Category: PostNews

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — With the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue closed, dozens of organizations have stepped in to get food to neighbors on the East Side.

The Tops location was seen as a neighborhood hub. Many who shopped there have told News 4 that buying a loaf of bread would take half an hour, after inevitably running into friends and family. Now, the doors are closed, and there’s no telling just when they’ll open again.

Now, one group that feeds people all around the world has set up shop on Jefferson Avenue.

World Central Kitchen serves everyone. Stationed out of D.C. and New York City, they travel to communities in desperate need of fresh food. They have crews in Texas, New Mexico, Ukraine — and now Buffalo.

Not only do they pass out fresh produce, nonperishables and water, but also hot meals donated from WNY restaurants.

World Central Kitchen’s Tyler Sodoma said they plan to stay as long as the community needs them.

Meanwhile, just a stone’s throw down Jefferson Avenue, Chivetta’s held a free chicken barbecue in partnership with Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

David White of Omega Psi Phi said they are expecting to feed thousands along with World Central Kitchen.

The need for fresh food isn’t going anywhere for the East Side — and neither are these groups.

HARBORCREEK, Pa. (WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com) — Pennsylvania State Police have reported that following a search for a missing three-year-old boy, the child was found dead in Lake Erie.

Just after 5 p.m. on May 21, police were dispatched to Northview Drive in Harborcreek Township for reports of a missing juvenile.

Police arrived on scene along with Fairfield Hose Volunteer Fire Department, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Coast Guard, and other volunteer services. These agencies canvased the area searching for the victim.

Members of the Fish and Boat Commission searched Lake Erie and were able to locate the victim approximately 120 yards off shore.

Hilton man dies after motorcycle veers off road

The child was taken to Shades Beach boat launch where EMS personnel were awaiting to perform life-saving measures. The victim was then transported to to UPMC Hamot where he was pronounced dead just after 6:50 p.m.

The Erie County Deputy Coroner John Maloney has ruled the death as accidental with no signs of foul play.

State Police are continuing to investigate this scene. No names associated with this incident will be released, as per Pennsylvania State Police regulations.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and OPEIU, Local 153 agreed to a three-year contract Sunday.

Highmark BCBS of WNY is the only Buffalo-based health insurance provider that employs union members. The new contract will be in effect through April 25, 2025 and will cover 375 bargaining-unit employees, most of whom serve in office, customer service and clerical roles.

The insurer reported in the announcement that the new contract also includes an extension of remote work beyond the current collective bargaining agreement.

Our employees represented by OPEIU, Local 153 are some of our most important brand ambassadors. They are on the front lines in our customer service and administrative areas, serving invaluable roles for the company. You hear us say that we are the only local health insurance company with union representation because that means a lot to us and our members. We are pleased by today’s contract ratification.”

Dr. Michael Edbauer, President, Highmark BCBS of WNY

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — 5,800 athletes from 13 countries and 43 states will take to the Queen City’s streets for the Buffalo Marathon next weekend.

This will be the first year the marathon is back in full force after a scaled-back race in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The weekend kicks off on May 28 at 7 a.m. with a 5K, followed by the Kids Mini-Marathon, Diaper Dash and more. May 29 is marathon race day, stepping off at 6:30 a.m.

The marathon will honor the 10 people killed in last Saturday’s tragic mass shooting at the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue.

The banner at the start line will feature the names of the 10 victims, and 7,500 red ribbons will be given out to runners and volunteers to wear in their memory. Marathon organizers are partnering with FeedMore WNY for a food drive during the Saturday Expo to help the community.

The Kaleida Foundation is giving 270 “Heart-To-Heart” participants commemorative shirts with the victims’ names printed on the shirts. Three teams from Tops Markets will be participating in the Heart-To-Heart relay.

New this year for the marathon, a Welcome Party will happen on Chippewa Street from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. A free “Yoga Restorative Class” will be offered Saturday at the finish line. And to wrap everything up, a closing celebration (ages 21 and up) will be held on Chippewa Street from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Music from Nerds Gone Wild and XOXO Pop Band will round out the night with fireworks.

In addition, Canadian Lucas McAneney will attempt to set the world record in the marathon while pushing a stroller. Swag bags will also be relieved to Children’s Hospital with a medal and the same swag kids running the Mini Marathon or Diaper Dash are receiving.

For a full schedule and list of road closures, look below:

Schedule:

Road Closures:

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Erie County Republican Committee announced Sunday it strongly reaffirms its endorsement of Congressman Chris Jacobs for re-election in New York’s new 23rd Congressional District.

The endorsement comes days after Jacobs, who currently represents New York’s 27th Congressional district, announced his run in the new congressional district after the State Legislature approved a plan to redraw district lines, WIVB previously reported.

Rep. Chris Jacobs announces bid for re-election

The new district stretches from Erie and Chautauqua to Schuyler and Chemung Counties.

“Congressman Jacobs has been a strong, conservative voice for Western New York, and our Republican Party is proud to support him for re-election,” Chairman Karl Simmeth stated.

“We are here to stay and are fighting like hell to end one-party Democrat control in Washington and Albany alike,” Simmeth added. “That’s why we are endorsing Congressman Jacobs for re-election – to make sure Republicans flip the House of Representatives this November.”

