Buffalo news

• Sheriff: More than $200,000 worth of heroin found in Buffalo home

  02-02-2017 23:53 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A man was arrested after drug agents say they found more than $200,000 worth of heroin at a home in Buffalo Wednesday.
  Shawn Woods, 25, faces drug and gun charges. He was arrested after a raid of a home on Jefferson Ave.
  The Erie County Sheriff’s office says they found heroin, marijuana and three guns.
  One of the guns was stolen, authorities say.
  
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• Phone scammers threaten to shoot local woman and her son

  02-02-2017 23:47 via wivb.com
  
  TOWN OF TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB)- A surprise call Sunday afternoon turned into a nightmare for a Tonawanda mom.
  An unknown caller claimed Amy Nienhaus’ teenage son had been in a car crash. Posing as a first responder, he demanded $10,000 to keep him out of trouble.
  She immediately hung out.
  “They immediately called back when I hung up and said listen lady, we’ve got (your son) and we have a gun to his head,” Nienhaus told News 4.
  She said they threatened to shoot
  
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• Erie County suing major drug companies

  02-02-2017 23:40 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Erie County is suing major drug companies.
  They accuse “Big Pharma” of misleading doctors and patients about how dangerous prescription painkillers can be.
  More than 300 people died from an overdose of opiates in Erie County last year.
  County officials are also holding four doctors responsible. They say the drug makers paid doctors to promote painkillers.
  The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in New York State Supreme Court.
  
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• Bills hire five assistants under new coach

  02-02-2017 23:29 via wivb.com
  
  ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Bills have hired five assistant coaches as the team transitions to a new regime for next season.
  Team officials announced hires Thursday of Phil McGeoghan as wide receivers coach, John Egorugwu as defensive quality control coach, Marc Lubick as offensive quality control/assistant quarterbacks coach, Matt Smiley as assistant special teams coach and Bill Teerlinck as assistant defensive line coach.
  The coaches join new head coach Sean McDermott. McDermott is rep
  
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• Equipment companies make safety a priority for the big game

  02-02-2017 23:23 via wivb.com
  
  HOUSTON, Texas (WIVB) — We’re counting down to Sunday’s big game between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. Safety has been a hot button issue for years.
  Contributor Alyssa Orange has more on the gear players will wear on Sunday in the video above.
  
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• Lady Gaga fan from Buffalo headed to Sunday’s game thanks to Make-A-Wish WNY

  02-02-2017 23:07 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — It’s fair to say Vinny Cicatello of Buffalo is a Lady Gaga super fan. He owns all kinds of Gaga merchandise, and all of her records!
  “The first time I met her was actually in New York City and she took like a group picture with us and she was just so nice and kind when you talk to her, it’s like how you and me are talking she’s like a normal person,” said Vinny Cicatello of Buffalo.
  Vinny actually met Lady Gaga more than once. The second
  
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• Woman dies after being found in mall bathroom

  02-02-2017 22:37 via wivb.com
  
  NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) — A woman died after first responders found her in a restroom at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls.
  News 4 was told there were aerosol cans nearby.
  Authorities say they can be used for “huffing,” or inhaling chemicals to get high.
  They say the medical examiner has not yet released a cause of death.
  
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• New York AG joins lawsuit challenging Trump’s immigrant ban

  02-02-2017 21:33 via wivb.com
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — New York’s top law enforcement officer has joined lawyers for immigrants challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order barring people from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S.
  State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says in court papers the order unfairly targets Muslims. He also says it violates federal laws and harms New York’s schools, businesses, hospitals and economy.
  The lawsuit joins one filed by the American Civil Libertie
  
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• 2 female BPD officers hurt responding to call; teen taken into custody

  02-02-2017 21:30 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Two female Buffalo police officers were hurt after responding to a domestic call on Carl St.
  Police did not reveal many details, but said that a 14-year-old girl was taken into custody.
  News 4 will have more details as soon as they become available.
  
