Rob Hackford

Buffalo

Multi-Skilled Journalist and Producer at WGRZ-TV (Buffalo, NY)

Weekend Daybreak Anchor & Multi-Skilled Journalist 716 ➡️ @SUNYOswego ➡️ @NewsChannel9 ➡️ @WGRZ Story Ideas ❓ [email protected] RT≠ endorsements

Articles

NY nursing home workers approve May strike

5 days ago | wgrz.com | Rob Hackford

BUFFALO, N.Y. — After several months at the negotiating table, unionized workers at fifteen Western New York nursing facilities have voted to walk off the job on May 20 if they and nursing home owners can't come to terms on a new contract. The 10-day strike notices were sent on Friday, according to a press release from 1199 SEIU. The union added that some 2,500 caregivers "overwhelmingly voted" to authorize the 7-day strike.
Canisius High investigates senior campout incident

1 week ago | wgrz.com | Rob Hackford

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Canisius High School is investigating after Buffalo Police were called to shut down a senior campout last week after multiple reports stating it had gotten out of hand. The school-sanctioned event held on Thursday, May 1 was meant to celebrate the night before the last day of classes.
Amy Betros, St. Luke's beloved co-founder, dies at 71

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Rob Hackford

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Amy Betros, the woman who gave her life and livelihood to help found St. Luke's Mission of Mercy in Buffalo, has died at the age of 71. Betros was considered an "angel on earth" by many for her selfless work with the poor, homeless, and those battling substance abuse. She was called to heaven to live out that title on April 30. Betros' death comes seven years to the day of the passing of her best friend and St. Luke's co-founder Norm Paolini, who was also 71.
Buffalo Schools Under Investigation After Detective's Claims

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Rob Hackford

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Board of Education is "exploring its options" as it prepares to select a third-party investigator to look into claims made by a Buffalo Police Detective on a now-viral podcast. The comments made by Buffalo Police Detective Richard Hy on the Unsubscribe Podcast have been viewed almost a million times since being posted on Saturday, April 26.
Property owners challenge NY expanded wetlands regulations

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Rob Hackford

BEMUS POINT, N.Y. — A new legal battle is underway over New York State’s expanded wetlands regulations. Property owners around Chautauqua Lake have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The lawsuit, led by the Chautauqua Lake Property Owners Association (CPOA), argues that the new rules infringe on property rights and were improperly enacted.
Chautauqua Lake gears up for new paddle trail launch

3 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Rob Hackford

BEMUS POINT, N.Y. — A new paddle trail along the shore of Chautauqua Lake is getting ready to launch in the coming weeks. One local leader hopes it is just the beginning. The "Bemus Point Ellery Paddle Trail and Blueway" is the brainchild of Bemus Point Mayor Jeffrey Molnar. When finished, it will be a virtual pathway that he hopes will attract more kayakers and canoeists to the lake starting this summer.
Canisius High School students reflect on trip to Vatican, witnessing Pope Francis' final blessing

3 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Rob Hackford

VATICAN CITY, — As millions worldwide mourn Pope Francis' death, some Western New York students are processing the news with a different perspective, after witnessing the pope's final blessing in person. The group of twenty or so Canisius High School students and their chaperone visited the Vatican on Easter Sunday and stood in Saint Peter's Square, unaware that the 88-year-old pontiff would pass away the next morning. "It was very life-changing.
Western NY nursing home workers demand better wages

1 month ago | wgrz.com | Rob Hackford

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The union representing some 4,000 nursing home workers across Western New York care facilities took their contract talks to the picket line on Monday, outside Elderwood at Lockport. Around two dozen individuals, including Elderwood employees and 1199 SEIU leaders, took part in the informational demonstration calling for fair wages, quality benefits, and improved staffing levels.
Western NY manufacturers face turbulence amid US-Canada tariff talks | wgrz.com

2 months ago | wgrz.com | Rob Hackford

President Trump and Premier Doug Ford rescinded their tariff threats and plan to meet in Washington D.C. to discuss their trade differences.
Limited witnesses frustrate judge in Salman Rushdie attack trial

2 months ago | wgrz.com | Rob Hackford

MAYVILLE, N.Y. — The jury seated in the trial of Hadi Matar heard additional testimony about forensic and DNA analysis that was done in the months following the attack of author Salman Rushdie in August 2022. Brooke Driscoll, a Forensic Biologist at Erie County Central Police Services in Buffalo was the only witness called by the prosecution, much to the frustration of Matar's defense, who objected to the extended schedule.