WECK News and Podcasts

WECK News and Podcasts Moving

2009-07-08T11:23:00.001-04:00

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Good Morning Buffalo: Michael Jackson

2009-07-07T14:44:00.002-04:00

Family Attorney Janet Pennisi talks to Tom and Loraine about the issues following the death of the King of Pop.

Skeleton Crew 7/7/09

2009-07-07T14:27:00.001-04:00

Hosted by Drs. Darren Bell and Matthew Misiak

Bill O'Loughlin Show 7/7/09

2009-07-07T13:58:00.002-04:00

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Segment 2

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Segment 7

Hometown News: Senate Standoff Continues

2009-07-07T11:38:00.000-04:00

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is asking a state judge to rule if he can withhold pay from state lawmakers involved in the ongoing feud in Albany. Comptroller DiNapoli argues he can hold onto paychecks for all 62 Senators with Governor Paterson refusing to take sides in the power struggle. The governor says the true leader of the Senate remains unclear. Another special session is scheduled for today. No officials business was conducted Monday in the state Senate.

A new concept been suggested to end the stalemate in the state Senate. A co-majority was proposed by Senate Republicans and renegade Democratic Senator Pedro Espada Jr. and would remain in effect through 2010. The Democratic conference has so far rejected the notion. The biggest barrier to continuing co-leadership would require Senate rules to be rewritten, which could become a long, drawn-out affair. Also, co-leaders could have trouble making personnel decisions regarding staff and other resources, since many positions are given to party loyalists.

One state Assemblyman wants Governor Paterson to appoint a Lieutenant Governor to break the stalemate in the state Senate. Assemblyman Michael Gianaris of Queens says current laws leave the door open for Paterson to make an appointment. The Lieutenant Governor's post has been vacant since Paterson assumed the governor's seat in the wake of the Eliot Spitzer scandal. The position has the power to break ties in the Senate. The move could spark lawsuits from the GOP, since Paterson would select a Democrat.

HTN: Charges Dropped Against Wilson Coaches

2009-07-07T11:37:00.000-04:00

Child Endangerment charges have been dropped against two Wilson High School baseball coaches. Prosecutors abruptly asked for the case to be dismissed against William Atlas and Thomas Baia for their alleged roles in a hazing incident on April 17th of last year. The District Attorney's office did not give a reason why the charges were dropped. The move came on the day when a jury was to have been selected. The two coaches had been on paid suspension. Now their lawyers say the school board should reconsider their status based on this new information.

HTN: Buffalo Man Sentenced in Fatal Border Chase

2009-07-07T11:36:00.002-04:00

A Buffalo man serving a prison term in Canada for killing a woman during a high speed chase across the border has been sentenced on carjacking charges from that incident. Police say 33-year-old Cornelius Cross was given a 15 year sentence for stealing a car in Buffalo which led to the fatal accident in 2004. Authorities say Cross stole the car and was being chased by police. That's when he ditched the car, stole a cable television van and raced across the Rainbow Bridge killing a woman in a crash on the Canadian side. Cross still has five years left on his Canadian sentence for the death. He will serve 15 years for the thefts of the van and car when he arrives back in the U.S in 2014.

HTN: Senecas Set Up New Investment Company

2009-07-07T11:36:00.001-04:00

The Seneca Nation of Indians has formed a new investment company. Seneca Holdings LLC is expected to spend at least 28-million dollars over the next five years through a series of subsidiaries. All of those investments will be with companies that are operated, owned or run by members of the Seneca Nation or other tribes. Seneca Holdings was formed against the backdrop of potential legal threats against the Seneca's gaming and tobacco business ventures. Seneca officials say job creation and community development are key for the firm's new investment strategy.

HTN: Springville Sinkhole Getting Bigger

2009-07-07T11:35:00.001-04:00

A big sinkhole in Springville has gotten even bigger, and residents want to know why. Officials say the hole is increasing in length north and south. The hole is on an Erie County road, so the town has been waiting for the county to repair the problem. The Erie County Department of Public Works says the county and the town are working "very closely together." Inspectors say there is hollowing underneath a culvert in the road and the dirt is falling in, allowing water to from a nearby creek to spill into the hole. A temporary dam will need to be put in place to halt the flow of water just above the stream's spillway.

HTN: New Scam Targets Elderly

2009-07-07T11:34:00.000-04:00

A recent phone scam targeting the elderly that's popped up elsewhere in the country has finally made its way to the Buffalo area. Two men call the victim, one of whom pretends to be the person's "grandson." He says he's stuck in Toronto because of an accident and needs 36-hundred dollars for repairs. He then puts his "lawyer" on the phone to give the victim instructions on how to send them money and where.

New York Leads Nation in Pay Cuts

2009-07-07T11:33:00.000-04:00

Buffalo has been ranked eighth nationally by "Forbes" magazine for pay cuts in the last year. In fact, the top five cities were all in New York State. Buffalo residents have taken a collective zero-point-four-percent pay cut. Rochester ranked worst, with a two-point-three-percent loss, followed by Syracuse, Albany, New York City and Poughkeepsie. Statistics were measured between fourth quarter 2008 through first quarter 2009.

