Justin Sondel
@justinsondel.bsky.social
City Hall Reporter for The Buffalo News. If I’m not at work or home I’m probably at an ice rink.
The man accused of starting a fire in his apartment, killing his girlfriend and their 4-day-old son has been granted an extension to decide if he will pursue a psychiatric defense.
by @aaronbesecker.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
by @aaronbesecker.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
Man charged with killing two, setting Norwood Avenue house fire, gets time to pursue psych defense
Kidane Haile, the man charged with killing his girlfriend and their 4-day-old son in their Elmwood Village home in October will have more time to notify the court and prosecutors of a potential psychi...
buffalonews.com
December 2, 2025 at 6:34 PM
The man accused of starting a fire in his apartment, killing his girlfriend and their 4-day-old son has been granted an extension to decide if he will pursue a psychiatric defense.
by @aaronbesecker.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
by @aaronbesecker.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
The city is seeking a new operator for the Erie Basin Marina and the adjacent restaurant spaces with a Request for Qualifications due this week. My latest: buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
City seeks better terms, upkeep for new operator of Erie Basin Marina and restaurants
City officials are searching for a new operator and higher revenues from the downtown marina and restaurants, and hope they will make the area more appealing and attract more visitors during Buffalo's...
buffalonews.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:43 PM
The city is seeking a new operator for the Erie Basin Marina and the adjacent restaurant spaces with a Request for Qualifications due this week. My latest: buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
With many financial challenges ahead, will a hard control board return during Mayor-elect Sean Ryan's first term? Ryan, Council Members and control board leadership all want to avoid it. buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Is a hard control board in the City of Buffalo's future?
All involved parties − Mayor-elect Sean Ryan, Common Council members, control board leadership − say they don’t want to see the Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority move back into a “control period.”
buffalonews.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:04 PM
With many financial challenges ahead, will a hard control board return during Mayor-elect Sean Ryan's first term? Ryan, Council Members and control board leadership all want to avoid it. buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Reposted by Justin Sondel
"Sometimes it takes some time."
More on #Buffalo #Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who's expected to start again tonight in Pittsburgh, finding a groove:
www.buffalohockeybeat.com/consistent-a...
More on #Buffalo #Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who's expected to start again tonight in Pittsburgh, finding a groove:
www.buffalohockeybeat.com/consistent-a...
Consistent action helping Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen find groove - Buffalo Hockey Beat
After two injuries stymied him earlier this season, it appears Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who will likely start again tonight, has found a groove.
www.buffalohockeybeat.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:27 PM
"Sometimes it takes some time."
More on #Buffalo #Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who's expected to start again tonight in Pittsburgh, finding a groove:
www.buffalohockeybeat.com/consistent-a...
More on #Buffalo #Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who's expected to start again tonight in Pittsburgh, finding a groove:
www.buffalohockeybeat.com/consistent-a...
NYAG Letitia James and 19 other states are suing the Trump administration over new restrictions on the use of funding for homelessness programming. My latest: buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
NY attorney general, 19 other states suing Trump administration over funding to fight homelessness
New York's attorney general joined her counterparts in 19 other states and two state governors to sue the Trump administration over restrictions to federal programs that fight homelessness and addicti...
buffalonews.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:10 PM
NYAG Letitia James and 19 other states are suing the Trump administration over new restrictions on the use of funding for homelessness programming. My latest: buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Reposted by Justin Sondel
Ischua Creek is once again safe to fish in, according to a statement from the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
Ischua Creek reopens for recreational use 3 months after cheese plant pollution incident
Ischua Creek is once again safe to fish in, according to a statement from the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
buffalonews.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Ischua Creek is once again safe to fish in, according to a statement from the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
Erie County Water Authority ratepayers will see another rate increase this year.
by @sandratan.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
by @sandratan.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
Erie County Water Authority raises rates another 8.25%, exceeding Buffalo's rates
The water rates for many suburban residents and commercial property owners are going up again, this time exceeding the effective water rates of other major cities and counties.
buffalonews.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Erie County Water Authority ratepayers will see another rate increase this year.
by @sandratan.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
by @sandratan.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
Reposted by Justin Sondel
The gift will help FeedMore WNY, the Buffalo City Mission and Friends of the Night People.
3 groups who feed Buffalo's hungry will share $1 million gift from Jewish Philantrhropies
The gift will help FeedMore WNY, the Buffalo City Mission, and Friends of the Night People.
buffalonews.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:20 PM
The gift will help FeedMore WNY, the Buffalo City Mission and Friends of the Night People.
