Alex Simone

Missouri

Reporter at News-Press Now

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Articles

Elections board blocks Whitfield's bid for mayoral race

2 days ago | btpm.org | Alex Simone

Garnell Whitfield, Jr.'s Buffalo mayoral campaign to run as an independent candidate has been blocked by the Erie County Board of Elections. The decision to block his bid for the fall general election was unanimously blocked by board members, county board of elections media relations contact Derek Murphy said.
Primary not end of road for candidates who don't make cut

3 days ago | btpm.org | Alex Simone

Despite placing third in Buffalo’s mayoral Democratic primary, Garnell Whitfield, Jr. already is turning his attention to building support for the fall’s general election. Whitfield is making his case to Erie County Elections Commissioner Jeremy Zellner, to receive clearance for an independent candidacy. Whitfield's performance in the primary, which includes just over 8% of the vote, shows that there’s desire for change, he said.
Deportation potential increases immigrant concerns for attending court cases, appointments

4 days ago | btpm.org | Alex Simone

A growing number of immigrants in the U.S. have started leaving the country of their own volition over concerns they could be deported or worse. But even among immigrants and asylum seekers who stay, there is growing concern and fallout over possible government confrontation. Not going to court runs the risk of being deported and barred from returning for several years. But even complying with court orders has risk, said immigration lawyer Brittany Triggs of the Volunteer Lawyers Project.
Botanical gardens kick off 120,000 sq-foot expansion

1 week ago | btpm.org | Alex Simone

The Buffalo Bills’ new stadium isn’t the only major attraction finishing next year. Construction is officially underway on a $31-million project at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, adding 120,000 sq. feet. That will include more gardens, an outdoor space, learning labs and a welcome center. Seeing the work being done now helps State Senator April Baskin appreciate the many calls from former botanical gardens president David Swarts when she was a county legislator, Baskin said.
Residents, businesses vocal in support of clean energy credits

1 week ago | btpm.org | Alex Simone

Business owners and local advocates are trying to raise awareness around federal solar tax credits, especially as Senator Chuck Schumer says he expects a vote on the national budget. It’s branded as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” and the senate minority leader expects a vote in 10 days or less. Many New York residents and businesses will be hit financially if solar credits are stripped from the budget, Schumer said.
Locals protest longtime New York resident's ICE arrest

2 weeks ago | btpm.org | Alex Simone

Local protesters are speaking out against ICE detainment, but this time the focus is close to home. Yuriy Zinovyev is a longtime Glens Falls, New York, resident recently arrested by ICE agents, during what NPR-member station WAMC Albany calls a routine check-in. He’s now being housed at the Buffalo Federal Detention Center in Batavia. Zinovyev is far from the only one who needs justice, protest organizer Kathleen King said, but that’s just part of the bigger picture.
Politicians, local organization voice concern with FAA leadership

2 weeks ago | btpm.org | Alex Simone

New York politicians and local organizations have been critical of President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Aviation Administration, particularly when it comes to safety rollbacks. Flight 3407’s tragic impact is still felt across Western New York, particularly since the 2009 crash was the deadliest of the last 20 years, until a mid-air collision near Washington D.C. killed more than 60 earlier this year.
Job Corps funding loss could have major local impact

2 weeks ago | btpm.org | Alex Simone

Vocational training for at-risk and disadvantaged students in Western New York and throughout the U.S. is at severe risk of being cut, after President Donald Trump announced plans to halt funding for Job Corps locations nationwide. The decision is on hold after a federal court ruling, but many students at the Chautauqua County location could be impacted, and around 100 Job Corps employees could be affected.
Conservation groups amp up Great Lakes preservation efforts

2 weeks ago | btpm.org | Alex Simone

The Great Lakes collectively hold around 21% of the world’s fresh water. Some stewardship organizations are taking new steps to reduce pollution in the Great Lakes, and New York is no exception. Among the disadvantages for Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, in terms of pollution, is being at the end of the Great Lakes water system. It isn’t clear what percentage of pollutants come from the other lakes, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Executive Director Jill Jedlicka said.
Clean-a-thon's 25th year focuses on empowerment, relationships

3 weeks ago | btpm.org | Alex Simone

For 25 years, the University at Buffalo’s Urban Studies program has been partnering with the FruitBelt Coalition and Futures Academy on the annual Fruit Belt Clean-a-thon. Friday marks the newest addition to the tradition. The clean-a-thon is meaningful because students can directly see how much they're affecting the school and the community, eighth grade student Piper Curtis said.