BPS working hard to mitigate layoffs with 2024-25 budget - Buffalo news - NewsLocker (2024)

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo school leaders are trying to accomplish something other districts have not: balance a growing budget but avoid handing out pink slips to teachers and staff.Superintendent Tonja Williams reiterated that they are facing an $80 million budget shortfall for next year. While she provided updates on cuts, saying things can change none of the proposed changes at this time are considered "live body" positions.“It's a tough time and I don't want to misconstrue t

Over 7,500 customers without power in Cheektowaga

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- About 7,550 Cheektowaga NYSEG customers are without power Friday afternoon after a vehicle reportedly crashed into a power line near the intersection of Crandon Boulevard and Stanislaus Avenue.
According to NYSEG, crews are working to restore power and the company expects restorations to be completed by 6:25 p.m.The crash happened at 3:04 p.m. News 4 will update this article as more information becomes available.Adam Duke is a digital contributor who joined theNews

Pegula family exploring sale of 'non-controlling' interest in Buffalo Bills

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Pegula family is exploring the potential sale of a "non-controlling, minority interest" in the Buffalo Bills, the organization said in a statement.The statement said the Pegulas have retained Allen & Company, a private investment bank, to help look into the sale. The potential discussions do not involve any other Pegula-owned team, according to the Bills."No investment would be possible without Terry Pegula and the Pegula family maintaining a controlling interest

Local bookstores get head start on Independent Bookstore Day with passport contest

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Buffalo's independent bookstore scene is getting a head start on this year's Independent Bookstore Day. The event is celebrated on the last Saturday of April each year, this year falling on April 27.
Ahead of the 11th annual event, 12 local bookstores are participating in the Buffalo Bookstore Passport -- an incentive program to visit each of the participating stores -- where readers can collect stamps at each location between April 13 and April 27.
Completed passports wi

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Record store owners prepare for influx of customers ahead of Record Store Day

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Saturday, April 20 marks the 16th annual Record Store Day -- the international event celebrating independent record stores with hundreds of exclusive releases available only at those stores.Phil Machemer, owner of Revolver Records Inc., joined News 4 on Friday morning to discuss the upcoming weekend."It's a nice spike in sales in the middle of the year when we don't expect that much," Machemer said. "It brings people into the shops to see what we do if they aren't familia

2 men found dead Wednesday suspected to have overdosed

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Two men were found dead when police responded to an address on Broadway this past Wednesday.Around 10 a.m. that day, police responded to a call about unresponsive men on the 300 block of Broadway. The two men, declared deceased at the scene, were identified as Buffalo residents ages 61 and 64. They are suspected to have overdosed.At the scene, police say two kilograms of fentanyl mixed with xylazine were recovered."Key items associated with a drug processing operation wer

Buffalo to light up in celebration of 192nd birthday

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Buffalo City Hall and other buildings downtown are known to light up in support of or in celebration of various events and causes. This weekend, the city is celebrating itself.As part of the Buffalo Landmark Illumination Team (BuffaloLIT) program, a number of structures will be illuminated with blue and white light on Friday and Saturday in honor of Buffalo's birthday.The city is inching closer to a bicentennial, turning 192 years old on Saturday, April 20.Anyone who want

Buffalo police looking for two missing children last seen Thursday

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Buffalo police are looking for help finding two missing children last seen Thursday evening.Edward Hale Jr., 8, and Eiania Hale, 10, were last seen leaving the Jasper Parrish projects in a tan car around 6:30 p.m.Edward is 4'3" and 70 lbs. He has black hair, brown eyes and a scar on his upper lip. Eiania is 4'5" and 66 pounds. She has brownish hair, brown eyes, a mole on her collar bones and a burn patch birthmark on her back.Anyone with information on their whereabouts i

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Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defenses at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.No Iranian official directly acknowledged the possibility that Israel attacked, and the Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment. However, tensions have been high since the Satu

1 hospitalized after alleged stolen Kia crashes into vehicle following police chase

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- One person was hospitalized after an alleged stolen Kia collided with another vehicle Thursday night in Buffalo following a police chase, a Buffalo Police Department spokesperson told News 4 WIVB.A News 4 photojournalist filmed the scene near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and High Street, where police said the alleged stolen Kia crashed into a car. The civilian in the vehicle was taken to ECMC with minor injuries.Police said suspects from the Kia fled on foot, and

