Buffalo news

• Turning the page: E-books

  10-03-2016 23:00 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- More and more, great literary voices are finding themselves on a new page; or screen.
  Kindles, Nooks, and iPads are the portable libraries that allow for thousands of books on a single device.
  “It’s convenient and you can actually access a lot of books without actually having to bring the books with you, so it’s lighter and easier sometimes,” said Buffalo mom Jenna Deitrich, who started using e-books and audio books after she had kids.
  Carol Batt is
  
  Read more

• Full video: Poloncarz delivers State of the County address

  10-03-2016 21:58 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz expanded on new ideas and tackled tough topics as he delivered his State of The County address for 2016.
  Among issues with heroin, pollution and more, Poloncarz announced he will champion plans to strengthen ethics laws in the county, do away with plastic bags and help combat drugs and tobacco.
  One of his most surprising pushes, to eliminate plastic bags, follows his successes with banning microbeads from products sold i
  
  Read more

• California man files civil lawsuit against parents, accusing them of making him their sex slave

  10-03-2016 21:43 via wivb.com
  
  LOS GATOS (KRON) — A 23-year old Los Gatos man has filed a civil lawsuit against his adoptive parents, accusing them of years of sexual abuse when he was a child.
  Denis Flynn was born in Russia. After his mother died and a stay at an orphanage, at the age of 9, he was adopted by Ralph and Carolyn Flynn who brought him to the U.S. and their home in Los Gatos.
  “I was given a few months to enjoy my new life, and after that, he invited me into the bedroom, and I knew from the beginn
  
  Read more

• Wyoming County inmate receiving medical treatment briefly escapes custody

  10-03-2016 20:06 via wivb.com
  
  WARSAW, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say an inmate receiving medical treatment at a western New York hospital briefly escaped custody.
  Officials say 33-year-old Brad Rovito was at the Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw on Wednesday afternoon when he took off. Warsaw police officers were able to take him into custody minutes later.
  Rovito is an inmate at the medium-security Wyoming Correctional Facility. He now faces escape and resisting arrest charges. He’ll also be transfer
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Apple planning product launch on March 21

  10-03-2016 19:24 via wivb.com
  
  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Apple has announced its next product launch event will be on March 21.
  The tech giant provided no details, in keeping with its usual effort to build anticipation before it announces new products. An invitation sent to reporters said only “Let us loop you in.” Apple’s headquarters is located on Infinite Loop Road in Cupertino, California.
  Analysts and tech blogs are anticipating a new, 4-inch iPhone, a smaller iPad Pro and new bands for the Apple
  
  Read more

• Risk of salmonella contamination leads to massive pistachio recall

  10-03-2016 19:13 via wivb.com
  
  LOST HILLS, Calif. (WIVB) — A select number of Wonderful, Paramount Farms and Trader Joe’s pistachios have been recalled due to health concerns.
  Health officials say the pistachios may have been contaminated with salmonella.
  The products vary in type and flavor and are mostly under the Wonderful brand.
  Trader Joe’s says no reports of sickness related to their brand of nuts have come in.
  Anyone who bought the recalled Trader Joe’s pistachios can return them
  
  Read more

• California lawmakers approve raising smoking age to 21

  10-03-2016 19:09 via wivb.com
  
   SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California lawmakers voted Thursday to make the nation’s most populous state the second to raise the smoking age from 18 to 21 as part of a sweeping package of measures they are considering to crack down on tobacco.
  Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown still must sign off on the legislation the Senate approved to make California the first state after Hawaii with the higher age limit. His spokesman said last week that the governor generally does not comment on p
  
  Read more

• 4-vehicle crash calls crews to Fillmore and Sycamore Streets

  10-03-2016 18:07 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A four-vehicle crash at Fillmore and Sycamore Streets in Buffalo scattered debris across the area Thursday morning.
  Buffalo Police and local fire officials arrived at the scene where extensive damage was spotted on the vehicles.
  It is not known if anyone was seriously injured during the incident.
  News 4 will have more information as it becomes available.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• 2 charged in alleged drug smuggling ring at Erie Co. Holding Center

  10-03-2016 18:00 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Alleged drug smuggling has resulted in charges against an Erie County Holding Center inmate and another person.
  Erie County Sheriff’s deputies say an investigation into alleged smuggling culminated with the arrests of inmate Gerald Kwasniewski, 35, and Rebecca Smith, 43.
  Investigators began looking into the alleged smuggling when a holding center employee said they discovered Suboxone strips in a letter addressed to an inmate.
  Law enforcement officials say Kwas
  
