🌱 Buffalo Starbucks Federal Complaint + $4M Routes 219 & 5 Project

Good morning, Buffalo! I'm Dan Casarella and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in five minutes or less.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 69 Low: 48.

🏡 Are you a local real estate agent? Let us help you generate leads, build your brand in Buffalo and stand apart from the competition. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top 3 stories in Buffalo today:

1. The CEO of New Era Cap Co. was arrested on Saturday night after a parking lot incident involving his girlfriend’s ex-husband. According to authorities, 61-year-old Chris Koch was charged with a felony after intentionally and recklessly driving his Cadillac toward his girlfriend’s ex-husband outside a North Buffalo restaurant. The ex was not at the restaurant — Oliver’s Restaurant on Delaware Avenue near Delham — by chance, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said. (WIVB.com - News 4)
2. After almost two years, two Buffalo men have been sentenced for being connected to a fatal shooting that occurred in August of 2020. 23-year-old Michael Santiago, alongside 30-year-old Hector Sanchez, will both be facing consequences for their involvement in the crime. Erie County Court has made the decision to sentence them both to 22 years in prison, as well as post-release probation for five years after they get out. (WKBW 7 News Buffalo)
3. The New York State Department of Transportation plans on implementing a $4 million preventative maintenance project to improve Route 219 and Route 5. The department's mission is to mill and resurface the highways, Route 219 from Route 391 to the Duerr Road overpass, and Route 5 at Tifft Street in Buffalo. The project aims to save taxpayers some money, lighten traffic, and make the roads easier and more efficient to drive on. The Route 219 resurfacing will not only involve Buffalo, but also about five miles of roadway in cities such as Boston, Hamburg, and Orchard Park. The project is expected to end in the fall. (WIVB.com - News 4)

From our sponsor:

Today’s newsletter is brought to you in part by Ring, a Patch Brand Partner. Did you know that Ring now makes a home security system that provides protection both online and off? It’s called Ring Alarm Pro, a DIY home security system that includes a built-in eero Wi-Fi 6 router.

To learn more about the security system that offers reliable physical and digital security in one innovative device, or to build your own custom system, you can visit Ring here.

Today in Buffalo:

• Second Nature, First At Buffalo And Erie County Botanical Gardens (10:00 AM)
• Storytime With Miss Taylor! At North Park Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• T'ai Chi Chih With Denise Miller At Buffalo And Erie County Public Library (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Buffalo Zoo is preparing for its Zoomagination festival! The festival is presented by Five Star Bank and will be running every Thursday-Sunday from 6:30-10:30 p.m. this summer from Jun. 2 until Aug. 7. (Instagram)
• The City of Buffalo Animal Shelter's Resurgence to the Rescue photo competition is almost over! Make sure you cast your vote for your favorite furry friends before it ends. (Facebook)
• In honor of Clean Air Month this May, GObike Buffalo wants you to ditch the commute and try out transit! They are offering $40 off of a month-long transit pass, encouraging people to drive less and help do their part in keeping our air as clean as possible. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• 47th Annual Bethune-Height Recognition Program, NCNW New York State (May 21)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.