AUGUST 19, 2026 – NATE CAST

LEXI HAWK: HOW ONE MOM’S LIFE CHANGED OVERNIGHT

Imagine opening your front door and being told by government officials:

“Your backyard is radioactive.”

That’s exactly what happened to Lexi Hawk.

On this episode of NATE CAST, Lexi shares the incredible story of how an ordinary mom was thrust into the middle of one of Western New York’s biggest environmental controversies.

We’ll talk about how the Save Our Backyards movement began in Niagara Falls and Niagara County—and how it has now grown into a broader Western New York movement demanding answers, transparency, and action for families living near contaminated properties.

We’ll also discuss:

• Governor Kathy Hochul’s continued absence from the affected neighborhoods.
• The controversial press conference featuring Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
• The latest developments in the ongoing contamination investigations.
• And where this movement goes from here.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about families who deserve answers.

Tune in and hear Lexi’s story.

#NateCast #SaveOurBackyards #NiagaraFalls #NiagaraCounty #LoveCanal #LaSalle #WesternNewYork #EnvironmentalJustice #Radioactive #PublicHealth #CleanupNow #Transparency #KathyHochul #NewYork #EPA #DEC

NATE CAST: THE McKIERNAN FAMILY OF LOVE CANALONE FAMILY’S STORY. ONE QUESTION: IS HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF?

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

The Love Canal disaster changed America. It led to the creation of the federal Superfund program after hundreds of families were forced from their homes because of toxic contamination.

But nearly 50 years later, another family says they woke up to discover that the property they purchased sits on land connected to contamination concerns.

Today on NATE CAST, we hear directly from the McKiernan family.

Not from politicians.
Not from agencies.
Not from lawyers.

From the family itself.

We’ll discuss:

• Why they chose to move near Love Canal.
• When they first learned there might be contamination.
• What it feels like to suddenly question whether your home is safe.
• Why they are asking to be relocated.
• Their interactions with state and local officials.
• Whether they believe they have received honest answers.
• What they want to happen next.
• 
  

The McKiernans have three sons, including a child with special needs. They say they are not looking for publicity—they are looking for certainty and peace of mind.

We’ll also ask the larger questions:

• Has the chapter on Love Canal really been closed?
• Are there other contaminated areas that deserve more investigation?
• Are officials being sufficiently transparent with the public, or are they too concerned about creating panic?
• What level of testing, disclosure, and communication should families reasonably expect?
• 
  

These are important questions. They deserve careful discussion, evidence, and open conversation.

Join us for one family’s story—in their own words.

#LoveCanal #NiagaraFalls #NiagaraCounty #EnvironmentalJustice #PublicHealth #ToxicExposure #Superfund #CleanUpLoveCanal #GovernmentAccountability #Transparency #CommunityVoices #NateCast #WesternNewYork #NewYork #EnvironmentalCleanup #FamiliesFirst #Pollution #RightToKnow #SafeCommunities #NeverAgain

NATE CAST LIVE PODCAST SUMMARY – AUGUST 12, 2026

This week on NATE CAST LIVE, I sit down with North Tonawanda Councilman Willard Schulmeister for a fun conversation that goes in just about every direction.

We tackle the question everyone asks: Why are property taxes so high? Will breaks down where your tax dollars actually go, what’s driving costs, and why it’s not always as simple as people think.

We also talk politics. Will is a Democrat who voted for Donald Trump, and he shares why he made that choice—and why he’s since grown tired of Trump and where things have gone.

Of course, we couldn’t resist swapping stories about North Tonawanda—old memories, favorite places, how the city has changed, and what it’s doing well today.

And we wrap things up with a conversation about data centers, the promises they make, the concerns surrounding them, and why they’re becoming such a hot topic across Western New York.

It’s a laid-back conversation with plenty of laughs, a few disagreements, and lots of local talk. Give it a listen!

NATE CAST LIVE
August 10, 2026, POLLUTION, POLITICS & A VERY BAD HAIR DAY
On today’s episode of NATE CAST LIVE, Nate dives into several stories generating debate across Western New York and beyond.
Topics include:
* Niagara Falls Pollution – The latest on the contamination crisis, government accountability, and what still needs to happen for the affected families.
* Bills Stadium – A discussion about the new Buffalo Bills stadium, the public investment behind it, and what it says about regional priorities and economic development.
* DSA Co-chair’s Comments – Recent remarks by the Co-Chair of the Democratic Socialists of America have raised eyebrows nationwide.
* Trump’s Wig – A lighter, humorous segment on one of the latest viral political moments.
Nate and Tony discuss the controversy, the reaction from across the political spectrum, and what it means for the broader political conversation.

NATE CAST – August 5, 2026This episode features a conversation with Duncan Ross.

We discuss his background in business, executive leadership, and regional economic development. He explains why he opposed the Tesla subsidy deal in Buffalo and shares his philosophy on economic development, arguing that government should focus more on facilitating business growth than creating unnecessary barriers.We also talk about his winery and farm, Arrowhead Spring Vineyards, and how agriculture and tourism can play a larger role in Western New York’s future. Politically, Duncan describes himself as an old-style Republican whose priorities are rooted more in local and regional issues than national politics—despite my repeated attempts to draw him into those debates.Finally, we discuss the long-term importance of environmental protection, preserving our natural resources, and why economic growth and environmental stewardship should work together rather than compete with one another.

