By Mark Scott
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-811758.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The state budget crisis. A governor resigns in a prostitution scandal. And South Buffalo loses two of its favorite sons. These are three of the top stories that we covered in 2008.
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Here is News Director Mark Scott's list of the top ten state and local stories of 2008. Share your thoughts with Mark or put together your own list of top stories. His email address is mscott@wbfo.org.
1) The New York State budget crisis.
2) Governor Eliot Spitzer resigns because of a prostitution scandal.
3) Buffalo mourns the deaths of former Mayor James Griffin and native son Tim Russert within weeks of each other.
4) A judge rules casino gambling illegal downtown, but the Seneca Nation of Indians continues to operate its temporary casino. The Senecas halt construction of the permanent casino because of the economic downturn.
5) The McKinley High School controversy surrounding the suspension of student Jayvonna Kincannon.
6) Republican Chris Lee defeats Democrat Alice Kryzan to win the 26th congressional district seat following the retirement of Tom Reynolds.
7) Gasoline prices reach a record high of $4.27 a gallon in Buffalo over the summer.
8) Kaleida Health and ECMC agree on a merger.
9) American Axle employees stage a two month strike. The Tonawanda Forge plant is closed as part of the contract settlement.
10) The NHL's Winter Classic attracts 74,000 fans to Ralph Wilson Stadium on New Year's Day featuring the Buffalo Sabres vs. Pittsburgh Penguins.
Other stories of note from 2008: The Studio Arena closes, and its future remains uncertain. Neighborhood residents try to save historic livery stable on Jersey Street. Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch is involved in a hit and run accident that injured a pedestrian in downtown Buffalo. Jonathon Cote of Williamsville is killed in Iraq after being held hostage for more than a year. A judge dismisses federal charges against UB art professor Steven Kurtz, ending a four year legal battle. Buffalo police detective Dennis Delano is suspended for releasing evidence in the Lynn Dejac case to the media. A severe wind storm batters Buffalo in January, power is knocked out for tens of thousands of utility customers.