4/03/09 including Music Friday.
Hour One
Hour Two
Friday, April 3, 2009
Cross-Border News from 04/03/09
Host Arlene White with guests Wilma Morrisson from Nathanial Dett Memorial Chapel and BME Church, and Bob Emerson from Old Fort Niagara.
Good Morning Buffalo: Western New York Wine
Duncan Ross From Arrowhead Springs Vineyard in Lockport speaks with Tom and Loraine.
Breaking News: Binghamton Hostage Drama
About a dozen people have reportedly been killed and 26 others injured in a gun rampage at the American Civic Association in the city of Binghamton, New York today. Dozens of people were held hostage but some apparently have been released. There are still hostages believed to be inside. About two groups of people have been seen led from the building by police. Two men have also been escorted by police out of the building with their hands behind their backs. They were led to separate police cars and taken away.
HTN: Zombie Sign on Main Street
A construction sign in front of Canisius College, which usually warns of detours or other construction-related information, carried a different message yesterday. The message read "Proceed with Caution, Zombies Ahead." Zombie signs have popped up in other areas, such as Indiana and Texas. Apparently, instructions on how to hack road-sign systems have been posted on the Internet.
HTN: Falls City Hall Fire
A small fire broke out at Niagara Falls City Hall this morning. City Hall employees were evacuated for about 10 minutes just before 11 a-m, as smoke flowed into the building's lobby. By 11, the small fire in a mechanical room for an elevator was out, but there were still fumes in the basement.
HTN: New York Wants to Join Powerball
New York wants to join another multi-state lottery. 32-states participate in Powerball, and the New York Lottery is expected to get the go-ahead to become number 33. New York already takes part in the 12-state Mega Millions lottery. It's expected that states could offer both games within a year.
HTN: State Senate Aide Resigns
After questions were raised whether his job was a "no-show" position, an aide to State Senator Bill Stachowski has abruptly resigned. Raymond Gallagher already draws a state pension and a salary from full-time job at a company that holds a county government contract. He was also about to get a 17-percent pay raise to 20-thousand dollars a year as a "special assistant" working a mere 7 1/2 hours a week. Stachowski insist the resignation has nothing to do with public pressure, only that Gallagher no longer wanted the workload.
HTN: State Audit Finds Gas Gouging
A State audit finds that some New York State Thruway drivers were gouged at the pump. Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says drivers overpaid for gas at several travel plazas along the Thruway, after station operators did not follow contract requirements. He says this resulted in motorists paying between two cents to 26 cents a gallon more than they should have.
Fake Grenade Suspect Pleasd Not Guilty
The woman who brought a fake grenade into Buffalo Family Court yesterday was arraigned this morning. 24-year-old Tauyara Mapps pleaded not guilty to a first degree felony of placing a false bomb in a public place. The Erie County Sheriff's Department says what at first appeared to be a hand grenade was discovered by x-ray machine. But defense attorney Emily Trott says it was all a misunderstanding. The court building, located just off Niagara Square, was evacuated early Thursday afternoon. Court officials said the object looked like a large explosive device, and was observed inside a sock in a bag that a woman brought into the building, according to Andrew Isenberg, district executive for the New York State Court System. The bomb squad removed the device from the courthouse.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Good Morning Buffalo: Rus Thompson
The local activist talks to Loraine and Tom about the state budget.
Hometown News: State Budget Summary
A State Senator was hospitalized for a second day with walking pneumonia, putting off the narrowly-divided upper chamber's vote on a state budget package. Democratic state Senators need all 32 to adopt the state's 132-billion-dollar tax and spending plan. Austin Shafran, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, wishes Senator Hassell-Thompson a return to good health. Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson arrived in the chamber shortly after 10 this morning, was permitted to vote yes on the various budget bills, and then left again.
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says the new state budget deal falls short. DiNapoli says the budget is not a long-term solution to New York's propensity to spend more than the state can afford.
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says the new state budget deal falls short. DiNapoli says the budget is not a long-term solution to New York's propensity to spend more than the state can afford.
HTN: Lancaster Hwy Head Arrested
Lancaster Highway Superintendent Richard Reese faces a charge of assault on federal agents. FBI agents showed up early Wednesay to speak with Reese at his Lancaster home, as part of an investigation into misuse of town property. The discussion allegedly turned physical, as Reese reportedly wrestled with the agents. Lancaster police officers searched his home and found two guns. Reese was taken to ECMC for evaluation.
HTN: Fire Damages Blvd Restaurant
An early-morning fire caused extensive damage to a Niagara Falls Boulevard restaurant. Multiple fire companies responded to the Saigon Bangkok, at 512 Niagara Falls Blvd., shortly after 1 a.m. The blaze was apparently sparked by spontaneous combustion of hot rags that had just come out of the dryer
HTN: First Grader Dies from Influenza
A six-year-old Buffalo boy died last week of complications from influenza. Brazill Bridgers is one of seven to die from the flu this year in New York State. The boy was a first grader at St. Mark's Elementary School in North Buffalo. He got sick during class and was running a fever, so he was sent home. His grandmother gave him some medication and put him in bed, where he was found dead a short time later. The school has dedicated a bookshelf in the library in his honor.