30 prospects in 30 days: USC safety Calen Bullock is a long, athletic ball-hawk

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Long, athletic, and ball-hawk are the words national draft analysts use to describe USC safety Calen Bullock. He had nine interceptions over three seasons with the Trojans including two touchdowns.
At the combine, he wanted to show teams that his football IQ is also a strength."They see that I'm a very smart player, they see I'm very diverse when they watch the film," Bullock said. "Then they make me learn one of their plays and see that I pick up easy playbooks and

Liquor sales in movie theaters, to-go sales of co*cktails included in New York budget agreement

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York would expand access to booze by allowing movie theaters to sell liquor and continuing to let people buy takeout co*cktails from bars and restaurants under a series of measures unveiled Thursday.The state Assembly passed the measures Thursday, which are part of the larger state budget agreement. The state Senate is expected to follow before it's sent to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk for signature. The deal was struck between Hochul and leaders of the state Se

Niagara Falls man sentenced for attempted murder of woman, shooting at police officer

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Niagara Falls man was sentenced to serve a combined 30 years in prison for the attempted murder of a woman and shooting at a police officer in two separate incidents, the Niagara County District Attorney's Office announced.Officials said Kalique Miller, 19, received a 20-year sentence for attempting to kill a 22-year-old woman by shooting her multiple times on Nov. 10, 2022 in Niagara Falls.Niagara Falls teen admits to attempted murder of woman, shooting at police offi

Bills' Josh Allen credits receiver Stefon Diggs for being the caliber of QB he is today

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Impersonal as it might seem to have their dynamic on-field relationship end with an exchange of phone texts, Bills quarterback Josh Allen made it clear on Thursday how much receiver Stefon Diggs meant to him during their four seasons together in Buffalo.Allen made no mention of Diggs’ mercurial temperament or the occasional sideline flare-ups by expressing only praise in his first opportunity to discuss his now-formerteammate being traded to the Housto

Cyberattack impacting New York State budget process

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The State of New York is investigating to find out who launched a cyberattack into the state budget process, slowing it down.Earlier this week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced an agreement on the state budget, but it still has not been voted on and is 17 days late. And now, the state has been hit with this cyberattack, which is affecting the speed of the budget process.The cyberattack was targeted against the state's Legislative Bill Drafting Commission, which helps lawmak

Cirque de Paris European circus set to kick off in Buffalo Thursday

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — From hula-hooping, to clowning, or juggling on hand--and on foot. On Thursday night, it's curtains upfor the European show, Cirque de Paris at Walden Galleria.The producer of the show, Anouchka Bouglione has the circus in her blood line. She said that her family is the oldest circus family in France and that this tour is their American debut."It's nice for us because this show is more than a show. It's like a big family," said Bouglione said. "I am the seve

Buffalo Zoo defends decision to raise admission prices: 'raising prices is hard and unavoidable'

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Officials at the Buffalo Zoo defended their decision to raise admission prices for the zoo, citing rising costs of operation as well as the amount of discounts that they offer.It comes after the zoo announced plans to raise admission prices by 44%, while also announcing discounts for low-income families, called the "Zoo For All" program.After the announcement, Erie County Republicans began to fight back on the prices, saying that the zoo would risk losing some public

American Eagle coming to Boulevard shopping center

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Boulevard in Amherst is introducing a new name brand store, Pittsburgh-based American Eagle Outfitters.
The clothing store will be roughly 5,400 square feet and located between L.L Bean and J.Crew Factory, at 1579 Niagara Falls Boulevard, project officials told News 4 WIVB.Niagara Falls Planning Board approves county’s first Chick-fil-AThe latest additions to The Boulevard included T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, and Sephora.
American Eagle currently has locations at the

Lancaster man admits to making terroristic threats related to high profile civil-case

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Lancaster man has pleaded guilty to making a terroristic threat, a felony, and making a threat of mass harm, a misdemeanor, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.Lancaster man accused of sending death threats to New York AG, judge in Trump civil case26-year-old Tyler J. Vogel texted two victims separately on March 24, threatening physical harm or death if they did not comply with his orders. He allegedly demanded that they cease action in a pending hig

Micah Hyde's 'future is still unknown' beyond charity softball event in Buffalo

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Bills began offseason workouts this week without Micah Hyde, a mainstay in the defensive secondary over the past seven years. Still uncertain about his NFL future, Hyde remains committed to playing ball in Buffalo.Hyde confirmed his charity softball event will go on as planned May 19 at Sahlen Field in a social media post Thursday."Although I'm currently not with the team, I want you all to know how special this game is to not only myself, but my whole famil