Cross-Border News 7/3/09

2009-07-03T13:42:00.000-04:00

Hosted by Arlene White on Friendship Festival Weekend

Good Morning Buffalo: Movie Talk

2009-07-03T13:40:00.002-04:00

Movie Critic Michael Calleri joins Loraine and Tom live in studio to set up the holiday weekend at the cinemas.

Bill O'Loughlin Show 7/3/09

2009-07-03T13:40:00.001-04:00

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Buffalo Uncensorerd 7/2/08

2009-07-02T14:03:00.000-04:00

Host David DiPietro with guest Bob Davis.

Good Morning Buffalo: Buffalo Theatre

2009-07-02T14:02:00.000-04:00

Loraine and Tom talk with Lisa Grisanti from Shea's

Bill O'Loughlin Show 7/209

2009-07-02T13:23:00.000-04:00

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Hometown News: Senate Standoff

2009-07-02T11:34:00.002-04:00

Governor David Paterson is trying to resolve the gridlock issues in Albany by keeping Senators there for the holiday weekend. Any public meeting between state Senate Republicans and Democrats to resolve the bitter leadership dispute will have to wait until Thursday. Republican leader Dean Skelos had offered to hold the get together Wednesday, but leaders with the Democratic conference say they need time "to work on arrangements and an agenda to ensure a productive negotiation."

HTN: FBI Raids two Hamburg Homes

2009-07-02T11:34:00.001-04:00

The FBI executed search warrants yesterday at the two most-expensive homes ever purchased in Erie County. Agents searched for evidence at two homes on Boston State Road, in connection with a still-undisclosed financial fraud case. The homes were purchased last year by a young hedge fund trader, for a total of six-point-three-million dollars. Court documents show the ownership listed as a company called Phantom Holdings One and a man named Michael Wilson.

HTN: Mayor Shouldn't Use City Seal for Charities

2009-07-02T11:33:00.000-04:00

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown has been told not to use the official city seal at charity functions. The Board of Ethics has told the Mayor the practice could make it appear that the charity events aree city sponsored. In January Brown used the city seal on invitations to a 35-dollar-a-plate luncheon to raise money for his Fund to Advance Buffalo charity. The move raised the ire of a Buffalo attorney who filed a complaint. The board concluded it would be best for the Mayor not to use the seal for an outside organization.

Hometown Sports: Sabres Free Agent Moves

2009-07-02T11:32:00.000-04:00

The Sabres gained one and lost one in free agency yesterday. Defensemen, that is. Buffalo agreed to terms with free agent Steve Montador on a two-year contract. The 29-year-old defensive specialist spent last season with the Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins, recording four goals and 17 assists in 78 games. On the other side, the Montreal Canadiens signed defenseman Jaroslav Spacek to a three-year contract.

Your Money and Your Life 6/24/09

2009-07-01T15:06:00.001-04:00

Guest hosted by Ed Robinson - a discussion of legal issues

Bill O'Loughlin Show 7/1/09

2009-07-01T13:52:00.001-04:00

Segment 1

Segment 2 (State Gov't)

Segment 3 (State Gov't)

Segment 4 (Dogs)

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Hometown News: Capital Chaos turns on Can of Coke

2009-07-01T11:46:00.002-04:00

Governor Paterson is calling for another special session for today after a Republican state Senator created a stir in wandering into the Senate chamber to avoid a crowd. Queens state Senator Frank Padavan used the chamber as a short-cut to get a soda. Senate Democrats assert Padavan's presence gave them enough members to form a quorum of 32-votes and pass legislation. Governor Paterson is calling for an end to the game in Albany

But Governor Paterson will not recognize any of the measures Senate Democrats claimed to pass. No official business was accomplished.

Governor Paterson's standing among voters remains abysmal. That's according to the latest Marist poll, in which voters give the Democrat a 21-percent approval rating. Two-thirds of New Yorkers in the survey say Paterson is a weak leader.

HTN: Chickens Legal in Buffalo

2009-07-01T11:46:00.001-04:00

A new law has come home to roost, and chicken coops could now become a normal sight in Buffalo. The Common Council agreed six to three to pass legislation which would allow people have chickens in their backyards. A Tuesday meeting only had two out of the 40 people attending not in favor of the new law. The legislation would require residents to pay a one time license fee of 25-dollars and only allow five hens to be kept on properties. Roosters would not be allowed to be kept, and residents would have to keep the hens in an enclosed area with a chicken coop. Supporters of the law feel it would help people understand where their food comes from.

HTN: Buffalo Product Recalled

2009-07-01T11:45:00.002-04:00

A Buffalo company has issued a product recall. Buffalo Sav Inc. is asking anyone who has purchased their "Grandma's Pierogies" products to return them. The products contain an ingredient called Amarath Red #2 which is not legal to be used in foods sold in the United States. Officials report no adverse reaction to the chemical has yet to be reported, but advises anyone with concerns who has consumed the products to contact the doctor.