  Read more

• 3 small children reported missing in rural South Carolina found safe

  10-03-2016 17:39 via wivb.com
  
  SMOAKS, S.C. (AP) — About 40 law deputies and other law enforcement officers were searching through heavily thicketed bottomland and swamps in rural South Carolina for three young children reported missing after playing outside in their yard.
  The children were reportedly found.
  Lt. Shane Roberts of the Colleton County Sheriff’s Department says the children — ages 2, 3, and 4 — were reported missing about 6 p.m. Wednesday. They had been had been outside in their yard befor
  
  Read more

• Wisconsin teacher a match to donate kidney to her student

  10-03-2016 16:55 via wivb.com
  
  OAKFIELD, Wis. (WBAY) — For Jodi Schmidt, teaching is a perfect match.
  “Children are really fun,” she says. “There’s like a spark in their eye.”
  Of all the kids at Oakfield Elementary School in Wisconsin, it’s the spark in Natasha Fuller that changed her life.
  Natasha tells us, “When I see Mrs. Schmidt every day, she smiles, and I smile too, and I give her a hug.”
  Schmidt says about Natasha, “She’s really sick and you can’t
  
  Read more

• Vehicle crashes off highway, falls 50 feet into Erie Canal

  10-03-2016 16:07 via wivb.com
  
  GATES, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a driver has been rescued after her pickup truck crashed off a suburban Rochester highway and landed in the Erie Canal.
  Monroe County sheriff’s deputies say the woman was driving north on Interstate 390 around 4 a.m. Thursday when she left the highway, went into the median and down an embankment in the town of Gates, just west of the Rochester city limits.
  Fire officials say the vehicle fell about 50 feet into the waterway. When emergency crews arri
  
  Read more

• Darien Lake light show gets colorful upgrades for 2016 season

  10-03-2016 15:58 via wivb.com
  
  DARIEN CENTER, N.Y. (WIVB) — A 24-year-old tradition at Darien Lake Theme Park is getting an upgrade for the next season.
  The popular “Ignite the Night” laser light show will soon feature full-color laser beams, extra pyrotechnics, a new soundtrack and radio frequency-driven LED color wands for viewers to use during the show.
  The wands glow in a variety of colors and can be purchased for eight dollars.The annual “Ignite the Night” shows, which take place every
  
  Read more

• Buffalo man accused of driving drunk with toddler in vehicle

  10-03-2016 15:40 via wivb.com
  
  GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo resident Toh Bah, 57, was arrested and charged with a felony count of Aggravated DWI after Erie County Sheriff’s deputies say he violated Leandra’s Law.
  Authorities reported that Bah was pulled over for crossing over the yellow line and speeding.
  Police say they approached the vehicle and observed a child in the back seat without a car seat. Alcohol was observed in the vehicle’s cabin, according to deputies.
  The child was younger than f
  
  Read more

• Safety experts say kids are in danger due to car defect

  10-03-2016 15:27 via wivb.com
  
  GOLETA, Calif. (WIVB) — A serious safety defect may have you changing where you put your kid in the car.
  Video from SAFE Laboratories shows what happens to your front seat during a rear-end crash.
  The impact can cause the front seat to break, pulling you into the backseat.
  If your child is sitting there, even in his or her car seat, they could be hurt.
  Safety experts claim car companies have known about this for years.
  A family in Texas says the front seat defect nearly killed th
  
  Read more

• Select Trader Joe’s pistachios recalled

  10-03-2016 14:57 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A select number of Trader Joe’s pistachios have been recalled due to health concerns
  These products with best-if-used-by dates between October 27, 2016 and November 4, 2016 may have been contaminated with salmonella:
  Trader Joe’s Dry Roasted & Unsalted Pistachios (UPC 0007 9990)
  Trader Joe’s Dry Roasted & Salted Pistachios (UPC 0007 9983)
  Trader Joe’s 50% Less Salt Roasted & Salted Pistachios (UPC 0011 1348)
  The pist
  
  Read more

• Schumer to unveil legislation providing schools grants for lead testing

  10-03-2016 14:35 via wivb.com
  
  ITHACA, N.Y. (WIVB) — U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer has unveiled new legislation that would help upstate New York school districts address the lead testing protocol in their schools.
  Schumer says that officials have reported increased levels of lead in more than 60 water sources throughout schools in the city of Ithaca, as well as other schools around New York State.
  The senator’s new bill would provide federal grants for New York State schools that want to test the drinking water.
  