After road salt shortages last year, WNY streets departments are working to make sure they have enough this winter.
by Stephen T. Watson
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
by Stephen T. Watson
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
WNY roads were on a low-salt diet last winter. This year should be different
Last winter, the region's main supplier of rock salt couldn't meet demand at times, forcing local governments to scramble. This year, officials say they believe they're in better shape.
buffalonews.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:24 PM
After road salt shortages last year, WNY streets departments are working to make sure they have enough this winter.
by Stephen T. Watson
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
by Stephen T. Watson
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
ICYMI: Deidre Williams details the progress on the African American Heritage Corridor. buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
Buffalo's African American Heritage Corridor making progress on becoming tourist destination
Progress continues on making the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor a destination with cultural and historical significance.
buffalonews.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:12 PM
ICYMI: Deidre Williams details the progress on the African American Heritage Corridor. buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
Mayor-elect Sean Ryan, a veteran of the state Legislature, is in Albany this week, laying the groundwork for an ask for more state assistance as he works to dig Buffalo out of its financial hole.
by @robertgavinbn.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/state-r...
by @robertgavinbn.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/state-r...
Buffalo is in a deep financial hole. In Albany, Ryan asks state officials to help shovel
"I don't have full access to all the books yet, but I wanted to put everyone on notice and let them know that we've some problems and that we can start working on some collective solutions," Ryan said...
buffalonews.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Mayor-elect Sean Ryan, a veteran of the state Legislature, is in Albany this week, laying the groundwork for an ask for more state assistance as he works to dig Buffalo out of its financial hole.
by @robertgavinbn.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/state-r...
by @robertgavinbn.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/state-r...
Reposted by Justin Sondel
All of Western New York GOP chairs and state legislators back Stefanik ... except one buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
All of Western New York GOP chairs and state legislators back Stefanik ... except one
Nearly all of Western New York's Republican committee chairs support Rep. Elise Stefanik for governor.
buffalonews.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:13 PM
All of Western New York GOP chairs and state legislators back Stefanik ... except one buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Reposted by Justin Sondel
Famous Doughnuts is closing after 87 years. The 99-year-old D&L Bakery and 68-year-old German Wolter’s Bakery also closed this year. What does the community lose when its oldest bakeries close?
buffalonews.com/life-enterta...
buffalonews.com/life-enterta...
Buffalo's oldest bakeries are closing. What have we lost?
Famous Doughnuts is closing after 87 years. The 99-year-old D&L Bakery and 68-year-old German Wolter’s Bakery also closed this year. What does the community lose when its oldest bakeries close?
buffalonews.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Famous Doughnuts is closing after 87 years. The 99-year-old D&L Bakery and 68-year-old German Wolter’s Bakery also closed this year. What does the community lose when its oldest bakeries close?
buffalonews.com/life-enterta...
buffalonews.com/life-enterta...
While many restaurant owners avoid expressing political views, some in Western New York are stepping out in that limb.
by @chessabond.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/life-enterta...
by @chessabond.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/life-enterta...
Would you like to hear about our specials? How about our politics? Restaurateurs take risk that comes from the heart
Elm Street Bakery broke the unspoken restaurant rule – no politics – this year to organize political, nonpartisan events. “It’s brave to get involved in this conversation."
buffalonews.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:20 PM
While many restaurant owners avoid expressing political views, some in Western New York are stepping out in that limb.
by @chessabond.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/life-enterta...
by @chessabond.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/life-enterta...
As the court battle over borrowing between the comptroller and mayor's offices drags on, Mayor Christopher Scanlon is proposing borrowing for next year that far exceeds the comptroller's debt cap limit. My latest: buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Scanlon proposes $94 million capital budget as comptroller's objections continue
Mayor Christopher Scanlon’s proposed $94 million capital budget represents a continuation of his showdown with Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams over borrowing. The mayor's proposal far exceeds the ...
buffalonews.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:36 PM
As the court battle over borrowing between the comptroller and mayor's offices drags on, Mayor Christopher Scanlon is proposing borrowing for next year that far exceeds the comptroller's debt cap limit. My latest: buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
ICYMI: Here's my breakdown of what to expect in the marathon of elections this year to replace mayor-elect Sean Ryan in the state Senate's 61st district. buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
With election night barely over, the race for Ryan's Senate seat is in full swing
Erie County Democratic Committee Chairman Jeremy Zellner and state Assemblyman Jon Rivera, also a Democrat, are set to seek the 61st Senate District seat of State Sen. Sean Ryan when he leaves for Buf...
