Comedian Ernie Bivins, AKA “Black Ernie,” is making a name for himself in Las Vegas. “I’m 49, but I feel like I’m 29!” Jokes the Niagara Falls Native, whose career began here in his hometown in 2008. “I was doing shows for a few years and then I met MikeRead More

In a dramatic turn of events, G. Steven Pigeon faced a harrowing decision in the face of serious sexual abuse charges. With the risk of a life sentence looming over him, Pigeon grappled with a gut-wrenching choice: accept a plea deal for a crime he insists he didn’t commit, orRead More

The Western New York Land Conservancy, which in the past few years has spearheaded multimillion dollar restoration projects at both Stella Niagara and the Niagara Gorge, and is probably the most effective voice for the natural environment in the entire region, has named a new Deputy Director, Cathleen Maine. MaineRead More

In the crunch before election day, Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino displayed a blend of political savvy and desperation. His pre-election tactics were transparent, something he has not been during his four years as mayor. Borrowing the taxpayer-funded city’s emergency alert text system – which reaches residents throughout Niagara Falls,Read More

Niagara Falls, NY – On the eve of Election Day, Council Member Cauley presents a clear and compelling vision for the future of Niagara Falls. His is a vision of progress, bolstered by his track record and robust platform for his re-election bid. With Election Day on the horizon, CauleyRead More

By Tony Farina Election day is within sight (Tuesday) and there is a lot at stake in Niagara Falls for voters to consider, not the least of which is trying to keep the city in balance and not surrendering to the mysterious agenda of the incumbent mayor, Robert Restaino, whoRead More

Mayor Robert Restaino wants to build a taxpayer-funded events center. He does not yet have the funding or land. But we understand the principle behind his effort, and we want to support it by proposing some better, more accurate names than his preferred one: Centennial Park. Mayor Robert Restaino’s MajesticRead More

By Gerald Skrlin In response to Frank Parlato’s question, “What will it take to fix up the Falls?” I found myself reflecting on the challenges our beloved city faces. Indeed, it feels like a centipede asked which foot it put forth first when walking – where do we even begin?Read More

Niagara Falls City Council Member Vincent Cauley is emerging as a force to reckon with. Known for his assertive stance, Cauley has vocally challenged Mayor Robert Restaino’s extravagant use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. As a member of the Republican majority of the Niagara Falls City Council, CauleyRead More

By Brandon M. Stickney “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson For a time, human rights activist Malcolm X meant trouble for young Carlton “Carl” Cain. Malcolm’s autobiography, co-authored by Alex Haley, was nearly 500Read More

By Dennis Elsenbeck I have lived and worked in Western New York for decades now. Many in the area know me from the nearly 30 years I spent at Niagara Mohawk and National Grid (culminating in the position of regional director for Western New York), or from my role onRead More

Last night’s city council meeting was further proof that Mayor Restaino’s proposed use of CDBG funds for purchasing Parcel 0 is still on the table. Last night, Councilmember Vincent Cauley attempted to rescind the authority the council granted the Mayor last December to use CDBG funds for the purchase ofRead More

As part of a series highlighting the Black candidates currently running for office in the City of Niagara Falls, this article will focus specifically on Democratic candidate for city council Brian Archie. In this series we will examine the Black candidates and judge them not by the color of theirRead More

Niagara Falls, NY – Mayor Robert M. Restaino, just in time for the election, has announced a modest decrease in residential property tax rates. Yet, since his inauguration in 2020, the city has been plagued with soaring crime rates and rising taxes. First, let’s dissect his “generous” tax cut. AlthoughRead More

Downtown Niagara Falls has effectively become a garbage dump. We’ve all seen it as we drive down streets and alleys. Old mattresses, used tires, trash bags ripped open with their contents spilling out all over the ground. The average person drives by these eyesores and wonders “Who’s cleaning all ofRead More

Erie County – Nearly two years ago, former Erie County Democratic Chairman, G. Steven Pigeon, was indicted on charges related to an alleged one-time rape of his niece when she was nine years old. His trial is in 35 days. Erie County District Attorney John Flynn announced the charges on DecemberRead More

By Tony Farina Niagara Falls GOP City Council candidate Michael Gawel has raised questions in a Facebook post about Democratic council candidate Brian Archie’s role at the Niagara Falls Housing Authority where Archie serves as secretary. Gawel asks if the Housing Authority still owns a single family home, and is formerRead More

This article is part of a series highlighting the Black candidates currently running for office in the City of Niagara Falls, focusing specifically on candidate for city council Uniquia Lewis. In this series we will examine the Black candidates and judge them not by the color of their skin, butRead More

 With Crime So High, What Do We Have to Lose? By Ken Hamilton Niagara Falls, NY. What an unusual city we live in, especially when it comes to the dynamics surrounding its minority population. Mayor Robert Restaino, a Democrat currently facing re-election in just 10 days, has accomplished something thatRead More

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — “Everyone should have a doula,” noted one mother who birthed with a doula from the Every Woman & Child Counts project. New York State lawmakers agree. Recently approved in the New York State budget, doulas across New York State may begin to certify as Medicaid providersRead More