Buffalo news

• Up to $1,000 reward offered for information on suspect in Tuesday homicide in Niagara Falls

  06-12-2017 22:48 via wivb.com
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Up to a $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a man wanted in connection with a Tuesday homicide in Niagara Falls.
  Crime Stoppers Buffalo is looking for information on Charles Lee Walker, Jr., who is wanted by the Niagara Falls Police Department and the United States Marshals Service on a warrant for second degree murder.
  Walker is described as 24 years old, 6′ tall and 165 lbs.
  Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime
  
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• LA to become largest US city with recreational pot

  06-12-2017 22:35 via wivb.com
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles will become the nation’s largest city with recreational pot after the City Council voted Wednesday to license sales next year.
  After months of debate and political snags, the council approved rules to usher in commercial sales and cultivation set to begin in less than a month under an initiative approved by state voters.
  Under the Los Angeles regulations, residential neighborhoods would be largely off-limits to pot businesses, and buffer zones would be
  
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• City of Tonawanda Police’s non-emergency line to experience interruptions next week

  06-12-2017 22:33 via wivb.com
  TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) – The City of Tonawanda Police Department will be experiencing intermittent interruptions to its phone service Dec. 14 and 15 between midnight and 6 a.m.
  The interruptions will not affect the 911 line.
  Citizens who call the non-emergency number- 692-2121- during those times could experience silence on the other end.
  Citizens are encouraged to call 911 for any issues between those times.
  The interruption is due to maintenance to the fiber optic lines, which are b
  
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• Buffalo music promoter facing lawsuit following canceled music festival

  06-12-2017 22:05 via wivb.com
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – A Buffalo music promoter is facing a lawsuit after allegedly defrauding customers of over $14,000 in a music festival scam.
  The promoter, Cody Conway, and his company Buffalove Music Festival LLC. are the subject of a lawsuit from New York Attorney General erc Schneiderman.
  Conway promoted the Buffalove Music Festival 2017, which was supposed to take place from July 20 to July 23 in Franklinville.
  The complaint alleges that Conway canceled the festival weeks before t
  
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• Deep South Taco to open Lancaster location on Thursday

  06-12-2017 19:52 via wivb.com
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Deep South Taco plans to open their third location on Thursday, Dec. 7.
  The first two restaurants are located on Ellicott St. and Hertel Ave. in Buffalo, but the new one will be in Lancaster. Specifically, it will be at 6727 Transit Rd. in front of Regal Cinemas.
  The new Deep South Taco will employ 80 people and open at 3 p.m. Only dinner will be offered for the first few weeks of operation, then lunch and brunch will be added in the following weeks.
  “We&r
  
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• Trump flouts warnings, declares Jerusalem Israel’s capital

  06-12-2017 19:37 via wivb.com
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Defying dire, worldwide warnings, President Donald Trump on Wednesday broke with decades of U.S. and international policy by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
  Despite urgent appeals from Arab and European leaders and the risk of anti-American protests and violence, Trump declared that he was ending an approach that for decades has failed to advance the prospects for peace. He also for the first time personally endorsed the conc
  
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• Police: Officer chasing suspects at mall struck by vehicle

  06-12-2017 19:31 via wivb.com
  GREECE, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a police officer is home recovering after being struck by an alleged shoplifter’s vehicle at a mall.
  Greece police say Officer Jacob Phelan was struck around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Mall at Greece Ridge. While on duty, he was called to the American Eagle Outfitters store for suspected shoplifting. Two women were seen running away.
  Officials say officers were trying to stop the shoplifting suspects when Phelan was hit by t
  
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• Under growing pressure to resign, Franken to make official announcement Thursday

  06-12-2017 18:44 via wivb.com
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Faced with multiple calls to resign, Democratic Sen. Al Franken’s office says he will have an announcement on Thursday.
  Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Kamala Harris, D-Calif., and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., all called on Franken to step down.
  As elected officials, we should be held to the highest standards—not the lowest. The allegations against Sen. Franken describe beh
  
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• Man accused of setting woman on fire in Jamestown

