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.
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...
As the race to become Buffalo's next mayor draws to a close, Republican James Gardner continues to spend big on his own campaign, while Democrat Sean Ryan's fundraising and spending has slowed. My latest: buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Gardner spending big on mayoral campaign, Ryan's fundraising slows
Heading into the final days of the contest to be Buffalo’s next mayor, Democrat Sean Ryan’s fundraising and spending has slowed considerably, while Republican James Gardner continues to spend big on h...
buffalonews.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:31 PM
As the race to become Buffalo's next mayor draws to a close, Republican James Gardner continues to spend big on his own campaign, while Democrat Sean Ryan's fundraising and spending has slowed. My latest: buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Reposted by Justin Sondel
ICYMI: After deliberating for parts of two days, an Erie County jury on Wednesday convicted Jahaan Taylor, 16, of second-degree murder, and Elijah Mumford, 17, of first-degree manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Ramone "Red" Carter.
In somber courtroom, teens convicted of murder, manslaughter in shooting death of toddler
A jury on Wednesday convicted a 16-year-old of second-degree murder and a 17-year-old of first-degree manslaughter in the 2024 fatal shooting of 3-year-old Ramone "Red" Carter.
buffalonews.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:46 PM
ICYMI: After deliberating for parts of two days, an Erie County jury on Wednesday convicted Jahaan Taylor, 16, of second-degree murder, and Elijah Mumford, 17, of first-degree manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Ramone "Red" Carter.
One teenager has been convicted on all counts, including murder, and another has been convicted of manslaughter in the killing of 3-year-old Ramone Carter last year.
by @aaronbesecker.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
by @aaronbesecker.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
Teens convicted of murder, manslaughter in Red Carter case
A jury on Wednesday convicted a 16-year-old of second-degree murder and a 17-year-old of first-degree manslaughter in the 2024 fatal shooting of 3-year-old Ramone "Red" Carter.
buffalonews.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:50 PM
One teenager has been convicted on all counts, including murder, and another has been convicted of manslaughter in the killing of 3-year-old Ramone Carter last year.
by @aaronbesecker.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
by @aaronbesecker.bsky.social
buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
Reposted by Justin Sondel
Jurors began their deliberations about 20 minutes ago in the murder trial of a 17- and a 16-year-old accused of the June 2024 fatal shooting of 3-year-old Ramone Carter.
Here's all of @buffalonews.com's coverage of the case: buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
Here's all of @buffalonews.com's coverage of the case: buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
The slaying of 3-year-old Ramone 'Red' Carter
Ramone “Red” Carter was fatally shot at about 9:30 p.m. June 21, 2024, while riding his tricycle outside his home on Domedion Avenue, near the Buffalo-Cheektowaga border.
buffalonews.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Jurors began their deliberations about 20 minutes ago in the murder trial of a 17- and a 16-year-old accused of the June 2024 fatal shooting of 3-year-old Ramone Carter.
Here's all of @buffalonews.com's coverage of the case: buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
Here's all of @buffalonews.com's coverage of the case: buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
Jury deliberations in the murder trial for the two teenagers accused of killing 3-year-old Ramone "Red" Carter begin today. @aaronbesecker.bsky.social details the final day of testimony here: buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
Trying to protect 'street cred': Jury hears closing statements in Carter case, will deliberate Tuesday
Closing statements ended Monday in the trial of two teenagers accused of murder in the death of Ramone "Red" Carter, who was 3 when he was fatally shot last year.
buffalonews.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Jury deliberations in the murder trial for the two teenagers accused of killing 3-year-old Ramone "Red" Carter begin today. @aaronbesecker.bsky.social details the final day of testimony here: buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
With the fight over capital bonding continuing in City Hall, check out my explainer on what that means for city residents and this year's capital budget process going forward. buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
The Buffalo bond fight drags on. What does it mean for residents?
City Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams said she would appeal a state court decision ordering her to borrow the full $110M allocated for capital projects. Here are five things to know about the dispu...
buffalonews.com
October 27, 2025 at 1:27 PM
With the fight over capital bonding continuing in City Hall, check out my explainer on what that means for city residents and this year's capital budget process going forward. buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Early voting is open. Check out Mackenzie Shuman's coverage the first day in a race to pick the first newly-elected mayor of Buffalo in 20 years, plus many others. buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Early Buffalo, Cheektowaga voters cast their ballots with hope and trust
Voters in Erie and Niagara counties had mayoral and town board seats up for election as well as a statewide ballot proposal and school board races on their ballots. Early voting began Saturday and end...
buffalonews.com
October 27, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Early voting is open. Check out Mackenzie Shuman's coverage the first day in a race to pick the first newly-elected mayor of Buffalo in 20 years, plus many others. buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
My colleague @aaronbesecker.bsky.social is covering the murder trial of the two teens accused of killing 3-year-old Ramone "Red" Carter. Here is coverage of the first day of testimony. The trial continues today. buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
Children playing outside were warned of shooting, 3-year-old victim's sister testifies
The sister of Ramone "Red" Carter testified Thursday that a teenager warned her and other children to "run home" before shooting broke out on Domedion Avenue in June 2024.
buffalonews.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:24 PM
My colleague @aaronbesecker.bsky.social is covering the murder trial of the two teens accused of killing 3-year-old Ramone "Red" Carter. Here is coverage of the first day of testimony. The trial continues today. buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
And the fight over capital budget borrowing drags on. My latest: buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
Buffalo comptroller will appeal court ruling in bond dispute
City Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams will appeal state Supreme Court Justice Emilio Colaiacovo's decision instructing her to borrow the full $110 million approved in the city capital budget last y...
buffalonews.com
October 22, 2025 at 12:04 AM
And the fight over capital budget borrowing drags on. My latest: buffalonews.com/news/local/g...
City Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams says she will appeal state Supreme Court Justice Emilio Colaiacovo's decision instructing her to borrow the full $110 million approved in the city Capital Budget last year. Story incoming.
October 21, 2025 at 7:29 PM
City Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams says she will appeal state Supreme Court Justice Emilio Colaiacovo's decision instructing her to borrow the full $110 million approved in the city Capital Budget last year. Story incoming.
Reposted by Justin Sondel
6 jurors picked after Day 1 of jury selection
With jury selection in the trial for the accused killers of 3-year-old Ramone "Red" Carter set to begin, @aaronbesecker.bsky.social details where things stand: buffalonews.com/news/local/c...
A toddler slain, two teens charged, a city shaken: Trial to begin in 3-year-old's killing
Two teenagers, ages 17 and 16, are about to go on trial for the June 2024 shooting that killed 3-year-old Ramone "Red" Carter.
buffalonews.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:05 PM
6 jurors picked after Day 1 of jury selection