Buffalo news

• Veterinarians and police are warning pet parents about exploding tennis balls

  30-06-2016 23:56 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — An internet trend where people are creating backyard bombs out of tennis balls has vets and police sending out a warning to pet owners.
  “What we saw on Youtube was a disaster,” said Dr. Jim Brown, a veterinarian at Blue Cross Animal Hospital.
  The vet says dogs have been trained to retrieve balls so when they see one laying around, they can’t help but go get it.
  “It’s a very dangerous thing just for humans let alone what would happen
  
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• Train collides with vehicle in Allegany County

  30-06-2016 23:36 via wivb.com
  
  TOWN OF BURNS, N.Y. (WIVB) — At least one person was hurt after a train collided with their vehicle in Allegany County.
  At 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, New York State Police say a vehicle was traveling on County Route 15B when it went through a set of train crossing barriers.
  During this time, the Norfolk Southern train was approaching. It eventually struck the vehicle, seriously injuring the driver. State Police say the train has minimal damage.
  Route 15B will be closed from
  
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• Man accused of using stolen credit cards, pretending to be part of comedian’s entourage

  30-06-2016 23:23 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — After allegedly using stolen credit card numbers to buy tickets to a Kevin Hart performance in Buffalo, a man has been jailed.
  Prosecutors say Leland Burks, 55, bought tickets to the April 2015 show at First Niagara Center. During this time, officials also say Burks posed as a member of Hart’s entourage, booking hotel rooms in the city.
  These were also allegedly paid for using the stolen credit card numbers.
  In all, prosecutors say Burks fraudulently recei
  
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• Man at center of ‘Serial’ podcast granted a new trial

  30-06-2016 23:06 via wivb.com
  
  BALTIMORE (AP) — After spending 16 years in prison for the killing of his former high school girlfriend, a man at the center of popular podcast “Serial” has a chance at freedom.
  Retired Baltimore Circuit Judge Martin Welch ruled Thursday that Adnan Syed, 35, deserved a new trial in the case that became the focus of the podcast, which captivated millions of listeners around the world.
  Syed was convicted in 2000 of murdering Hae Min Lee a year earlier and burying her in a shallow
  
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• Donors can get Bisons tickets during week-long blood drive

  30-06-2016 23:00 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Unyts is partnering with the Buffalo Bisons for a special week-long blood drive.
  With one pint of blood, donors can save up to three lives, Unyts says.
  From July 1-8, Anyone who donates blood through Unyts in the local area will receive a pair of Bison flex tickets good for any home game.
  Unyts says they are especially in need of Type O negative and Type O positive blood. The group calls now an important time as there are patients at local hospitals in need of b
  
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• Medical Marijuana: What Now?

  30-06-2016 22:08 via wivb.com
  
  WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB)- Patti and Buc Williams were thrilled when they learned New York State was going to provide life-changing medicine for their son Tommy, who suffers from severe epilepsy.
  More than five months since the state’s medical marijuana program officially kicked, off the Lockport parents said there’s a lot that needs improvement.
  “We’re lucky that we have product to choose from but we don’t have the right product, we don’t have enough pr
  
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• Naked man jumps from ledge of Times Square ticket booth

  30-06-2016 21:44 via wivb.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Police say a naked man shouting about presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump jumped off the back of a large grandstand in Times Square above the booth where discounted Broadway tickets are sold.
  Police say the man was conscious after the jump of about 16 feet off the TKTS booth. They say the man sustained a cut on his elbow and was in stable condition when taken to a hospital. Officials say he’ll undergo psychiatric evaluation.
  Police say officers we
  
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• Judge blocks Indiana genetic abnormality abortion law

  30-06-2016 21:40 via wivb.com
  
  INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge blocked an Indiana law Thursday that would have banned abortions sought because of a fetus’ genetic abnormalities, saying that the state does not have the authority to limit a woman’s reasons for ending a pregnancy.
  U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt granted a preliminary injunction sought by Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, which argued that the law was unconstitutional and violated women’s privacy rights. The law
  
