Jim Ranney

Thunderstorm watch in effect until 9 p.m. for all of WNY

Jim Ranney — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:59:45 +0000

Western New York is bracing for the possibility of severe thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Comptroller issues report on IDA performance

Jim Ranney — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:30:00 +0000

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says Industrial Development Agencies, or IDAs, are doing a better job of using incentives to create and retain jobs in New York. But the state's fiscal watchdog has some concerns about accountability and transparency when it comes to tax exemptions.

Election Day for Buffalo School Board

Jim Ranney — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:40:44 +0000

Voters in the City of Buffalo head to the polls Tuesday to elect representatives to the Board of Education.

Elderly woman & daughter die in North Tonawanda fire

WBFO Newsroom and Jim Ranney — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:48:00 +0000

Investigators are searching for the cause of a fatal North Tonwanada house fire which claimed the lives of two people Monday night.

Press Pass: Government subsidies for area projects

Jim Ranney — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:37:42 +0000

Several major development projects have been announced recently in Buffalo and Western New York. Many of these projects are being supported by generous government subsidies.

Homelessness on the rise in Erie County

Jim Ranney — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:54:38 +0000

Erie County has seen a dramatic rise in homelessness. The Department of Social Services says nearly 2,200 individuals were placed in emergency homeless shelters in 2012, up 14 percent from 2011.

School aid up nearly $1 billion in new state budget

Jim Ranney — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:17:05 +0000

There is good news for local school districts in the state budget being finalized in Albany. The agreement hammered out between Gov. Cuomo and lawmakers provides more than $21 billion in aid to education, an increase of nearly $1 billion.

Herrera-Mishler to guide Olmsted Parks through 2020

Jim Ranney — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:45:39 +0000

The man who has overseen the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy since 2008 has agreed to continue leading the park system for another seven years.

280 air base employees face sequester furloughs

Jim Ranney — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:24:13 +0000

The Niagara Falls Air Reserve station is preparing for possible furloughs if budget cuts triggered by government sequestration take effect.

Book explores artists' first guitars

Jim Ranney — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:47:38 +0000

Classical guitarist Julia Crowe still remembers her first guitar. It was given to her by a guest who stayed at a rooming house run by her grandmother. In her new book "My First Guitar," Crowe tells the stories of 70 legendary musicians, including Elvis, Jimmy Page, Les Paul, Carlos Santana and Sharon Isbin.

Firefighters remember Christmas Eve shooting

Jim Ranney — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:36:10 +0000

The two Rochester-area firefighters who survived the Christmas Eve shooting that claimed the lives of two comrades say it's going to be a long road back to recovery.

Retired law enforcer Dobson announces candidacy for Erie County Sheriff

Jim Ranney — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 18:20:24 +0000

As Erie County Democrats search for a candidate for sheriff, a retired sergeant is tossing his hat into the ring.

WNY Hockey Magazine publisher discusses Ruff's firing

Jim Ranney — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 23:51:00 +0000

The Buffalo Sabres are in Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs Thursday night and for the first time in 16 years, Lindy Ruff will not be behind the bench. WBFO's Jim Ranney talked with Steve Manson of Western New York Hockey Magazine about Ruff's firing and where the team goes from here.

Paladino leads Albany rally against gun control, 'Moms' voice support

Jim Ranney — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 20:02:36 +0000

Hundreds attended a rally outside the state Capitol Tuesday in opposition to the state's new gun laws. Buffalo developer and former Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino led the crowd in chants criticizing Governor Cuomo for pushing the law through.

Two winter festivals taking place this weekend

Omar Fetouh and Jim Ranney — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 22:25:53 +0000

For families looking for some fun this weekend, there are two park-centric winter festivals to choose from.

Poll: 73 percent of NYers support assault weapon ban

Omar Fetouh and Jim Ranney — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:26:39 +0000

The ban on assault weapons and large ammunition clips passed by state lawmakers and signed into law earlier this week has the support of 73 percent of New York voters, according to the latest poll by the Siena Research Institute.

Most WNY senators vote against Albany gun bill

Jim Ranney — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:28:17 +0000

Most members of the Western New York State Senate delegation voted against the gun control legislation that is making its way through Albany.

Mourners remember the victims at Sandy Hook, one week later

Jim Ranney and Chris Caya — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 18:44:45 +0000

Dozens of people gathered outside Rockwell Hall on the Buffalo State College campus Friday morning to remember those killed one week ago at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.

Snow may slow travel on busy holiday weekend

Jim Ranney — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 18:44:31 +0000

With winter weather in the forecast and holiday traffic expected to be heavy, the State Thruway Authority is taking steps to keep the highway clear for drivers.

WNY development council awarded nearly $53 million

Jim Ranney — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 19:30:44 +0000

Over $700 million in funding was awarded to the state's ten Regional Economic Development Councils today. The Western New York council is receiving $52.8 million for 58 projects.

Rudnick retiring from influential Partnership

Jim Ranney — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:23:08 +0000

After more than 20 years on the job, Andrew Rudnick is retiring as President and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership.

Orchard Park fire closes road

Jim Ranney — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 20:37:29 +0000

Firefighters are busy in the village of Orchard Park dealing with a two-alarm blaze. Flames broke out in a building at 4226 North Buffalo Street just before 2 p.m. Tuesaday.

Airport parking to expand by 1,000 spaces

Jim Ranney — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:06:16 +0000

Work will begin soon on a parking lot expansion at Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council and the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority will spend more than $8 million to increase parking at the Long Term B lot by 1,000 spaces.

Former journalist discusses challenges new Buffalo News editor faces

Jim Ranney — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:52:00 +0000

It remains a challenging time for newspapers across the U.S. New Buffalo News editor Mike Connelly will take on those challenges when he takes over the paper's top post.

Sheriff says propane leak caused Wilson explosion

WBFO Newsroom and Jim Ranney — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 22:10:00 +0000

The Niagara County Sheriff says a propane leak caused the deadly explosion of a house in the Town of Wilson that killed a 14-year-old girl Tuesday morning.

Good For You: The Quality & Cost of Health Care in WNY

Jim Ranney — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 14:38:14 +0000

Good For You, a radio forum presented by WBFO/AM 970 and BlueCross BlueShield of WNY, examines ways to improve the quality of health care, while lowering costs.

Vietnam Memorial Arrives in Eden

Jim Ranney — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 22:39:00 +0000

Hundreds of motorcyclist escorted a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the Town of Eden Tuesday.

WWII aircraft visit Buffalo

Jim Ranney — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:42:50 +0000

Two WW II vintage aircraft are in Buffalo as part of a salute to veterans. The Memphis Belle, a restored Boeing B-17 Bomber, and a Curtis P-40 Fighter will take to the skies over WNY. and will be available for public flights and tours.

Collins says tax cuts should be extended for everyone

Jim Ranney — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:16:13 +0000

Debate continues in Washington and locally over extension of the Bush-era tax cuts. Congressional candidates Chris Collins is weighing in.

Erie County offers safe way home for drunk drivers

Jim Ranney — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 12:55:40 +0000

Erie County is kicking off a new program designed to provide a safe way home for drunk drivers.