Friday, June 19, 2009
Hometown News: Capital Chaos
State lawmakers in Albany are heading home for the weekend without resolving the power struggle over the state Senate. Senate Democrats refused to attend a session convened by Republicans for a fourth consecutive day. Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson refuses to acknowledge the political coup putting Republicans and one defiant Democrat in charge. State Senator Eric Schneiderman calls the negotiations difficult.
But both sides did agree to keep sending paychecks to Senators and staff before leaving for the weekend. Democratic conference officials say they plan to file an appeal to the decision made earlier this week by a state judge to not interfere in the power struggle and let the senators figure it out for themselves.
Democrat state Senator Pedro Espana Jr., who broke away from the party in an attempt to lead the Republican takeover of the Senate, claims the chamber is no longer deadlocked. Espana claims that his position as president pro tempore also makes him acting lieutenant governor, giving him a second vote. Other Democrats of course disagree.They will file a motion to try and keep Espada from acting as temporary president of the Senate.
If state Senators don't resolve their leadership dispute and return to session, dozens of counties could be looking at increasing property taxes. The New York State Association of Counties says that there are 36 home rule bills pending that would extend the current sales tax rates in 36 counties and New York City. Without those bills being enacted, county leaders say the only alternatives are to cut services and jobs or increase property taxes.
But both sides did agree to keep sending paychecks to Senators and staff before leaving for the weekend. Democratic conference officials say they plan to file an appeal to the decision made earlier this week by a state judge to not interfere in the power struggle and let the senators figure it out for themselves.
Democrat state Senator Pedro Espana Jr., who broke away from the party in an attempt to lead the Republican takeover of the Senate, claims the chamber is no longer deadlocked. Espana claims that his position as president pro tempore also makes him acting lieutenant governor, giving him a second vote. Other Democrats of course disagree.They will file a motion to try and keep Espada from acting as temporary president of the Senate.
If state Senators don't resolve their leadership dispute and return to session, dozens of counties could be looking at increasing property taxes. The New York State Association of Counties says that there are 36 home rule bills pending that would extend the current sales tax rates in 36 counties and New York City. Without those bills being enacted, county leaders say the only alternatives are to cut services and jobs or increase property taxes.
HTN: Critical H1N1 Case in Buffalo School
A girl in the Buffalo Public School District is on life support with a confirmed case of swine flu. The nine-year-old caught pneumonia after contracting the H1N1 virus. The fourth grader attends the Charles Drew Science Magnet School 59 museum campus. The girl was taken to the emergency room Friday with flu-like symptoms and sent home. She then caught pneumonia and was admitted to Women and Children's Hospital on Tuesday morning.
HTN: Three Suspects Picked Up in Elba Bank Robbery
Three bank robbery suspects who triggered a major manhunt yesterday through Genesee County faced a judge last night in Elba Town Court. 26-year-old Dennis Abrams Jr., 25-year-old Demone Dillion and 24-year-old Michael Wells have been arraigned on first-degree robbery charges for knocking over the M&T Bank at 7133 Oak Orchard Road in Elba. As officers conducted a house-to-house search, all Genesee County schools were put on lockdown. Two men were picked up shortly after the robbery, but Wells eluded police for about six hours. All three were taken into custody without incident. Police recovered a handgun from one of the suspects. A second gun found with the money was found to be a fake. Abrams, Dillion and Wells were being held in the Genesee County Jail on no bail.
HTN: Indictment in West Seneca Stabbing
A West Seneca man has pleaded not guilty to stabbing his six-year-old son. 31-year-old Corey Cochran was indicted on an attempted murder charge, after. authorities said Cochran stabbed the boy in the chest during a domestic violence incident on April 19th in the family's Indian Church Road home. Cochran was ordered held without bail, and a temporary restraining order was put in place to prevent Cochran from contacting his estranged wife and four kids.
HTN: Falls Man cas Sue in Taser Case
A Niagara Falls man can sue the City police department after he was Tasered in an effort to obtain a DNA sample. A Niagara County judge says Ryan Smith may go ahead with the suit. Smith says in September he was Tasered into unconsciousness by Niagara Falls police who wanted to swab his mouth for DNA. Smith was a suspect in a shooting and armed robbery. Earlier this month a judge ruled that the DNA sample obtained after the Tasering would be admissible in the criminal trial.
HTN: Building OK'd after Partial Collapse
A former livery stable in downtown Buffalo has been given a clean bill of health. This comes after floorboards gave way earlier this week, trapping a payload operator underneath. Inspectors gave the C.W. Miller Livery Stable a thorough examination, and say the 117-year-old Huron Street building has no structural problems. Restaranteur Mark Croce plans to develop it into commercial and residential space.
