< Back Old Fort Niagara About: Walk in the footsteps of history at the Old Fort Niagara in Historic Youngstown, New York! Historical re-enactments of 18th Century battles have drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to Fort Niagara for more than a hundred years. Fort Niagara was originally built in 1726 to protect the interests of New France in North America. The fort played a significant role in the French and Indian War, but ultimately fell to the British in a 19-day siege in July of 1759 known as the Battle of Fort Niagara. The history of this place spans more than three-hundred years. Fort Niagara served as the Loyalist base in New York during the American Revolutionary War. Altogether, the fort was occupied by three nations at one time or another: the French, the British, and the United States. Standing on its bluff above Lake Ontario, Fort Niagara has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Niagara Region. In addition to the spectacular scenery, Fort Niagara, owned by the State of New York and operated by a private non-for-profit organization, features the oldest buildings of any Great Lakes area. Cost: Adults...................................$20 Children 6-12........................$12 Children 5 & under...............FREE Contact: 102 Morrow Plz, Youngstown, New York 14174, USA (716) 745-7611 http://www.oldfortniagara.org Previous Next

< Back Medina Railroad Museum About: This attraction offers a relaxing 34-mile (2-hour), roundtrip, train ride through the scenic Erie Canal Corridor and a tour of the largest freight depot museum in the country. The museum features one of the largest collections of artifacts located under one roof, and includes construction tools of the day and chinaware used on the lavish dining cars. Cost: Adults............................$9 Children under 18..........$17 Children 2 and under......Free Contact: 530 West Avenue, Medina, New York 14103, USA (585) 798-6106 http:// https://www.medinarailroadmuseum.org/ Previous Next

Coffee & Light Bites < Back Starbucks Coffee & Light Bites Starbucks Coffee & Light Bites Seattle-based coffeehouse chain known for its signature roasts, light bites and WiFi availability. Hours & Information: Tuesday 6:30 AM–7 PM Wednesday 6:30 AM–7 PM Thursday 6:30 AM–7 PM Friday 6:30 AM–7 PM Saturday 6:30 AM–7 PM Sunday 6:30 AM–7 PM Monday 6:30 AM–7 PM 300 3rd Street, Niagara Falls, New York 14303, USA (716) 284-4200 Menu: http://starbucks.com Previous Next

Families are invited to dive into spring fun at the Aquarium of Niagara’s annual aquatic Easter egg hunt, returning bigger and better this year. Taking place on Saturday, April 19th between 10am to 3pm, the festive celebration will transform the Aquarium into a colorful Easter adventure, complete with nearly 100 hidden eggs tucked inside exhibits throughout the Main Building and the Great Lakes 360 expansion. Families are invited to dive into spring fun at the Aquarium of Niagara’s annual aquatic Easter egg hunt, returning bigger and better this year. Taking place on Saturday, April 19th between 10am to 3pm, the festive celebration will transform the Aquarium into a colorful Easter adventure, complete with nearly 100 hidden eggs tucked inside exhibits throughout the Main Building and the Great Lakes 360 expansion. New for 2025, the event welcomes a special guest — the Easter Bunny — visitors can snap photos, join in for story time, and even learn the classic bunny hop dance. From 1–3pm, attendees can also meet a real, live bunny with help from the Erie County SPCA. The day is packed with activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy: -Interactive animal presentations -Sea turtle egg relay races -Egg-themed educational talks (including how marine animals like penguins and sharks lay eggs) -Crafting sessions, including creating your own egg carton crittersNew for 2025, the event welcomes a special guest — the Easter Bunny — visitors can snap photos, join in for story time, and even learn the classic bunny hop dance. From 1–3pm, attendees can also meet a real, live bunny with help from the Erie County SPCA. The day is packed with activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy: -Interactive animal presentations -Sea turtle egg relay races -Egg-themed educational talks (including how marine animals like penguins and sharks lay eggs) -Crafting sessions, including creating your own egg carton critters All activities are included with general admission, and tickets are available at the door or online at aquariumofniagara.org . Admission Prices: -Adults: $25 -Seniors (60+): $23 -Children (12 & under): $18 -Infants: Free The Aquarium of Niagara is located at 701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14301. Hop on over for a day of egg-cellent family fun, rain or shine!All activities are included with general admission, and tickets are available at the door or online at aquariumofniagara.org. Admission Prices: -Adults: $25 -Seniors (60+): $23 -Children (12 & under): $18 -Infants: Free The Aquarium of Niagara is located at 701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14301. Hop on over for a day of egg-cellent family fun, rain or shine! Aquarium of Niagara Hosts Egg-citing Easter Event with New Additions for 2025 Recently, Niagara Action began publishing a series of stories illustrating a culture of bullying, assaults, and harassment at North Tonawanda City Schools. Click Headlines to Read Prior Stories North Tonawanda Schools Face Backlash Over Failure to Protect Students from Bullying A Culture of Unreported Violence: North Tonawanda Schools  Part 1  (videos of physical altercations included) Former Assistant