Friday, June 12, 2009
Good Morning Buffalo: Fri 6/12/09
Cheryl Healton from the American Legacy Foundation on new cigarette regulations.
Matthew Tremblay from Time-Warner Cable on the DTV transition.
Our weekly visit with movie critic Michael Calleri.
Matthew Tremblay from Time-Warner Cable on the DTV transition.
Our weekly visit with movie critic Michael Calleri.
Hometown News: Capital Chaos
The coup in Albany has Senate democrats heading back to court today. Senate Republicans will try again on Monday to try and get back to work. A judge has ordered Democrats to return to court today to present further arguments as to why they believe it is not legal for one of the Democrats, State Senator Pedro Espada, to head the new coalition.
State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo says he continues to monitor the developments in Albany closely, but has yet to become involved in the political maneuvering. Senate Democrats are calling on the state's top prosecutor to investigate whether any money was offered to two renegade Senate Democrats from billionaire Tom Golisano, who helped orchestrate the Senate take over.
Police are investigating a possible break-in to the Westchester County home of state Senator Pedro Espada Junior. The state Senator says he checked in on his Mamaroneck residence on his way back from Albany on late Thursday afternoon and discovered files had been lifted from his office.
State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo says he continues to monitor the developments in Albany closely, but has yet to become involved in the political maneuvering. Senate Democrats are calling on the state's top prosecutor to investigate whether any money was offered to two renegade Senate Democrats from billionaire Tom Golisano, who helped orchestrate the Senate take over.
Police are investigating a possible break-in to the Westchester County home of state Senator Pedro Espada Junior. The state Senator says he checked in on his Mamaroneck residence on his way back from Albany on late Thursday afternoon and discovered files had been lifted from his office.
HTN: Three Schools Now Closed from H1N1
The Erie County Health Department now says the county has 100 cases of swine flu. And a third school says is closing its doors until Monday after several people there are being tested for H1N1. Oracle Charter School on Delaware Avenue closed Wednesday. Students will start taking their final exams when they return Monday. Riverside High School in Buffalo was closed for two days earlier this month, and Buffalo United Charter School also closed Wednesday. The World Health Organization declared swine flu a pandemic yesterday, the first global flu epidemic in 41 years.
HTN: Yahoo Picks Town of Lockport
Yahoo! has chosen the Town of Lockport for the site of its East Coast Data center. Officials say the site will employ 125 people. The Internet giant will present a site proposal to the Town Planning Board next week, and a public hearing is scheduled for June 30th. Yahoo! has applied for a property tax break for the proposed 190-thousand-square-foot computer service center. The facility will take an estimated 13 months to complete. Yahoo! hopes to break ground in August.
HTN: Amherst Father Accused of Threatening Toddler
Officers tasered a suspect allegedly threatening a baby with a knife early Thursday morning. Police say they were called to an apartment on Travers Circle about four in the morning on the report of a woman being beaten by her boyfriend. Cops say they found 19-year-old Jeffrey Hernandez of North Tonawanda holding the woman's six-month old baby at knifepoint. One of the officers tasered Hernandez as he was putting the knife to the baby's throat. Hernandez was arrested after dropping the baby. He faces charges of attempted murder and assault. Police say officers did not want to fire bullets fearing the baby my get hit. The tasers were just implemented a few months ago.
HTN: Hillary in WNY Saturday
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will pause from her globe trotting to visit Western New York this weekend. Clinton will attend tomorrow's ceremony at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls to mark the 100th anniversary of the treaty which regulates waterways the US and Canada share. The event will kick off at 10 a.m. Clinton was Senator for New York for eight years before being tapped by the Obama Administration.