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• Suicide by job: Farmers, lumberjacks, fisherman top list

  30-06-2016 21:38 via wivb.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Farmers, lumberjacks and fishermen kill themselves most often, according to a large new study of workers in the U.S. that showed enormous differences of suicide rates across jobs.
  Researchers found the highest suicide rates in manual laborers who work in isolation and face unsteady employment. High rates were also seen in carpenters, miners, electricians and people who work in construction. Mechanics were close behind.
  Dentists, doctors and other health care professionals h
  
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• At 150, KKK sees opportunities in US political trends

  30-06-2016 21:35 via wivb.com
  
  BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Born in the ashes of the smoldering South after the Civil War, the Ku Klux Klan died and was reborn before losing the fight against civil rights in the 1960s. Membership dwindled, a unified group fractured, and one-time members went to prison for a string of murderous attacks against blacks. Many assumed the group was dead, a white-robed ghost of hate and violence.
  Yet today, the KKK is still alive and dreams of restoring itself to what it once was: an invisible whi
  
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• Ryan: House to vote on barring guns for suspected terrorists

  30-06-2016 21:30 via wivb.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The House will hold election-year votes next week on a Republican proposal aimed at keeping suspected terrorists from obtaining guns, Speaker Paul Ryan told GOP lawmakers Thursday.
  Democrats have pressured Republican leaders to allow gun control votes following the June 12 mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Last week, Democrats staged a nearly 26-hour sit-in on the House floor demanding votes on firearms curbs.
  Ryan, R-Wis., said the House would consider br
  
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• Police: Marijuana grow operation, weapons in reach of children found in Bailey Ave. home

  30-06-2016 21:28 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo Police say a Bailey Ave. man’s home was too dangerous for children when they arrested him Wednesday.
  Police responded to the home just after 12:30 a.m. after Child Protective Services requested help.
  Inside the home of Josue Rodriguez, 29, police say they found two shotguns, a rifle, a knife and a machete in the reach of children.
  Along with this, police say a marijuana grow operation and drug paraphernalia were found in the home’s basement.
  
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• Lochte, Phelps set up lone showdown at US Olympic trials

  30-06-2016 21:10 via wivb.com
  
  OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Longtime rivals Ryan Lochte and Michael Phelps set up their lone showdown at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials by qualifying first and second in the 200-meter individual medley Thursday.
  Lochte had the top time of 1 minute, 58.05 seconds in the preliminaries. He emerged from the pool limping as a result of the groin injury he suffered Sunday on the first day of trials. It has hampered his performances throughout the week. He has been getting treatment and tweaking the way
  
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• Pentagon ends ban on transgender troops in military

  30-06-2016 21:01 via wivb.com
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon announced Thursday that transgender people will be allowed to serve openly in the U.S. military, ending one of the last bans on service in the armed forces.
  Saying it’s the right thing to do, Defense Secretary Ash Carter laid out a yearlong implementation plan declaring that “Americans who want to serve and can meet our standards should be afforded the opportunity to compete to do so.”
  Speaking at a Pentagon press conference, Carter said, &l
  
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• Police: Parolee, wanted robber charged after drug discovery in Fredonia

  30-06-2016 18:48 via wivb.com
  
  FREDONIA, N.Y. (WIVB) — A domestic incident call in Fredonia led to the arrests of a Water St. man and a Dunkirk woman, following a home inspection.
  Police say they went to the home of Rodney Girard Clyburn, a 36-year-old parolee who was previously arrested on a drug charge.
  After responding to the situation, police called parole officers and told them Clyburn was involved in an incident.
  Members of NYS Parole and the Fredonia Police Department then returned to Clyburn&rsquo
  
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• Police: Fireworks and cocaine lead to arrest of Fredonia man

