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Edwin Viera
Edwin is a reporter and producer in North Tonawanda, New York. He's previously reported for the Niagara Gazette and the Ithaca Times. Edwin got an early start in radio interning for WBFO-88.7FM, NPR's Buffalo affiliate. In 2018, he graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College with a B.A. in Journalism, and in 2022, graduated from Syracuse University with an M.S. in Communications.
Report: NYS among worst states for online, social media scams
New York ranks as one of the top states for online scams, according to a new report. A Consumer Federation of America report finds state consumers lose $6.5 billion a year – or $325 per ... more
Leaked memo shows Gov. Hochul may roll back NYS climate law
A leaked memo suggests New York Gov. Kathy Hochul may roll back part of the state’s climate law. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority memo says elements of the Climate Leadership and ... more
Report ranks some NY colleges as ‘most hostile’ to free speech
A new report considers two New York universities to be among the "most hostile" campuses for free speech nationwide. The Council on American Islamic Relations report evaluates 51 colleges and universities that it says suppressed ... more
Advocates: NYS lawmakers must help disabled people find work
New York disability rights advocates want state lawmakers to help disabled people with employment. It comes after a State Comptroller report pointed out glaring disparities for workers with disabilities, despite progress to make workplaces more ... more
New York experts help lead clean energy plan to power Ukraine during war
Experts in New York and nationwide have created a plan to bolster Ukraine’s clean energy future. With the Russia-Ukraine war in its fourth year, attacks on the country’s centralized fossil fuel systems have left almost ... more
New York students report safety concerns at school despite security investments
New research shows many students in New York and nationwide worry about their safety in school. The study from the nonprofit YouthTruth found a high percentage of elementary, middle, and high school students do not feel ... more
More NYers demand state lawmakers pass bills to tax the rich
Calls from everyday New Yorkers to tax the rich are growing. These come after President Donald Trump doubled down on economic policies and budget cuts in the State of the Union, which data show keep ... more
NYS takes steps to support youth mental health systems
New York State is working to implement improved youth mental health systems. Since the pandemic, the state has done studies and roundtables to determine what young people need from state mental health systems. Reports show ... more
NYS takes oversight action on DHS while federal reforms stall
New York is one of many states committing to oversight of federal Homeland Security officers. It comes as reforms for Immigration and Customs Enforcement stall congressional budget talks, forcing the department to temporarily shut down ... more
NYS environmental groups upset at federal climate policy reversal
New York climate advocates are disturbed by the Trump administration's decision to revoke a key legal finding stating that climate change impacts public health. The 2009 Endangerment Finding has served as the basis for national ... more
NYS lawmakers make progress on PFAS regulation bills
New York State lawmakers are advancing efforts to regulate forever chemicals in the state. Along with a bill enacting a moratorium on using biosolids as farm fertilizer, the legislature is considering several bills to remove ... more
ICE gets backlash for scouting NY detention center locations
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is eyeing New York State for expanding detention capacity. The agency considered a location in the town of Chester but the Orange County Legislature voted unanimously to reject the proposed facility ... more
Experts: How NYers can maximize their health care benefits
As health care costs rise, New Yorkers are doing what they can to maximize their coverage. While Affordable Care Act plans are pricier due to Congress not extending the subsidies helping many people pay their ... more
NYS begins work to implement Master Plan for Aging
New York State is working to implement its Master Plan for Aging, a series of budgetary and legislative proposals aiming to improve seniors’ quality of life. It includes a proposal to fully fund home and ... more
NYS bills rein in payday lenders, close pre-exploited loopholes
Two New York bills would rein in payday lenders. The Stop Taking Our Pay Act would ensure loans from such lenders abide by the state’s 25% interest rate cap but since the companies do not ... more
NYS considers moratorium on sale, use of biosolids: What does it mean?
A New York bill calls for a moratorium on the use and sale of biosolids, treated sewage sludge that meets certain Environmental Protection Agency requirements and can be used as soil fertilizer. However, reports show ... more
NYS advocates: Gov. Hochul must pass immigrant protections
New York advocates want Gov. Kathy Hochul to guarantee immigrant rights protections amid immigration actions and a second killing by immigration agents in Minneapolis this month. Hochul is championing bills to protect people’s constitutional rights ... more
New Yorkers want more done to address housing costs, challenges
Some New Yorkers want the state to do more to address housing issues. Gov. Kathy Hochul is proposing regulatory reforms to speed up housing construction. But advocates for affordable housing note little is being said ... more
Mental health advocates: NYS must increase youth investments
New York advocates want the state to invest more in youth mental health. The proposed 2027 budget addresses families’ needs with universal child care and an expanded child tax credit but lacks funds to fill ... more
