Alex Simone

Missouri

Reporter at News-Press Now

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Articles

New offices mean improved accessibility for LGBTQ+ group

1 week ago | btpm.org | Alex Simone

Niagara Pride has unveiled a new, expanded space in Niagara Falls, which it hopes will help better serve the LGTBQ+ community. The new office at Pinnacle Community Service's Niagara Family Center will provide a larger space for community events while improving accessibility, Niagara Pride Executive Director Ronald Piasezcny said.
Nursing home employees call for better benefits, contract nears end

2 weeks ago | btpm.org | Alex Simone

Decision-time looms for nursing home company McGuire Group, as many employees across the group’s Western New York locations have started picketing for better pay and benefits. McGuire has entered negotiations, but employees say it might be too late to prevent a work stoppage, since the current contract expires at the end of April. Renee Vernon has been a nurse with McGuire almost 30 years.
Advocacy groups taking more active role for 2025 Pride Month

2 weeks ago | btpm.org | Alex Simone

Buffalo Pride Month will look a bit different this year, but some are touting it as an opportunity for advocacy groups to take more of a central role. While there will be the annual parade kicking off Pride Month, Evergreen Health is adjusting its overall involvement this year. Evergreen Health Chief Administrative Officer Justin Azzarella says the health system is filling a more appropriate role while still helping with Pride Month events.
Local Social Services employee guilty of fraud

3 weeks ago | btpm.org | Alex Simone

A former employee of the local Social Services department has pleaded guilty to using her position for fraudulent purposes. Denise Neslson, 56, of Buffalo, has compensated back $4,917 to the Erie County Department of Social Services, National Grid and National Fuel Gas, According to the New York Inspector General's office.
Schumer voices concern over possible Social Security cuts

4 weeks ago | wbfo.org | Alex Simone

New York’s senior senator argues the state could face a major financial impact if the Department of Governmental Efficiency proceeds with Social Security cuts as planned. The difference would be massive, New York Senator Chuck Schumer said. According to Schumer's office, there are currently more than 4.3-million New York residents receiving more than $7 billion each month, between total monthly checks and Social Security income.
State Republicans speak out against proposed HEAT Act

4 weeks ago | wbfo.org | Alex Simone

State Republicans and energy representatives are speaking up with concerns about the Home Energy Affordable Transfer Act. There will be devastating ramifications for utility workers if the HEAT Act passes and natural gas gets completely phased out, State Senator Mario Mattera said. “You're just taking their careers away from them, and they're being forced into having new careers," he said.
State senators prioritize prison screenings, roads in budget talks

1 month ago | wbfo.org | Alex Simone

New York is nearing the final days for state budget discussions. State senators see work that needs to be done, but they’re also highlighting key wins from the One-House Budget Resolution. Prison reform is one point of emphasis where more focus is needed, said Republican State Senator Pat Gallivan, whose district includes Wyoming County and parts of Erie, Livingston and Monroe Counties.
Metal industry's struggles hearken back to heyday of steel production

1 month ago | wbfo.org | Alex Simone

North America’s steel and aluminum industry has been in the forefront with mounting tariff battles raising major concerns for local businesses in the industry, but also reminding some of a day when steel production was thriving in the area. Tariffs on aluminum and steel imports currently sit at 25 percent, with President Donald Trump saying more could come at the start of April. The trickle-down effect in Western New York has already been significant, Rigidized Metals President Rick Smith said.
Canisius alumnae discuss life experiences at leadership summit

1 month ago | wbfo.org | Alex Simone

Friday marked the first-ever women’s leadership conference at Canisius University. The event featured a sold-out audience of community members, alums and students listening to some of the most notable women to graduate from the university over the years. Former Rich’s Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer Jill Bond says her biggest regret is that more women haven’t broken through to the upper levels of the business world. “I recently retired, and I was at Rich's for 35 years, and ...
Local leaders speak out against $880 billion in Medicaid cuts

1 month ago | wbfo.org | Alex Simone

The Western New York health industry isn’t waiting for Medicaid cuts proposed in the federal budget. U.S. Representative Tim Kennedy led a coalition Friday at Oishei Children's Hospital, which included community figures, politicians, and health leaders criticizing the planned cuts. The reductions would total $880 billion federally and $3 billion in the Buffalo-Niagara region.