HTN: 1975 Cold Case Cracked

2009-07-01T11:45:00.001-04:00

The man accused of killing a young Buffalo girl back in 1975 has been indicted. Prosecutors say 55-year-old Bernard Thomas faces charges of intentional murder and two counts of murder while committing sex crimes. Authorities say Thomas sexually assaulted 19-year-old Michelle Dixon before shooting her to death 34 years ago. Thomas entered a not guilty plea Tuesday and his lawyer says he will try to work out a plea deal. Cops say they cracked the case when the victim's family called to inquire if the case was reopened. That's when the Cold Case Squad ran a DNA sample and Thomas came up a match. Police say he had always been the prime suspect. Thomas' rap sheet includes 56 arrests. He was ordered held without bail.

HTN: Mining Company Wins Court Case

2009-07-01T11:44:00.002-04:00

Mining operations will be allowed to expand at a quarry in Cheektowaga. New York State's highest court has sided with Buffalo Crushed Stone, allowing the quarry to excavate land across Indian Road. The court stated that it was unrealistic and unreasonable to require the quarry to have mined all of its 280-acre land before town zoning codes restricted operations in 1969. The high court's ruling also allows for mining on two parcels near Como Park Boulevard.

HTN: GM Tonawanda to Closefor Extra Week

2009-07-01T11:44:00.001-04:00

The GM engine plant in Tonawanda will stop production for an additional week next month. That means the factory will grind to a halt for a total of five weeks. Production was halted at the beginning of this week as part of a two week seasonal closure planned each year. The lines will fire up for one on July 13th before stopping the 20th as per the latest announcement. The additional closure is because of the company's adjusted schedule for a plant in Ohio.

Hometown Sports: Sabres Don't Expect Big Splash

2009-07-01T11:43:00.001-04:00

NHL Free Agency began today at noon. Sabre GM Darcy Regier said he did not expect the team to be active in signing new players, but that he might try to improve the roster through trades. Buffalo has six unrestricted free agents, including Jaro Spacek and Max Afinogenov. They can match any offer made to restricted free agents Drew Stafford, Andrej Sekera or Patrick Kaleta. The Rangers traded forward Scott Gomez to the Canadiens.

Sports Insiders 6/29/09

2009-06-30T15:45:00.001-04:00

Joe Major with Allen Wilson and Rodney McKissic.

Skeleton Crew 6/30.09

2009-06-30T15:44:00.000-04:00

With Drs. Darren Bell and Matthew Misiak.

Bill O'Loughlin Show 6/30/09

2009-06-30T12:51:00.001-04:00

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HTN: Capital Chaos Continues

2009-06-30T11:06:00.000-04:00

Capital chaos contiues today, and it may be getting more random. A state Supreme Court judge ordered the warring sides back to the state Senate for a working session this morning. Judge Joseph Teresi sided with Governor David Paterson in the now three-week long power struggle. Teresi ordered the Senate to convene for a special session at 10 a.m.

But Senate Republicans filed an appeal to stay the order, attempting to put this morning's session on hold. Democrats then took over the Senate chamber again, placing senators in two key leadership chairs to bolster their claim that they control the Senate. Dems say several pieces of legislation must be acted on by today or they will expire, and that billions in education, stimulus, housing and other federal money will be lost. Democratic conference leader John Sampson says the coup will end up costing New York taxpayers seven-point-two-billion dollars.

HTN: Beefing up the Borders

2009-06-30T11:05:00.002-04:00

Border patrol agents are beefing up security, just in time for the Fourth of July weekend. New cameras will give agents a continuous view of the Niagara River all the way up through Youngstown. The lower Niagara has been under surveillance since 2003, and with the installation of the cameras on the upper section, the entire length of the river will be covered by the end of the summer.

HTN: Use that Gift Card Before the Gov't Gets It

2009-06-30T11:05:00.001-04:00

If you leave a gift card laying around unused, you may find the state will grab its cash value. "The Wall Street Journal" is reporting several states are labeling gift cards that go unused for as little as two years "abandoned property" and are taking the money. Every year, about six-point-eight-billion dollars in gift card value is never redeemed.

HTN: First Niagara Pays Back Bailout

2009-06-30T11:04:00.000-04:00

First Niagara bank has paid Uncle Sam back the bailout money it received. The company says it has completed a final transaction worth more than two-and-a-half million dollars, to buy back the warrant which could have allowed the Treasury Department to buy nearly a million shares of common stock. The bank is now free from the tight restrictions placed on institutions taking taxpayer money.

HTN: Studio Arena to Permanently Close

2009-06-30T11:03:00.000-04:00

Studio Arena Theatre has changed its bankruptcy plans, and will go dark forever. The theater's assets will now be liquidated to satisfy debts and it will cease to exist, after failing to convince potrential donors that it could restructure and survive.

Buffalo Style 6/27/09

2009-06-29T15:49:00.007-04:00

Hosted by Christina Abt.

Sports Insiders 6/27/09

2009-06-29T15:49:00.006-04:00

Hosted by Joe Major, with Rodney McKissic and Allen Wilson.

