 7, 2025

Matt Walsh Show on the Correction Officers Strike

Western NY Observer
March 6, 2025

Correction officers resign as frustration with NYSCOPBA boils over amid independent deal talk

Western NY Observer
March 5, 2025

The New York Attorney General’s Office, on behalf of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), filed court papers Monday that seek to punish correction officers with fines up to $442 per day, and even imprisonment for striking for safer working conditions.

Western NY Observer
March 3, 2025

Unions submit 16,500 staffing violations at WNY hospitals to state Health Department

Western NY Observer
February 28, 2025

The new administration for the Seneca Nation of Indians is hoping to build on relationships with state and federal lawmakers. President JC Seneca and tribal council members hosted a Western New York delegation summit Thursday at the Seneca Niagara Casino.

Western NY Observer
February 28, 2025

Construction to begin on $5.7 million sports facility at ECC North Campus in Amherst

Western NY Observer
February 26, 2025

Western New York leaders gather in Marilla to show support for correction officers on strike

Western NY Observer
February 26, 2025

Patients and providers advocate for rare disease council in New York state

Western NY Observer
February 25, 2025

Local, state officials push to get rid of fluoride in water as RFK leads the charge

Western NY Observer
February 25, 2025

New York launches new recruitment campaign for federal workers

Western NY Observer
February 24, 2025

Auburn Correctional prisoner asked for medical help before death

Western NY Observer
February 22, 2025

A request by Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz to reappoint one of his department heads seven months early exposed some raw political rifts between him and Republican county legislators.,

Western NY Observer
February 22, 2025

The county clerk says that by managing arrivals effectively, customers can look forward to being served promptly, and without the worry of a long line.

Western NY Observer
February 22, 2025

Town of Tonawanda says police officers went on illegal strike by failing to write tickets

Western NY Observer
February 20, 2025

Some correction officers in New York went on strike Monday, but events that led to them to walk off the job may have started long before

Western NY Observer
February 20, 2025

The state Office of Cannabis Management and legislative leaders will fight a proposal in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s budget to allow police to use the smell of cannabis as evidence that a person is driving while impaired.

Western NY Observer
February 20, 2025

After spending $10 million, Erie County is getting a lot of money back as part of the county’s multi-year energy performance contract. The county is receiving more than $352,000 back in rebate checks this year.

Western NY Observer
February 19, 2025

A $1.5 million grant has been secured to restore the greenhouse at Buffalo’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, Senator Sean Ryan announced Tuesday.

Western NY Observer
February 19, 2025

The Buffalo and Erie County Land Development Campaign is getting $11.5 million from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Focused Attraction of Shovel-Ready Tracts New York grant program.

Western NY Observer
February 18, 2025

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s executive budget provides $1.25 billion for OASAS, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, a net increase of $22.3 million from last year.

Western NY Observer
February 18, 2025

New York’s ethics watchdog ruled constitutional by state’s top court

Western NY Observer
February 17, 2025

In the wake of Trump’s unprecedented actions since his Jan. 20 inauguration, The News reached out to Republican Reps. Nick Langworthy and Claudia Tenney and Democratic Rep. Tim Kennedy and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to get their views.

Western NY Observer
February 17, 2025

New developments in the Albert the Alligator case. This decision comes after the court found that the state made an error in denying his original application.

Western NY Observer
February 17, 2025

A new $8.2 million caretaking center, featuring child care for 155 children, is taking shape on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

Western NY Observer
February 13, 2025

New York lawmakers learned more about one of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s budget proposals that many have viewed skeptically as an effort to stall a universal child care plan: a New York Coalition for Childcare.

Western NY Observer
February 13, 2025

Local corrections officers, elected officials furious over working conditions at state-run correctional facilities

Western NY Observer
February 13, 2025

The City of Buffalo needs to find ways to put more money away in its fund balance in order to follow its own policies.

Western NY Observer
February 12, 2025

$190 wings. $98 brownies. $590 for drinks. In one Bills suite, NYS often pays the bill

Western NY Observer
February 10, 2025

Hochul issues ban on DeepSeek AI on government devices, networks

Western NY Observer
February 10, 2025

Hochul: $60 million to accelerate electric vehicle charging infrastructure, enabling construction of 267 new charging stalls across nine sites in NYC

Western NY Observer
February 8, 2025

Refugee resettlement agencies are asking the Western New York community for help after the Trump administration abruptly cut off funding for individuals who have moved to the region.

Western NY Observer
February 8, 2025

Town of Lancaster cuts funding for Boys and Girls Clubs

Western NY Observer
February 8, 2025

Lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow Gov. Hochul to delay special elections in New York, and therefore the anticipated race to replace Rep. Elise Stefanik in the 21st Congressional District if she is confirmed as UN ambassador.

Western NY Observer

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