🌱🌀 Hurricane Ian + BPD Raise Without Reforms + BPS Suspensions Controversy

Hello, everybody! Here's what you need to know about what's happening in town today. In this issue, you'll find updates on:

• 🌀 Buffalonians with Florida homes discuss Hurricane Ian
• 🚨 Buffalo Police get a raise and no reforms
• 📝 School suspension controversy

☀️ But first, today's weather: Mostly sunny. High: 65. Low: 40.

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Here are the top stories today in Buffalo:

1. Buffalonians in Florida are reporting the realities of Hurricane Ian. One Buffalo couple with a home in Florida describes the crocodiles, sharks, snakes, and alligators they have seen in the flood waters. Hurricane Ian is the fourth strongest hurricane to ever make landfall in Florida, and more than two million people are reported to be without power. Read WKBW 7 for more information.
2. After three years of negotiation between the Brown administration and the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association, the Buffalo Police receive a raise with no reforms. This raise, which includes retroactive pay and cumulates at a worth of $15 million, ignores the long-time demands of demonstrators and elected officials in favor of reform. Learn more at WGRZ.
3. Community Action Organization of Western New York and New York Civil Liberties Union work together to investigate Buffalo Public School Suspensions. There have been over 200 school suspensions in the few weeks schools have been open this year, 20% of which occurred at McKinley High School. According to a 2018 report, these numbers are higher than any other district in New York State and black students are twice as likely to be arrested than white students. To learn more about the controversial school suspensions, read The Buffalo News.
4. Nicky Lofton, 25-year-old man arrested in downtown Buffalo last spring has pleaded guilty to possession of a ghost gun. A ghost gun is a gun that one assembles at home and therefore is untrackable. When Lofton was arrested, the gun was loaded. Find more information at WKBW 7.
5. Three Buffalo Wegmans locations are offering drive-thru flu-shot clinics the next two weekends. Appointments are not required. Wegmans Pharmacies will offer the flu vaccine throughout the fall. For details, visit WIVB 4.

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This Weekend in Buffalo:

• Experience Psychic Fair! Fairgrounds, Erie County. September 30th, 1:00 P.M. - October 2nd. 5:00 P.M. Details!
• Joint Operation Concert! Rec Room. September 30th, 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. Details!
• The Prom! Shea’s Buffalo. September 30th - October 2nd, Various Times. Details!
• Once On This Island! Shea’s 710 Theatre. September 30th - October 2nd, Various Times. Details!
• Doubt, A Parable! Irish Classical Theatre Company at Andrews Theatre. September 30th - October 2nd, Various Times. Details!
• Pumpkingfest Buffalo! Southern Tier Brewing Company. October 1st, 11:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. Details!
• An Evening with Danielle Sinclair! Tuneworks Media. October 1st, 7:00 P.M. Details!

Buffalo Chatter:

• Bills Meme: "People from the 716 only want one thing😉***⁠ ⁠ Tw: adamzientek3" (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• GObike Buffalo: ""The Texas Department of Public Safety are blaming the young victim, saying that he “was riding his bike in an area that isn’t safe for pedestrians or people riding bikes.” BikeHouston disputes this point—and has garnered enough attentio..." (GObike Buffalo via Facebook)
• Cauliflower Wars: "The Cauliflower Wars are coming to a head in Buffalo restaurants, and we can all win. From @southernjunction716 smoked cauliflower Manchurian to @patina250's tempura Buffalo version, here's a a bouquet of florets to adore. #ThisIsGuildWo..." (Andrew Galarneau via Instagram)

Hope you had a good week and have an amazing weekend!! I'll see you soon.