• John Lasseter, Pixar chief, taking leave amid sexual misconduct claims

    LOS ANGELES — Pixar co-founder and Walt Disney Animation chief John Lasseter is taking a six-month leave of absence citing “missteps” with employees.
    In a vaguely-worded memo obtained by The Associated Press Tuesday, Lasseter says he knows he has made some employees feel disrespected and uncomfortable. He apologized to anyone who has received an unwanted hug or gesture and to those he has “let down.”
    The Hollywood Reporter posted Tuesday that a longtime Pi
  • North Grand Island Bridge renovations are complete

    GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) – The NYS Thruway Authority’s $8.4 million bridge rehabilitation project on the northbound North Grand Island Bridge has been completed ahead of schedule.
    The project included various bridge improvements and safety upgrades, including  concrete deck repairs, installation of new bridge joints, and a new polyester concrete overlay on the bridge’s deck.
    The bridge was closed for a weekend in September to allow the project’s contractor
  • Inside a rare felony hearing in town court for the Cheektowaga shooting suspect

    CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) – The man accused of opening fire outside of a Dollar General last week appeared in Cheektowaga Town Court for a rare felony hearing.
    Judge Paul Piotrowski ruled the testimony he heard Tuesday is enough to hold Travis Green, 29, to the higher charge of attempted murder.
    We do want to note Judge Piotrowski asked the media not to show any video or audio of the witness captured in the courtroom today to protect their identities.
    The bystander inside the Dollar Ge
  • Homeless community members opening up to pastor spending nights on the streets

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Ron talks with Pastor Eric Johns as they sit under a bridge along Exchange Street. The 47-year-old found himself living on the streets two months ago after being evicted from a rooming house.
    “It’s kind of humiliating,” said Ron.
    Although, not too surprising, says the man who grew up on the East Side.
    “School was rough. I have a lot of issues with arithmetic. I am still trying to get a GED.”
    Ron has held seasonal, odd jobs his entir
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  • Former Albion correction officer charged with official misconduct

    ALBION, N.Y. (WIVB) – A Buffalo man has been charged with official misconduct following an investigation into an unlawful personal relationship he had with an inmate while he was employed as a correction officer at Albion Correctional Facility.
    Daijon Talford, 33, of Buffalo, was issued an appearance ticket for the Town of Albion Court for Dec. 5.
    The investigation was conducted by New York State Police and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Of
  • Orchard Park doctor charged with writing false prescriptions, identity theft

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A doctor who works at an Orchard Park pain management clinic has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with obtaining controlled substances through fraud and identity theft.
    Dr. Paul Biddle, 53, of Amherst, faces a maximum of four years in prison for the drug charges if convicted, and the identity theft charges carry a maximum of five years in prison.
    The U.S. Attorney’s office is holding a news conference about the arrest.
    According to the assistant
  • LIVE STREAM: U.S. Attorney’s office holds conference on arrest of Orchard Park doctor

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The U.S. Attorney’s office is holding a news conference about the arrest of an Orchard Park pain management doctor.
    APP USERS | Tap here to watch the conference live.
  • Places where you can’t shop on Thanksgiving

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — BestBlackFriday has released their list of stores that will be closed on Thanksgiving this year.
    Here is the list:
     
    A.C. Moore
    Abt Electronics
    Academy Sports + Outdoors
    Ace Hardware
    At Home
    Babies R Us
    BJ’s Wholesale Club
    Blain’s Farm and Fleet
    Burlington
    Cost Plus World Market
    Costco
    Craft Warehouse
    Crate and Barrel
    Dillard’s
    dressbarn
    DSW – Designer Shoe Warehouse
    Ethan Allen
    Fry’s Electronics
    Gardner-White Furniture
    Guitar
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  • Dog shot, officer hit by gunfire in Niagara Falls

    NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Niagara Falls police officer was forced to shoot a dog during a Tuesday morning incident.
    Around 11 a.m., police were on the 1100 block of North Ave. trying to get two loose dogs back home.
    The officers were able to peacefully secure the dogs, but as they tried to return them to their owner, a third dog ran from the house and attacked an officer.
    Police had to shoot the dog several times in order to stop the attack.
    One officer was struck in the leg by a
  • Trouble in Toyland report lists toys dangerous to children

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — This years 32 annual “Trouble in Toyland” survey includes a list of toys found on store shelves at places like Target, Dollar Tree, Party City and Walmart that could put children at risk.
    “The legal limit of lead for children’s toys is 100 parts per million. This fidget spinner right here has 33 thousand parts per million of lead in it. Now the manufacturers argue that this is not a children’s toy because it has a 14 and up label but we
  • CBS fires Charlie Rose

