🌱 Incoming Storm + BPS Security Changes + Ohio Street Lift Bridge

Good morning, everybody! Keep reading to find out all the community news you need to know right now, including updates on...

• The incoming storm is affecting holiday travel plans.
• New security systems coming to the public schools.
• The Ohio Street lift bridge is open.

But first, today's weather:

A bit of snow and rain. High: 42. Low: 27.

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Here are the top five stories today in Buffalo:

1. Governor Kathy Hochul spoke on the "kitchen sink" storm that is predicted for this weekend. Buffalo is expected to see rain, snow, lake-effect and high winds. “The worst is coming Friday,” Hochul said. “Do your shopping today and tomorrow. Do your traveling [Thursday]. Avoid the roads. If you’re going to see family, tell them you’re coming a day early. This is how we can make sure the people are safe." Read more about the weather at WIVB 4.
2. The Buffalo Public School District is implementing Evolv Weapons Detection in all its schools. Evolv uses artificial intelligence and advanced imaging technology to detect weapons. This technology will be implemented in the high schools first, but eventually in all the public schools. More information can be found at WIVB 4.
3. After being closed for repairs, the Ohio Street lift bridge has officially reopened to traffic. “The Ohio Street bridge provides an important connection between Canalside and the Outer Harbor, one that the public will be happy to see restored and reopened," said Representative Brian Higgins. The repairs took 19 months and cost $19 million. Learn more via The Buffalo News.
4. In preparation for the predicted weather, Mayor Byron Brown has already began to announce closes and changes for the weekend. Garbage and recycling services in the city will be closed on Friday morning, and services in every part of the city will be pushed back a day next week to accommodate the change. Additionally, waterfront parks are closed for a section of today and city pools are closed on Friday. To find out more, visit WKBW 7.
5. Shake Shack is opening its first site in Western New York. The chain restaurant will be opening next year in the Angola Service area on the I-90. Read more WGRZ 2.

Today in Buffalo:

• Wellness Walks presented by Independent Health! Tifft Nature Preserve, 10:00 A.M.
• Annual Studio Artist Exhibit and Sale (recurring event) ! Buffalo Arts Studio,11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
• Trans Siberian Orchestra: The Ghost of Christmas Eve! KeyBank Center, 3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
• Intrepid Travelers! Sportsmen's Tavern, 7:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M.
• Sandy Claus: Out of the Claus-et! 9th Ward at Babeville, 8:00 P.M. -10:00 P.M.

From my notebook:

• Buffalo in Snow: "A view in my city…………. Buffalo NY………. . . #buffalo #wny #716 #billsmafia #buffalony #richardupjohn #louissullivan #blizzard #igersbuffalo." (Kevin Rybczyński via Instagram)
• Downtown in the '70s: "Step back in time and revisit 1970s Buffalo at our new exhibit! Chippewa 1975 features the photos of Charles Hahn, who grabbed his camera and documented downtown for a high school class project." (The Buffalo History Museum via Instagram)
• Bikers Happy about Ohio Street Bridge: "From our community engagement manager, Kaden Shea, "Good news to everyone who has been thrown off their bike like a bucking bronco when riding over potholes on Ganson - you never have to ride there ever again!"" (GObike Buffalo via Facebook)
• Unique History of this Volunteer: "While Chris Andrle may have recently started volunteering at the Museum, he has a unique history with the institution." (Buffalo Museum of Science via Instagram)
• Bennett Tigers' Parade: "City of Buffalo…join the Buffalo Public Schools on Thursday, December 22nd as we celebrate New York State Class AA Football Champions." (Buffalo Schools via Facebook)
• Free Skating for BPS Students: "Thanks Futures Academy for coming down and being the first Buffalo Public School Students to break in the ice 🎟️ Free Skate admission + rental passes are currently being distributed to ALL Buffalo Public School students!" (Buffalo Waterfront via Facebook)
• Kids Make Hanukkah Cards: "Our amazing Kids' Place kids made Hanukkah cards this week to send to our neighbors on the Weinberg Campus! Great job! Happy Hanukkah!" (JCC Buffalo via Facebook)
• Hanukkah Giveaway: "It's Day Three of our Hanukkah Giveaways! 😁 Today, we are giving away one private pickleball or swim lesson to one lucky member from each of our buildings." (JCC Buffalo via Facebook)

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Events:

• Celebrate The Holidays With "The Uncle Louie Variety Show" LIVE! (December 26)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.