• The grandparents scam: Local senior reports being scammed out of $16,000

    The grandparents scam: Local senior reports being scammed out of $16,000
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - It's called "the Grandparents scam."And it all starts with a phone call seeking to get your money to bail a loved one out of jail. A Buffalo family contacted Call for Action after filing a police report on Monday. The family, who does not want to be named, wants the public to be aware of the scam.The alleged victim, a 78-year-old woman, told police someone she did not know called her saying her son was in jail and that she needed to get $16,000 to bail him out. The report
  • Community holds benefit for DC Theatricks owners 15 months after devastating fire

    Community holds benefit for DC Theatricks owners 15 months after devastating fire
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The community gathered together at a fundraiser on Saturday for a costume company that lost everything last year following a fire.
    In March 2023, the building that DC Theatricks operated in went up in flames, leading to the business losing all of its costumes, equipment and supplies.
    That same fire also took the life of Buffalo firefighter Jason Arno.Buffalo firefighter dies battling downtown blazeThe tragedy of losing one of Buffalo's emergency personnel touched the enti
  • Buffalo Public Schools announces half days next week due to heat

    Buffalo Public Schools announces half days next week due to heat
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Buffalo Public Schools announced that they are implementing four half days next week due to the National Weather Service's forecast of excessive heat in the Buffalo area, Jeffrey Hammond, the school's director of public relations and information, said in a statement.The half days will be implemented for students in pre-K through eighth grade on June 17, 18, 20 and 21.Lunch will be served to all students before their dismissal. Students will be released three and a half ho
  • 85-year-old woman in pursuit of 1,000 skydives crosses Niagara Falls off her list

    85-year-old woman in pursuit of 1,000 skydives crosses Niagara Falls off her list
    YOUNGSTOWN, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Kim Knor could be described as adventurous, brave and proof that age is nothing but a number.
    Her biggest thrill-seeking passion, however, is tandem skydiving.The 85-year-old has set out to complete 1,000 tandem skydives -- a goal that started in 1959. This weekend, she added Niagara Falls to her list of jumps.
    "I've been trying to get to 1,000 jumps since I started in 1959," Knor said. "I've had many interruptions, raising a family, different things -- life gets in th
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  • Gentle giant Max looking for his forever home

    Gentle giant Max looking for his forever home
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- On this Saturday's Wake Up Wags, we met Max, a Great Pyrenees and lab mix looking for his forever home.Max was described as docile not super active despite his 90-pound frame, and he loves taking naps and short walks. He gets along well with other dogs, too.To learn more about Max and how to adopt him, watch the video above or click here.Adam Gorski is a Buffalo native who joined the News 4 team in 2022. You can find more of his work here.
  • Newfane home believed to be total loss after fire

    Newfane home believed to be total loss after fire
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Newfane home is believed to be a total loss after a fire damaged the structure Friday night, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office announced.Officials said the blaze began around 9:20 p.m., with several calls reporting a possible house fire at the home on Ridge Road.
    Occupants of the residence were safely assisted out of the burning home by a fire official who happened to be driving past at the time. Several fire companies eventually were able to extinguish the blaze.An i
  • Pedestrian fatally struck by multiple vehicles on I-90 in Hamburg

    Pedestrian fatally struck by multiple vehicles on I-90 in Hamburg
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- An unidentified pedestrian was fatally struck by multiple vehicles Friday night on I-90 in Hamburg, New York State Police announced.Troopers said a Lexus was traveling eastbound on I-90 around 9:40 p.m. when it struck something in the roadway. After the operator pulled over and called 911, it was later determined the vehicle struck an unknown male.The victim was struck by "numerous" other vehicles and tractor-trailers, according to police. The male's remains were transpor
  • 'You want the support you thought you were getting,' Business owner speaks out on Downtown Bazaar controversy

