WIVB News 4 wins Murrow Award for ‘Excellence in Video'
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — WIVB News 4 recently won a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for 'Excellence in Video' for our December story on the historic Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo.
The Edward R. Murrow Awards are announced every year by the Radio Television Digital News Association. They cast the spotlight on local and national stories that uphold the association's ethics while showcasing the importance and impact of journalism on the community.
A behind-the-scenes look into the 270-acre cemetery and how it has grown over the past 176 years was brought to local TV screens by the work of anchor and reporter Marlee Tuskes, photojournalist Allison Staebell and senior executive producer Natasha Yurek.
The 10-minute piece takes a deep dive into what it takes to run and maintain the cemetery — which is home to 13th President of the United States, Millard Fillmore, famous singer Rick James and the first Black congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm — by hearing from the people who do it every day.
Forest Lawn is described as a place for people to come home to and a place where stories can live on.
News 4 is now being considered in the national Murrow Awards competition. The winners will be announced in August.
Watch '700 Seasons: The Story of Forest Lawn' in the video player above.
Katie Skoog joined the News 4 team in April 2024. She is a graduate from the University at Buffalo. You can view more of her work here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How Haitian women-led nonprofit organizations are turning sisterhood into strategy
'Haitian heritage is a living force.' These Haitian women-led nonprofit organizations reclaim power, healing, and hope for Haiti. When folks talk about Haiti's revolution, names like Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines get all the shine. But what about Sanité Bélair, who faced the firing squad with her head high? Or Cécile Fatiman, whose spiritual power helped ignite the revolution? Or Marie-Jeanne Lamartinière, who picked up a musket and defended Haiti's freedom like her life depended on it—because it did? These women weren't in the background. They were the backbone. Their spirit didn't disappear with the end of the revolution; it just shifted. Today, their legacy lives on—not just in textbooks, but in the actions of Haitian women who continue to organize, resist, and rebuild in the face of adversity. At the heart of this modern movement is a simple but revolutionary belief that 'Haitian women deserve space to thrive, not just survive.' That belief is the foundation of the Haitian Ladies Network (HLN), a growing global sisterhood birthed from shared values and an unshakeable commitment to heritage, healing, and collective progress. 'We want the world to see beyond crisis-driven headlines,' HLN told theGrio, 'and recognize Haiti for its depth, resilience, and brilliance.' They are not alone in that vision. Across borders and time zones, Haitian women are rising to challenge not just the narrative about Haiti, but the systems that have long excluded their voices and leadership from shaping its future. Organizations like HLN, the Haitian Women's Collective (HWC), and grassroots coalitions like Nègès Mawon and Marijan Ayiti prove that when Haitian women lead, communities heal, and nations transform. For Carine Jocely, the founder and director of HWC, it all started when she gathered a group of Haitian and Haitian-American women who were doing powerful work—building clinics, running grassroots organizations, supporting survivors, and holding down communities back home in Haiti. What started as an informal space to exchange ideas quickly revealed a deeper need: connection, visibility, and recognition for Haitian women who have always done the work, but rarely get the mic. 'I quickly realized the power and impact of their work and the need to formalize the network,' explained Jocely. '[HWC] is grounded in an unshakeable faith in the resilience of Haitian women and girls. We are committed to changing the narrative for Black women-led organizations in Haiti from one of fragility to one of strength and capacity.' This shift in narrative is something Haitian women across the globe have been fighting for—and building toward—for years. While mainstream media often tells one story about Haiti—one of chaos, instability, and crisis—Haitian women have been crafting another story—one rooted in legacy, resistance, community care, and vision. They're not just responding to Haiti's crises. They're reimagining what's possible for Haiti. Like HWC, HLN began as a gathering of like-minded women and has grown into one of the largest platforms for Haitian women worldwide. With a bold and beautifully simple goal to connect Haitian women across generations and geographies to celebrate heritage, share resources, and ignite a sense of collective power, the organization leans on five pillars: Wellness and Healing, Financial Well-Being, Voice and Influence, Bridging Haiti and its Diaspora, and Culture and Heritage. But most importantly, they offer belonging. Whether mentoring young professionals, supporting women entrepreneurs, or cultivating cultural pride, HLN is in the business of restoration—of dignity, identity, and the right to dream beyond disaster. 'Our mission is to shift the narrative from one of struggle to one of strength, beauty, and infinite possibility with Haitian women leading the way in telling that story,' HLN representatives added. Still, it's an uphill battle. Only 3% of global funding for Haiti goes directly to Haitian organizations. And with USAID freezing hundreds of millions of dollars in aid, a 2025 UN Women study warns that nearly half of women's organizations on the ground may shut down within six months. Despite this, Haitian women keep showing up. HWC supports frontline groups embedded in communities, offers burnout prevention and trauma-informed care, advocates for fair international policy that recognizes the expertise and leadership of Haitian women, and organizes virtual healing spaces for human rights defenders, understanding that rest is resistance, too. 