Justin Sondel

@JustinSondel

City Hall Reporter for @TheBuffaloNews. Words in @washingtonpost @CityandStateNY @ipostnews Husband. Dad. Aspiring EBUG.

Buffalo, N.Y.

Joined July 2009

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1KFollowers

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Justin Sondel@JustinSondel · Jun 16

As the primary nears, candidates for mayor are ramping up their attacks on one another. My latest: buffalonews.com/news/local/gov…

JustinSondel's tweet card. While candidates have criticized the policies and plans of one another throughout the crowded primary race, the volume has been cranked up.

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Justin Sondel@JustinSondel · Jul 16

Trump administration rescinding of Education Department grants likely to end UB program that provides mental health counseling to students in rural WNY districts. @ByJonHarris buffalonews.com/news/local/bus…

JustinSondel's tweet card. The University at Buffalo received notice from the U.S. Department of Education that informed the school that a fellowship program to support mental health at rural schools no longer aligned with...

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Justin Sondel@JustinSondel · Jul 2

The first tenants are moving into new apartments at the Commodore Perry Homes, part of the massive overhaul of the BMHA-run housing complex. by @jepsteinbuffalo buffalonews.com/news/local/bus…

JustinSondel's tweet card. The first new buildings – consisting of two- and three-story buildings with either flats or two-level apartments – have been completed, with 30 units ready for occupancy.

Justin Sondel@JustinSondel · Jul 1

From @Tsuj10: a profile of David Hills and his career as the 30-year Buffalo Public Schools veteran rides off into the sunset. buffalonews.com/news/local/edu…

JustinSondel's tweet card. David Hills, a principal in three Buffalo Schools, always had an itch for a new challenge, especially when it came to building a positive culture. "It was as if you were speaking to your funny...

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Justin Sondel@JustinSondel · Jun 30

ICYMI: Amid President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown many Western New York farmers fear for their workers. Excellent reporting from @chessabond and @RobertGavinBN. buffalonews.com/news/local/art…

JustinSondel's tweet card. The Trump administration’s intensified immigration raids and arrests have shaken the local agricultural community, which is dependent on migrant labor. “No farm would survive without them," said a...

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Justin Sondel@JustinSondel · Jun 30

Here's part 2 of @SandraTanBN's great reporting on transparency - or lack thereof - from law enforcement agencies when one of their own runs afoul of the law. buffalonews.com/news/local/art…

JustinSondel's tweet card. It's not that local officials have said nothing about the case of an Erie County Sheriff's official who is the subject of three investigations involving multiple, late-night car crashes last spring....

Justin Sondel@JustinSondel · Jun 30

I covered efforts from CWM to open a second toxic waste site while at the Niagara Gazette more than 10 years ago. Crazy to see the decision is just now coming to a head. Great reporting from @MackenzieShuman: buffalonews.com/news/local/art…

JustinSondel's tweet card. After more than 20 years of debate, a decision could come this year on whether a toxic landfill could expand in Niagara County.

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Justin Sondel@JustinSondel · Jun 27

***BREAKING NEWS from @TheBuffaloNews and @JustinSondel Erie County Board of Elections rep confirmed to The Buffalo News that Scanlon filed paperwork just ahead of the 5 p.m. Friday deadline to have his independent Good Neighbors party line removed from the November ballot.

RRobert Gavin@RobertGavinBN · Jun 27

From @JustinSondel Chris Scanlon drops out of Buffalo mayor's race buffalonews.com/news/local/art… via @TheBuffaloNews

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Justin Sondel@JustinSondel · Jun 27

A representative from the Erie County Board of Elections has confirmed to me that Acting Mayor Christopher Scanlon has submitted paperwork to remove his independent Good Neighbors line from the general election ballot. Story incoming.

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Justin Sondel@JustinSondel · Jun 25

Judge issues temporary restraining order on Sylvia's House shelter shutdown, as the not-for-profit sues the city of Buffalo with the help of Neighborhood Legal services. by @Tsuj10 buffalonews.com/news/local/art…

JustinSondel's tweet card. "We are hoping that the City of Buffalo will do what we have been asking for years and help us find a permanent location," said Diana Proske, a Neighborhood Legal Services attorney.

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Justin Sondel Retweeted

Jon Campbell@JonCampbellNY · Jun 17

For all the Freedom of Information nerds out there: The NYS Legislature approved a bill that would, in theory, place firmer deadlines on producing records in response to FOIL requests. It's off to Gov. Hochul for her signature or veto.

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Justin Sondel Retweeted

Sandra Tan@SandraTanBN · Jun 20

Police transparency is vital to public trust. But easier said than done, especially if the person with the problem wears a badge. So what's the reality? This story takes a long, hard look. Expect a second story to come on this subject soon. buffalonews.com/news/local/art…

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Justin Sondel Retweeted

Holly Kirkpatrick, BTPM NPR@Holly_Journo · Jun 13

NEW FROM ME: we mapped out which Democratic mayoral primary candidate has the most individual donors in each of Buffalo’s 35 neighborhoods. Data visuals by Alyssa Brouillet. btpm.org/local/2025-06-…

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