HTN: Empire State Games in Peril
Organizers are trying to save Empire State Games in the face of disastrous budget cuts. Director Frederick Smith and other top officials are set to meet in Albany tomorrow to figure out how to keep the Games from going under. This year's Summer Games in Hudson Valley are likely to be cancelled after state funding was axed. Buffalo is scheduled to host next year's summer games from July 21st through 25th, 2010.
HTN: Red Light Cameras Get Council Green Light
The Common Council has given the go-ahead to put red light cameras at the city's busiest intersections. State lawmakers still need to give approval before the 50 cameras get the green light. A bill in Albany is expected to be considered this week.
HTN: Tree Stump Blitz in Buffalo
The city is launching an effort to get rid of tree stumps on Buffalo streets. About 14-hundred stumps will head to the grinder by the end of the year. Many will be replaced by new trees. The city has inked a deal with a West Seneca company to do the work for 160-thousand dollars. Residents who want to make sure certain stumps are on the list for removal can call 311.
Hometown Sports: Sabres Surrender Key Point
The Sabres saw their playoff chances take a brutal hit last night, as Ilya Kovalchuk scored the game-winner with 29.9 seconds left in overtime, to lead the Atlanta Thrashers to a 3-2 win at Philips Arena. With time running down in the extra period, Thomas Vanek's shot was blocked by Kovalchuk and the Thrashers star was able to beat Ryan Miller on the ensuing breakaway. Vanek had a pair of power-play goals for the Sabres, who were trying to extend a three-game winning streak and improve their dwinding postseason chances. Buffalo is now five points behind the Canadiens for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Sabres concludes a three-game road trip at Washington on Friday, with just about no margin for error left.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Good Morning Buffalo: US Auto Industry
Loraine and Tom talk with Dr. James Rubenstein on the GM and Chrysler bailouts.
Hometown News: State Budget Summary
New York State lawmakers failed to pass an on-time state budget at midnight Tuesday. Voting in the state Senate to approve its 132-billion-dollar budget package was delayed when a state Senator representing the Bronx and Westchester was briefly hospitalized. Senator Ruth-Hassell Thompson received a standing ovation when she returned to the state Senate Chamber on Tuesday evening. But Republican State Senator Stephen Saland calls this year's state budget oversized and full of new fees hitting average New Yorkers.
The budget package needs all 32 Democratic state senators to vote in support of the legislation to move to the Governor's desk under the state Constitution. The state Senate reconvenes at 9 a.m., this morning after adjourning at 10 p.m., last night. The delay also cost state Democrats bragging rights of approving an on-time budget.
Two business groups are bashing the state budget agreement which was announced Sunday in Albany. Unshackle Upstate and the Business Council of New York State say the plan is one of the worst ever created. The new budget fills a two-year 17-point-seven-billion-dollar budget gap and reduces the state's multi-year deficit by about 80-percent. It also adds about seven-billion dollars in new taxes. Unshackle Upstate has started a media campaign against the budget in five Upstate cities, which include Syracuse and Binghamton.
The budget package needs all 32 Democratic state senators to vote in support of the legislation to move to the Governor's desk under the state Constitution. The state Senate reconvenes at 9 a.m., this morning after adjourning at 10 p.m., last night. The delay also cost state Democrats bragging rights of approving an on-time budget.
Two business groups are bashing the state budget agreement which was announced Sunday in Albany. Unshackle Upstate and the Business Council of New York State say the plan is one of the worst ever created. The new budget fills a two-year 17-point-seven-billion-dollar budget gap and reduces the state's multi-year deficit by about 80-percent. It also adds about seven-billion dollars in new taxes. Unshackle Upstate has started a media campaign against the budget in five Upstate cities, which include Syracuse and Binghamton.
HTN: Casino Opponents File Another Suit
A third lawsuit has been filed in the effort to stop the Seneca Nation of Indians from operating a casino in downtown Buffalo. Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County hope this is the final legal action that they will need to take to end loopholes which allowed the approval of the casino. The suit asks a federal judge to overturn his decision which deemed the property near the Cobblestone District as sovereign Seneca soil. The Senecas began constructing the 333-million dollar facility but stopped last summer due to the economic recession.
HTN: Missing Teen Found in Cheektowaga
Buffalo police have found a 16-year-old girl who had been missing for almost a week, after she was last seen getting off her school bus at South Park High School. Officers located Krystle Dabb at a relative's home in Cheektowaga at about 11:30 p.m. Tuesday.
HTN: Fire Union Wants Cirt Finance Chief Out
The head of the Buffalo firefighters union is calling for the ouster of the city's finance commissioner. Fire union president Daniel Cunningham says the Mayor should replace Finance Commissioner Janet Penska for claiming firefighters abuse overtime. The city's fire overtime now stands at more than ten-million dollars per year, up nearly five-fold from five years ago. The union says the city has not hired a new firefighter in seven years, and that contributes to the problem. Cunningham claimed the finance commissioner was jealous that some firefighters make more money than she does. Mayor Byron Brown says Penska is staying put.