HTN: Unemployment Still Rising
The New York State Department of Labor reported yesterday that the state's unemployment rate continued to climb in May. The rate jumped from seven-point-seven-percent in April to eight-point-two-percent in May. Last year in May, the unemployment rate was just five-point-two-percent. The unemployment rate in the Buffalo region was eight-point-three-percent, up from eight-point-five in April and five-point-seven a year ago.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Good Morning Buffalo: National Health Care
Loraine and Tom talk with Bob Moffatt from the Heritage Foundation about the Obama health care plan.
HTN: More Layoffs at Ford Woodlawn
The Ford stamping plant in Woodlawn is facing another round of layoffs. Eighty-seven more workers are expected to be laid off later this month and in early July while the plant adjusts production to meet the needs of the assembly plant it supplies in St. Thomas, Ontario. The cuts include 12 skilled trades workers who are expected to go on indefinite layoff June 29th, followed by 75 hourly production workers going idle on July 6th. The Ontario plant assembles The Crown Victoria, Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis. The Woodlawn plant produces body sides, hoods, front doors, quarter panels, rear doors and roofs for those vehicles.
HTN: Buff State Re-opens after Water Main Break
Buffalo State College is open again today. A water main broke under the student quad yesterday morning. School officials say a construction backhoe ruptured the water line. All classes were cancelled for the afternoon and evening. Water had to be shut off to the entire campus, and two buildings sustained flooded basements. The college closed and only essential personnel were told to remain on campus. All other support staff, faculty and students were excused. The problem was fixed by last night.
HTN: Yahoo! Reveals Lockport Site Plans
The Internet giant Yahoo! has unveiled its designs for the new data center it plans to build in Lockport. A company representative met with the Lockport Town Planning Board last night to reveal the plans for the high-tech, energy efficient hub to be built in the Town of Lockport Industrial Park. The project is set to create at least 75 jobs, with salaries between 50- and 60-thousand dollars. A public hearing on the project will be June 30th, with construction starting as soon as August.
HTN: Capital Chaos
There is still no deal in Albany over just who has control of the state Senate. The power struggle that has brought gridlock to the Senate for over a week continues as both Democrats and Republicans maintain they are in control of the chamber. Meanwhile, dozens of bills still need to be voted on before the current legislative session ends. Without a quorum, no bills are being debated or passed. Governor Paterson is calling on both sides to return to the Senate chamber and get back to doing the work of the people. Neither side in the leadership war in the state Senate is giving in. The Republican who claims to be Majority Leader -- Dean Skelos -- notes that Democratic Senators who've refused to go into session are still getting paid.
One bill in Albany which could get held up by the chaos in the Senate is a measure to tighten restrictions on teen drivers. The bill was approved unanimously in the Assembly Wednesday, but it is uncertain if the Senate will reconvene. The measure would require teen drivers to pass 50 hours of behind the wheel training before getting a license, up from 20 hours. It would also limit non-family passengers under the age of 21 to just one, when a teen is driving. Teen drivers also would not be able to plea to lesser offenses on traffic violations like speeding and would have to obtain a learner's permit for at least six months before getting a license. The bill also bans texting while driving for all ages.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Good Morning Buffalo 6/17/09
Rev. Darius Pridgen on the Lew-Port Schools controversy
Cold Case Detective Dennis Delano on his new book.
Cold Case Detective Dennis Delano on his new book.
Hometown News: Capital Chaos
The standoff at the state Senate continues. Democrats yesterday refused to enter a legislative session, as attempts to forge a power sharing agreement with Republicans have so far failed. The GOP has refused any agreement saying they are in control of the Senate as a result of last week's vote. A judge yesterday dismissed the Democrats legal attempt to block the coup, saying it was not a matter for the courts to decide. Democrats claim last week's vote to change power in the Senate was illegal but won't appeal the court's decision.
Governor Paterson is urging Senators to get back to work and to figure out the leadership question at a later date. Paterson won't call a special session to try to resolve the leadership dispute because he believes he would be tainting the process.
Governor Paterson is urging Senators to get back to work and to figure out the leadership question at a later date. Paterson won't call a special session to try to resolve the leadership dispute because he believes he would be tainting the process.
HTN: School Board Head Apologizes to Pastor
The president of the Lewiston-Porter School Board has apologized in person to a Buffalo pastor for forwarding racist and sexist emails. Robert Weller spoke to Pastor Darius Pridgen of True Bethel at last night's Lew-Port school board meeting , and accepted the apology. Pridgen asked the school board to look in to diversity training.