Principal Rachel Ross Protects Bullies: North Tonawanda Schools  Part 2  (audio recording of Ross yelling at student included) Student Beaten after Principal Rowles Fails to Act: North Tonawanda Schools  Part 3   (video of physical altercation included) Special Education Student Locked in Bathroom and Beaten: North Tonawanda Schools  Part 4 Assault Victim Punished Instead of Bully: North Tonawanda Schools  Part 5 Victim of Explicit Photo Dissemination Suspended: North Tonawanda Schools  Part 6 Special Education Student Bullied by Teachers: North Tonawanda Schools  Part 7 Gym Teacher Ryan Mountain Watching Girls Change: North Tonawanda Schools  Part 8 Assistant Principal Rachel Wagner Witnesses Assault and Does Nothing: North Tonawanda Schools  Part 9 Weaponizing Child Protective Services: North Tonawanda Schools  Part 10 Former Principal Fisher Blamed My Son's Sexual Orientation for Death Threat: North Tonawanda Schools  Part 11 After the articles circulated throughout the community, several parents, current and former students submitted their experiences via email to us. Their stories amounted to a simple conclusion: there is a refusal to protect students in North Tonawanda. This series is based on a combination of first-hand narratives and investigative reporting. Narratives/allegations from those who experienced it will be posted without any redaction and/or modifications. That is their truth, and we are not here to take that away from them. We do not post them as fact, but rather as what these individuals experienced. If you would like to share your own experience with North Tonawanda Schools and any of the issues raised throughout this article, please email us at  niagaraaction@gmail.com . Email from a mother whose children were bullied, beaten and betrayed by those meant to protect them.  As a mother, my number one job is to protect my children, but what happens when the very institution meant to educate and support them turns its back? When the place they should feel safe becomes a source of anxiety and pain? Both of my sons have experienced relentless bullying at North Tonawanda High School, to the point that I pulled both of them out. They both now rely on the Apex online learning program not because they wanted to, but because they had no other choice. The school and administration —the very people who should have stepped in and protected them— failed them time and time again. The Physical and Emotional Attacks My eldest son was a victim of repeated physical assaults, having been slapped, punched, and attacked multiple times. Some of these incidents were even caught on video. Despite proof in the hands of administrators of what he was enduring, nothing was done. He tried to seek help. I tried to seek help. Each time we were met with silence, indifference, or empty promises. Then came my younger son. He was an exceptional student and bright child who loved school and had plans for his future. Entering 9th grade he had a record of straight A’s, perfect attendance and excellent behavior. He was determined to succeed. That all changed because of one lie. One day, while walking through the crowded hallways, he accidentally bumped into a popular girl, causing her phone to drop. It was an innocent mistake, but she turned it into something far worse. In anger, she fabricated a claim that he had said something vile to her, words that I know he would never say. “I hope you get raped.” Her claim was a cruel and malicious lie. The school never did an investigation, questioned neutral witnesses or considered my son's character and history. No, they took her side and suspended him based solely on the testimony of her friends, individuals who had every reason to back up her false claim. I went to the school and pleaded with them to look into it further, to consider that my son would never say something so awful, but they refused. The decision had been made and damage done. Relentless Harassment and a School that Didn’t Care That one false accusation became fuel for the fire. My son became a target. He was bullied, harassed, and tormented for an entire year. He wasn’t just mocked but physically attacked. There were times when multiple students ganged up on him.   They didn’t just torment him at school, they also followed him home. Four of his bullies came all the way to our backyard chasing him. If we didn't have a gate, they might have caught him. They filmed themselves threatening him and shared it on Snapchat, turning their cruelty into entertainment. I called the school over and over again. I met with teachers, counselors, the principal. I begged for them to do something —to protect my son— but they wouldn't. Their response? “Well, it happened off school grounds, so there’s nothing we can do.” Punished for Protecting My Sons As my son’s mental health worsened and the bullying continued with no intervention, I made the only choice a mother could; I stopped forcing him to go to school. I refused to send him into a place where he was being tormented daily. The school then started calling about why he was starting to miss so many days of school. Their calls became more threatening about involving Child Protective Services if he did not show up. I contacted the school in tears several times. I was hopeful that the school would be understanding, but they were not. I told them about his declining mental health and how he has struggling with depression. I even disclosed to them how he had started self-harming. Their response? “He needs to show up. We’ll be extra aware of the situation.” Extra awareness. That’s all they could offer. Did they ask how they could help? Did they take accountability for failing