    'You want the support you thought you were getting,' Business owner speaks out on Downtown Bazaar controversy
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A small business incubator located in Downtown Buffalo is facing controversy within our community.
    The Westminster Economic Development Initiative, also known as WEDI, launched the Downtown Bazaar less than a year ago. The Bazaar has been facing financial straits for months, but after a meeting Friday, board members say the location will remain open. A business owner spoke with News 4 about the struggles she’s faced since setting up shop at the Downtown Bazaar l
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  • Johnny D's revives old standards in downtown Buffalo with steak, sushi, and song

    Johnny D's revives old standards in downtown Buffalo with steak, sushi, and song
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – It's a vibe you don't get much around Buffalo anymore: The soothing sounds of the '40s, '50s and '60s as you enjoy your dinner "supper club" style.It's back at a new restaurant in downtown Buffalo.Jackie Jocko, best known for albums "Lover, Come Back to Me" and "Like Wow!", once entertained on this very piano; The one with the late Jocko's notes above the keyboard, a keyboard that now belongs to Jocko's protege, Howard Goldman.Goldman and his wife, Mary Kunz Goldman,
  • Local boy spreads happiness through his business and his gospel, 'I like to help people who are in need'

    Local boy spreads happiness through his business and his gospel, 'I like to help people who are in need'
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Jammell Brooks isn't your typical 13-year-old.And it's not just because, at his age, he already has a booming lawn mowing business.It's because of what his business allows him to feel.
    "I just want people to know that I'm a happy person," Jammell said on a recent sunny spring evening. It was peak happiness for Jammell in June, when a stranger dropped off a lawnmower for him to use. "The first thing I did -- I didn't even show my mom -- the first thing that I did
  • Niagara Falls man receives guilty verdict from jury in murder case

    Niagara Falls man receives guilty verdict from jury in murder case
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A jury returned a guilty verdict Friday afternoon against a Niagara Falls man who allegedly killed a woman in 2022, according to the Niagara County District Attorney's Office.
    On December 10, 2022, 35-year-old Daniella Patterson was shot and killed in Niagara Falls.
    Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman said she was sitting "defenseless" in a car when the defendant shot at her from close range. 43-year-old Marchello Gildersleeve continued to shoot at her as the ca
  • Police seize property from people never charged and take months to return it

    Police seize property from people never charged and take months to return it
    A Buffalo mother of three children sometimes spent upwards of $900 a week for Uber rides to kids' events, the laundromat, college, and work, when police seized her only car and held it for nine months, even though she was never charged with a crime.
    In another case, a local business owner had his two work vehicles seized, and ultimately had to shutter his business. He, too, was never charged.In a third case, a man shot in a chaotic incident dropped his phone while getting away. Police seized it
  • Wilson man wanted on multiple warrants out of Indiana located

    Wilson man wanted on multiple warrants out of Indiana located
    NEWFANE, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A man wanted on multiple extradition warrants out of Indiana was found in Newfane early Friday morning, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office announced.Shortly after 2:30 a.m., a deputy stopped a vehicle on Chestnut Road that was being driven with a headlight out. According to officials, the driver falsely identified himself.Identified as 40-year-old Wilson resident Richard Baldwin, deputies said his four warrants out of Indiana totaled six charges pertaining to meth and ve
  • Is Joey Chestnut out for this year's National Buffalo Wing Festival? 'It's dicey'

    Is Joey Chestnut out for this year's National Buffalo Wing Festival? 'It's dicey'
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- With the announcement of competitive eater Joey Chestnut's participation in a live Netflix hot dog eating contest, which takes place one day after the National Buffalo Wing Festival, fans are left wondering if he will show up for the fest's wing eating contest.On Wednesday, Netflix announced "Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef." The livestream will take place on Monday, Sept. 2, where Chestnut will face off against fellow competitive eater and longtime rival Takeru K
  • Gov. Hochul signs oversight bill stemming from fatal Lockport Cave incident

    Gov. Hochul signs oversight bill stemming from fatal Lockport Cave incident
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill Friday stemming from a fatal incident just over one year ago at the Lockport Cave, in which a boat capsized and resulted in the death of a 65-year-old Niagara Falls man.The summary of Senate Bill S9241 and Assembly Bill A10399 states that it "Provides that the inspector shall at least annually inspect any vessel operated on privately or publicly owned underground non-navigable waterways with no navigable inlet or outlet
  • 85-year-old skydiver to jump in Niagara Falls this weekend