Jacobs has previously called on Republicans to fight inflation, and the rising cost gasoline and food

“Now, more than ever, we need a strong, conservative majority in the House to deliver real solutions that bring down costs, restore our energy independence, end reckless spending, and secure our nation,” WIVB previously quoted Jacobs as saying. “I will fight to deliver that majority and continue my work for the people of New York to defend our constitutional rights, economic prosperity, and our future.”

Jacobs was first elected in 2020 and currently serves on the House Agriculture Committee, the House Budget Committee, and the House Education and Labor Committee.

The primary is scheduled for Aug. 23.

 Get ready for the 2022 Women’s Conference  Empowering Women !

The conference will be held Saturday June 4 from 12-3pm at St. George Orthodox Hall at 2 Nottingham Terrace.  There will be many powerful women in the room like Vondolyn Salter-Lane CEO of MA-MHC, Annette McCoy LCSW, Jennifer Whitaker, Edith Brown, Cashell Durham RN-BSN, Evangelist Ramona Overall, Sherita Bailey-Anderson LMFT, Shellonnee Chinn M. Ed., Jaliyah of The Vibrant Strings and many more. 

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Eventbrite,  Cashapp $MHandCC or email mhcmsvee@gmail.com

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is in Buffalo to address the congregation at True Bethel Baptist Church.

Cuomo is expected to speak around 8:45 a.m.

Watch live in the video player above.

May is the month known for several celebrations that you may recognize, depending upon your interests and concerns. There’s Cinco de Mayo, Jewish American Heritage Month, Memorial Day, and, of course, Mother’s Day. Here’s a Goggle quote for you: “Consumers are estimated to spend an average of $152 on mom, buying everything from flowers and jewelry to apparel and special outings (brunch, dinner, etc.). That’s big bucks when you consider there are more than 85 million mothers in the United States alone.” Recently, I was looking for a video that I wanted to include in a presentation dealing with the number of children born in prison. I found several. I also found a few dealing with children of incarcerated parents. It occurred to me that there was literally nothing being said about mothers of incarcerated adult children.

 I know a few mothers who have incarcerated adult children and I have met quite a few over the nearly 17 years that PRISONERS ARE PEOPLE TOO, INC. has been in existence. At the next monthly meeting of PRP2, I want you to meet them and to hear them talk about their lives and to understand how they have managed to deal with having their adult children behind prison bars. These women have dealt with the loss of a loved one that was totally unexpected. When Mothers look at their newborns and watch them grow over the years, their imprisonment is never an expectation. How have they dealt with years of loving that is coupled with years of expenses required for packages, travel, and legal fees? How have they dealt with the opinions of family and friends who may not understand how the criminal INjustice system works or fails to work? How does a mother deal with the unending love that may be challenged by an adult child’s incarceration which engenders feelings of shame and guilt?

 These women have agreed to be vulnerable and honest in sharing stories of their lived experience. Join us for the next monthly meeting of PRP2 on Monday, May 23, 7:00-9:00pm to acknowledge a group of MOTHERS who understand the power of unconditional love. We’ll meet at the CAO Rafi Green Center, 1423 Fillmore Avenue @ Glenwood. WEAR YOUR MASK! (Karima Amin,karimatells@yahoo.com; BaBa Eng, g.babaeng@yahoo.com)

ShearShare, an award-winning first-of-its-kind B2B app that lets licensed beauty and barbering professionals rent flexible, affordable space to work with no-term leases or commission fees, is hosting a local “Beauty & Barbering Community Night” on Monday, May 23  at 3:30p.m. at Seneca One Tower (1 Seneca St. 

Spearheaded by ShearShare Co-Founders Courtney and Dr. Tye Caldwell, the spirited event will feature industry tips and insights, monetization strategies, networking, giveaways, a happy hour, and so much more!

“ShearShare gives beauty and barbering professionals more control, and makes their lives easier by allowing them to work whenever they want to, and wherever they want,” said ShearShare Co-Founders Courtney and Dr. Tye Caldwell. 

Doors to the event will open at 3:00PM, with the event officially kicking off at 3:30PM. Happy hour begins thereafter at 5:00PM. To RSVP visit ShearShare.com/events. For more on ShearShare and its award-winning platform, visit ShearShare.com

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — As the Buffalo community continues to remember the victims of the mass shooting at Tops Markets, Buffalo firefighters are honoring the lives lost, while memorials on Jefferson Avenue continue to grow.

The city of Buffalo is still reeling from last week’s horrific attack at the Tops Markets on Jefferson. The mountain of flowers, candles and messages spill onto the grass and walls of nearby businesses.

Messages of love and heartbreak are piled high in front of the empty grocery store — the only one in the neighborhood. Lenny Lane with Buffalo Peacemakers said people are still grieving, and they will for awhile, but the healing process has started — slowly.

The Buffalo Fire Department paid tribute to those killed and wounded Saturday morning. They marched down Jefferson Avenue with flowers in hand and flashing lights in front of them.

Several of the firefighters walking down Jefferson were among the first at the scene last week.

Buffalo Fire Commissioner William Renaldo said those firefighters are taking some time off, but he is sure it won’t be long before they are back to work.

In the meantime, the rest of the Western New York community is banding together through food drives, memorials and support in any way possible.