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Oct 15

2024

Brown resigns: Addition by subtraction

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I wrote a column in December 2022 that posed the question: Is Byron Brown the worst mayor in America? It was prompted by his mishandling of the Christmas blizzard that year. But, as I noted then, it was but the latest example of his ineptitude. Things have only gotten worse since, in particular city finances. Brown, with the cooperation of an ever-compliant Common Council, first burned through $109 million in reserves the mayor inherited from the city’s state-imposed financial control board. Of late, he has used $150 million — and counting — in federal pandemic aid to cover city operating[...]

Posted 7 months ago

Oct 15

2024

Infographic: To buy or to rent? Either costs more

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The median value of a home in Erie County reached $241,900 in 2023; in Niagara County, $189,700, according to Census Bureau estimates. (Median defined as point at which half are above, half below.) Year-to-year Census Bureau estimates for the largest municipalities show median housing values up almost 50% from 2019 to 2023 in Amherst and Buffalo, more than 60% in Cheektowaga and almost 40% in Town of Tonawanda. The Amherst median — $336,000 — is almost twice that of Buffalo, at $174,200. Rent also rises Median monthly rent hit $1,067 in Erie County, with its four largest municipalities — Buffalo,[...]

Posted 7 months ago

Oct 15

2024

Global Trends in Mobile Penetration: A Comprehensive Overview

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Mobile phones are everywhere. No matter where you look — in cities, towns, or even faraway villages — people are using their phones for much more than just calling or texting. Phones today help us pay bills, learn new things, and even run businesses. The way mobile phones have spread across the world is changing lives at a fast pace. In this article, we’ll look at how mobile penetration is growing globally, what’s driving it, and how it’s even shaking up industries like gambling in Africa.  Let’s explore how mobile phones are shaping the world we live in. Growth The[...]

Posted 7 months ago

Oct 14

2024

Trump’s Policy and Its Effect on Global Crypto Trading

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Cryptocurrency has become a major part of the global financial system, and government policies play a big role in shaping how it grows. During Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. government took specific steps that had a strong influence on how crypto was traded, both in the United States and around the world. While the Trump administration did not create new laws focused only on crypto, its general approach to financial regulation, trade, and enforcement still impacted the crypto industry. One area that felt the effects was global crypto trading, including the growing field of Bitcoin casinos. Overview of Trump’s Crypto[...]

Posted 7 months ago

Oct 13

2024

WNY pols carrying Trump’s water

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Erie County Sheriff John Garcia is regurgitating Donald Trump’s talking points on immigrants, essentially saying too many of them are lawless. Credit to Sandy Tan of The Buffalo News, who reported: “An overwhelming body of research indicates that immigrants, including immigrants who enter the country illegally, commit violent crimes at a much lower rate than the rest of the American population.” Perhaps the sheriff should focus his efforts on keeping prisoners in his jails alive. As we reported last month, the rate of deaths is higher under Garcia than his predecessor, Tim Howard, whose management of the jails was roundly[...]

Posted 7 months ago

Oct 12

2024

Key Points to Consider While Renting an Apartment

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Finding the right apartment can be exciting, but it’s also a big responsibility. Whether you’re renting for the first time or looking for a better place, it’s important to think about key factors before signing the lease. A good decision can save you stress, time, and even money. Careful choices also help avoid surprises later on, like hidden fees or maintenance issues. Interestingly, as more people rent across the country, many activists are working hard to improve renter protections. Let’s explore the important points you should keep in mind while renting an apartment! Location: More Than Just the Address Location[...]

Posted 7 months ago

Oct 10

2024

Ryan leads the mayoral money race

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State Sen. Sean Ryan is seeking reelection this fall, but he’s certainly raising and spending money like a guy who’s running for mayor of Buffalo next year. Ryan raised $110,000 over the last three months, according to his campaign committee’s most recent filing with the state elections board. Campaign finance disclosures for candidates on the ballot in November were due last Friday. The reports cover the period from July 11 to Sept. 30.  Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown announced two weeks ago he’d accepted a new job as president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting. Brown indicated he’d step down[...]

Posted 7 months ago

Oct 9

2024

A literal power struggle at STAMP

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Gov. Kathy Hochul, center, flings dirt into the air at Plug Power’s groundbreaking. Photo via governor’s office. The financial strife of Plug Power is causing headaches for a Western New York industrial park, leading economic development officials in Genesee County to seek state assistance and even court data centers in an effort to “save the day.” As it’s run dangerously low on cash, Plug Power has stopped construction of its hydrogen production plant at Genesee County’s Science Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park, located halfway between Buffalo and Rochester. The company’s building has been paused since January. That has meant construction[...]

Posted 7 months ago
Investigative Post