  Read more

• Researchers: Natural cosmetics and shampoos may be safer for teens

  10-03-2016 14:07 via wivb.com
  
  BERKELY, Calif. (WIVB) — New research reveals chemical-free cosmetics and shampoos may be much safer for teenagers to use.
  The issue is how chemicals affect their hormone levels.
  The natural cosmetics and natural shampoos lower levels of chemicals that disrupt hormones.
  The scientists at UC Berkely say teenage girls are at ‘particular risk’ because of their rapid development.
  The girls also tend to use more of these products than the average woman.
  Researchers tracked 100
  
  Read more

• Industrial complex fire in Newstead closes portion of Davison Road

  10-03-2016 12:33 via wivb.com
  
  NEWSTEAD, N.Y. (WIVB) — A fully involved structure fire at an industrial complex in the Town of Newstead called at least 15 fire companies to the scene around 6 a.m. Thursday.
  TAV Enterprises on Davison Road houses multiple businesses, including an auto repair shop and a motorcycle dealer.
  Large plumes of smoke could be seen at least a mile away from the scene when News 4 headed there.
  Upon arrival, reporters learned that the building housed snowmobiles and race cars.
  Propane and
  
  Read more

• Industrial complex fire in Newstead causes more than $1 million in damage

  10-03-2016 12:33 via wivb.com
  
  NEWSTEAD, N.Y. (WIVB) — A fully involved structure fire at an industrial complex in the Town of Newstead called at least 70 firefighters from eight companies to the scene around 6 a.m. Thursday.
  TAV Enterprises on Davison Road houses multiple businesses, including an auto repair shop, a motorcycle dealer, a landscaping company, and a paving company.
  Large plumes of smoke could be seen at least a mile away from the scene when News 4 headed there.
  Upon arrival, reporters learned th
  
  Read more

• More rain for an already soaked southern US, three dead from drowning

  10-03-2016 12:19 via wivb.com
  
  BOSSIER CITY, La. (AP) — A second round of rain early Thursday was hitting an already inundated north Louisiana, where flooding in some places was up to the rooftops and in others submerged cars, stranded families and forced evacuations.
  Three people drowned in Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana.
  In Bienville Parish, authorities said a man died and a woman was being treated for injuries after their car was swept off a flooded Louisiana road Wednesday and into a creek. In rural southeastern
  
  Read more

• Police: 5 dead, 3 injured in Pennsylvania shooting

  10-03-2016 11:39 via wivb.com
  
  WILKINSBURG, Pa. (AP) — Five people have been killed in an ambush-style shooting during a backyard party in suburban Pittsburgh and at least two gunmen are at large, police said.
  Four women and a man were killed late Wednesday during the party in the Borough of Wilkinsburg. Allegheny County police said people scrambled toward the house as bullets began flying. Four of the victims were found dead on the back porch. The other one died at a hospital.
  Three people were injured and taken to are
  
  Read more

• Constituents react amid Wozniak scandal and ethics commission ruling

  10-03-2016 07:09 via wivb.com
  
  CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — The State Ethics Commission is coming down on a local representative, saying she broke the rules.
  Assemblywoman Angela Wozniak, a republican representing the 143rd district, came under fire in September 2015, less than a year after entering office. A senior staff member accused the 28-year-old of sexual harassment. The Ethics Commission ruled Wednesday Wozniak will have to attend sexual harassment and retaliation training classes and she isn’t allowed
  
  Read more

• Proposed methadone clinic causes concerns in Niagara Falls

  10-03-2016 06:15 via wivb.com
  
  NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB)-  The City of Niagara Falls is looking for a new location for a proposed methadone clinic after neighbors said they didn’t want it in their neighborhood.
  The non-profit Northpointe Clinic wants to open the facility at 606 Sixth St., which is currently vacant. Both BOCES and Northpointe are trying to lease the building.
  “We think the BOCES program is the better fit for the neighborhood,” said Mayor Paul Dyster.
  Mayor Dyster said the BOCES pro
  
  Read more

• UB(ER) UPSET!!!

  10-03-2016 06:04 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)-  The University at Buffalo women’s basketball team knocked off top-seeded Ohio University in the opening round of the MAC tournament. The Bulls were led by Joanna Smith’s game-high 19 points. Grand Island native, Cassie Oursler dominated the 4th quarter with 10 points and 5 rebounds. UB will now take on Akron in the MAC Semifinal on Friday at 12:00 pm at the Quicken Loans Arena.
  