NATE CAST – Monday, August 3
Is Capitalism Broken?
Trump’s comments continue to send markets swinging. AI is booming—but are we watching another bubble form? Meanwhile, millions of Americans still struggle to afford groceries, fill up their gas tanks, or even go to the doctor. What kind of economy are we really living in, and where is it headed?
This week I’m joined by Tony O. to talk about capitalism itself—what still works, what doesn’t, and whether the system is reaching a breaking point.
We’ll also discuss the changing nature of warfare. The United States has spent trillions of dollars on recent conflicts, yet military superiority alone doesn’t seem to guarantee success against much weaker adversaries. What does that mean for the future of military power, diplomacy, cyberwarfare, drones, and asymmetric conflict?
Then we’ll turn to the environmental crisis unfolding here in Western New York. With EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin arguing that businesses are overregulated, what does that mean for communities dealing with the legacy of industrial pollution? We’ll discuss the challenge of holding polluters accountable, the role of the EPA and DEC, and what happens when governments and corporations dispute responsibility.
All that and more on this week’s NATE CAST.
And finally, thank you to everyone who donated to my campaign over the past 24 hours. We had an incredible weekend of support. I’ll be sharing an update very soon.
#NATECAST #Podcast #Capitalism #Economy #StockMarket #ArtificialIntelligence #AIBubble #Trump #Inflation #CostOfLiving #Healthcare #MiddleClass #Military #NationalSecurity #Diplomacy #AsymmetricWarfare #Drones #Cybersecurity #Environment #EPA #DEC #LeeZeldin #NiagaraFalls #WesternNewYork #EnvironmentalJustice #Politics #NewYork #TonyO #Assembly145

NATE CAST – JULY 31, 2026, CHRISTEN CIVILETTO, AUTHOR OF THUNDERING WATERS: THE TOXIC LEGACY OF NIAGARA FALLS
This week on NATE CAST, I sit down with Christen Civiletto—civil rights attorney, UB law professor, environmental advocate, and author of Thundering Waters: The Toxic Legacy of Niagara Falls, for an important conversation about the chemical and radioactive contamination that has shaped Niagara Falls for generations.
For decades, our region helped build America. We powered industry, supported the war effort, and produced the chemicals and materials that fueled the modern economy. But those achievements came with a cost—one that many families believe they are still paying today.
We discuss what we know about the legacy of toxic chemicals and radioactive contamination, why these issues continue to affect residents, what rights affected families have, and what responsibilities government and industry owe to the people who live here.
Most importantly, we talk about hope.
This conversation is not about fear or political finger-pointing. It’s about how a community comes together to face difficult truths, demand accountability, protect public health, and begin rebuilding trust.
Niagara Falls has overcome enormous challenges before. If we have the courage to confront our past honestly and work together, we can reclaim our community, restore confidence in our future, and build a cleaner, healthier future for generations to come.
Join us for what I believe will be one of the most important conversations we’ve had on NATE CAST.
#NiagaraFalls #ThunderingWaters #ChristenCiviletto #NateCast #EnvironmentalJustice #LoveCanal #RadioactiveContamination #ToxicWaste #PublicHealth #CleanUpNiagara #WesternNewYork #EnvironmentalLaw #CivilRights #CommunityAction #NiagaraCounty #ProtectOurFamilies #RestoreNiagara #HopeForNiagara #ReclaimNiagara #JusticeForNiagara

NATE CAST — JULY 27, 2026 Who Knew What, and When?

This week on NATE CAST:

☢️ Radioactivity in Niagara Falls: Who knew what, and when? We take a deeper look at the growing questions surrounding radioactive contamination in Niagara Falls. And it doesn’t stop there. What about the alleged leaking toxic waste at Love Canal? What about the toxic contamination discovered on Cayuga Island? Is there a broader environmental story that has never been fully told?

🌍 Trump’s War-Time Social Media Posts: As conflict escalates overseas, President Trump is posting relentlessly on social media. We’ll discuss the tone of those posts, why they matter during a time of war, and what presidential leadership should look like in moments of international crisis.

🌉 Tariffs, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, and America’s Future: While Canada invests in new infrastructure and global trade, where are we headed? We examine tariffs, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, and the broader questions facing the American economy. And where are our leaders on all of this—on toxic waste, on trade, and on war?

Join us for another episode of NATE CAST, where we ask the questions too many people in power don’t want to answer.

#NateCast #Podcast #NiagaraFalls #NiagaraCounty #LoveCanal #Radioactivity #EnvironmentalJustice #CleanWater #PublicHealth #WhoKnewWhatWhen #ToxicWaste #Tariffs #Trade #GordieHoweBridge #USCanada #ForeignPolicy #Trump #Politics #CurrentEvents #WesternNewYork

THEY THINK YOU’RE TOO STUPID TO CARE.

They think you won’t vote.

In this clip, I’m talking with Matt Chavez about what he describes as his opponent’s “mum’s the word” campaign strategy.

AMAZON TAX BREAK? SILENCE

LOVE CANAL AND RADIOACTIVE LAND? SILENCE

THE DYING MALL? SILENCE

All of it, silence.

His argument is that if you don’t speak publicly, don’t answer questions, don’t do interviews, and don’t debate, you can quietly slide into office without voters ever knowing where you stand.

That strategy only works if people stop paying attention.

I think voters deserve better. They deserve candidates who are willing to answer questions, defend their record, and earn their vote.

Watch the clip and decide for yourself.

NATE CAST — JULY 21, 2026

The Radioactivity Meeting, One-Party Rule, and the Future of Niagara Falls

This week on NATE CAST, I follow up on the recent public meeting with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regarding radioactive contamination in Niagara County. We discuss what residents heard, why so many left frustrated, and what must happen next to restore public trust.

I’m also joined by LaSalle legislative candidate Matt Chavez for a wide-ranging conversation about the deeper structural problems facing Niagara Falls and Niagara County. We examine decades of one-party rule, the culture of political patronage and corruption, why so many residents feel left behind, and what it will take to restore accountability, economic opportunity, and hope for our community.

If Niagara County is going to move forward, it starts with honest conversations—and the courage to demand better.