  06-12-2017 18:19 via wivb.com
  JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (WIVB) — Police in Jamestown responded to a report of a woman being set on fire Tuesday night.
  Authorities went to Thayer St. around 11:40 p.m. and found a 27-year-old woman with severe burns to her face, head and torso.
  According to police, the victim had been doused in a flammable substance before she was set on fire.
  The woman was taken to UPMC WCA Hospital before being airlifted to ECMC. She is reported to be in critical condition.
  Luis Mojica-Castro, 37, was taken
  
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• Man accused of setting wife on fire in Jamestown

  06-12-2017 18:19 via wivb.com
  JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (WIVB) — Police in Jamestown responded to a report of a woman being set on fire Tuesday night.
  Authorities went to Thayer St. around 11:40 p.m. and found a 27-year-old woman with severe burns to her face, head and torso.
  According to police, the victim had been doused in a flammable substance before she was set on fire.
  The woman was taken to UPMC WCA Hospital before being airlifted to ECMC. She is reported to be in critical condition.
  Her husband, Luis Castro-Mojica,
  
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• Cleanup continues from wind damage as WNY braces for snow

  06-12-2017 17:39 via wivb.com
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Anyone who spent any time outside Wednesday morning had to deal with a brisk wind making it feel all the colder. The real issue, though, was with the wind blowing things around, including power lines.
  In Alden, NYSEG crews were at work all morning trying to make repairs on Townline Road after a tree took down primary power lines. The road was closed to traffic between Broadway and Westwood while our News 4 crew watched utility crews put up a new crossbar on a pole an
  
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• Franken denies allegation he forcibly tried to kiss woman

  06-12-2017 17:02 via wivb.com
  WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Al Franken on Wednesday denied a new sexual misconduct accusation that came from a former Democratic congressional aide that he tried to forcibly kiss her after a taping of his radio show in 2006.
  The Minnesota Democrat said in a statement that the allegation, reported by Politico, was “categorically not true.”
  The woman, who was not identified by name, said Franken pursued her after her boss had left and she was collecting her belongi
  
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• Former UB director receives conditional discharge after stealing from school

  06-12-2017 16:57 via wivb.com
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The former Director of Campus Living at the University at Buffalo received a conditional discharge after admitting to grand larceny.
  Andrea Costantino pleaded guilty in September. She must complete 250 hours of community service in the next three years and submit a DNA profile to New York’s data bank.
  She was arrested along with former UB vice president Dennis Black. Together, they were suspected in the theft of hundreds of thousands of dollars from a scho
  
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• Tyrod Taylor’s status for Colts game uncertain

  06-12-2017 16:11 via wivb.com
  ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott addressed the media Wednesday morning, announcing that quarterback Tyrod Taylor will not practice Wednesday due to his knee injury. He said there is no timetable for his return, but he is day-to-day.  Rookie quarterback Nate Peterman and Joe Webb will get the reps in practice.
  Also not practicing Wednesday are guard John Miller, defensive end Eddie Yarbrough, and running back Travaris Cadet.
  Cornerback Tre’
  
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• Putin says he will stand for re-election

  06-12-2017 15:43 via wivb.com
  RUSSIA (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin says he will seek re-election in next March’s election.
  Putin’s statement Wednesday came at a meeting with workers of the GAZ factory in Nizny Novgorod. Several hours earlier, he was asked about his intentions in Moscow and signaled that he would run but stopped short of declaring his bid.
  With his approval ratings topping 80 percent, Putin is certain to win a quick victory in the March 18 vote.
  Addressing the automobile factory wo
  
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• Buffalo parents want more bus routes and pickup times

  06-12-2017 14:48 via wivb.com
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A group of local parents wants the NFTA to make it easier for students to get to school.
  They are calling for more bus routes and more pickup times.
  The Buffalo Parent-Teacher Organization says the current contract between the NFTA and the Buffalo school district is outdated. They say it leads to students being late or even absent from school, and can make it harder for them to get back home.
  Larry Scott, with the Buffalo Parent-Teacher Organization, said &ldquo
  
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• Winds churn California wildfires, keep aircraft from helping