Bill O'Loughlin Show 6/29/09

2009-06-29T13:02:00.000-04:00

Segment 1 (Bernie Madoff)

Segment 2 (American Cars)

Segment 3

Segment 4

Segment 5 (Governor Sanford)

Segment 6

Segment 7

Segment 8

Hometown News: Second Student dies from H1N1

2009-06-29T10:32:00.000-04:00

A second Buffalo student has died from swine flu. Nine-year-old Maya Harden passed away Saturday morning at Women and Children's Hospital. She was a fourth-grader at the Charles Drew Science Magnet School 59 who had been ill for some time. The second death comes a week after 15-year-old Matthew Davis died from complications related to H1N1. School Superintendent Doctor James Williams reminds parents to have their kids wash their hands frequently to help prevent the spread of the flu.

HTN: Teen Hit by Train Dies

2009-06-29T10:31:00.000-04:00

The autistic teen hit by a train in the City of Tonawanda last week has died. The family of 15-year-old Anthony Fracassi of Buffalo removed him from life support on Friday. The teen was participating in a baseball game for challenged youth last Tuesday near Main Street and Fuller Avenue. At some point Fracassi wandered away from the game and up onto the train tracks. He suffered multiple injuries after being hit by the CSX freight train. The investigation is closed and no charges will be filed.

HTN: Senate Standoff Continues

2009-06-29T10:23:00.002-04:00

The senate circus appears far from over. On Sunday, state lawmakers met for another emergency session and for the sixth straight day, they accomplished absolutely nothing. Governor David Paterson met with Democrats behind closed doors last night, but says the meeting didn't result in a solution to the power sharing struggle. Meantime, turncoat Senator Pedro Espada says he's being approached by Democrats who want him to return to the caucus. That would give Democrats the majority. Governor Paterson has called another special session for today and says he'll even order one on July 4th if the power struggle hasn't been resolved by then. Both sides of the aisle held separate sessions on Sunday, but no legislation was passed. Paterson has called the senators "derelict in their duty" and has promised to cut millions of dollars of pork-barrel projects until the Senate gets back to normal. The governor has also ordered state officials to find a way to cut off senators' expenses reimbursement and paychecks.

HTN: New York is Cheap with Unemployment Benefits

2009-06-29T10:23:00.001-04:00

New York has the lowest average unemployment benefit. There are over 500-thousand New Yorkers receiving unemployment benefits from the state. The largest sum anyone can draw is 405 dollars a week, and with an additional short-term 25-dollar stimulus boost. The average check is 314 dollars. Regionally, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania clock in at 600-dollars-a-week, while an unemployed Massachusetts worker can get up to 900 a week.

HTN: Missing Hamburg Man

2009-06-29T10:22:00.001-04:00

Police are searching for a missing Hamburg man. Twenty-six-year-old Aaron Dorolek was last seen early Friday evening. He is described as a six-foot-three-inch tall white male with brown hair and green eyes. Anyone with information should call Hamburg police.

HTN: Flynn Gets Key to City

2009-06-29T10:20:00.000-04:00

Hometown high school star and Syracuse standout Jonny Flynn gets the key to the city of Niagara Falls tonight at City Hall. After wrapping up two exciting years with the Orange, Flynn was drafted sixth overall by the NBA Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

Good Morning Buffalo: Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T14:57:00.001-04:00

Tom and Loraine talk to Fox News Radio's Alistair Wanklin on the reaction from overseas.

Buffalo Uncensored 6/25/09

2009-06-26T14:43:00.000-04:00

Host David DiPietro, with County Legislator Michelle Iannello.

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Cross-Border News 6/26/09

2009-06-26T14:15:00.001-04:00

Hosted by Arlene White.

Bill O'Loughlin 6/26/09

2009-06-26T13:26:00.001-04:00

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Bill O'Loughlin 6/25/09

2009-06-26T13:25:00.000-04:00

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Hometown News: Albany Deal Nearing?

2009-06-26T11:56:00.001-04:00

Governor Paterson is calling state Senators back to Albany for a fourth special session this afternoon. Lawmakers met briefly for separate extraordinary sessions. Both Republicans and Democrats gaveled in and out of meetings that lasted no longer than five-minutes. No official business was carried out. Governor Paterson blasts the Senate leaders for a lack of leadership. Meanwhile, both Republican and Democratic state Senators claim a deal is within reach to share power.

HTN: Storms Leave Damage in Niagara County

2009-06-26T11:54:00.000-04:00

Storms rolled through Western New York yesterday, especially pounding northern Niagara County. Lightning struck a church chimney at Ransomville Baptist Church and there were several reports of downed utility lines, power failures, traffic signal outages and the like. National Grid reported that seven-thousand Niagara County lost power around the area yesterday. They were mostly restored by 4 p.m.

HTN: DC Train Driver from Buffalo Laid to Rest

2009-06-26T11:52:00.002-04:00

The Buffalo native killed in the Washington DC train crash will be laid to rest today. Services will be held in the nation's Capitol for 42-year-old Jeanice McMillan, who was the conductor of the moving train which collided with a stopped one.McMillan grew up in Buffalo and graduated from Turner-Carroll High school. She moved to Virginia and had worked for the Metro rail system since January of 2007. Nine people were killed in Monday's crash. The cause remains under investigation.