    85-year-old skydiver to jump in Niagara Falls this weekend
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Kim Knor has set out to complete 1,000 tandem skydives. At 85 years old, she's well on her way.A member of the first-ever U.S. Women's Parachute Team in 1962, Knor will be making jump No. 672 in Niagara Falls this weekend.Knor encourages people to stay active as they get older. Hear her advice and more about this weekend's jump in the video above.Latest Local News Gov. Hochul signs oversight bill stemming from fatal Lockport Cave incident 85-year-old skydiver to jump in N
  • Niagara Falls man admits to killing woman in motel room

    Niagara Falls man admits to killing woman in motel room
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Niagara Falls man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder after prosecutors said he killed a woman in a motel room on Niagara Falls Boulevard.The Niagara County District Attorney's Office said 38-year-old Lauren Hayes was killed in February 2023. According to Niagara Falls police, her body was found in the room and Brian Wallace, 37, was subsequently charged.“This was a horrible crime for which the defendant deserves to spend the rest of his life in jail,&rdquo
  • Orleans County woman killed in crash Thursday

    Orleans County woman killed in crash Thursday
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- An Orleans County woman was killed in a crash Thursday afternoon in the Town of Ridgeway.New York State Police said a Subaru driven by Sandra Gapa, 64, was struck by a westbound vehicle at the intersection of Knowlesville and Ridge Roads shortly after 3 p.m. She was pronounced dead at the scene.Before the crash, Gapa had been traveling north on Knowlesville Road. She stopped at the stop sign and entered the intersection before she was struck.Gapa was a resident of Lyndonv
  • Rep. Claudia Tenney asks Gov. Hochul to pardon Trump

    Rep. Claudia Tenney asks Gov. Hochul to pardon Trump
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A member of Congress representing part of Western New York has asked Gov. Kathy Hochul to pardon former President Donald Trump.Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-24) issued a letter to the governor, addressing the recent verdict in the hush money trial against Trump. The former president was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records, making him the first former president to have a felony conviction."This case undermines the impartiality and credibility of our once vene
  • Niagara Falls nursing home workers ratify 1-year agreement

    Niagara Falls nursing home workers ratify 1-year agreement
    NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Workers at Schoellkopf Health Center in Niagara Falls have ratified a one-year agreement with the nursing home.1199SEIU, which represents licensed practical nurses, certified nurse assistants, unit clerks and laundry aides at the facility, made the announcement Thursday night. In all, the new contract impacts more than 70 workers."I am very pleased with the results and mutual respect with hard work that it took to make this contract one of the best ever,” said
  • Buffalo Diocese makes recommendations for closures, mergers in Southtowns, Southern Tier

    Buffalo Diocese makes recommendations for closures, mergers in Southtowns, Southern Tier
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Buffalo Diocese has announced their recommendations for southern Erie County and the eastern part of the Southern Tier at a meeting at St. John Paul II in Lake View on Thursday night.The recommendations come after the diocese’s decision to ‘rightsize and reshape’ their parishes due to financial troubles from payouts to settle child sexual abuse cases, declining Mass attendance, and a priest shortage.At least 13 parishes in the Southtow
  • We're 4 helping our Community: News 4 team volunteers for FeedMore WNY

    We're 4 helping our Community: News 4 team volunteers for FeedMore WNY
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Whether working in front of the camera or behind the scenes, many members of our News 4 team are volunteering to help FeedMore WNY. This is part of a company-wide event called "Nexstar Founder's Day of Caring."Last year, 17,500 hours of volunteer work were served at 240 charitable locations company-wide.
    "Most of us are Western New Yorkers," said reporter Marlee Tuskes. "But even if we're not, when we work for News 4 we become Western New Yorkers. We want to be able to gi
  • Cuomo sues Comptroller's Office for legal fees

