Chelsea Swift, WJET-TV (Erie, PA) Journalist Profile

Articles

Buffalo school incident: Shane Cronin faces kidnapping charges

1 week ago | wgrz.com | Chelsea Swift

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Illinois resident Shane Cronin now faces charges, including attempted kidnapping and attempted luring of a child. The charges stem from an incident that allegedly took place in February, when Buffalo Police responded to an assault by an intruder inside of Charles R. Drew Science Magnet School, which is connected to the Buffalo Museum of Science.
Buffalo Common Council Finance Committee addresses budget concerns

1 week ago | wgrz.com | Chelsea Swift

BUFFALO, N.Y. — In response to the New York State budget proposal, the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority Director Frederick Floss voiced his concerns on Tuesday in city hall chambers. "I'm not saying that the city hasn't done the best job that they can do today, I'm just saying that no one can forecast exactly what this is going to be and were in very uncertain times.
New York schools adopt phone-free policy statewide

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Chelsea Swift

NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul's budget includes a statewide bell-to-bell distraction-free schools policy. The Executive Director of the Erie-Niagara School Superintendents Association, Mike Cornell, said while he believes this move could benefit the mental health of students it might be difficult to implement at all 743 school districts across the state. "Our regional Superintendents Association and the New York State Council for School Superintendents did not support it.
Community unites for toy gun exchange in Buffalo

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Chelsea Swift

BUFFALO, N.Y. — As part of National Youth Violence Prevention week, several community organizations are coming together to host a toy gun exchange across the street from the Tops on Jefferson Avenue. Community leader, Pastor James Giles said it's important to get toy guns out of the hands of young children to send a message about violence prevention. Pastor Giles also said he's often alarmed when he speaks with high school students about teen violence.
Cariol Horne's trial continues in downtown Buffalo

3 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Chelsea Swift

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The trial of former Buffalo Police officer Cariole Horne continued Wednesday in Buffalo City Court. Buffalo Police officer Dyjon Robinson testified Wednesday afternoon, describing the events of Dec. 25, 2022, which is the night Cariol Horne was arrested. Officer Robinson took the stand Wednesday, telling the courtroom a traffic ban was in effect that night because of the 2022 blizzard.
City of Buffalo residents displaced after fire on Glenwood Avenue

3 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Chelsea Swift

BUFFALO, N.Y. — An early morning fire on Easter Sunday is taking a toll on several families in Buffalo. The Buffalo Fire Department said the fire started at 502 Glenwood Avenue and spread to nearby properties including the home of the Despaw family. The fire caused an estimated $200,000 in building damage and $100,000 to contents. The family has created a gofundme page to raise money to rebuild.
Vaccine news: Researchers create vaccine to combat deadly bird flu strain

3 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Chelsea Swift

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Scientists right here in Buffalo are behind a major breakthrough in the fight against avian flu. Local leaders are excited about the promising research, and how it could have a global impact. This vaccine showed 100% protection in mice studies against a lethal H5N1 bird flu strain. This week the results were published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Lead researcher and CEO of POP Biotechnologies, Dr. Jonathan Lovell is based at the University at Buffalo.
Village of Fredonia residents could see 65% tax hike

3 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Chelsea Swift

FREDONIA, N.Y. — With a budget deadline approaching village of Fredonia's board of trustees are proposing a 65 percent tax increase. Trustee Jon Espersen says 70 percent of their budget is contractual, adding the board did not want to cut departments resources. "The mayor's proposed budget was $1.6 million less than what the department heads requested, so there was really from the mayor's budget, to us, very little ... there was no wiggle room at all," Espersen said.
Ralph Wilson Park set to transform Buffalo's waterfront

1 month ago | wgrz.com | Chelsea Swift

BUFFALO, N.Y. — "Ralph Wilson Park will be a destination it will be a magnet for people to come to Buffalo," Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy executive director Katie Campos said. Campos said Phase 1 is on track to be complete next summer and added that it's a 100-acre park that features one mile of shoreline. "They're finishing up the shoreline, laying the soils. This whole park is about elevation changes. You can see it behind us.
RFK Jr. pushes for the removal of fluoride from public drinking water

1 month ago | wgrz.com | Chelsea Swift

NEW YORK — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. celebrated in Utah on Monday as the state enacted a law to ban fluoride from drinking water. Kennedy is encouraging other states to follow suit. "In the era of fluoridated toothpastes and mouthwashes it makes no sense to have fluoride in our water," RFK Jr. said.