HTN: FAA Reviewing Pilot Rules

2009-06-26T11:52:00.001-04:00

In the wake of the crash of Flight 3407, the FAA is fast-tracking the review of pilot fatigue rules. The Administration will set up a committee by July 15th to begin the effort to revise the rules governing airline pilots. Recommendations will be made by September first. The FAA is also calling on airlines to review all of a pilot's test records before hiring them. The NTSB says the pilot at the helm of the doomed flight had failed previous test flights and the co-pilot may have been fatigued.

HTN: Vets Convention in Buffalo

2009-06-26T11:51:00.001-04:00

Thousands of veterans have arrived for the annual New York state VFW convention. More than three-thousand vets will take part in events at the Hyatt Regency downtown through Sunday. The 90th annual gathering will focus on topics such as health care and other benefits for those who served the country. Throughout A replica of the Vietnam Memorial has been set up in East Aurora's Knox Farm State Park.

HTN: Goodbye, Aud

2009-06-26T11:46:00.000-04:00

Tuesday will be the final goodbye to the Memorial Auditorium. Officials will gather next week for a formal send-off as demolition work comes to an end with the tearing-down of the South Wall. The Aud's time capsule from 1939 will be opened.

Your Money and Your Life

2009-06-25T13:56:00.000-04:00

Hosted by Mark Stevens from 6/17/09.

Hometown News: Another Day, Another Special Session

2009-06-25T10:34:00.001-04:00

Governor David Paterson is calling state Senate Democrats back to Albany for another special session this afternoon. The governor is making good on his promise to continue calling special sessions until the power struggle over the Senate is resolved. Deposed majority leader Malcolm Smith had threatened that he and other Democrats were going home after holding a five-minute special session without voting on an issue. Republicans did not attend after issues of legality were raised. Governor Paterson threatened to go to court to keep Democrats in Albany, which did not sit well with state Senator Eric Adams

As of late Wednesday, both Senate Democrats and Republicans say they're planning to attend this afternoon's 3 p.m., session.The governor is also consulting with the state Comptroller's office to dock pay and stipends since the political coup began two-weeks ago.
Paterson insists calling the state Senate back for a special session is within his authority. Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos says Senators are getting down to making a deal.

State Senator Jeff Klein notes the state Constitution allows the governor to recall just state Senators to Albany for a special session. But Klein is not certain if any of the measures approved during Tuesday's special session would stand up to a legal challenge.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli says vital state programs face a 1-billion-dollar risk if the chaos in the state Senate continues. With less than a week left to come up with a solution, DiNapoli is calling for responsible leadership, and urging lawmakers to pass legislation. Without Senate action by June 30th, local governments will be looking at a potential 750-million-dollars in revenue losses. More than 30 counties are facing the loss of up to 25-percent of their sales tax revenues, which would likely lead to drastic cuts in every level of local government across the state.

HTN: FAA Fights Pilot Fatigue

2009-06-25T10:33:00.000-04:00

The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered airlines and pilot unions to come to a consensus by September 1st on how to limit pilot fatigue. The command came after the National Transportation Safety Board suspected pilot fatigue in February's fatal crash of Continental Express Flight 3407 in Buffalo and other recent accidents. The board concluded both pilots in the Buffalo crash did not have enough sleep before climbing into the cockpit.

HTN: Convictions in Death of Diplomat from Buffalo

2009-06-25T10:32:00.000-04:00

Five Sudanese men have been convicted in connection to the assassination of an American diplomat last year in Sudan. John Granville, who grew up in South Buffalo, was killed on January 1st, 2008 when assassins and shot him and his driver. Abdelbaset Alhaj Alhassan, Abdelraoof Hamza, Mohamed Makawi Ibrahim, and Osman Mohamed Yousif all face the death penalty. Hafev Murad Abdelrahman was convicted of a weapons charge and has been sentenced to two years in prison. The 33-year-old Granville was a former Peace Corps volunteer working as a diplomat with the U.S. Agency for International Development.

HTN: Bridges to Twitter

2009-06-25T10:30:00.000-04:00

The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission says it will post delays at the Rainbow Bridge and at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge on the networking site Twitter. Travellers can log on to twitter.com/NiagaraBridges. Officials say when there are delays, tweets will be posted every 30 to 60 minutes and you can find which bridge has the shortest delay.

HTN: Lottery Plans to Install Table Games

2009-06-25T10:29:00.002-04:00

The state Lottery is moving forward with plans for electronic gaming machines at racetrack casinos, although the state Assembly ended its session without taking up the bill. However, the Governor's lottery division is advancing its plan to bring electronic versions of 21, roulette and craps to eight racetracks across the state. Opponents question whether the Lottery has the legal authority to install the games. State officials insist they are on sound legal footing.

HTN: Buffalo Near the Top in Real Estate Price Stability

2009-06-25T10:29:00.001-04:00

A North Carolina-based real estate forecast company has ranked Buffalo among the top markets for home prices. Local Market Monitor has listed Buffalo as tied for second with four other markets as part of the country's top ten markets for home prices in the next 12 months. Syracuse, Rochester, and five other markets are tied for third. The report shows the top markets, where home values are expected to stay level, are some of the markets that didn't go through a big housing boom. Prices in those markets are generally below the U.S. average, and reflect where the recession has had a generally mild impact so far.