to protect him? No. No action. No protection. Just meaningless words while my son suffered. Instead, they called Child Protective Services on me, reporting me for educational neglect. On three separate occasions they tried to punish me for keeping my son safe. Three separate times I had to endure investigations with strangers coming into my home, questioning my parenting, and making me feel like a criminal. Each time CPS found no wrongdoing and sent a letter clearing me. And yet, the school continued their harassment. They sent school officers to my home five different times to discuss truancy. They had officials come by, leaving notes demanding I contact them about his absences. Absences caused by their own failure to act. Ironically, it was a CPS worker—not the school—who actually helped get my son enrolled in the Apex online learning program. The same program the school never followed up on when I initially requested it. The Toll on My Children I look at my sons now and see the scars this experience has left. Not just the physical ones—the bruises and marks from being grabbed by the throat—but the emotional ones. The anxiety, fear, and betrayal from a system that should have protected them. North Tonawanda High School failed my sons. It failed to protect them. It failed to listen. It failed to take action, and when I tried to advocate for them, the school attacked me. No other child should have to endure what my sons went through. No other parent should have to fight just to keep their child safe. If you would like to share your own experience with North Tonawanda Schools and any of the issues raised throughout this article, please email us at  niagaraaction@gmail.com .  Bullied, Beaten and Betrayed by Administration: North Tonawanda Schools Part 12 Email from a mother whose children were bullied, beaten and betrayed by those meant to protect them. As a mother, my number one job is to protect my children, but what happens when the very institution meant to educate and support them turns its back? When the place they should feel safe becomes a source of anxiety and pain? Both of my sons have experienced relentless bullying at North Tonawanda High School, to the point that I pulled both of them out. They both now rely on the Apex online learning program not because they wanted to, but because they had no other choice. The school and administration —the very people who should have stepped in and protected them— failed them time and time again. The Physical and Emotional Attacks My eldest son was a victim of repeated physical assaults, having been slapped, punched, and attacked multiple times. Some of these incidents were even caught on video. Despite proof in the hands of administrators of what he was enduring, nothing was done. He tried to seek help. I tried to seek help. Each time we were met with silence, indifference, or empty promises. Then came my younger son. He was an exceptional student and bright child who loved school and had plans for his future. Entering 9th grade he had a record of straight A’s, perfect attendance and excellent behavior. He was determined to succeed. That all changed because of one lie. One day, while walking through the crowded hallways, he accidentally bumped into a popular girl, causing her phone to drop. It was an innocent mistake, but she turned it into something far worse. In anger, she fabricated a claim that he had said something vile to her, words that I know he would never say. “I hope you get raped.” Her claim was a cruel and malicious lie. The school never did an investigation, questioned neutral witnesses or considered my son's character and history. No, they took her side and suspended him based solely on the testimony of her friends, individuals who had every reason to back up her false claim. I went to the school and pleaded with them to look into it further, to consider that my son would never say something so awful, but they refused. The decision had been made and damage done. Relentless Harassment and a School that Didn’t Care That one false accusation became fuel for the fire. My son became a target. He was bullied, harassed, and tormented for an entire year. He wasn’t just mocked but physically attacked. There were times when multiple students ganged up on him.   They didn’t just torment him at school, they also followed him home. Four of his bullies came all the way to our backyard chasing him. If we didn't have a gate, they might have caught him. They filmed themselves threatening him and shared it on Snapchat, turning their cruelty into entertainment. I called the school over and over again. I met with teachers, counselors, the principal. I begged for them to do something —to protect my son— but they wouldn't. Their response? “Well, it happened off school grounds, so there’s nothing we can do.” Punished for Protecting My Sons As my son’s mental health worsened and the bullying continued with no intervention, I made the only choice a mother could; I stopped forcing him to go to school. I refused to send him into a place where he was being tormented daily. The school then started calling about why he was starting to miss so many days of school. Their calls became more threatening about involving Child Protective Services if he did not show up. I contacted the school in tears several times. I was hopeful that the school would be understanding, but they were not. I told them about his declining mental health and how he has struggling with depression. I even disclosed to them how he had started self-harming. Their response? “He needs to show up. We’ll be extra aware of the situation.” Extra awareness. That’s all they could offer. Did they ask