  Read more

• New study finds link between Daylight Saving Time and strokes

  10-03-2016 05:04 via wivb.com
  
  PUEBLO, Colo. — Experts recommend getting between seven to nine hours of sleep a night, but the Daylight Saving Time transition could make that difficult.
  “You’ll notice next week that people will be driving a little angrier, we might be a little less productive at work. And that’s all related to our sleep,” said Gwen McCranie, manager of the Sleep Disorder Center at St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center.
  And the risk for stroke increases by eight percent during the first
  
  Read more

• More Americans are getting back to work

  10-03-2016 04:51 via wivb.com
  
  CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Since September, the labor force participation rate, which is the measure to how many people are working or looking for work, has increased. Yet September was also the lowest point it had been in 40 years.
  Some people who gave up looking for jobs are restarting their searches, and there’s a reason for job seekers to be more optimistic. The unemployment rate is down to 4.9% and the U.S. added 2.6 million jobs last year.
  However, we’re still recovering fr
  
  Read more

• As trees start to bloom, pollen can cause allergy problems

  10-03-2016 04:49 via wivb.com
  
  ROANOKE (WSLS10) – Spring has sprung in western New York, and with it come sniffles for many. Doctors say it’s time to prepare for the seasonal allergies that come along with it. Allergy Specialist Dr. Aneysa Sane said about 30% of all people suffer from allergies.
  As the trees start to bloom, tree pollen can cause problems such as an itchy, runny nose and congestion.
  “It’s just very, very bothersome,” said Sane. “Some wake up with their mouth dry; becaus
  
  Read more

• Shea’s Perming Arts Center reveals upcoming shows, including Finding Neverland

  10-03-2016 03:50 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A host of popular shows will take the stage in Buffalo in the 2016-2017 Broadway season at Shea’s Performing Arts Center.
  Shea’s President Anthony Conte said with the support of sponsors and those who visited Shea’s shows last year, they’re bringing their first major national tour to the Buffalo Niagara region.
  The impressive set of shows kicks off with Finding Neverland, which starts its national journey in Buffalo. See all of the shows
  
  Read more

• Buffalo’s Social Security Disability wait times look to improve

  10-03-2016 02:51 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y.(WIVB) – Desperate calls from Social Security Disability claimants to Call 4 Action about lengthy waits for decisions led to an examination, starting in 2013, of the Buffalo office where disability appeals are heard.
  It is called the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR), and it is where Social Security Disability claimants go after their initial disability claims are denied to have their case heard by an administrative law judge (ALJ).
  At the time of the Call 4
  
  Read more

• LAPD: Tests on knife linked to Simpson estate to take weeks

  10-03-2016 02:31 via wivb.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — A law enforcement official says the knife reportedly found at O.J. Simpson’s former estate likely isn’t connected to the killings of his ex-wife and her friend, but it will take at least three weeks to know for sure.
  The official with knowledge of the investigation told The Associated Press that Los Angeles police detectives doubt the knife was used in the 1994 killings.
  The official says the knife is common among gardeners and is too small to make the wounds
  
  Read more

• Judge gives impostor cop jail time

  10-03-2016 00:58 via wivb.com
  
  CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — A local man who pleaded guilty to pretending to be an officer will head to jail, despite a recommendation of probation.
  Officers arrested Steven Adamski Jr., 32, for pulling over young women and gathering personal information on them from their licenses. Adamski was originally charged with four counts of criminal impersonation and four counts of unlawful imprisonment and pleaded guilty to criminal impersonation.
  Despite a recommendation from the probation de
  
  Read more

• Pentagon admits using drones over the United States

  10-03-2016 00:41 via wivb.com
  
  WASHINGTON, D.C. (WIVB) – The Pentagon has been using spy drones for non-military missions over U.S. territory.
  That’s according to a report by a Pentagon Inspector General.
  The report was recently made public by a Freedom of Information Act request from USA Today, which first reported on it.
  The report shows those domestic missions were rare, and don’t appear to violate any laws. The report indicates that spy drones on non-military missions over U.S. territory have o
  
  Read more

• Non-profits voice concerns to lawmakers about minimum wage hike

  10-03-2016 00:35 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Increasing minimum wage in the Empire State has been a topic of discussion for quite sometime and Wednesday it continued to stay on the front burner.
  Leaders of non-profit groups have voiced their concerns with the hike. Agencies are worried about being able to afford paying workers $15 an hour.
  People Inc. is a non-profit agency in Buffalo. It services more than 1,000 people with developmental disabilities.
  The agency, along with other state groups recently met
  
  Read more

• NC third grader writes letter to Donald Trump: ‘You have been very rude’

  10-03-2016 00:30 via wivb.com
  
  JAMESTOWN, N.C. (WNCN) – A North Carolina third grader is gaining national attention after a letter he wrote to presidential candidate Donald Trump as part of a class project.
  Courtesy: Kelley WheelessIn the letter, Jackson Wheeless, a student at Millis Road Elementary in Jamestown, says his teacher, Mrs. Brown, encourages students to watch news and read current news articles.
  “I have seen several articles about you and have seen you on the television. I think you have been very rude
  
  Read more

Follow @Buffalo_News_US on Twitter!