  06-12-2017 14:13 via wivb.com
  VENTURA, Calif. (AP) — The same vicious winds that turned three Southern California wildfires into destructive dynamos were also making the firefight more difficult.
  The water-dropping planes and helicopters essential to taming and containing wildfires have been mostly grounded because it’s too dangerous to fly them in the strong wind. Tuesday saw gusts of over 50 mph (80 kph).
  Commanders hoped to have them back in the air on Wednesday morning, but all indica
  
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• ‘MeToo’ movement named Time magazine’s Person of the Year

  06-12-2017 13:49 via wivb.com
  NEW YORK (AP) — The anti-harassment #MeToo movement has been named Time magazine’s Person of the Year.
  In the wake of revelations about Harvey Weinstein and other men, millions have shared their stories about being sexually harassed and assaulted.
  The announcement was made Wednesday on NBC’s “Today” show, where longtime host Matt Lauer was recently fired amid harassment allegations.
  Other finalists included President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinp
  
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• Crews begin taking down vacant building at Elmwood and Hertel

  06-12-2017 13:39 via wivb.com
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Demolition crews have taken the first steps in getting rid of a structure in north Buffalo.
  On Tuesday, workers were seen removing asbestos from what’s left of the vacant building at Elmwood and Hertel avenues.
  The building was heavily damaged by a fire in 2015.
  The next step for crews is to take down the building’s structure.
  Project Manager Kyle Raczka says “It’s part of a potentially larger project for this corner here. We’re jus
  
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• Some Niagara County residents upset about plan to give lawmakers raise

  06-12-2017 13:23 via wivb.com
  LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WIVB) — Some people in Niagara County are not happy with a plan to increase pay for county lawmakers.
  The proposed county budget includes pay raises for all county employees. That includes a $4,000/per year bump for county lawmakers.
  Most of their salaries would still be less than $20,000. The chairman would earn a little more than $22,000.
  Opinions were mixed at a budget hearing Tuesday night in Lockport.
  “If you’re only in it to benefit yourself and the g
  
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• Fruity Pebbles revealed as Oreo’s mystery flavor

  06-12-2017 13:04 via wivb.com
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The mystery flavor of a new type of Oreo has been revealed as Fruity Pebbles.
  Back in October, the News 4 team took a shot at guessing the mystery flavor, and some were right!
  The company that makes Oreos was offering $50,000 for the correct guess.
  
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• Bills place Lawson, Matthews on IR

  06-12-2017 06:07 via wivb.com
   
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- The Bills will be without two starters for the final four games of the season. The team has placed DE Shaq Lawson(ankle) and WR Jordan Matthews(knee) on injured reserve.
  Lawson, leads the team with 4 sacks, was carted to the locker room during Sunday’s loss to the Patriots.
  Matthews, dealing with a knee injury for weeks, will end the season with 25 receptions for 282 yards and a touchdown.
  Buffalo promoted DE Cap Capi and WR Brandon Reilly from the practice squ
  
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• Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office to get more positions in 2018

  06-12-2017 06:00 via wivb.com
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- When a loved one dies, the first question is ‘what happened?’. The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office often provides the answer but some living in WNY have been waiting months to find out. Autopsies are taking longer than 60 to 90 days.
  “The case load of cases coming to the Medical Examiner’s Office has grown tremendously over the past few years,” said Dr. Gale Burstein, the Erie County Health Commissioner.
  She told News 4 in 2012
  
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• Sabres end skid with 4-2 win

  06-12-2017 05:54 via wivb.com
   
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- Four goals put an end of a 4-game losing streak.
  Benoit Pouliot gave the Sabres a 1-0 lead with a shorthanded goal in the 2nd period. The Sabres never trailed on their way to a 4-2 win over the Avalanche. It was the team’s first win in Colorado since 2005.
  That wasn’t the only drought that came to an end on Tuesday night. Jake McCabe’s 2nd period goal was the first by a Sabres defenseman this season.
  Evander Kane and Jack Eichel also netted goals fo
  
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• How to ship holiday cookies

  06-12-2017 05:19 via wivb.com
  Who doesn’t love receiving packages in the mail? Here are some techniques and tips for shipping holiday cookies to make sure they arrive safely to your friends and family. After all, you didn’t put all that work into baking them for no reason!Before you even start baking the cookies, you want to be mindful of what kind you are going to make. You’ll want to avoid shipping cookies that are easily spoiled, filled with custard or delicate. Cookies with hard textures are best, such
  
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• Low-cost Frontier Airlines begins flying out of Buffalo Wednesday

  06-12-2017 05:00 via wivb.com
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – A new, low-cost airline will begin flying out of Buffalo on Wednesday.
  Frontier Airlines will travel non-stop to four cities in Florida.
  The first flight goes to Tampa on Wednesday.
  Flights to Orlando, Miami, and Fort Myers begin this weekend.
  Service will also expand to cities like Denver, Colorado.
  Round trip tickets to Tampa will be available for as little as $84.
   