Bills would prefer to be on receiving end in NFL draft

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — One day, Brandon Beane joked the Buffalo Bills are going to select a receiver in each of the seven rounds of the NFL draft. The next, the Bills general manager saying there's no lock he’s drafting a receiver in the first round.Don’t be fooled.Hard as Beane has been working at trying to keep everyone guessing in the wake oftrading Stefon Diggs to Houston, it would be difficult to imagine the Bills passing up on filling what stands as their biggest

Cheektowaga police looking for man last seen last week

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Cheektowaga police are looking for help finding a man who's been missing since April 10.Todd Wright, 49, was last seen at the TownePlace Suites Marriott hotel on Genesee Street across the street from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Police said he might have one or two dogs with him.Wright has blue eyes, weighs 170 lbs. and stands at 5'8". He has a tattoo on his right shoulder."Wright may be suffering from a mental illness, and his family is concerned about

Man sentenced for armed robbery spree in Amherst, Cheektowaga

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Buffalo man was sentenced to nearly 50 years in prison for an armed robbery spree at various convenience stores in Amherst and Cheektowaga in 2021, the Erie County District Attorney's Office said Thursday.40-year-old Londarr Ward was sentenced to 46 years in prison for the robberies. The four robberies took place between Feb. 22 and March 7 of 2021, where he would display what appeared to be a pistol and stole lottery tickets.
He was convicted of four counts of rob

Amazon launches electric vehicles in Buffalo market

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Amazon is going electric, at least partially.On Thursday morning, the commerce giant introduced its new Rivian electric delivery vehicles, which recently launched at its Tonawanda delivery facility.The Tonawanda site is the first in the Buffalo market and second in upstate New York to use electric vehicles. It's part of Amazon and Rivian's joint effort to put 100,000 electric delivery vehicles into use by 2030. As of now, Amazon has more than 10,000 on the road in more

Police say wanted man and previous offender found with weapons in Jamestown

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Two men, one of them wanted out of Dunkirk, were arrested after the Jamestown Police Department SWAT Team allegedly discovered multiple weapons in a residence on Victoria Avenue.Police said the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force searched the residence on April 9 with assistance from the SWAT team. It is alleged that 44-year-old Jamestown man Michael E. Hitchco*ck and 38-year-old Robert A. Hallett, wanted out of Dunkirk, were located inside the residence along with multiple we

Police say fentanyl found in apartment with two kids inside

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Jamestown man is facing drug and child endangerment charges after police searched an apartment on Hazzard Street.During the search, which took place on the afternoon of April 10, members of the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force found Luis M. Torres Cortes, 39, and two children.Inside, they say cash, scales, drug paraphernalia and nearly 16 grams of fentanyl were found.Cortes, who was arrested and taken into custody, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled s

5th annual Eight Days of Hope outreach in Buffalo to help Ellicott District

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The volunteer organization Eight Days of Hope is planning an outreach event in Buffalo for the fifth year this summer.Volunteers will rebuild homes in the Ellicott District between July 20 and July 27. Thousands of helpers are expected.Over 1,200 families have received free repairs since 2019.
"Together with their invaluable support, we are not just rebuilding houses;" said Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Leah M. Halton-Pope. "We are transforming lives and revitali

SUNY Niagara, Erie nursing programs earn high marks

SANBORN, N.Y. (WIVB) -- SUNY Erie's and SUNY Niagara's nursing programs are standing out amongst New York schools, according to a new ranking of two-year programs.SUNY Niagara, formerly known as NCCC, said NursingProcess.org put the Niagara County school's program at number 10 on a list of the best New York schools for an associate degree in nursing."Students obtain proficiency in various concepts related to nursing such as mental health nursing, maternal/child nursing, community nursing, and nu

Good Samaritan saves children from fire in Wales

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A pair of children were saved by a good Samaritan from a fire at a home in Wales on Wednesday, according to police.Crews responded to the home, located on Olean Road, around 6 p.m. Wednesday. Two children, both under the age of 10, were in the home. The person saw the fire and helped, and everyone was out of the house by the time crews arrived.It is unclear if there were any adults in the home at the time of the blaze. The children were taken to ECMC, while the perso

Good Samaritan saves children from fire in East Aurora

Correction: A previous version of this story said the home was on a different road.BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A pair of children were saved by a good Samaritan from a fire at a home in East Aurora on Wednesday, according to police.Crews responded to the home, located on Mill Road, around 6 p.m. Wednesday. Two children, both under the age of 10, were in the home. The person saw the fire and helped, and everyone was out of the house by the time crews arrived.It is unclear if there were any adult