HTN: Hamilton Official Blasts Sabres
A politician in Hamilton, Ontario is calling on the Buffalo Sabres to support the move of a new NHL team to his city or risk a boycott. The Hamilton city councillor says the Sabres' silence has been deafening when it comes to the possible move of the Phoenix Coyotes. The Canadian lawmaker is already urging his residents to boycott the Toronto Maple Leafs for their opposition to the move.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Hometown News: Capital Chaos
The showdown in Albany continues today. Republicans plan to reconvene the state Senate after failing to meet yesterday, while disposed Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith goes to court. Senate Republicans and two renegade Democrats were supposed to call the new governing coalition into order yesterday, but that did not happen. Bronx Senator Pedro Espada Junior says he needed more time to attempt to sway other Democrats to join the new bipartisan caucus.
Meanwhile, Queens state Senator Hiram Monserrate held closed-door meetings with the GOP and Democrats, both courting his support. But Monserrate says he's sticking with the Senate Republicans in forming a reform government. Governor David Paterson is calling on state senators to resolve their power struggle and is pledging to work with whoever wins.
Meanwhile, Queens state Senator Hiram Monserrate held closed-door meetings with the GOP and Democrats, both courting his support. But Monserrate says he's sticking with the Senate Republicans in forming a reform government. Governor David Paterson is calling on state senators to resolve their power struggle and is pledging to work with whoever wins.
HTN: More Jobs at Goodyear Here?
Goodyear is keeping its options open to possibly move more jobs here. About 60 rubber-processing jobs rubber could shift from Akron, Ohio, to Tonawanda as the company seeks to reduce its Ohio work force. A spokesman for union workers in Ohio says if the jobs are relocated they would, in fact, go to the Tonawanda plant, as part of a union agreement.
HTN: Teen's Body Identified
Buffalo police have identified the body found at a canoe launch on the Buffalo River Tuesday in the area of Ohio and South Streets. The body was identified as 15-year-old Kowat Rual of Buffalo. He was discovered nude, and autopsy reports indicate he died of strangulation and blunt force trauma. Rual was a student at Lafayette High School. Anyone with information on the case should call TIPCALL, 847-2255.
HTN: Rochester Teens Jailed in Beating Death
Two Rochester teens remain in jail, charged with the murder of a Lockport group home counselor. Twenty-four-year-old Renee Greco was bludgeoned to death in the group home where she worked Monday night. Her family said she had been in fear for her safety since some boys at the home became angry with her and threatened her. Investigators believe Anthony Allen and Robert Thousand killed Greco, the only staffer on duty at the time, Monday night in order to cover up a weekend burglary. A wake for Greco will be held tomorrow , and there will be a prayer ceremony Saturday.
HTN: Reduced Charges in Court Bomb Scare
A Buffalo woman who says she mistakenly brought a fake grenade into the Erie County Family Court Building has pleaded guilty to a reduced charge. 24-year-old Tauyara Mapps caused a scare by carrying the gear shifter from her car, which was shaped like a grenade, through a security checkpoint at the Court. The entire building was evacuated for two hours on April 2nd. Mapps pleaded guilty to placing a fake bomb in a public place. Sentencing will be in September.
HTN: Bills Fullback Has Charges Dropped
Bills fullback Corey McIntyre is no longer facing indecent exposure charges in Florida. Prosecutors in Port Saint Lucie have dropped all charges related to an alleged incident on March 20th. Authorities say the 59-year-old female accuser could not give specifics in her allegation.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Your Money and Your Life
From 6/3/09 - hosted by Mark Stevens; discussing the auto industry bankruptcies.
Hometown News: Albany Tug-of-War
The second round of the Albany power struggle is expected to play out this afternoon. Republicans will call the state Senate back into session as the majority coalition. But the state Senate chamber remains locked with Democrats holding the keys. Democrats are vowing to take back control after the unexpected take over caught party leaders off guard. Billionaire Sabres owner Tom Golisano, who worked behind the scenes to orchestrate the political coup, says Senate Democrats should admit defeat.
Senator Dean Skelos vows to make restoring a tax cut to New York homeowners one of his first actions as Senate Majority Leader. Skelos plans to bring back the STAR program. The rebates were cut under the current state budget package to close New York's 17-billion-dollar budget gap. Skelos says new leadership was formed to turn back Democratic overspending and overtaxing.