  
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• Rob Gronkowski’s one-game suspension upheld by NFL

  06-12-2017 04:41 via wivb.com
  BOSTON (CBS) — The NFL has upheld Rob Gronkowski’s one game suspension after an appeal hearing Tuesday.
  Gronkowski appealed the suspension he received for a late hit on Buffalo cornerback Tre’Davious White in Sunday’s Patriots win over the Bills. He pleaded his case over the phone with Derrick Brooks earlier in the day.
  The tight end was hit with the first suspension of his career for launching himself at the defenseless White after the corner picked o
  
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• Tickets for First Night Buffalo are on sale now

  06-12-2017 04:35 via wivb.com
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – It’s hard to believe, but 2017 is nearly over.
  City leaders and Independent Health are getting an early start on the new year, unveiling their plans for “First Night Buffalo”.
  First Night Buffalo activities are offered every year on New Year’s Eve. The event gives children and families the chance to celebrate in a safe and drug-free space.
  Independent Health sponsors the event. This year will feature carnival rides, bounce houses, and comedy s
  
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• Mother of 2 dies just a day after flu diagnosis

  06-12-2017 04:10 via wivb.com
  (CBS) – Family members of Alani “Joie” Murrieta are warning the public to take the flu seriously after the 20-year-old mother of two died unexpectedly last week — just one day after getting the diagnosis. The death of the Phoenix, Arizona, woman came as a shock to her family, who said she had always been healthy.
  “Don’t take life for granted. If you feel sick, go to the doctor. Don’t wait until your symptoms are so bad there is no turning back,” Mu
  
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• Emergency suspension issued for Cheektowaga gentlemen’s club

  06-12-2017 02:58 via wivb.com
  CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) – A Cheektowaga gentlemen’s club has been charged with three different violations of New York State’s alcoholic beverage control laws.
  Tryst Ultra Club, located on Aero Drive, was cited by the ABC for allowing a “continuing pattern of noise, disturbance, misconduct, or disorder on or about the licensed premises” related to the operation of the club and the conduct of its patrons.
  The second charge refers to noise and disturbances spilling ou
  
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• Suspended Buffalo cop denies roughing up suspect

  06-12-2017 02:50 via wivb.com
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Suspended Buffalo Police Officer Joseph Hassett pleaded not guilty, Tuesday, to a five-count indictment accusing him of roughing up a prisoner in his custody at the city’s Police Central Booking, last March.
  This was Hassett’s second time pleading not guilty to the same charges in a second court. He was initially charged with assault, filing false statements, and official misconduct, in city court. Then two days before his trial was set to start, last mon
  
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• Holland couple pleads guilty in defrauding VA, Dept. of Labor for over $1.2 million

  06-12-2017 01:35 via wivb.com
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – A husband and wife from Holland have both been convicted in connection with the husband’s receipt of over $1 million in benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Dept. of Labor under false pretenses.
  According to the assistant U.S. attorney handling the case, Richard Klaffka, 59, told the VA in 2006 that he was disabled, confined to a wheelchair, and unable to engage in daily activities due to an injury connected with his military service in
  
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• Buffalo crews prepare for first wintry blast of season

  06-12-2017 00:37 via wivb.com
  BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Mayor Byron Brown says crews in Buffalo are ready for the snow headed our way this week and the rest of the season. They now have 5 new pieces of snow fighting equipment to help them do that.
  “The new equipment always helps because we strategize each year on how we can get better,” said Steven Stepniak, Commissioner of Public Works.
  Four new plows and one new plow/high lift have been added to Buffalo’s snow fighting fleet for the wintry weather ahea
  
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