  30-06-2016 18:05 via wivb.com
  
  FREDONIA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Wednesday morning, shortly after 2 a.m., Fredonia Police say they heard the sound of fireworks around the area of W. Main St. and Forest Place.
  During an investigation into the noise, police say they saw Brian Santiago Montanez, 27, place a bag of fireworks and several small bags of cocaine on the ground.
  Montanez was charged with unlawful possession of fireworks, violating his parole, and felony criminal substance possession with intent to sell. Duri
  
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• Paddling Policy: Deputies to begin cracking down on kayakers who break boating laws

  30-06-2016 17:40 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – With the long holiday weekend, we can expect to see a lot of kayakers hitting the water, but you should also expect to see the Erie County Sheriff’s Office’s Marine Unit handing out summonses to kayakers who break the rules.
  They’ve been issuing warnings for violations throughout the month of June, especially for paddlers who are out after dark without the light that’s required by law. However, beginning in July, the Marine Unit will begin iss
  
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• YouTube personality charged with making false police report

  30-06-2016 17:38 via wivb.com
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — A gay YouTube personality who said he was assaulted outside a West Hollywood club has been charged with filing a false police report and faking his injuries.
  The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department says London-native Calum McSwiggan was seen hitting himself with a jail payphone after his arrest early Monday. McSwiggan had claimed he was assaulted by three men outside a gay club, but deputies said they could not substantiate his claims and took him into custody after s
  
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• Age to buy tobacco in Chicago increasing to 21 this week

  30-06-2016 17:32 via wivb.com
  
  CHICAGO (AP) — The minimum age in Chicago for buying cigarettes and other tobacco products goes up to 21 at the end of the week.
  The city on Friday joins about 170 local jurisdictions around the country that have made the change, including New York City and Boston. Health advocates have pushed the policy to discourage teenagers from starting a harmful habit.
  Hawaii and California have raised the tobacco purchase age to 21 statewide. Illinois lawmakers are considering a similar measure.
  The
  
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• Body of Chautauqua Lake drowning victim found

  30-06-2016 16:55 via wivb.com
  
  CHAUTAUQUA LAKE, N.Y. (WIVB) — The body of a man who drowned in Chautauqua Lake on Saturday was found Thursday morning.
  Authorities in Chautauqua County say Ricky Whipple, 48, was riding in an inner tube behind a boat on Chautauqua Lake. The boat had three adults and a child inside it.
  During the ride, Whipple fell off of the tube and did not come back up from underneath the water.
  Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph Gerace does not think Whipple had a life jacket on at the tim
  
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• Powerful Democratic operative Steve Pigeon pleads ‘not guilty’ to 9-count indictment

  30-06-2016 16:21 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — One of western New York’s most powerful Democratic strategists has pleaded not guilty to a nine-count indictment against him.
  The highest charges against Steve Pigeon are two counts of second-degree bribery, which could carry a sentence of up to 15 years in prison. He is also accused of grand larceny and six counts of rewarding official misconduct.
  Pigeon and two other people had their homes raided over alleged violations related to campaign finances.
  
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• Situation all clear after military base near DC goes on lockdown

  30-06-2016 15:46 via wivb.com
  
  JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AP modified) — Joint Base Andrews tweeted Thursday that the base was on lockdown due to a report of an active shooter.
  The tweet instructed all personnel at the base in Washington’s Maryland suburbs to shelter in place.
  A second tweet from the base said the incident was ongoing at the Malcolm Grow Medical Facility and first responders were on the scene. It instructed everyone to continue to shelter in place, a precaution meant to keep people safe while remain
  
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• Military base near DC on lockdown, active shooter report

  30-06-2016 15:46 via wivb.com
  
  JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (AP) — Joint Base Andrews tweeted Thursday that the base was on lockdown due to a report of an active shooter.
  The tweet instructed all personnel at the base in Washington’s Maryland suburbs to shelter in place and says more information will be released as it comes.
  A second tweet from the base said the incident was ongoing at the Malcolm Grow Medical Facility and first responders were on the scene. It instructed everyone to continue to shelter in place, a pre
  
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• Pet Cemetery Horrors: Why is this final resting place causing nightmares?