One of the organizers behind the shake up of the state Senate could be in line for a top position. Steve Pigeon is a former Erie County Democratic Party leader who could become top counsel to Senator Pedro Espada, the Bronx Democrat who helped engineer the coup, and is now the new Senate president. Espada is currently first in line to succeed Governor Paterson, should the need arise.
Senator Dean Skelos vows to make restoring a tax cut to New York homeowners one of his first actions as Senate Majority Leader. Skelos plans to bring back the STAR program. The rebates were cut under the current state budget package to close New York's 17-billion-dollar budget gap. Skelos says new leadership was formed to turn back Democratic overspending and overtaxing.
One of the organizers behind the shake up of the state Senate could be in line for a top position. Steve Pigeon is a former Erie County Democratic Party leader who could become top counsel to Senator Pedro Espada, the Bronx Democrat who helped engineer the coup, and is now the new Senate president. Espada is currently first in line to succeed Governor Paterson, should the need arise.
HTN: FAA to Probe Regional Airlines
The FAA will examine pilot training at small regional airlines in the wake of the Flight 3407 crash. The agency announced yesterday it would immediately order inspectors to look at pilot training programs. FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt says the entire industry, from large commercial carriers to small regional operators needs to meet safety standards.
HTN: Missing Boy Found
The search for a missing Buffalo boy ended last night after two hours, when two-year-old Marqual Williams was found at a home on Moselle Street. He had been playing in the backyard of his Sobieski Street home and was reported missing around 5:20 p.m. Buffalo Police, the Erie County Sheriff's Department Air One copter and state troopers took part in the search. Police believe someone who knew his family thought he was in the yard unattended and picked him up.
HTN: UB Gets Science Grant
The University at Buffalo will aim to keep kids interested in science, engineering and technology, thanks to a quarter-million-dollar grant from National Grid. The money will be used to create a five-year program to encourage students in grades six through 12 to ponder careers in biomedical and green-energy fields. UB officials say the grant allows them to reach students early in their academic careers and get them curious about engineering jobs.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Hometown News: Albany in Chaos
Albany begins its final two weeks of its legislative session in chaos. Republicans are apparently back in control of the state Senate. Senate Republican Senator Dean Skelos says they've formed a coalition government in partnering with two renegade Democrats.
Democrats Pedro Espada Junior of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens said they've joined with the 30 Senate Republicans in a motion that would displace Democrats as the party in control. Billionaire Sabres owner Tom Golisano reportedly assisted in uniting the new coalition in the state Senate.
Governor David Paterson blasts the coup in the capital, putting the Republicans back in charge of the state Senate. The Governor says the Republican takeover shuts down state government during the final two weeks of the legislative session and will leave several issues -- same-sex marriage, ethics reform, and property-tax reform -- unresolved. Paterson says he still recognizes Malcolm Smith as Senate Majority Leader at this time with the leadership of the Senate in dispute.
Malcolm Smith calls the move to overthrow the Democratic-led majority "illegal and unlawful." He doesn't recognize the new government. Smith plans to challenge through the courts. Democrats attempted to block the political coup in leaving the Senate chamber and shutting off the lights.
Democrats Pedro Espada Junior of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens said they've joined with the 30 Senate Republicans in a motion that would displace Democrats as the party in control. Billionaire Sabres owner Tom Golisano reportedly assisted in uniting the new coalition in the state Senate.
Governor David Paterson blasts the coup in the capital, putting the Republicans back in charge of the state Senate. The Governor says the Republican takeover shuts down state government during the final two weeks of the legislative session and will leave several issues -- same-sex marriage, ethics reform, and property-tax reform -- unresolved. Paterson says he still recognizes Malcolm Smith as Senate Majority Leader at this time with the leadership of the Senate in dispute.
