Ron Plants

Buffalo

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

Weekend Anchor/Reporter @wgrz

Articles

Steel tariffs go into effect nationwide; what's the impact in Western New York?

3 days ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Fifty percent higher tariff rates on imported steel and aluminum in to the United States took effect Wednesday by the orders of President Trump. It is the latest round of the tariff policy, with the stated goal of bringing more manufacturing back to the United States and with the aim of better protecting U.S. steel production against lower cost foreign competition. Share prices for U.S. based steel producers have surged in trading.
Foreclosure looms over Walden Galleria's future

4 days ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — There are ongoing financial struggles for Western New York's remaining premier mall for local shoppers or for those looking for dining and entertainment. Cheektowaga Town Supervisor Brian Nowak notes, "It's the last one standing in Western New York - fully enclosed mall. It has a lot of good going for it. But it's a large retail space." That is a dilemma Nowak ponders regarding Walden Galleria. Nowak points out, "You've got 200 stores. You've got food in there.
Buffalo mayoral race heats up with GOP influence claims

5 days ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Democratic primary on June 24th will give Democratic registered city voters the chance to decide who will win the Democratic line for mayor of Buffalo. Early voting is coming up. Meanwhile, the accusations of undue influence by the GOP are being raised by some Democratic party leaders against Acting Mayor Scanlon. But those same party leaders still face questions about the endorsement selection process for State Senator Sean Ryan.
Senator Schumer criticizes GOP energy program cuts

1 week ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York is again speaking out against the budget bill recently approved in the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives and now under discussion in the Senate. After he previously criticized spending issues on Medicaid and SNAP, Schumer is now questioning GOP cuts for energy programs. But 2 On Your Side also had some questions for the Senate Minority Leader on government incentive policies for the development of renewable energy sources.
GM Tonawanda plant lands $888M to boost economy

1 week ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

TONAWANDA TOWN, N.Y. — With a massive $888 million investment announcement for the General Motors Tonawanda Propulsion plant, it is a real corporate connection for the town, but it's also an economic shot in the arm for the entire Western New York region. It comes following last year's major job loss at the Sumitomo plant, and 2 On Your Side learned it may also signal some changing business strategy and political reality.
Buffalo explores event fee for police services

1 week ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Now that Buffalo Common Council has approved the $622 million budget proposed by Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon, the idea of requesting organizers and promoters of major downtown events like those at Keybank Center to help pay for the costs of city police officers to direct traffic and assist crossing pedestrians is in the works.
Buffalo Democratic mayoral candidates tackle public safety priorities

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — With the Democratic primary for Buffalo mayor just weeks away, the subject of public safety was front and center on Friday. Everything from city police operations to violence intervention partnerships came up. 2 On Your Side reached out to four of the candidates to get their perspectives.
Future of the Buffalo Animal Shelter getting nonprofit help is up for budget discussion

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The operation of the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter has been a subject of concern and controversy in past years, and it resurfaced last weekend as an issue for two of the candidates for mayor, and even Wednesday with City Council budget discussions. 2 On Your Side looked at some of the behind-the-scenes discussions to set up a new shelter location, and perhaps assist in operation of that shelter.
City of Buffalo DPW: 2025 citywide paving plan is underway

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

BUFFALO, N.Y. — City of Buffalo officials are now taking the wraps off their street paving rehabilitation program for the summer of 2025 and they say it is bigger than ever. Despite the recent rainfall, this paving program has actually already begun for the city and is kicking into higher gear now. City officials actually plan to spend $17 million for what they say is an expanded milling and paving effort, as compared to previous recent city paving programs costing $11 million to $13 million.
FAA and NTSB probe LaGuardia runway close call

2 weeks ago | wgrz.com | Ron Plants

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. — The FAA and NTSB are both investigating after an apparent close call between two planes on a runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. And one of those planes would have been flying here into Buffalo. The Associated Press reports this happened on May 6 on Main Runway 13 at LaGuardia Airport. The website One Mile At A Time.com reports the American Eagle flight using a Republic Airways regional jet was already three hours delayed.