'Women in general need spaces that applaud them for their work,' Jocely shared. 'The grassroots groups doing the work, day in and day out, are often not recognized, provided a seat at the decision-making table, or afforded large, impactful funding opportunities,' Jocely noted. And perhaps no group lives that ethos more than Nègès Mawon. This Haiti-based feminist collective has made a name for itself by championing gender justice, political resistance, and healing practices amid some of the country's darkest days. Known for its outspoken advocacy and deep-rooted cultural work, Nègès Mawon creates spaces for survivors of gender-based violence, artists, and activists to reclaim their narratives and support each other. Whether through artistic expression, community action, or direct protest, their work is a defiant celebration of what Haitian womanhood really looks like—unbought, unbossed, and unbroken. Together, these organizations are doing more than offering aid; they are reminding the world that 'Haitian heritage is not just history. It is a living force that continues to shape the world.' More must-reads: Joy Reid warns Black community not to be fooled by Trump's recent pardons Shannon Sharpe postpones 'Nightcap' tour Trump provides coy response when asked if he would pardon Diddy
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Major Trump foe says Republicans keep approaching her with shocking message
Chances are, if you've heard of U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, it's because the Texas Democrat has emerged as one of President Donald Trump's most high-profile inquisitors on Capitol Hill. So much so, in fact, that Crockett, 44, who's in the running for a top House committee post, has gotten death threats for her comments. Trump, in turn, has taken to referring to Crockett, an attorney who handled pro bono cases for Black Lives Matter defendants, as 'low IQ' — one of his favorite insults. Even with all that heat, Crockett said she keeps getting a surprising message from Republicans. 'I think that (Trump) is listening to the polling,' Crockett said while appearing on 'The Jim Acosta Show' this week. 'Republicans poll all the time. And I have no idea what all is happening in their polling,' she told Acosta. 'But I can tell you in real life that I've had a number of Republicans approach me as they see me out, and they say, 'Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I really like you. Like, we come from completely different parties, but I believe that you are fighting for the people. I believe that you are trying to do what's best for all of us. I may disagree with, like, how you feel like we get there, but I agree with your fight.' And she said she believes that is what frightens Trump and his MAGA followers when it comes to her. 'I think that's what's scary for them is the idea that it's not just, say, Black folk that are listening to me, right?' she said. 'Or it's not just, like, super liberal folk. It's this idea that, you know, people who even aren't Democrats would actually listen to what I have to say.' RFK Jr. slammed raw milk shots with podcast host in the White House 'Turning a blind eye to genocide': Mass. Rep. Neal's visit to Ireland protested 'Incredibly ironic': Trump antisemitism effort may force out Harvard's Israeli Jews 'We're not sanctuary cities': WMass mayors push back at feds over DHS target list New poll shows who Dems want in 2028 — and it's not Kamala Harris Read the original article on MassLive.
San Francisco Chronicle
an hour ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
The Black hair industry imports products from China. Here's what tariffs mean for braids and wigs
ATLANTA (AP) — Before the oppressive summer heat descends on Atlanta, therapist Brittanee Sims usually gets her thick, curly hair braided at a salon to preserve her healthy mane. But it's more expensive this year. So she'll only pay for her teenage daughter and son to get their summer hairdos. Not having braided hair 'creates more of a hassle for everything,' said Sims, who counts herself among the tens of millions of women that regularly spend on the Black hair care industry. Now, she said, she has to 'go home and figure out what I'm gonna do to my hair in the morning, after I went to the gym and it's messed up with sweating and frizz.' President Donald Trump's tariffs are driving up prices for products many Black women consider essential, squeezing shoppers and stylists even more as they grapple with inflation and higher rents. Much of the synthetic braiding hair, human hair for extensions, wigs and weaves, styling tools, braiding gel and other products is imported from or has packaging from China, which was subject to a combined 145% tariff in April. Many Black women have hair types and workplace-favored styles that require careful attention, and they can spend hundreds of dollars at salons each month on extensions, weaves, wigs and braids. The Associated Press spoke with several Black hair industry experts, beauty supply store owners, and wholesale companies, as well as nearly two dozen Black stylists and braiders, some of whom may have to raise prices even as business has slowed. On Thursday, a federal appeals court reinstated most of Trump's tariffs on imported goods after they were blocked the day before by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade. Earlier this month, the United States agreed to drop the 145% tax on goods imported from China to 30% while the two economic superpowers negotiate new trade agreements. Imports from most other countries face baseline tariff rates at 10%. Regardless, the next few months 'are already shot' for many items, said Marty Parker, a University of Georgia business professor and supply chain expert who worked in the hair care industry. The costs companies have been facing at ports are making their way down to consumers, supply shortages are getting worse, and it's unclear what will happen if negotiations break down. 