HTN: Canisius High Victimized by Alleged Embezzler
A former employee of Canisius High School has been charged with allegedly stealing more than a half-million dollars. Authorities say 49-year-old Donald Fuller embezzled the cash over a 16-year period using phony work invoices. Fuller was busted Tuesday morning at his Hamburg home by Postal Inspectors and IRS agents. Investigators say Fuller submitted invoices for repair work to the boilers and other equipment by an Orchard Park company. Authorities allege the work was done by school employees and Fuller kept the money.
HTN: Teen Dies at Soccer Game
A soccer game in Akron turned tragic. Authorities say a 14-year-old girl with a history of heart problems collapsed on the field Monday night and died. Emily Adamczak suffered cardiac arrest at the Akron Sports Complex about 7:30 p.m. She was rushed to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Authorities say she had a three year history of heart trouble.
HTN: Worker Rescued in Partial Building Collapse
Buffalo firefighters worked to free a construction worker trapped for over an hour yesterday. The victim became trapped under falling debris after the partial collapse of an old parking garage at Delaware and Huron in downtown Buffalo. The man was extricated a short time later and is now recovering.
HTN: Iranian-Americans Protest Downtown
About 50 Buffalo-area Iranian-Americans gathered this morning outside City Hall to protest the recent presidential election in their native land. The largest anti-government demonstrations since the 1979 Iranian Revolution are currently happening in Iran. Some of the protestors say they're not for or against either candidate, but rather stand for democracy and the people of Iran. The group also hopes to hold a candlelight vigil this Friday night on the University of Buffalo South Campus.
HTN: Would-be Lawyers Coming to Buffalo
The Buffalo Niagara Convention Center is set to play host to a bunch of prospective lawyers. The New York State Bar Exam will be conducted there on July 28th and 29th. About three-thousand would-be lawyers will visit the Queen City; usually the testing occurs in Albany. The test stands to be a windfall for downtown businesses, since about two-thousand test-takers are anticipated to come from out of town. That means they'll be renting hotel rooms, dining at area restaurants and shopping in the area. Added to that, the New York State Board of Law Examiners, the governing body administering the exams, will hire about 150 local residents to proctor the exams and provide security for the event.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Hometown News: Albany Power-Sharing
State Senate Democrats have reached a power sharing deal that seems to strip Majority Leader Malcolm Smith of much of his power while bringing another senator to the forefront of the party. Smith says the deal allows him to retain his title of Senate Majority Leader-President Pro Temp, while Senator John Sampson of Brooklyn now assumes the role of conference leader. The deal was announced yesterday. Senator Hiram Monserrate of Queens, who previously sided with the GOP, announced that he once again will support his fellow Democrats. Monserrate's latest flip-flop leaves the Senate deadlocked 31-31. Senators say they will try once again to get back to business today.
HTN: Indian Tribes Dislike New Border Rules
You now need a passport or enhanced driver's license to cross the border with Canada, but some Native American tribes don't like the idea. Dozens of protestors took to Niagara Falls in opposition of the new rules. The tribes say they are entitled to cross between the US and Canada, and if they are required to have tighter restrictions, than the U-S and Canadian governments should pay for it.
HTN: Senecas Want In on Lawsuit
The Seneca Nation wants to get directly involved in the legal fight over their casino in downtown Buffalo. Casino opponents have sued the US federal government for what they say was illegal approval of the gambling facility. The Senecas could not be sued directly but now say they may try and get a judge to allow them to become a defendant in the case. Since 2006, three different lawsuits have been filed seeking to block the casino.
HTN: Pilot Lands Plane Safely
The pilot of a plane that lost power over the Town of Wales touched down safely in a corn field yesterday. The plane flipped over after 72-year-old pilot Roy Berube of Tonawanda landedl, but Berube and his passenger walked away okay. Berube put out an emergency call at 4 p.m. yesterday afternoon while flying a Starduster Too replica World War Two biplane near Old Big Tree Road. Berube and passenger 62-year-old Paul Quenzler of Alden, also a pilot, received only minor injuries, and were treated at the scene.
HTN: Fourth Night Keeps Firefighters Busy
A fire that started late Friday night was still being tended by Buffalo fire crews last night. The fire started in Hickory Woods, at a city-owner warehouse being leased to Modern Disposal for recyclable materials storage. The blaze, which appears to be arson, left around 700-thousand dollars worth of damage. Four grass and tire fires were set across the railroad tracks from the scene, and firefighters tending the warehouse fire were called away to put those out as well. No arrests have been made.