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• Daycare sign telling parents to get off their phones goes viral

  02-02-2017 20:46 via wivb.com
  
  HOUSTON (NEWS10) – Workers at a Texas daycare are tired of parents picking up their kids while on the phone.
  Daycare workers posted a sign saying it was “appalling” that parents were paying more attention to their phones than their kids.
  “Your child is happy to see you! Are you happy to see your child??”
  A parent took a photo of the sign and posted it to Facebook. The post is now going viral.
  This story was originally published by NEWS10, a Nexstar contributing stat
  
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• Amherst doctor who wrote illegal prescriptions gets jail time

  02-02-2017 20:29 via wivb.com
  
  AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) — Dr. Albert Cowie, 38, was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to writing illegal prescriptions.
  Between 2010 and 2014, the radiologist wrote more than 200 illegal prescriptions, according to federal officials. The fraudulent writing led to $20,000 in insurance company bills.
  Cowie allegedly sold pills for between $30 and $40 per pill and also accepted sexual acts in exchange for prescriptions, according to witnesses.
  Just over a year ago,
  
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• LIVE STREAM: AG Schneiderman issues consumer alert amid cable company lawsuit

  02-02-2017 19:23 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is issuing a consumer alert to help state residents choose the best internet service plan and discuss his lawsuit against Spectrum-Time Warner Cable.
  APP USERS | Tap here to watch the conference live.
  
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• Emaciated cat found frozen to tote

  02-02-2017 19:01 via wivb.com
  
  NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Niagara County SPCA says an emaciated, dehydrated cat was found frozen to the bottom of a tote.
  The fur of the cat, who the organization calls “Clyde,” was frozen to the tote, along with the cat’s own urine.
  According to the SPCA, Clyde was unresponsive to light, touch and sound, and his body was starting to shut down. The cat also had injuries on both of his front ankles.
  The SPCA gave him food and fluids, and currently, he is in a f
  
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• Suspect taken into custody after allegedly shooting at NFTA officer

  02-02-2017 18:20 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Police apprehended a person suspected of shooting at an NFTA police officer around Noon on Thursday.
  The suspect was taken into custody at Main St. and Coe Pl.
  The officer who was allegedly shot at was not struck by gunfire.
  The suspect’s vehicle was found at Northampton and Main streets.
  News 4 will have more details as they become available.
  
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• NFTA Police: 2 arrested after driver attempts to hit police with vehicle

  02-02-2017 18:20 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Two people were arrested on Thursday, according to NFTA police.
  Police say a vehicle was illegally blocking a bus stop. The vehicle’s driver attempted to strike police with their vehicle, according to authorities.
  One gunshot was fired by an officer. It is not clear if anyone was struck by gunfire.
  Originally, it was reported that police apprehended a person suspected of shooting at an NFTA officer.
  
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• NFTA Police: 1 arrested after driver attempts to hit police with vehicle

  02-02-2017 18:20 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — An NFTA internal affairs investigation is now underway after an officer involved shooting Thursday afternoon.
  A suspect has been taken into custody after a car crash and foot chase.
  NFTA police tell us their department hasn’t discharged a weapon since 2011.
  This all started when a driver parked illegally at a bus stop.
  NFTA police tried conducting a routine traffic stop, and then a series of events played out.
  During that traffic stop on W. Utica St., the
  
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• Kenmore police warn of phone scam involving their number

  02-02-2017 18:05 via wivb.com
  
  KENMORE, N.Y. (WIVB) — Police in Kenmore say someone is impersonating them through their phone number.
  According to them, their telephone number, (716) 875-1234, has been showing up on caller IDs.
  The police department says that they will never call residents about unpaid debts or fines. They say all of their communication will be by mail on official letterhead.
  Police say that if anyone receives a call from the number above, hang up and call back to make sure that police did, in fact
  
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• NF Air Reserve Station celebrating arrival of first KC-135 plane

  02-02-2017 17:55 via wivb.com
  
  NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) – The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is celebrating the beginning of a new era. As the 914th Airlift Wing transitions to an Air Refueling Wing, this week brought a major milestone: The arrival of the first KC-135 Stratotanker.
  The large plane landed at the Air Reserve Station Wednesday afternoon. A ceremony Thursday afternoon is bringing local, state and federal leaders together to celebrate its arrival and the future potential it brings for the base.
  “T
  
