🌱☕ Gendron Pleading Guilty + Diocese Priest Put On Leave + Starbucks

Hello, hello! Hannah Nathanson here with your Monday edition of the Buffalo Daily, full of all the community information you need to know right now. Today's briefing includes...

• 👨‍⚖️ Peyton Gendron might plead guilty federally
• 🔥 A fire tore through a vacant building this weekend
• 😃 A feel-good story about an 8 year old fundraising

🌤️ But first, today's weather: Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 34. Low: 27.

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Here are the top stories in Buffalo today:

1. Peyton Gendron, the gunman from the Tops massacre last spring, might plead guilty to federal charges. Gendron plead guilty to state charges last month, ensuring he will spend the rest of his life in prison for his racially motivated hate crime that resulted in ten tragic fatalities. In court on Friday, his lawyer said Gendron is willing to plead guilty to federal charges if he is spared capital punishment. Read more at Lockport Union-Sun Journal.
2. On Saturday, the Diocese of Buffalo announced that a Southern Tier priest was placed on leave for an "improper sexual relationship" with a woman. Investigations are currently ongoing about the nature of Fr. F. Patrick Melfi and the adult woman's relationship. Melfi was the temporary administrator of three churches in Allegany County prior to his leave. Learn more at WIVB 4.
3. Officially a year after Buffalo employees voted to unionize Starbucks, organizing members have yet to see a change. Michelle Eisen, one of these organizing members, says, “I don’t think a year ago I thought that we’d be standing here still trying to get that first contract." Congressmen Higgins is fully in support of unionizing employees and calls upon Starbucks to support their desires for better healthcare, improved safety, and pro-union policies. Starbucks says they want to show up to the argument with good faith and hope employees can do the same. Find out more via Tara Lynch's article at WIVB 4.
4. Fire tore through an east side building early Saturday morning, causing an estimated $150,000 of damage before firefighters succeeded in putting it out. Thankfully, no injuries were reported and the building was vacant. The cause has yet to be detected. Read more WGRZ 2.
5. David Heide, an 8-year-old from Buffalo, has raised $3,500 for FeedMore WNY by selling desserts at bake sales. Donations and baked goods can be send to 196 Holly Street Buffalo, NY, 14206 to support David's endeavors. Visit WKBW 7 to learn more.

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Today in Buffalo:

• Inside Downtown: South! Buffalo Harbor Museum. December 12th, 10:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Details!
• Pet Nights with Santa! Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls. December 12th, 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 PM. Details!
• Crafting Cocktails and Financial Plans! The Establishment. December 12th, 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. Details!
• Stony Brook Legendary Lights! Quail Run Neighborhood, Lancaster. December 12th, 6:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M. (reoccuring event). Details!
• "Freedom is a Constant Struggle" Book Talk! Sun Cuisines. December 12th, 7:00 P.M. - 8:45 P.M. Details!

Buffalo Chatter:

• Patriots Fan Confession: "Sorry, the wagon is full but thanks 😂👏⁠ ⁠ Tw: Chaserwing12⁠" (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Light Displays: "'Tis the season for beautiful light displays! If you're looking for some of the best decorated homes in WNY, head to our link in bio for every street you need to visit.⁠ ⁠ -⁠ ⁠ This post is brought to you by Zenner & Ritter, WNY's premie..." (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Buffalo Meme: "What wing spot are you most passionate about though? 😏⁠ ⁠ Credit: source unknown" (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Fountain Plaza Tree: "One of our favorite Downtown Buffalo holiday traditions, music returns to the Christmas tree under the dome at M&T Bank’s Fountain Plaza branch (575 Main St) from Dec. 10 to Dec. 16. Just look for the gold dome! This event is free and op..." (Visit Buffalo Niagara via Instagram)
• Buffalo Eats: "BUFFALO EATS x BUFF-A-LOGO GIVEAWAY!! Who wants some FREE food, drinks, apparel, and stickers?! To WIN everything pictured (Buffalo Pizza Crewneck, 10AM Hayburner T-Shirt, @bigditchbrewing $25 gift card, @macysplacepizzeria $50 gift ..." (Buffalo Eats via Instagram)
• Snowy Owl: "A few Snowy owls have reached Buffalo this winter. If you see a Snowy owl, keep your distance and only stay briefly. This photo was taken through a spotting scope with a lot of separation between us…………… Buffalo NY…………. . . #buffalo #buf..." (Kevin Rybczyński via Instagram)
• West Side Home: "Baynes Avenue - West Side" (Buffalo Homes via Instagram)

That's it for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.