  30-06-2016 15:42 via wivb.com
  
  LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. (WFLA) – For Fred Kurtzman, the grief is still fresh. You can see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. The kindhearted, retired Tampa obstetrician is heartbroken. His eyes welled with tears Wednesday afternoon as he shared deeply personal stories about his four-legged family members, now deceased.
  Dr. Kurtzman was devastated each and every time he lost his beloved pups over the years. Their lives were precious to him and his wife, Nancy.“They were m
  
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• Man hospitalized after midnight shooting

  30-06-2016 15:25 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Just over a mile away from where a child and a 20-year-old were shot Wednesday, another shooting took place in the City of Buffalo.
  Right around midnight on Hempstead Ave. a man was shot in the leg, according to sources.
  He was taken to ECMC with what appear to be non-life threatening injuries.
  
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• Local environmentalists looking to bar former Freezer Queen development

  30-06-2016 04:16 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo’s Common Council and its planning board circumvented environmental laws and “fast-tracked” a plan that would turn the former Freezer Queen building into a 23-story condominium complex on the city’s Outer Harbor, according to a lawsuit filed in state Supreme Court.
  The request for a judgement, an Article 78 petition, was filed Monday on behalf of local environmentalists Margaret Wooster, Jay Burney, Jr., Lynda Stephens and James Carr.
  T
  
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• Young Humason Ave. shooting victim identified, both victims in critical condition

  30-06-2016 03:00 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – In a suspected gang related shooting, Buffalo police commissioner Dan Derenda said an 11-year-old boy was shot in the head, and a 20-year-old man was also shot, on Humason Avenue on the city’s east side. Both victims are at ECMC. Witnesses are being interviewed. Mayor Brown said he met with the 11-year-old boy’s family.
  “We cannot tolerate this kind of behavior in our city. It’s just nonsense. There is no excuse, it’s just unbelieva
  
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• Sources: 11 year old shot in the head in Buffalo

  30-06-2016 03:00 via wivb.com
  
   
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Buffalo police responded to reports of a double shooting on Humason Avenue. Sources tell News 4’s Nalina Shapiro an 11 year old was shot in the head. Sources say a 20 year old was also shot. The shooter hasn’t been caught yet.
  News 4 has a crew on the scene. Police tape is blocking off the street, which is not far from Schiller Park and Cheektowaga Town Park.
  News 4 will post more details as soon as we get them. Follow us on Twitter @news4buff
  
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• Humason Ave. shooting victims identified, both in critical condition

  30-06-2016 03:00 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – In a suspected gang related shooting, Buffalo police commissioner Dan Derenda said an 11-year-old boy was shot in the head, and a 20-year-old man was also shot, on Humason Avenue on the city’s east side. Both victims are at ECMC. Witnesses are being interviewed. Mayor Brown said he met with the 11-year-old boy’s family.
  “We cannot tolerate this kind of behavior in our city. It’s just nonsense. There is no excuse, it’s just unbelieva
  
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• Buffalo Police: 11-year-old and 20-year-old in serious condition following shooting

  30-06-2016 03:00 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – In a suspected gang related shooting, Buffalo police commissioner Dan Derenda said an 11 year old boy was shot in the head, and a 20 year old man was also shot, on Humason avenue on the city’s east side. Both victims are at ECMC. Witnesses are being interviewed. Mayor Brown said he met with the 11 year old boy’s family.
  “We cannot tolerate this kind of behavior in our city. It’s just nonsense. There is no excuse, it’s just unbelieva
  
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• 11-year-old in critical, but stable condition following shooting