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• Dunkirk Dave predicts six more weeks of winter weather

  02-02-2017 17:49 via wivb.com
  
  DUNKIRK, N.Y. (WIVB) — In a backyard on Farmlane Dr., a groundhog emerges from a hut, and quickly scurries inside, making his prediction.
  “He wants to go back in and not sit and eat,” announces Bob Will, the handler for Dunkirk Dave. “So six more weeks of winter weather, folks. I’m sorry.”
  Some groans and some cheers come from the small crowd gathered to see the prediction, watching the second-longest weather predicting groundhog. The Zappie family has be
  
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• Breitbart editor’s Berkeley talk nixed amid violent protest

  02-02-2017 15:58 via wivb.com
  
  BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — A crowd protesting a far-right commentator’s appearance at the University of California at Berkeley hurled smoke bombs, broke windows and sparked a massive bonfire, prompting officials to call off the event.
  The decision came two hours before Wednesday’s talk by Milo Yiannopoulos, a polarizing editor of Breitbart News, after some 1,500 people had gathered outside the venue.
  But officials said it was a smaller group of protesters dressed in black and in h
  
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• Pennsylvania groundhog’s handlers: Phil predicts more winter

  02-02-2017 15:35 via wivb.com
  
  PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) — The handlers of Pennsylvania’s most famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, said the furry rodent has “predicted” six more weeks of winter after seeing his shadow at dawn Thursday.
  The top hat-wearing members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle reveal Phil’s forecast every Feb. 2, based on a German legend surrounding Candlemas. The legend says if a furry rodent casts a shadow that day, winter continues. If not, spring comes
  
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• Officials: 1 hostage dead after inmates take over prison

  02-02-2017 15:29 via wivb.com
  
  SMYRNA, Del. (AP) — Police breached a building at Delaware’s largest prison early Thursday, ending a nearly 24-hour hostage standoff that left one staffer dead.
  Inmates took over the building at the James T. Vaughn Correction Center on Wednesday, taking four employees hostage. The inmates told a local newspaper that concerns about their treatment and the leadership of the United States had prompted their actions.
  Authorities did not immediately explain how the officer died. They said
  
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• No-tackle football a ‘knee-jerk reaction,’ coach says

  02-02-2017 05:10 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — If Bronx Assemblyman Michael Benedetto had his way, children younger than 14 playing football would play a different game, one that doesn’t involve tackling.Benedetto said the game of football is so dangerous, it needs drastic changes across the state.
  That doesn’t sit well with Ray Turpin, president of Western New York’s largest youth football and cheerleading organization. It’s also not the first time he’s heard of Benedetto, and his a
  
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• Historic Lockport church in danger if not repaired

  02-02-2017 04:42 via wivb.com
  
  LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WIVB) —  A historic church in Lockport is in desperate need of repairs. The First African Methodist Episcopal Church is 177 years old.
  “In Lockport, years ago, black children couldn’t go to the regular schools and they went and they came here,” said Jacqueline Gibson, church member.
  “This is the oldest African-American institution in Lockport. This church was founded by slaves,” said Justin Anderson, preacher of the church.
  The church past
  
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• NY AG: Spectrum/Time Warner Cable cheated customers, FCC

  02-02-2017 04:38 via wivb.com
  
  ALBANY, N.Y. (WIVB) — Time Warner Cable, now Spectrum, has been ripping off its customers for years, according to the state’s highest lawmaker.
  Not only did they do it for the all-mighty dollar, the state’s attorney general said today the company knew it was failing to meet the promises it made to its customers for years, and yet continued to advertise for services it could never provide.
  “For years, Spectrum/Time Warner has been promising one thing and delivering another
  
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• Assemblyman Ryan releases proposal for Elmwood development project

