BUFFALO, N.Y. — A lot of news happened in 2019. The arrest of Congressman Chris Collins on insider trading charges, followed by his resignation and guilty plea. The resignation of Buffalo Catholic Diocese Richard Malone following complaints about his handling of the priest sex abuse scandal. WNY native David Bellavia receiving the Medal of Honor, the UB Bulls winning their first Bowl game and the Buffalo Bills headed to the playoffs are just a few of the big news stories that happened in WNY in 2019.
2 On Your Side looked at the top stories on WGRZ.COM. Here are the most viewed stories on WGRZ.COM for 2019:
- 15 apps parents should look out for on their kids' phones-- Following several reports of arrests made after online predator and human trafficking stings, law enforcement officers around the country are reminding parents about potentially dangerous apps their kids could have access to.
- Williamsville East varsity girls soccer players suspended for five weeks- A number of Williamsville East High School girls varsity soccer players were suspended for violating their athletic agreement with the school, though the district will not say what the players did.
- Legacy for Joseph Raymond Murphy- The 40-year-old Buffalo banker died unexpectedly with an important message and a wish for his young children.
- Local case featured on Dr. Phil Show -A case that angered a lot of Western New Yorkers got national attention in October when it was featured on the Dr. Phil Show
- Surveillance video shows child found on porch being led from burning car by two people -Buffalo Police release video showing two 'persons of interest' leading boy from burning car found behind a Tonawanda St. warehouse in September.
- Cuomo: Monday's no school day will not be held against districts-- Governor Andrew Cuomo said school districts that asked for waivers to insufficient available school days will be granted following winter storms in February.
- Western New York man adopts 5 siblings so they can stay together- Lamont Thomas has fostered more than 30 children and adopted close to a dozen. But Thursday was extra special. He adopted five siblings, ages 4, 3, 2 and 1, so they could stay together.
- Community rallies around father and newborn after tragic death of mother during childbirth- Justin Waclawek of North Buffalo and his newborn baby Ada just lost the most important woman in their lives. Justin's wife and Ada's mother, Ali Waclawek, died in August during childbirth.
- Severe weather pushes historic iron scow towards Niagara Falls- The iron scow has been lodged in the upper rapids above the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side for over a century.
- Documentary shows graphic depiction of Williamsville teen's final hour alive after hazing incident- Nolan Burch, a graduate of Canisius High School, was a freshman at West Virginia University when he died five years ago.