Malcolm Smith calls the move to overthrow the Democratic-led majority "illegal and unlawful." He doesn't recognize the new government. Smith plans to challenge through the courts. Democrats attempted to block the political coup in leaving the Senate chamber and shutting off the lights.
HTN: Ponzi Schemer Sentenced
Richard Piccoli has pleaded guilty to federal charges after being accused of running a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme. Prosecutors say the 82-year-old Amherst man will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars. Piccoli admitted to felony mail fraud and tax fraud charges in federal court on Monday. He could receive up to 25 years behind bars when sentenced in October.
HTN: More Protection for State Police
New York State Police will be getting a new way to protect themselves during armed confrontations. Soon, police vehicles will be equipped with ballistic door panels meant to stop bullets. From now on, every new Ford Crown Victoria and Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicle purchased will be equipped with the new panels, made from a material that reduces the probability a bullet will go through the vehicle.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Hometown News: Cheektowaga Standoff
A six hour standoff in Cheektowaga ended peacefully yesterday with one arrest. Police responded to a violent domestic dispute call Sunday just after 9 a.m. on Pendennis Place. Autorities say a woman came out saying her boyfriend had attacked her and claimed he had a gun. In the end the SWAT team broke down a door and arrested 35-year-old Stephen Hubbard without incident. He has been charged with menacing.
HTN: Fatal Crash on Grand Island
Police continue to investigate a fatal crash on Grand Island which closed the Niagara Thruway Sunday afternoon.The 190 had to be shut down between exits 19 and 20 about 2 p.m. yesterday. At least one man is dead after he was ejected from his car, but his name has not yet been released. He was driving along the190 and slowed to avoid another vehicle when he went off the road. The man died at the scene.
HTN: Buffalo-Area Pilot in Rochester Crash
Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration will be at the scene of a small plane crash over the weekend at Rochester's airport. Authorities say the plane took off and was in the air for about five minutes when engine failure was reported. The Buffalo-area pilot attempted to return to the airport but missed the runway. Peter Treichler of East Aurora, suffered a back injury and was released from Strong Memorial Hospital on Sunday. The crash closed the main runway at Greater Rochester International Airport for about three hours on Saturday.
HTN: Collins Blasts Paterson's Labor Agreement
Governor Paterson announced over the weekend an agreement with the Civil Service Employee Association and the Public Employees Federation. The deal reduces the state's workforce by about seven-thousand through attrition, buyouts and eliminating vacant positions. The unions will also support the governor's proposed new tier of pension benefits. The program requires newly-hired employees to continue contributing three-percent of their salaries toward pension costs for their entire careers, rather than just up to ten years of service. When the agreement is fully adopted, it will save taxpayers an estimated 440-million dollars over the next two years.
Erie County Executive Chris Collins is blasting that agreement. Collins, who promised to bring a "leaner" government to the county, says Governor Paterson caved-in to unions by saving their jobs and offering early retirement buyouts. Collins also says things like downsizing town boards does little to save money and detracts from larger financial issues. He's currently touring the state talking to several groups about the problems he sees in state government. Colls has been trumpeted as a possible Republican candidate for Governor.
Erie County Executive Chris Collins is blasting that agreement. Collins, who promised to bring a "leaner" government to the county, says Governor Paterson caved-in to unions by saving their jobs and offering early retirement buyouts. Collins also says things like downsizing town boards does little to save money and detracts from larger financial issues. He's currently touring the state talking to several groups about the problems he sees in state government. Colls has been trumpeted as a possible Republican candidate for Governor.
HTN: Pastor Demands Apology
A Buffalo pastor is demanding an apology for some allegedly racist e-mails. Reverend Darius Pridgen of the True Bethel Baptist Church in Buffalo says Lewiston-Porter School Board President Robert J. Weller regularly forwards what he considers "humorous" e-mail messages to a list of friends and fellow board members. Several of the board members have complained about the e-mails, calling them racist. Weller acknowledges the e-mails and says he did not mean to offend anyone and that he is not a racist.
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