  02-02-2017 04:25 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Assemblyman Sean Ryan unveiled his proposal for a project that would re-develop part of the Elmwood Village.
  Last year, Chason Affinity proposed a plan to transform the corner of Elmwood/Forest Avenue into a five-story condominium complex. The proposal received backlash from residents who say it would change the character of the Elmwood Village.
  Wednesday, Assemblyman Sean Ryan presented renderings of what his vision is for that stretch of property. Ryan opposes Chas
  
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• Mexican restaurant workers plead guilty to illegal re-entry

  02-02-2017 03:47 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Six people arrested in raids of local Mexican restaurants have pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry.
  The six all confessed to coming back into the U.S. after being deported.
  29-year-old Joel Hernandez-Martizez, employed by Don Tequila, faces up to 10 years in prison. 40-year-old Miguel Sanchez-Ocampo, employed by El Agave, also faces up to 10 years. The following also pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry and are in custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement:
  Wal
  
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• Mother and son charged with murder in connection with death of Allegany Co. man

  02-02-2017 02:43 via wivb.com
  
  CLARKSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) — A mother and son are facing murder charges in connection with the death of a 57-year-old man.
  Police say 57-year-old Royce Chapman was found dead in his home on County Route 40 in the Town of Clarksville Wednesday. 51-year-old Lana M. Joseph and her son, 26-year-old Richard Mosher III are charged with murder in the 2nd degree. According to police, Joseph had a relationship with Royce.
  Both Joseph and Mosher are at Allegany County Jail pending arraignment.
  Police
  
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• LIVE STREAM: Mother and son charged with murder in connection with death of Allegany Co. man

  02-02-2017 02:43 via wivb.com
  
  CLARKSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) — A mother and son are facing murder charges in connection with the death of a 57-year-old man.
  APP USERS | Watch a live conference with New York State Police here.
  Police say 57-year-old Royce Chapman was found dead in his home on County Route 40 in the Town of Clarksville Wednesday. 51-year-old Lana M. Joseph and her son, 26-year-old Richard Mosher III are charged with murder in the 2nd degree. According to police, Joseph had a relationship with Royce.
  Both Josep
  
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• Niagara Co. farmers support turbines as lawmakers fight against the project

  02-02-2017 01:00 via wivb.com
  
  BARKER, N.Y. (WIVB)- The debate over a proposed wind turbine project in Niagara and Orleans Counties is gaining attention from state lawmakers.
  A Virginia-based energy company wants to add 70 wind turbines in the towns of Somerset and Yates but many neighbors have made it clear they don’t want the project in their backyards.
  State Senator Rob Ortt (R, C,I -North Tonawanda) has introduced a law to prevent turbines from being built within a certain proximity to the Niagara Falls Air Res
  
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• UB Football adds 22 on Signing Day

  02-02-2017 00:40 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Signing day in Amherst brings 22 new players to the University at Buffalo program. Lance Leipold is adding a defense heavy class after his team finished 8th in total defense last season. The remaining 2017 signees are made up of nine offensive players and a long snapper.
  “As always, you are looking to add speed, athleticism and depth to your program,” Leipold said. “Since the day we got here we have always wanted to foster a culture of internal
  
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• Bill requiring drug testing on children passes state senate

  02-02-2017 00:19 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – The state senate is taking action to protect children from the dangers of illegal drugs. The bill would require children three years old or younger to be drug tested if they are found with a parent or legal guardian arrested on a drug charge.
  Police would also investigate for suspected child abuse or mistreatment. Local police say this bill gives a voice to kids who might not be able to speak for themselves. We spoke with a former drug addict and mom i
  
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• City Comptroller Mark Schroeder wants to be Buffalo’s next mayor

  02-02-2017 00:08 via wivb.com
  
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – It’s only February and already the race for Buffalo mayor is beginning to stir.City Comptroller Mark Schroeder says he plans to make it official March 5.“I’m very, very confident. I know that this is going to be a difficult race. I know I’m going to have to do everything right,” said Schroeder, a Democrat from South Buffalo.Schroeder hopes to unseat three-term incumbent Mayor Byron Brown in a Democratic primary challenge.While others ha
  
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