""Fifth question:
You said that the existence of the mob in Buffalo is not a secret, and people know what they do. Then why would the area's two leading news stations consistently report, complete with backed up sources, that the family is defunct. Why would acclaimed mob experts and journalists be trying to cover up the existence of this family?""""

Coppolas article in 98 is a great example. Dead in 98, then died in 06-07 then died again last year. Its either over exaggerated or understated and they dont know the full scene/story and/or have unreliable sources they hope are credible. News stations like to sell their stories.