Bill O'Loughlin Show 6/24/09

2009-06-24T15:24:00.000-04:00

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Hometown News: Capital Circus

2009-06-24T10:56:00.003-04:00

The theater of the absurd continues inside the Senate chamber in Albany. Democratic and Republican state senators entered the chambers yesterday afternoon and tried to run their own legislative sessions while ignoring the other side. Senators from both sides called for votes on bills, many times talking over each other even though they were mere feet apart inside the chamber. Governor David Paterson is calling for another special session and adding a gay marriage bill to the agenda.

The governor seeking a vote on a same-sex marriage bill has reportedly angered Bronx state Senator Ruben Diaz, Senior. Diaz is reportedly considering siding with colleague, Senator Pedro Espada, in caucusing with Republicans and putting the GOP in control of the Senate. Diaz blasts Governor Paterson's decision to hold a special session.

State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo says it's time to put partisan politics aside in Albany. Cuomo says state Senators are needed to vote on important issues that impact the lives of everyday New Yorkers.

His approval in a free-fall for most of 2009, a new survey says David Paterson's standing with voters may have bottomed out. According to a new Quinnipiac University poll, the Governor's disapproval rating of 61 percent is the same that it was in the May 13 poll on the same subject. Just 28 percent of those asked approve of Paterson's job performance. In a potentential 2010 Democratic Primary, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo trounces Paterson 51-20 percent.

HTN: Debt Collector Busted

2009-06-24T10:56:00.001-04:00

A Buffalo-based collection agency, whose employees allegedly posed as police officers, has been padlocked and the owner arrested. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo accused several agencies run by Tobias Boyland of shady practices. The 43-year-old Boyland, already a convicted felon, was arrested yesterday at his home. Cuomo's office has brought civil suits against Boyland and three of his employees, all of whom have criminal records. The three were just a few of about 30 people operating companies under nine names at four local offices.

HTN: Pat Kane on Cover of NHL '09

2009-06-24T10:55:00.000-04:00

South Buffalo native and Chicago Blackhawk Patrick Kane is the cover man for this year's EA Sports NHL video game. The twenty-year-old was drafted first overall two years ago, and is now the youngest player ever chosen for the cover. Kane says that it's exciting to be on the cover of his favorite video game, after only two years of professional play. Kane won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year in 2008, and this last season helped lead the Blackhawks to the Western Conference Finals. He's scored more than 20 goals and registered more than 70 points in each of his first two seasons.

HTN: Residents Complain About Planes

2009-06-23T15:18:00.002-04:00

Some area residents are expressing concern that a small local airstrip is not operating safely. Residents say that small planes leaving Buffalo-Lancaster Airport off Walden Avenue are flying too close together, possibly at unsafe altitudes. Planes generally take off in a westbound direction, but turn south, in order to avoid Buffalo-Niagara International's air space, right over a subdivision along Nichter and Pavement Roads. Airstrip owner Tom Gelles, has applied for government grants to extend his runway 23-hundred feet east.

HTN: Twin-Fatal Crash in LeRoy

2009-06-23T15:18:00.001-04:00

State Police say two people are dead following an accident involving three vehicles Tuesday morning in Genesee County. One car was northbound on Rt. 19 in Leroy when a van headed southbound crossed over and struck the car head on. A dump truck trailing behind one of the cars could not stop in time and was also involved. The drivers of the car and van were killed.

Hometown News: Dems Hold Lock-In

2009-06-23T15:17:00.000-04:00

About 18 Democratic senators have occupied the State Senate chamber and locked the doors, barring the press and public from the gallery. They say they'll let their Republican foes in before a 3 p-m special session ordered by Gov. David Paterson. GThe governor says he wants votes on 55 time-sensitive measures that are considered non-controversial items.
Earlier, Standing Senate President Pedro Espada Junior had said a deal was in the works to share power. But former majority leader Malcolm Smith said progress has been slow.

Skeleton Crew 6/23/09

2009-06-23T15:14:00.001-04:00

Hosted by Drs. Matthew Misiak and Darren Bell.

Sports Insiders 6/22/09

2009-06-23T15:13:00.002-04:00

Hosted by Joe Major with Rodney McKissic and Allen Wilson from the Buffalo News

Bill O'Loughlin Show 6/23/09

2009-06-23T15:00:00.001-04:00

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Bill O'Loughlin Show 6/22/09

2009-06-22T13:07:00.002-04:00

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BuffaloStyle: 6/20/09

2009-06-22T13:06:00.000-04:00

Hosted by Christina Abt.

Hometown News: First Erie County Swine Flu Death

2009-06-22T10:48:00.002-04:00

A 15-year-old Buffalo boy has become Erie County's first swine flu related death. Matthew Davis was reportedly suffering from pneumonia and MERSA as well as the H1N1 virus. . Davis was an eighth grade student at Harvey Austin School 97. He was taken off life support Saturday.School officials say grief counselors will be available today.