HTN: Aykroyd Visits Western New York
Former "Saturday Night Live" and "Blues Brother" Dan Aykroyd is pushing a new liquid project. Aykroyd appeared yesterday at the Premier Center in Williamsville to promote the launch of his new vodka -- Crystal Head Vodka. Aykroyd's drink is bottled in a replica crystal skull. While showing off his new beverage, the actor/comedian who just so happens to own a winery on the Niagara peninsula took time out to sign autographs and meet with fans during the event.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Orchard Park Community Marketplace
Live broadcast with Brad Riter and Christina Abt, plus interviews with village merchants and officials.
Hometown News: NY Times Slams Buffalo
Here we go again: Buffalo has been named by the "New York Times" as one of America's failing cities. The report blames the decline, which it says started over 50 years ago, on diminishing industries and "suburban flight." The report says Buffalo's continued demolition of parks and streets in favor of expansion rather than preservation is the main factor in the city's continued downfall. Joining Buffalo on the list are New Orleans and Los Angeles. New York City's borough of The Bronx was also included on the list.
HTN: Catholic Charities in Appeal Push
Catholic Charities is hoping for a last minute fund raising push to meet it's goal. With about one week left in the annual campaign, the organization says it has raised six-and-a-half million dollars. That's about 60-percent of the 11-million dollar goal. Last year Catholic Charities fell short by about 300-thousand dollars. Bishop Edward Kmiec says the organization has seen a surge in demand for its services due to the tough economic times.
HTN: State Budget Update
As part of the new state budget, an increased tax on electric and gas companies stands to add about three dollars and 65 cents to the average household's utility bill. Advocates for low-income utility customers say the higher bills will hurt struggling families. Nearly 330-thousand residential customers were shut off for nonpayment of their bills in 2008. Budget watchdog E.J. McMahon of the conservative Empire Center for New York State Policy Institute is slamming the 132-billion dollar spending plan . McMahon predicts in two years, the budget gap, quote "will be the size of the Grand Canyon."
HTN: Special Election for Gillebrand Seat
It's voting day today for Kirsten Gillibrand's former Congressional seat. Veteran Republican State Assemblyman Jim Tedisco is running against Democratic newcomer Scott Murphy, a venture capitalist, in a race that has drawn a lot of attention from both parties nationally. Voters in the 20th Congressional District will choose a representative to replace Gillibrand, who was appointed to fill out Hillary Clinton's U.S. Senate term.
HTN: Schumer Calls for Plastic Ban
New York's senior Senator is calling for a nationwide ban on a chemical that may be linked to childhood cancer and other developmental diseases. Senator Chuck Schumer wants the federal government to outlaw the use of bisphenol-A, also known as BPA, in plastic baby bottles and sippy cups. But the Food and Drug Administration calls the infant drinking containers safe, ruling as recently as last August that bottles with BPA pose no safety concern. The chemical makes plastics clear and shatter-resistant.
Monday, March 30, 2009
BuffaloStyle 3/28/09
Hosted by Christina Abt: Dr. Shirley Anain answers your questions about cosmetic surgery and related techniques that can turn back the clock on our appearance.
Hometown News: Albany Budget Agreement
Governor David Paterson, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver say an agreement to close the largest budget gap in State history includes a new tax rate of nearly eight percent for those making over 300-thousand dollars and a nearly nine percent rate for folks making more than half-a-million dollars. There's mixed reaction to the rich paying a bigger price. The tax hikes, which are expected to bring in about four billion dollars, would expire in three years assuming the economy recovers. Also under the plan, state education funding would remain flat, state college tuition would go up and New York's bottle law would include a nickel deposit on bottled water.
HTN: Buffalo Tea Party
Anyone who passed by the Buffalo waterfront this weekend could have been taken back to 1773. Over 300 people showed up for a "Buffalo Tea Party" tax protest, complete with "No Taxation Without Representation" signs. The group will be passing out flyers door-to-door this week, with another rally planned for April 18th.
HTN: Flight 3407 Families can be Contacted Now
The 45-day federal ban preventing attorneys from calling or sending information to the families of Flight 3407 victims has expired.The end of the ban is not a deadline for families to choose an attorney. The victims' families have always had the right to contact attorneys before the ban was lifted. A federal law enacted in the mid-1990s prevents lawyers from encroaching on families' privacy during vulnerable times.
HTN: Wine Bill Stalls
New York State lawmakers have decided not to act on Governor Paterson's plan that would have allowed wine to be sold at grocery stores. Liquor store owners are thanking lawmakers, saying it has likely saved their businesses. Wegmans had spearheaded an ad campaign that said the sale of wine in grocery stores would create additional income and jobs.
Hometown Sports: Lou Saban Dies
Former Bills coach Lou Saban has died. Saban coached the Bills to two American Football League championships in the mid-60s. He passed away early Sunday morning at his home in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at age 87. Saban had two tenures in Buffalo, the first from 1962 to 1965 and then 1972 to 1976. It was during his stint in the 70's, O'J. Simpson set the NFL single-season rushing record in 1973. Despite his success, Saban is not on the team's Wall of Fame at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
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