Ron Plants

Buffalo

Anchor and Reporter at WGRZ-TV (Buffalo, NY)

Weekend Anchor/Reporter @wgrz

Articles

Schumer challenges GOP's SNAP funding cuts in NY

3 days ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Another federal funding debate in Congress was highlighted in Western New York on Monday. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer raised concerns about potential changes to the SNAP program under the Republican lead Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and what they could mean for recipients in our region.
The Luna Lounge in Cheektowaga faces investigations, complaints

1 week ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — The operators of a Cheektowaga bar business could face stronger action from the town after a series of incidents involving violence and general noise complaints from neighbors. A Cheektowaga Police Spokesman say the Luna Lounge on Dingens Street could be labeled under the town's nuisance law, and a former prosecutor says that could possibly lead to a permanent closing.
Buffalo schools launch probe after Hy's podcast claims

1 week ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Another round of podcast comments from Buffalo Police Detective Richard Hy is once again aimed at Buffalo Public Schools. The district denies his claims about an alleged cover-up of potential abuse and assault cases involving students, but is still moving forward with an independent third party investigation. This past weekend Richard Hy appeared again on the Unsubscribe Podcast to say this regarding the school district: "It's only just begun.
Cannabis cash confusion for Western New York communities

1 week ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — We have a follow-up on the state's cannabis program with some updated figures on marijuana retailers here in Erie County. There has been some confusion for county officials on the actual distribution of tax revenue in an agency which had to be re-vamped just last year.
An Erie County lawmaker seeks info on tax revenue distribution for host communities

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — As New York State continues to roll out its cannabis dispensary program some Erie County lawmakers want more information on how it will benefit the county and local governments. The State Office of Cannabis Management on Wednesday reported that during the first two years of legal sales of adult recreational marijuana more than one billion dollars in legalized pot was actually sold through 368 licensed dispensaries around the state.
Reflecting on U.S. veterans' experiences 50 years after fall of south Vietnam

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The names etched on the Vietnam War Memorial on the Buffalo Waterfront are among the over 58,000 men and women who died in that conflict. Now some 50 years later, we can look back at the times and the mood of the country and the effect that had on those who served.
Hochul celebrates budget wins, questions remain

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — As Governor Kathy Hochul puts it, "We worked really hard and I want to thank all my partners in government cause all I can say is we got it done." Then there's a different take from Republican State Senator George Borrello from Jamestown: "They're still hammering out details like that in the budget.
Buffalo detective claims school blocked abuse problems

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — After a Buffalo Police Detective claimed that police investigations into child abuse and sexual assault cases involving students have been blocked by some officials, staff, and attorneys with the school district, 2 On Your Side sought reaction from law enforcement and a union representative for teachers and counselors.
Some WNY county jails near capacity as state-sentenced inmates held over with DOCCS staffing issues, state CO firings

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

LOCKPORT, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the state prison system is still trying to rebuild staffing after Gov. Kathy Hochul's move to dismiss 2,000 state corrections officers in the wake of their wildcat strike over working conditions. So now county jails and sheriffs are feeling the burden as the hold on to more sentenced inmates because of that CO staffing shortage in state prisons.
Greater focus on law enforcement mental health issues: 'Protect those who protect'

3 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — There are increasing efforts to recognize the crucial need for mental health support for the men and women in law enforcement. 2 On Your Side spoke with a retired sheriff who started a program that suggests an annual "check-up from the neck up" might help police officers.