  30-06-2016 03:00 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – In a suspected gang related shooting, Buffalo police commissioner Dan Derenda said an 11 year old boy was shot in the head, and a 20 year old man was also shot, on Humason Avenue on the city’s east side. Both victims are at ECMC. Witnesses are being interviewed. Mayor Brown said he met with the 11 year old boy’s family.
  “We cannot tolerate this kind of behavior in our city. It’s just nonsense. There is no excuse, it’s just unbelieva
  
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• Rep. Higgins pushing for pedestrian access to Canada on Whirlpool Bridge

  30-06-2016 01:22 via wivb.com
  
  NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) — Yesterday, Ontario’s transportation minister announced track upgrades and a new train facility in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The upgrades also include new tracks and routes to Toronto. Now, elected leaders on the U.S. side, are looking how to take advantage of it.
  The focus is on the Whirlpool Bridge – which connects the U.S. to Canada, and has the potential to tap into millions of travelers a year.
  U.S. Congressman Brian Higgins, said, “Those pa
  
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• Rehab mess: neighbors blow the whistle on new neighbor’s remodeling trash

  30-06-2016 01:13 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Garbage was piling up behind an apartment house on Crowley Avenue, in Buffalo’s Riverside neighborhood, so Renee Asher posted pictures of the mess on Facebook, graphic images that connected with the Common Council and Call 4 Action.
  An investor from New York City just bought the property from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) back in December, and decided to do some remodeling, but when the rehab project led to a pile of trash, Asher a
  
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• Landlord catches tenant bilking HEAP system

  30-06-2016 01:04 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Neighbors told Jim Kistner, the residential manager of a home on Schmarbeck Avenue, that his tenant was asking them to buy an air conditioner.
  Kistner said he found that strange, considering his tenant had just received a free unit through the states HEAP program.
  So we decided to check his home’s surveillance system.
  “I saw a delivery going into the building and I was curious,” Kistner said. “I was more concerned about the amperage on the mac
  
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• Local man says family okay after Istanbul attack, plans to visit Turkey next week

  30-06-2016 00:45 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- At least 41 people were killed and more than 200 injured in Tuesday’s suicide bombing attacks at an airport in Istanbul, Turkey.
  Dr. Bayram Arman flew out of Istanbul three weeks ago and plans to go back next week, despite the attacks.
  His brother, who lives in Turkey, sent him a WhatsApp message after the attack.
  “I looked at the message and I was just shocked,” said Arman.
  Three suicide bombers detonated their vests at different parts of Ataturk Air
  
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• 500 Seneca expands, opens doors for small businesses

  30-06-2016 00:16 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – For years a warehouse at 500 Seneca street sat empty— a symbol of the economic decline in the city of buffalo. But, with the help of a 44 million dollar investment, the building is getting new life, and is becoming a symbol of the city’s economic turnaround.
  The first business to move into the 500 Seneca building is called Animal Outfitters.  The owner tells us he wanted to capitalize on the growing business in the Hydraulic District.
  Omar
  
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• British native, local expat weigh-in on Brexit

  30-06-2016 00:12 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- Parker’s British Institution in Buffalo feels like an escape across the pond.
  Damian Parker is a British native who moved to Western New York several years ago. His goal was to create a little slice of home and spread British cultural staples around the Queen City.
  Parker’s has authentic British ale, fish n’ chips, a unique FIFA regulation size soccer and rugby field, and a slew of other British products.
  That means a lot of ordering from UK suppliers
  
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• Abnormally dry weather causing big concerns this Fourth of July

  30-06-2016 00:11 via wivb.com
  
  CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) – With the Fourth of July right around the corner, a lot of people are looking to shoot off some fireworks and sparklers. Erie county officials are looking to change that mindset.
  Fireworks and sparklers are always dangerous to use on Independence Day, but this year, it may be a bigger concern than usual. It’s no secret that it has been abnormally dry this summer. Buffalo is about 6 inches below the average rainfall amount. Add heat and flame and the sit
  
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