how they could help? Did they take accountability for failing to protect him? No. No action. No protection. Just meaningless words while my son suffered. Instead, they called Child Protective Services on me, reporting me for educational neglect. On three separate occasions they tried to punish me for keeping my son safe. Three separate times I had to endure investigations with strangers coming into my home, questioning my parenting, and making me feel like a criminal. Each time CPS found no wrongdoing and sent a letter clearing me. And yet, the school continued their harassment. They sent school officers to my home five different times to discuss truancy. They had officials come by, leaving notes demanding I contact them about his absences. Absences caused by their own failure to act. Ironically, it was a CPS worker—not the school—who actually helped get my son enrolled in the Apex online learning program. The same program the school never followed up on when I initially requested it. The Toll on My Children I look at my sons now and see the scars this experience has left. Not just the physical ones—the bruises and marks from being grabbed by the throat—but the emotional ones. The anxiety, fear, and betrayal from a system that should have protected them. North Tonawanda High School failed my sons. It failed to protect them. It failed to listen. It failed to take action, and when I tried to advocate for them, the school attacked me. No other child should have to endure what my sons went through. No other parent should have to fight just to keep their child safe. If you would like to share your own experience with North Tonawanda Schools and any of the issues raised throughout this article, please email us at niagaraaction@gmail.com .  Bullied, Beaten and Betrayed by Administration: North Tonawanda Schools Part 12

A 51-year-old Buffalo man is facing multiple charges after leading law enforcement on a high-speed motorcycle pursuit that spanned several jurisdictions Monday night. The chase began when a Niagara Falls police officer attempted to stop the motorcycle on College Avenue within the city limits. The rider refused to pull over, prompting a pursuit that continued southbound on Hyde Park Boulevard, then eastbound along Buffalo Avenue and Cayuga Drive. The suspect then headed north on Military Road, traveling through the Town of Niagara and into Lewiston. The pursuit came to an abrupt end near the Niagara Falls Country Club where the motorcyclist lost control on a curve along Military Road and crashed. First responders from Upper Mountain Fire Company arrived at the scene and transported the man to a local hospital. Authorities confirmed his injuries were non-life-threatening. In addition to traffic violations, the rider is being charged with fleeing law enforcement and operating a motorcycle without a valid license. Police also discovered that the man had an outstanding warrant issued by New York State Police. Further details regarding the charges are expected as the investigation continues. Further details regarding the charges are expected as the investigation continues. Niagara Falls Motorcycle Chase Ends in Crash and Arrest in Lewiston

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) has confirmed the identification of U.S. Army Pvt. Harland J. Hennessey, a 24-year-old from Boonville, New York, who died as a prisoner of war during World War II. His remains were officially accounted for on September 23rd, 2024. Hennessey’s family recently received a comprehensive briefing regarding his identification, allowing additional information about the case to be publicly shared. In 1942, Hennessey was serving with the 803rd Engineer Battalion, Aviation, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippines. After months of heavy combat, American troops surrendered Bataan on April 9th, 1942, followed by Corregidor Island on May 6th. As a result, thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were captured. Hennessey was among those taken prisoner after the fall of Bataan. He endured the infamous 65-mile Bataan Death March and was held at the Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp #1. More than 2,500 POWs died in that camp during the conflict. Records from the prison indicate that Hennessey died on November 1st, 1942. He was interred alongside other fallen prisoners in Common Grave 704 within the camp’s cemetery. After the war, remains from Cabanatuan were moved to a temporary military mausoleum in Manila. In 1947, efforts were made to identify the remains, and while two individuals from Common Grave 704 were successfully identified, eight others, including Hennessey, remained unknown and were buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial (MACM). As part of its ongoing Cabanatuan Project, the DPAA exhumed these unidentified remains in 2018 and transported them to its laboratory for further analysis. Scientists were able to identify Hennessey using a combination of dental and anthropological assessments, circumstantial evidence, and mitochondrial DNA analysis conducted by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System. For decades, Hennessey’s resting place at MACM was maintained with care by the American Battle Monuments Commission. His name also appears on the Walls of the Missing at the memorial. A rosette will be added next to his name to signify that he has been identified.   Pvt. Hennessey is scheduled to be laid to rest in Boonville, New York, in July 2025. For details regarding funeral arrangements, families can contact the Army Casualty Office at (800) 892-2490. World War II Soldier from New York Identified after More than 80 Years