HTN: Paterson to Call Special Session

2009-06-22T10:48:00.001-04:00

Although the legislative session is supposed to come to an end today, senators could be staying in Albany a bit longer. Fed up with the partisan bickering, Governor David Paterson is ordering a special session beginning Tuesday that could keep senators in Albany every day, including weekends and the July 4th holiday.

The Senate has been at a standstill for weeks, after Republicans seized control of the chamber and a bitter fight has been raging over leadership positions.Paterson warns Senators that there will be no excuses and no tolerance for not complying with the order. Democrats have refused to enter a session under the Republican control and Republicans have not been willing to enter any power-sharing agreements. Paterson announced that former Lieutenant Governor Stan Lundine and former state Senator John Dunne will act as mediators in the leadership dispute in the state Senate.

HTN: Half of Buffalo Flights are Commuter Planes

2009-06-22T10:47:00.003-04:00

A new report out of Washington shows thaat regional airlines now account for nearly half of the flights from Buffalo to destinations across the U.S., as well as local routes to major airports like LaGuardia and Reagan National. The report, which concentrated on data from mid-July 2008, showed 46-percent of planes were flown by regional carriers, despite the Continental, Delta, US Airways or United stamped on the ticket. Also, many of the planes being flown along those routes are no longer big jets, but small regional jets and propeller planes, such as the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, the type of plane used in the Colgan Air-operated Continental Connection flight 3407 between Newark and Buffalo which killed 50 people. Colgan also operates US Airways' Buffalo to Albany route.

HTN: Brush-Up Buffalo Postponed

2009-06-22T10:45:00.000-04:00

Brush Up Buffalo 2009 was cancelled Saturday because of bad weather. Over 600 volunteers from area businesses and community groups have signed up to participate in the one-day event. This was the first time in the event's 13-year history it has been cancelled because of weather. All the originally-scheduled activities will take place on the new date, this Saturday June 27th. This year, 18 low-income, single-family, owner-occupied homes in the area around the University of Buffalo South Campus are scheduled to get a fresh coat of paint.

Cross-Border News

2009-06-19T15:35:00.001-04:00

Hosted by Arlene White, from Friday 6/19/09.

Bill O'Loughlin Show 6/19/09

2009-06-19T14:36:00.001-04:00

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Hometown News: Capital Chaos

2009-06-19T11:15:00.001-04:00

State lawmakers in Albany are heading home for the weekend without resolving the power struggle over the state Senate. Senate Democrats refused to attend a session convened by Republicans for a fourth consecutive day. Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson refuses to acknowledge the political coup putting Republicans and one defiant Democrat in charge. State Senator Eric Schneiderman calls the negotiations difficult.

But both sides did agree to keep sending paychecks to Senators and staff before leaving for the weekend. Democratic conference officials say they plan to file an appeal to the decision made earlier this week by a state judge to not interfere in the power struggle and let the senators figure it out for themselves.

Democrat state Senator Pedro Espana Jr., who broke away from the party in an attempt to lead the Republican takeover of the Senate, claims the chamber is no longer deadlocked. Espana claims that his position as president pro tempore also makes him acting lieutenant governor, giving him a second vote. Other Democrats of course disagree.They will file a motion to try and keep Espada from acting as temporary president of the Senate.

If state Senators don't resolve their leadership dispute and return to session, dozens of counties could be looking at increasing property taxes. The New York State Association of Counties says that there are 36 home rule bills pending that would extend the current sales tax rates in 36 counties and New York City. Without those bills being enacted, county leaders say the only alternatives are to cut services and jobs or increase property taxes.

HTN: Critical H1N1 Case in Buffalo School

2009-06-19T11:14:00.000-04:00

A girl in the Buffalo Public School District is on life support with a confirmed case of swine flu. The nine-year-old caught pneumonia after contracting the H1N1 virus. The fourth grader attends the Charles Drew Science Magnet School 59 museum campus. The girl was taken to the emergency room Friday with flu-like symptoms and sent home. She then caught pneumonia and was admitted to Women and Children's Hospital on Tuesday morning.

HTN: Three Suspects Picked Up in Elba Bank Robbery

2009-06-19T11:12:00.001-04:00

Three bank robbery suspects who triggered a major manhunt yesterday through Genesee County faced a judge last night in Elba Town Court. 26-year-old Dennis Abrams Jr., 25-year-old Demone Dillion and 24-year-old Michael Wells have been arraigned on first-degree robbery charges for knocking over the M&T Bank at 7133 Oak Orchard Road in Elba. As officers conducted a house-to-house search, all Genesee County schools were put on lockdown. Two men were picked up shortly after the robbery, but Wells eluded police for about six hours. All three were taken into custody without incident. Police recovered a handgun from one of the suspects. A second gun found with the money was found to be a fake. Abrams, Dillion and Wells were being held in the Genesee County Jail on no bail.

HTN: Indictment in West Seneca Stabbing

2009-06-19T11:11:00.000-04:00

A West Seneca man has pleaded not guilty to stabbing his six-year-old son. 31-year-old Corey Cochran was indicted on an attempted murder charge, after. authorities said Cochran stabbed the boy in the chest during a domestic violence incident on April 19th in the family's Indian Church Road home. Cochran was ordered held without bail, and a temporary restraining order was put in place to prevent Cochran from contacting his estranged wife and four kids.