    NEW YORK (AP modified) — CBS This Morning co-host Charlie Rose has been fired.
    The announcement came following The Washington Post’s report of eight women who accused the veteran newsman of multiple unwanted sexual advances and inappropriate behavior. He had previously been suspended by CBS following the accusations.
    The women, three of whom spoke on the record in the deeply-reported story, accused Rose of groping them, walking naked in front of them and relating an erotic dream
  • Driver with 4 active suspensions charged with cocaine possession

    BOSTON, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Cattaraugus County man was charged with cocaine possession after a traffic stop in the Town of Boston.
    On Monday morning, a deputy with the Erie County Sheriff’s office stopped Freedom resident Devin Clark.
    Clark, 30, had been speeding on Route 219, according to the Sheriff’s office. The deputy investigated, and it was revealed that Clark had four active license suspensions for failing to answer summonses.
    After he was charged with Aggravated Unlice
  • SUNY Geneseo investigates threats to student organizations

    GENESEO, N.Y. (WROC-TV) — The SUNY Geneseo University Police Department is investigating threats against student organizations.
    An email sent to the campus community on Friday by University Police said that threats were made to a group of specific student organizations:
    To the campus community:
    The SUNY Geneseo University Police Department (UPD) is currently investigating a report of anonymous threats to a group of specific student organizations associated with the College. UPD i
  • Aurora Popcorn Shop and “Grinch” display draw visitors into historic Aurora Theatre

    EAST AURORA, N.Y. (WIVB) – Movie theaters across the country are making changes to enhance the movie-going experience for visitors and bring more customers in. The Aurora Theatre has built out its business by opening another operation in its lobby.
    “The Aurora Popcorn Shop was brought to life about three years ago, and we figured a movie theater is the best place to make popcorn so why not take it to the next level,” said Lynn Kinsella, owner of the Aurora Theatre and Aurora Po
  • Dannemora prison escapee moved to Attica Correctional Facility

    ATTICA, N.Y. (WIVB) – David Sweat, one of the prisoners who broke out of Clinton Correctional Facility in 2015, has been moved to Attica Correctional Facility.
    “Based on biannual reviews, which include looking at concerns like an inmate’s behavior, allegiances with other inmates that could become disruptive or over-familiarity with a facility, there are approximately 5,000 inmate transfers from one prison to another every month,” Department of Corrections and Co
  • State Police investigating 1979 cold case

    WARSAW, N.Y. (WIVB) — New York State Police are still investigating a nearly 38-year-old cold case.
    In December of 1979, Warsaw resident James Dean Knox went missing at age 24. He was reported missing by his grandmother, who last saw him almost two weeks earlier at her South Warsaw home.
    In the days following the last time she saw him, Knox had been seen by friends, associates and other locals in the village. He was known to frequent a local pizzeria there.
    When Knox suddenly disappea
  • Past SNL performers, staff sign statement supporting Franken

    MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A group of women who worked alongside Al Franken on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” have signed a statement of support for the Minnesota senator.
    Last week, broadcaster Leeann Tweeden accused Franken, a Democrat, of forcibly kissing her during a USO tour in 2006. Another woman says he placed his hand on her buttocks while posing for a photo at the Minnesota State Fair in 2010.
    Thirty-six women signed the SNL statement supporting Franken, including performer
  • DOT to hold public meeting on Broadway pavement project

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will hold a public meeting next week on a pavement project planned for Broadway.
    The project is planned for the section of road between Oak St. and Fillmore Ave. in Buffalo.
    The DOT wants to mill and resurface the pavement with a new layer of asphalt. This project would convert part of Broadway from a four-lane section to a three-lane section with bicycle lanes.
    The area where there are two travel lanes in each
  • Collins man accused of sex act against 4-year-old

    COLLINS, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Collins man has been charged with committing a sexual act against a young girl.
    The Erie County Sheriff’s office says they received a tip from the New York State Child Abuse Hotline, leading to an interview with a four-year-old girl and her parent.
    According to the Sheriff’s office, Richard Smith, 53, inappropriately touched the girl in her pelvic area.
    Smith was arrested this past Thursday and committed to the Erie County Holding Center on $50,000
  • Ikea again announces dresser recall after death of 8th child

    NEW YORK (AP) — Ikea has relaunched the recall of 29 million chests and dressers following the death of an eighth child.
    CEO Lars Petersson said the company wants to increase awareness of the recall for several types of chest and dressers that can easily tip over if not anchored to a wall.
    The death of a California toddler, who was found trapped underneath an Ikea Malm dresser in May, has raised questions about whether Ikea has effectively spread the word about the recall, which was first
  • What you need to know about gift cards

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Gift cards are one of the most popular presents to give and receive, but there are some things to keep in mind before and after you buy them.
    State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says you should treat a gift card just like cash — not a coupon or a discount.
    If you lose it, in most cases, it is gone.
    In New York, the issuer cannot hit you with service charges or maintenance fees for two years. It expires in five years, unless the card specifically gives you mo
  • Jordan’s Thanksgiving Squash Casserole recipe