'Prices go up very fast and come down very slow,' Parker said. Costs go up for Atlanta stylists Some stylists said they're seeing fewer clients because prices are going up for virtually everything. Atlanta stylists are paying more for hair from China. Atlanta stylist Yana Ellis, who also sells products like wigs, paid an extra $245 in shipping for 52 bundles of hair in March compared to 40 bundles in December. AaNiyah Butler said her shipping costs for human hair more than doubled from February to May. And Dajiah Blackshear found in early May that a beauty supply store raised the cost of the kind of hair she's used for years by $100. The store owner said he may have to stop selling that brand of hair because it went up so much. Similarly, some wholesale hair stores have seen higher costs or are expecting them in the coming weeks. Even the typical $6 to $10 cost of a pack of synthetic hair has crept up. Blackshear doesn't want clients to bring hair because she likes to vet the quality. But if expenses continue to mount, she may have to raise her prices. 'It's going to be extremely difficult,' she said, especially for clients who are "having to make those hard decisions, between 'do I get my hair done or do I pay my bills?'' Janice Lowe, who runs 5 Starr Salon in a lower-income neighborhood southeast of Atlanta, has started asking clients to bring hair and is unable to purchase certain products. 'I'm falling behind on my obligations,' she said. The industry braces for uncertainty Consultants vary on how much prices will rise, when they'll go up and for how long — and the full harm to stylists and consumers could be months away. The global Black hair care industry was worth about $3.2 billion in 2023, according to and Black women spend six times more on hair care than other ethnicities. Stylists often purchase some harder-to-get professional products from door-to-door distributors that buy from wholesale companies or larger distributors that purchase directly from other countries. Lowe has seen some of her distributors vanish altogether, making it harder to get professional lines such as Black-owned leading professional hair care brand Design Essentials, manufactured in Atlanta at McBride Research Laboratories. Design Essentials is trying to delay big price increases until 2026 or 2027, and may turn to layoffs or pause promotions to save money, said president Cornell McBride Jr. Most packaging plastics come from China, but ingredients can come from many places. 'Nobody wants to put it to the consumer but the person who pays is the consumer in the end,' McBride Jr. said. Hawa Keita and her mother usually charge customers between $160 and $250 for braiding at their shop, Eve's African Hair Braiding in College Park southwest of Atlanta. Keita is determined to take losses because their customers 'can't afford the Atlanta prices,' Keita said. The cost of a box of 100 packs of braiding hair from China went up for the first time in two years, from $250 to $300, Keita said. They order weekly, often multiple boxes. Some companies say they'll soon raise prices or run out of stock. Making customers happy is ultimately what will keep the business afloat, Keita said. She smiled as she recounted braiding a young woman's hair for her birthday with a style she suggested. 'When we finished, she gave me the biggest hug, and she was in here screaming and just yelling because she just really loved her hair,' Keita said. Priced-out consumers face unfair beauty standards For many Black Americans, especially women, affording their hair care also means confronting unfavorable beauty standards. Georgia State University law professor Tanya Washington said recent discoveries about dangerous chemicals in synthetic hair and hair straightening products have sparked conversations among Black women looking for hairstyles that don't require as much imported products. But embracing natural hairdos can be daunting for women like the soon-to-be lawyers and clerks Washington advises who face pressure to straighten their hair. 'That puts everyone who does not have organically, naturally derived straight hair at a disadvantage in these spaces,' she said. 'I think that a definition of professionalism that favors one phenotype — European phenotype — over all others, is inappropriate." Longstanding income disparities between Black and white American women can also make higher hair care prices untenable. According to the U.S. Census, as of 2023, the median household income in Atlanta is $131,319 for white households and $47,937 for Black households. It's an inequality issue that professional hairstylists are aware of nationwide. Stylist Mitzi Mitchell, owner of PIC ONE Beauty Services in Pennsylvania, said she has stocked up on certain products and tools for another year in anticipation of price increases. She wants to avoid 'bootleg' products, which are made illegally and often aren't as safe, but became much more prevalent in the marketplace during economic downturns. 'I'm really conscientious about my Black minority clients because we make a heck of a lot less than other nationalities,' said Mitchell, who is Black. 'I try to keep prices low so we can continue to have the same services, but I know I will have to raise it.' ___