HTN: Falls Man cas Sue in Taser Case

2009-06-19T11:10:00.000-04:00

A Niagara Falls man can sue the City police department after he was Tasered in an effort to obtain a DNA sample. A Niagara County judge says Ryan Smith may go ahead with the suit. Smith says in September he was Tasered into unconsciousness by Niagara Falls police who wanted to swab his mouth for DNA. Smith was a suspect in a shooting and armed robbery. Earlier this month a judge ruled that the DNA sample obtained after the Tasering would be admissible in the criminal trial.

HTN: Building OK'd after Partial Collapse

2009-06-19T11:09:00.000-04:00

A former livery stable in downtown Buffalo has been given a clean bill of health. This comes after floorboards gave way earlier this week, trapping a payload operator underneath. Inspectors gave the C.W. Miller Livery Stable a thorough examination, and say the 117-year-old Huron Street building has no structural problems. Restaranteur Mark Croce plans to develop it into commercial and residential space.

HTN: Unemployment Still Rising

2009-06-19T11:08:00.000-04:00

The New York State Department of Labor reported yesterday that the state's unemployment rate continued to climb in May. The rate jumped from seven-point-seven-percent in April to eight-point-two-percent in May. Last year in May, the unemployment rate was just five-point-two-percent. The unemployment rate in the Buffalo region was eight-point-three-percent, up from eight-point-five in April and five-point-seven a year ago.

Good Morning Buffalo: National Health Care

2009-06-18T15:04:00.001-04:00

Loraine and Tom talk with Bob Moffatt from the Heritage Foundation about the Obama health care plan.

Bill O'Loughlin Show Thu 6/18/09

2009-06-18T14:58:00.001-04:00

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Buffalo Uncensored 6/18/09

2009-06-18T14:56:00.000-04:00

David DiPietro and special guest Carl Paladino.

HTN: More Layoffs at Ford Woodlawn

2009-06-18T09:35:00.001-04:00

The Ford stamping plant in Woodlawn is facing another round of layoffs. Eighty-seven more workers are expected to be laid off later this month and in early July while the plant adjusts production to meet the needs of the assembly plant it supplies in St. Thomas, Ontario. The cuts include 12 skilled trades workers who are expected to go on indefinite layoff June 29th, followed by 75 hourly production workers going idle on July 6th. The Ontario plant assembles The Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis. The Woodlawn plant produces body sides, hoods, front doors, quarter panels, rear doors and roofs for those vehicles.

HTN: Buff State Re-opens after Water Main Break

2009-06-18T09:34:00.003-04:00

Buffalo State College is open again today. A water main broke under the student quad yesterday morning. School officials say a construction backhoe ruptured the water line. All classes were cancelled for the afternoon and evening. Water had to be shut off to the entire campus, and two buildings sustained flooded basements. The college closed and only essential personnel were told to remain on campus. All other support staff, faculty and students were excused. The problem was fixed by last night.

HTN: Yahoo! Reveals Lockport Site Plans

2009-06-18T09:34:00.002-04:00

The Internet giant Yahoo! has unveiled its designs for the new data center it plans to build in Lockport. A company representative met with the Lockport Town Planning Board last night to reveal the plans for the high-tech, energy efficient hub to be built in the Town of Lockport Industrial Park. The project is set to create at least 75 jobs, with salaries between 50- and 60-thousand dollars. A public hearing on the project will be June 30th, with construction starting as soon as August.

HTN: Capital Chaos

2009-06-18T09:32:00.000-04:00

There is still no deal in Albany over just who has control of the state Senate. The power struggle that has brought gridlock to the Senate for over a week continues as both Democrats and Republicans maintain they are in control of the chamber. Meanwhile, dozens of bills still need to be voted on before the current legislative session ends. Without a quorum, no bills are being debated or passed. Governor Paterson is calling on both sides to return to the Senate chamber and get back to doing the work of the people. Neither side in the leadership war in the state Senate is giving in. The Republican who claims to be Majority Leader -- Dean Skelos -- notes that Democratic Senators who've refused to go into session are still getting paid.

One bill in Albany which could get held up by the chaos in the Senate is a measure to tighten restrictions on teen drivers. The bill was approved unanimously in the Assembly Wednesday, but it is uncertain if the Senate will reconvene. The measure would require teen drivers to pass 50 hours of behind the wheel training before getting a license, up from 20 hours. It would also limit non-family passengers under the age of 21 to just one, when a teen is driving. Teen drivers also would not be able to plea to lesser offenses on traffic violations like speeding and would have to obtain a learner's permit for at least six months before getting a license. The bill also bans texting while driving for all ages.

Good Morning Buffalo 6/17/09

2009-06-17T15:55:00.001-04:00

Rev. Darius Pridgen on the Lew-Port Schools controversy

Cold Case Detective Dennis Delano on his new book.

Sports Insiders

2009-06-17T15:54:00.002-04:00

With Joe Major, Rodney McKissic and Allen Wilson

Saturday 6/13/09

Monday 6/15/09

Bill O'Loughlin Show Wed 6/17/09

2009-06-17T15:53:00.003-04:00

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