🌱 Food Donations to Honor MLK + Brave Nun Stops Thieves + COVID-19 Vaccine Judge Ruling

Happy Tuesday, y'all! Let's start it by reading about what's going on around town, including updates on:

• Elementary school students exemplifying MLK's teachings yesterday
• A brave nun stopping two thieves in the east side
• The COVID-19 vaccine not being mandatory for health-care workers

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy with a little rain. High: 42. Low: 36.

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Here are the top stories in Buffalo today:

1. To honor Martin Luther King Jr., Elmwood Franklin School's elementary students and parents delivered meals to those who need. They worked with FeedMore WNY to procure hot and cold meals, which they delivered around the city on their day off. For more information, keep reading at Spectrum Local News.
2. A Buffalo nun, energized with adrenaline, stopped two thieves at the east side's Response to Love Center. The thieves, who have yet to be identified, were atop the building and theorized to be trying to steal the gutter and drain pipes to sell as scrap parts. Sister Mary Johnice knocked down the ladder, causing the thieves to flee the scene. "I amazed myself when I see it now,” Sister Johnice said. Read more at WKBW 7.
3. A state Supreme Court judge ruled that the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory for health-care workers. The judge's ruling says that Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Health do not have the authority to mandate the vaccine since it is not included in the state public health law. Nurse Rachel Ponka, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, can return to working in hospitals given this new ruling and, in her words, "I absolutely will." The State Health Department strongly disagrees with this decision. More details can be found at WKBW 7.
4. A robbery suspect has been charged with damaging a police department body camera. The camera fell to the ground during an altercation at the time of arrest, at which point the suspect allegedly kicked the camera, inflicting damage. Learn more via The Buffalo News.
5. The Spirit of Truth Urban Ministry in Lovejoy opened its doors to over a hundred fearful people during last month's blizzard, all thanks to pastors Al and Vivian Robinson. By Christmas morning, about 150 people were finding shelter in the church and each of them were sure to have a blanket. Vivian Robinson talked about her motivation for keeping her neighbors safe, saying "Something in my spirit was like, you know what, we need to open up the church. So I told my husband, I said ‘honey we need to open up the church.’ He said, ‘let’s go for it.'" Read the full story at WIVB 4.Read the full story at WIVB 4.

Today in Buffalo:

• Sumi-e and Chinese Brush Painting Class! Roycroft Campus, 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
• Songs of Nature’s Echo! Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
• Gorge-ous Trees! Devil's Hole State Park, 1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.

From my notebook:

• Happy MLK Day from the Buffalo Public Schools: "Today we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. Happy MLK day! "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." Strength to Love, 1963." (Buffalo Schools via Facebook)
• Happy MLK Day from Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens: "Today we honor and remember the legacy of Dr. Martin King, Jr. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” May we continue to never be silent about the things that matter. Thank you, Dr. King 💚" (Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens via Facebook)
• Watching the Win: "W is for win and for Wolf. @wolfblitzer ❤️🦬💙 #InTheBUF #BillsMafia / Photo by @adeantonis" (Visit Buffalo Niagara via Instagram)
• #LetsGoBandits: "The top goalscorer, assist man, and point-getter in the @nll so far this year?...⁠ ⁠ They play for the @nllbandits!" (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Pup is Ready for the Puck: "Monday Afternoon Pup Drop! 🏒 @sabrespup @buffalosabres 🐕 #dogsofbuffalo #buffalosabres #pupdrop #puckdrop @pawsitiveforheroes @wnyheroes #therapydog #servicedog #ptsdawareness" (Dogs Of Buffalo via Instagram)
• Buffalo's Freedom Wall: "Did you know the Freedom Wall on the corner of Michigan and East Ferry was painted by four artists from Buffalo State's Art and Design department?" (SUNY Buffalo State College via Instagram)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next update!