Justin Sondel

Environmentalists slam Hochul, say they were silenced at hearing on All-Electric Buildings law Environmental advocates said they are being "silenced" by Gov. Kathy Hochul, as they attempted to criticize her delay of a new law that would require most buildings shorter than seven stories to be al...

Environmentalists slam Hochul, say they were silenced at hearing on All-Electric Buildings law buffalonews.com/news/local/a...

Support Bolts We are a nonprofit publication that covers the nuts and bolts of political change, from the local up, and we need reader support to build our journalism.

You can help Bolts continue to provide crucial coverage of local elections. Here's how:

- Repost this = I donate $1.
- Follow @boltsmag.org = I donate $1.
- Donate (link below) + tell me how much = I match your donation.
(Donate monthly = I match a year's worth)

My latest:

The Tom and Jerry tour is ‘a big thing.’ It’s also Buffalo’s next best contribution to food and drink Our food reporter went on a Tom and Jerry tour to six restaurants to find out what Tom and Jerry season is about.

Our food reporter went on a Tom and Jerry tour to six restaurants to find out what Tom and Jerry season is about.
https://buffalonews.com/life-entertainment/local/food-drink/article_3c2ac5b7-29b2-4ffc-8e42-79689c6d8ce6.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky_ 

In 2025, at least 26 restaurants are serving Tom and Jerrys. Here's the list Last year, we wrote about local 22 bars and restaurants that served Tom and Jerrys. Our 2025 list has grown to 26 spots.

Last year, we wrote about local 22 bars and restaurants that served Tom and Jerrys. Our 2025 list has grown to 26 spots.
https://buffalonews.com/life-entertainment/local/food-drink/article_431a0057-fce6-4f6d-92e1-461e1485225f.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky_ 

Dion Dawkins is Buffalo Bills' nominee for Walter Payton Man of the Year Dion Dawkins is everywhere in the community, and on Thursday, he found himself on another special list.

Dion Dawkins is the Buffalo Bills' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Dawkins is now a four-time nominee:
buffalonews.com/sports/bills...

Erie County Sheriff's new helicopter lands amid cost questions and controversy The Erie County Sheriff's office has a new helicopter. But behind the scenes, the issue of helicopters is a sore subject as county officials struggle with what is destined to be the most expensive equ...

The Erie County Sheriff's Office has their new helicopters, but the controversy around their purchase continues.
by @sandratan.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/g...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.”

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...

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.

"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...

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...

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...

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.

Ischua Creek is once again safe to fish in, according to a statement from the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

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.

Erie County Water Authority ratepayers will see another rate increase this year.
by @sandratan.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/a...

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.

The gift will help FeedMore WNY, the Buffalo City Mission and Friends of the Night People.

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.

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...

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.

ICYMI: Deidre Williams details the progress on the African American Heritage Corridor. buffalonews.com/news/local/a...

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...

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...

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.

All of Western New York GOP chairs and state legislators back Stefanik ... except one buffalonews.com/news/local/g...

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?

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...

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."

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Buffalo Mayor-elect Sean Ryan names transition team, pledges patronage-free administration
via @justinsondel.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/g...

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...

Elise Stefanik declares run for governor, slams Hochul buffalonews.com/news/article...

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.

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...

Ending months of speculation, Zellner confirms he will seek Ryan's Senate seat Erie County Democratic Committee Chairman Jeremy Zellner will seek to replace Buffalo Mayor-elect Sean Ryan in the State Senate’s 61st District.

And a link to the article: 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.

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.

Jack Rabbit is closing temporarily. @chessabond.bsky.social has the details: buffalonews.com/life-enterta...

State Assemblyman Jon Rivera announced he would also seek the Democratic nomination, chosen by the county Democratic Committee's executive committee, last month.