HTN: WNY Home Market Improving
The Buffalo Niagara real estate market seems to be recovering slightly from the recession. Home sales in May were up more than three-percent from last year. That's the first time year-to-year statistics showed a monthly increase since last June. In another positive sign for the housing market, May sales were up more than 20-percent from April. It's the fourth straight month of sales increases. And home prices are at their highest levels since November.
HN: WNY Heroes Nominations Due
The deadline is approaching close to nominate ordinary individuals from the Western New York area for their extraordinary deeds. The WNY Heroes Awards program is sponsored by the United Way and Time Warner Cable. The six categories are active artists, community fixer, education leader, minor miracle worker and senior star. Nominations are due by July 1st. Finalists will be announced later this summer, followed by online voting. A gala will be held in the fall to recognize the winners. More information is available online at www.timewarnercable.com.
HTN: Coyotes Move to Hamilton Blocked
Looks like the Phoenix Coyotes won't be moving to Hamilton, Ontario after all. A Bankruptcy Judge issued a ruling Monday saying a June 29th deadline imposed by intended owner Jim Balsille didn't allow enough time to resolve many issues raised in the case. Coyotes president Doug Moss, who formerly held the same position with the Sabre, says the team will likely stay in Arizona.
A tentative auction date has been set for June 22nd. There is believed to be at least three sets of owners looking to buy the financially struggling franchise, including Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf. The National Hockey League has insisted the team remain in Arizona, even though the franchise has lost 300-million dollars since moving to Phoenix in 1996. The Sabres and Leafs had expressed concerned about a team in Hamilton infringing on their territories.
A tentative auction date has been set for June 22nd. There is believed to be at least three sets of owners looking to buy the financially struggling franchise, including Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf. The National Hockey League has insisted the team remain in Arizona, even though the franchise has lost 300-million dollars since moving to Phoenix in 1996. The Sabres and Leafs had expressed concerned about a team in Hamilton infringing on their territories.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Hometown News: Capital Chaos
Capital Chaos continues, as a matter of fact, it might be getting worse. Hiram Monserrate of Queens, one of the two Democrats who decided last week to vote with the Republicans in the State Senate is apparently returning to the Democratic caucus. Just yesterday, Brooklyn Senator Pedro Espada, the other renegade Democrat who joined the GOP caucus, said he and Monserrate were staying put, but Monserrate has reportedly bowed to intense lobbying by the Reverend Al Sharpton. A move back by Monserrate would throw the chaotic chamber into a 31-31 tie.
On Friday, Senate Democrats settled on Brooklyn's John Sampson to replace Malcolm Smith as leader of their conference, but to keep Smith as the majority leader. That apparently paved the way for Monserrate to move back. Smith tried to downplay the chaos while marching at the Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday. A judge in Albany says he will rule on who controls the state Senate, if the two sides can't work it out by this afternoon.
On Friday, Senate Democrats settled on Brooklyn's John Sampson to replace Malcolm Smith as leader of their conference, but to keep Smith as the majority leader. That apparently paved the way for Monserrate to move back. Smith tried to downplay the chaos while marching at the Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday. A judge in Albany says he will rule on who controls the state Senate, if the two sides can't work it out by this afternoon.
HTN: Retired Trooper Killed in Cycle Crash
Police have identified the motorcyclist killed last Friday, in a Cheektowaga crash, as a retired state trooper. 52-year-old Robert Binns died from injuries sustained in when his cycle was hit by a car on Union Road near William Street. Investigators say 18-year-old Jeffrey Kolacki was cited for failure to yield the right of way. Kolacki apparently didn't see the cyclist after being waved across the oncoming lane by the driver of another vehicle.
HTN: Laying the Blame for Bad Air
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has shared the results of the Tonawanda Community Air Study. One of the conclusions made in the report is that benzene and smoke emissions form the Tonawanda Coke plant on River Road have been the likely source of irritation for nearby residents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say long-term exposure to benzene can cause an array of harmful effects. The study looked at wind and meteorological data and pollution concentrations in four areas around the plant.
HTN: Labatt Plans More Buffalo Jobs
When New York City-based KPS bought Labatt USA last winter, it made several promises. One of those was to keep the popular Canadian beer's U.S. headquarters in Buffalo. The company hopes to double the current 20-person workforce at the downtown Buffalo office, in administrative support, marketing and sales. The Buffalo-Niagara region accounts for about three-point-three-million of the 21-million total cases Labatt sells in the U.S. annually.
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