    Cuomo sues Comptroller's Office for legal fees
    ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo returned to the public eye this week, testifying before Congress about the aftermath of his executive order sending COVID patients to nursing homes on Tuesday. That same day, Cuomo's team sued the Office of the New York State Comptroller and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli for refusing to reimburse all of his legal fees.Also this week, a federal judge decided to honor the "sovereign immunity" argument from the Office of the New York At
  • Local teen to represent US in World Karate Championships

    Local teen to represent US in World Karate Championships
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A 15-year-old Williamsville East High School student will represent the United States at the World Karate Championships this Fall.With plenty of accolades on display, Aashi Parashar joined us on Wake Up! Thursday morning to share her story.After beginning martial arts at age 3, the tae-kwon-do practitioner developed a passion for sparring, consistently winning tournaments.In the video above, Parashar shared about the road that got her to the World Karate Championship. Wat
  • Buffalo-themed gift ideas for Father's Day

    Buffalo-themed gift ideas for Father's Day
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Father's Day is coming quickly; if you haven't picked out a gift for dad yet, Mary Friona-Celani has some ideas.The co-owner of the Totally Buffalo store joined us on Wake Up! with a plethora of presents, ranging from apparel to cookware and more, all of it bearing a Queen City spin.Watch the video above to see what she shared.Latest Local News Buffalo-themed gift ideas for Father’s Day Barnes & Noble to open location in Walden Galleria Man charged in crash that
  • Barnes & Noble to open location in Walden Galleria

    Barnes & Noble to open location in Walden Galleria
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A new bookstore is coming to the Walden Galleria this summer.Barnes & Noble will open a location at the Cheektowaga mall in July 2024, according to its website. A Walden Galleria spokesperson said the store will be located in a 5,280-square-foot space on the lower level next to Apple, which was recently occupied by Premier Gourmet.The new bookstore will be Barnes & Noble's fourth full-size location in Western New York, joining shops in Amherst, Hamburg and Clarenc
  • Man charged in crash that killed 8-year-old pleads not guilty

    Man charged in crash that killed 8-year-old pleads not guilty
    HAMBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The man charged in a fatal crash that killed an 8-year-old last week has pleaded not guilty.Markus Genovese, 52, faces numerous charges stemming from the June 8 incident, including assault, leaving the scene of a fatal auto accident, DWI by the combination of alcohol and narcotics, and first and second-degree vehicular manslaughter, among others.The Angola man was accused of hitting a vehicle on Route 5 from behind after the driver had stopped to turn left onto North Cree
  • Buffalo woman fatally shot on city's East Side

    Buffalo woman fatally shot on city's East Side
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Buffalo police said they are investigating a fatal shooting that took place Wednesday night on Liddell Street.
    Officers responded to a call just before 8:45 p.m. at the 100 block of Liddell Street. A woman was struck by gunfire during an alleged altercation with a group of other women, according to detectives.
    The 43-year-old victim was transported to ECMC and later declared deceased.
    Buffalo police request that anyone with information call or text the confidential tip li
  • Lancaster man pleads guilty to new child pornography charge after allegedly kissing 9-year-old

    Lancaster man pleads guilty to new child pornography charge after allegedly kissing 9-year-old
    BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Lancaster man has pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography following a 2023 incident in which he allegedly kissed a 9-year-old, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Thursday.Officials said on June 9 and 10, 2023, 30-year-old Christopher Gostick kissed a 9-year-old minor victim on the lips while attending a sleepover birthday party. Police officers responded to the residence and took possession of his tablet and cell phones.
    On one cell phone, members of law enforc
  • Troopers injured in arrest of Newfane man who allegedly fired BB gun at residence

    Troopers injured in arrest of Newfane man who allegedly fired BB gun at residence
    NEWFANE, N.Y. (WIVB) -- New York State police have arrested a Newfane man who allegedly fought with them after they said he fired a BB gun at a neighboring residence.Police responded to the scene on East Avenue Wednesday around 2:45 p.m. There, they said Anthony Zarrillo, 33, had been firing shots, leading the homeowner of the neighboring residence to confront him.Authorities were called after threats were allegedly made. As troopers attempted to interview Zarrillo, they said he became combative

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