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — This recipe comes from my aunt.  It’s been a family favorite for years.
    10-12 yellow squash
    1 chopped onion
    1 chopped bell pepper
    6 crackers (crushed)
    ½ cup of milk
    2 beaten eggs
    ½ cup of grated sharp cheddar (or more)
    2-3 tablespoons of butter
    1 teaspoon of sugar
    Salt and pepper to taste
    Clean and boil squash in salted water
    Sautee onion, bell pepper, and butter
    Drain squash and mash in colander
    Mix squash, crackers, egg mixture, and be
  • NFWB looking at 2.5 percent rate hike for sewer and water customers

    NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB)- The Niagara Falls Water Board has a plan to improve the waste water plant notorious for being the source of black discharge.
    The infrastructure improvement projects are part of the 2018 budget, which also includes a rate hike.
    The NFWB is still cleaning up the problems left behind when raw sewage flowed into the Niagara River five times in just three months this summer and fall, according to the DEC.
    “Old infrastructure, old technology and we continue to ha
  • Protesters rail against House GOP tax plan in Buffalo

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) –  Protesters stood outside the Saturn Club on Delaware Avenue Monday, speaking out against the current Republican tax reform plan, and one of the men who voted for it, Congressman Chris Collins.
    The House passed the tax overhaul plan last week.
    It slashes the corporate tax rate, simplifies the tax code, and doubles the standard deduction.
    It also gets rid of state and local deductions, which could hurt high-taxed states like New York.
    Protesters say the plan only
  • Amherst Town Board to move forward with environmental review for country club

    AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) – The Town of Amherst board voted unanimously to proceed to the next step in an environmental review process for the Westwood Country Club site.
    Mensch Capital Partners hopes to transform the 171-acre Westwood Country Club property into a mix of green space, housing, and commercial space. Plans call for single family homes, patio and town homes, apartments and senior living. They also include office space, a hotel, a fire substation, and other commercial development.
    S
  • Buffalo Diocese fundraiser raises $107 million

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – A campaign to help religious groups across Western New York broke its fundraising goal.
    The Buffalo Diocese hoped to raise $100 million when they started their “Upon This Rock” fundraiser 20 months ago.
    On Monday, they announced that they have hit $107 million.
    The money will go to programs like tuition for Catholic education and healthcare benefits for retired priests.
    “I think it’s a real vote of confidence on behalf of so many people in Wes
  • Sabres drop sixth straight, fall to Blue Jackets 3-2

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Sam Reinhart and Evander Kane each scored late in the third period, but it wasn’t enough as the Sabres lost their sixth straight game, a 3-2 decision to Columbus.
    The game didn’t end without controversy as it looked as though Buffalo had tallied the equalizer during a scrum in front on the reigning Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky.
    The play was reviewed but was ultimately ruled no-goal.
    Jack Eichel, who finished with five shots on goal, also sent one
  • Hazmat team responds to possible meth lab near South Park Avenue

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Buffalo Police, Buffalo Fire, and other agencies are investigating a possible meth lab situation at 54 Macamley Street off of South Park Avenue Monday night.
    Police responded to the call just before 7:15 p.m.
    Hazmat crews were also called to the scene. The investigation continued overnight.
    Sources tell News 4 that a suspect jumped out of a window, but they have not been found.
    BREAKING: BPD, Buffalo fire & other agencies at scene of possible meth lab operation i
  • Hazmat team responding to possible meth lab near South Park Avenue

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Buffalo Police Hazmat is currently at 54 Macamley Street off of South Park Avenue, responding to a suspected meth lab.
    NYSP has been requested to respond.News 4 is headed to the scene. We’ll have more information as it becomes available.
     
  • Fence contractor to ‘pay it forward’ for firefighter’s widow

    TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) – An Amherst fence company seems to be breaking its promise to pay back a firefighter’s widow and other dissatisfied customers, as the company struggles to keep up with a growing backlog of orders, while another fence company is offering to help the widow in distress.
    Call 4 Action has received several complaints about Classic Fence and Lumber Co. on Niagara Falls Boulevard–either for taking customers’ money and failing to deliver the goods, or the
  • Jamestown man pleads guilty to MDA drug charge

    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – A 34-year-old Jamestown man has pleaded guilty to selling MDA, also known as “Molly”.
    Barrett Johnson, 34, of Jamestown, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute MDA.
    According to the assistant U.S. attorney handling the case, Johnson sold MDA on multiple occasions at locations which included his barbershop.
    The defendant would purchase “Molly” from co-defendant Richard Clarke and, in turn, sell the “Molly” to others,

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