buffalonews.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:38 PM
ICYMI: Here's my breakdown of what to expect in the marathon of elections this year to replace mayor-elect Sean Ryan in the state Senate's 61st district. buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Reposted by Justin Sondel
Buffalo Mayor-elect Sean Ryan names transition team, pledges patronage-free administration
via @justinsondel.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
via @justinsondel.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Buffalo Mayor-elect Sean Ryan names transition team, pledges patronage-free administration
Ryan said he will rely on his team to help him fill more than 90 appointed positions in City Hall, including fire and police commissioners.
buffalonews.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Buffalo Mayor-elect Sean Ryan names transition team, pledges patronage-free administration
via @justinsondel.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
via @justinsondel.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Reposted by Justin Sondel
Elise Stefanik declares run for governor, slams Hochul buffalonews.com/news/article...
Elise Stefanik declares run for governor, slams Hochul
Elise Stefanik, a congresswoman from Saratoga County and high-ranking member of the Republican-led House of Representatives, announced her candidacy for governor of New York against Democrat Kathy Hoc...
buffalonews.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Elise Stefanik declares run for governor, slams Hochul buffalonews.com/news/article...
Mayor-elect Sean Ryan pledged an open and transparent process in building his administration while announcing his transition team today. My latest: buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Buffalo Mayor-elect Sean Ryan names transition team, pledges patronage-free administration
Ryan said he will rely on his team to help him fill more than 90 appointed positions in City Hall, including fire and police commissioners.
buffalonews.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Mayor-elect Sean Ryan pledged an open and transparent process in building his administration while announcing his transition team today. My latest: buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
One interesting note from last night's Erie County Democratic Committee election party: while many of the speakers highlighted other Democratic victories from across the country, I don't recall a single mention of Zohran Mamdani's historic win in the New York City mayor's race.
November 5, 2025 at 7:24 PM
One interesting note from last night's Erie County Democratic Committee election party: while many of the speakers highlighted other Democratic victories from across the country, I don't recall a single mention of Zohran Mamdani's historic win in the New York City mayor's race.
Jack Rabbit is closing temporarily. @chessabond.bsky.social has the details: buffalonews.com/life-enterta...
Jack Rabbit closes temporarily, but owner says it's not because of Liquor Authority issues
Owner Josh Mullin said the closure is "entirely unrelated" to the restaurant's ongoing battle with the New York State Liquor Authority.
buffalonews.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Jack Rabbit is closing temporarily. @chessabond.bsky.social has the details: buffalonews.com/life-enterta...
With the election behind him, Erie County Democratic Chair Jeremy Zellner has announced he is seeking Buffalo mayor-elect Sean Ryan's state Senate seat. Zellner's interest has been one of the worst kept secrets in WNY politics.
November 5, 2025 at 4:27 PM
With the election behind him, Erie County Democratic Chair Jeremy Zellner has announced he is seeking Buffalo mayor-elect Sean Ryan's state Senate seat. Zellner's interest has been one of the worst kept secrets in WNY politics.
Reposted by Justin Sondel
Red Carter's killers have been convicted. It's a small piece of solace for his mother
via @justinsondel.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
via @justinsondel.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
Red Carter's killers have been convicted. It's a small piece of solace for his mother
Shakenya Griffin is relieved that the two teens responsible for her son's death have been convicted. But now she has to find a way to endure what she has lost.
buffalonews.com
November 2, 2025 at 12:22 PM
Red Carter's killers have been convicted. It's a small piece of solace for his mother
via @justinsondel.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
via @justinsondel.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
Erie County Sheriff John Garcia defended his actions in the wake of his top narcotics detective's late night crash last year while being grilled by Erie County legislators. He is running unopposed for a second term in next week's election.
by @sandratan.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
by @sandratan.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
Under barrage of questions, sheriff says Granville suffered from 'uncontrollable anxiety'
Under more than two hours of intense questioning before the Erie County Legislature, Sheriff John Garcia defended his actions in the Granville case, answered some long burning questions and said that ...
buffalonews.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Erie County Sheriff John Garcia defended his actions in the wake of his top narcotics detective's late night crash last year while being grilled by Erie County legislators. He is running unopposed for a second term in next week's election.
by @sandratan.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
by @sandratan.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
Reposted by Justin Sondel
Once this gets started, we'll have updates here: buffalonews.com/news/local/a...
Live coverage: Sheriff to appear before Erie County Legislature on Granville case
Sheriff John Garcia is slated to appear before Erie County lawmakers today to answer questions about the matter surrounding Daniel "D.J." Granville, the sheriff's chief of narcotics. Follow along for
buffalonews.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Once this gets started, we'll have updates here: buffalonews.com/news/local/a...