Shannon Smith
News 4, WIVB-TV
United States
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Past articles by Shannon:
Buffalo woman competes in gospel singing show
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)– UPDATE: Jada Spight placed second in the competition. ORIGINAL: A woman from Buffalo could be the season 10 winner of BET’s Sunday’s Best. It’s a gospel singing competition, and Jada Spight is one of the top three finalists. She’s the daughter of a pastor and a member of True Bethel Baptist Church […] → Read More
Amherst Police: Person found shot at Flint Road motel
AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) – Amherst Police responded to a motel on Flint Road around 6:40 a.m. Sunday morning for a report of a person shot. The person was taken to ECMC with non-life threatening injuries. Police say there will be increased police activity in the area, but there’s “no perceived danger at this time”. Anyone […] → Read More
Some parents considering alternatives for children’s education including homeschooling
LANCASTER, N.Y. (WIVB)–Some parents are considering alternatives for their children’s education, and for some, that includes homeschooling. Emily Thrasher who owns First Friends Daycare on Harlem Road says she’s a launching virtual homeschooling program. It’s for children ages three to five and will be available through an app. “Our teacher is a certified New York […] → Read More
How will school buses adjust to adhere to NYS health guidelines?
CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — There are still many questions as to how school bus companies will adjust to health guidelines such as how face masks will be used and how they’ll maintain social distancing. According to NYS guidelines for reopening schools, when it comes to school transportation students who are able will be required to […] → Read More
Searches for Black-owned businesses skyrocket on Yelp
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Black-owned businesses are seeing a surge in sales amid nationwide protests, according to a recent report by Yelp. Even during the pandemic, people can’t seem to get enough of Buffalo Soul restaurant across the street from Shea’s in downtown Buffalo. “Our key to the soul chicken, that’s our specialty chicken, it’s […] → Read More
Experts warn getting COVID testing results too late could make testing useless
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)–As Erie County reports the latest numbers of coronavirus cases some people say they’re still waiting to get their test results even up to 14 days later. A local doctor warns the longer the wait, the less effective the testing becomes. Julie Cirivello says she’s been waiting more than a week for her […] → Read More
Martin House to reopen for tours on Thursday
Public tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House will be offered for the first time since mid-March. → Read More
Blasdell man heads home after spending more than 100 days battling COVID-19
This moment has been a long time coming for 63-year-old Russell Browning. 101 days to be exact. “Feels good to get home. Its been 101 days. Ain’t nothing better than getting home,” Browning said. After being diagnosed with coronavirus in March, Browning spent more than 60 days on a ventilator at the Catholic Health COVID-19 […] → Read More
Attractions in Niagara Falls are officially open for business as WNY enters Phase Four
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB)–If you’re looking for something to do this holiday weekend, attractions in Niagara Falls are officially open for business, as Western New York enters Phase Four this week. The Niagara Falls Visitor Center is ready to welcome back visitors for the first time since the pandemic started. Whether you like the aquarium […] → Read More
Common Council Police Oversight Committee to meet virtually Thursday to hear people’s concerns
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)–As new police reforms take effect in Buffalo this week, the Common Council Police Oversight Committee will meet to hear people’s concerns. “To hear that there’s no oversight I laugh, I say no maybe the public’s not aware of the intense scrutiny officers are under.” John Evans, President of the Buffalo PBA says […] → Read More
Buffalo police union says only time will tell if reforms make an impact
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)–Today is the first day the new police reforms in the City of Buffalo are in effect. Some of the changes that start today include, anyone pulled over will receive a stop receipt that will tell them why they were pulled over, and officers will issue an appearance ticket on the spot, which […] → Read More
Many Catholics say the church needs to be at the forefront of the push for racial justice
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)–Several priests and parishioners gathered in Buffalo today praying for racial justice. This comes after weeks of protests over the death of George Floyd have sparked a national call for change. With a song in their heart and signs in their hands, dozens of the faithful across Western New York stood in front […] → Read More
Administrators at Nardin Academy respond to allegations of racism and discrimination
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)–Administrators at Nardin Academy are responding to allegations of racism and discrimination by former students. Those experiences have been posted to a website. In a recent petition, Nardin Alumni are demanding action by school administrators against racism and discrimination. Something they say has been brought to light by students. And now, some black […] → Read More
Lawmakers react to vote to repeal Section 50-A
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)–Personnel records of law enforcement officials and firefighters may soon be accessible to the public. Legislators in Albany have voted to repeal a section of law, 50-A, that generally kept these records secret. The State Senate and Assembly both voted to repeal Section 50-A of the Civil Rights Law. That section prevented public […] → Read More
Viral video from Niagara Falls shows another side of how police serve and protect
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB)–Another video of police here in Western New York is going viral on social media for positive reasons. It was just a walk in the park for D’Andra Brown and her daughter Nevaeh. And it was a regular patrol through Niagara Falls State Park for Officer Janine Kloetzer Two women, two moms, […] → Read More
What would defunding mean for local police departments?
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)–As protests continue across the country, many people are calling for city leaders to defund police departments. We looked into what this could mean for local police. Several members of the Minneapolis City Council want to defund or eliminate the police department after the death of George Floyd. It’s a growing movement happening […] → Read More
Farmers markets start the season in Western New York
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)– Farmers markets across Western New York are opening for the season amid the coronavirus pandemic. Saturday was opening day for the Elmwood Village Farmers Market and volunteers are making sure health guidelines are followed. A staple in the Elmwood Village community going on for more than 20 years, the market started two […] → Read More
Dog daycare reopens with new safety procedures
KENMORE, N.Y. (WIVB)–It’s the first day back for employees at a Joyful Dog in Kenmore. The dog daycare center shut down for two months amid the pandemic. Owner Karen Delbert says dog owners will notice a lot of changes to keep everyone safe. For example, owners aren’t allowed in the building. “Now we have the […] → Read More
Local bike shop reacts to nationwide bike shortage
TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB)–It’s not exactly a full house at Bert’s Bikes and Fitness. Owner Jim Costello says there’s been a major demand for bikes in the last two months due to the coronavirus pandemic. “No one could have ever forecasted. And then because of where the bikes are produced, there are some production delays. So […] → Read More
Local companies teaming up to make gowns for frontline workers at Catholic Health
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)–Two local companies are teaming up to provide more personal protective equipment for frontline workers at Catholic Health as hospital workers continue to suit up in the fight against COVID-19. For many, personal protective equipment, such as hospital gowns, have been harder to come by. Enter The Factory Buffalo. It’s a cut and […] → Read More