🌱 NYS AG Hosts Mental Health Hearing + School Security + ADA Position

Editorial Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated an advocate is hosting the NYS Mental Health Hearing. This version is updated to correctly reflect the NYS Attorney General as hosting the hearing.

Happy Monday, Buffalo! I hope you had a nice weekend. Today's updates include:

• BPS is beginning to implement new security scanners at schools.
• Applications for the Diversity and Inclusion ADA Coordinator are due soon.
• There are desires to build a new jail instead of updating/merging the two existing ones?

But first, today's weather:

Breezy in the afternoon. High: 37. Low: 32.

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Here are the top five stories today in Buffalo:

1. NYS Attorney General Letita James is coming to Buffalo next week to host a hearing on mental health. The hearing is open to the public and local providers, officials, and advocates are invited to attend and testify. One local advocate, Karl Shallowhorn, said,"We need more services, and I hope that's what people will advocate for, for instance, the short-term respite program on Elm Street. That's the kind of thing we need more investment in, more investment in those type of programs to take the weight off hospitals." (WGRZ 2)

1. The Buffalo Public Schools has started to implement new high-tech security scanners. Barbara Lark, chief of security for Buffalo Public Schools, explained,"As a person enters, [the scanners] will pick up, it senses if they have a weapon on them or a metal object or something that could be a threat. If it's just a backpack, then the backpack is searched. If it's the backpack and a person, then the person is wanded." They are now installed at International Preparatory High School. (WGRZ 2)
2. The city is taking applications for the Diversity and Inclusion ADA Coordinator local government position. The position descriptions include coordinating diversity and inclusion programs, guiding the making of policies, and more. It offers a yearly salary of $63,000. (WKBW 7)
3. Erie County Sheriff John Garcia wants the county to build a new jail instead of updating or merging the two existing ones. Among other issues, the holding center doesn't meet modern jail design standards, which makes it difficult to repair. The correctional facility, which is located in Alden, is hard for loved-ones to visit and makes it difficult for inmate to be transported to court hearings. County Executive Mark Polancarz said he needs a better idea of the potential project's budget needs before he can make any movement towards a decision. (The Buffalo News)
4. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi expressed concern for witnesses working in the trial of strip club owner Peter G. Gerace Jr. and retired U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrative Agent Joseph S. Bongiovanni, who are suspected of being involved with Buffalo’s “Italian Organized Crime” organization. Tripi desires to keep names of witnesses secret from the public and defense lawyers for as long as possible. (Buffalo News)

Today in Buffalo:

• YogaSix Quaker Crossing - Yoga Class! Fattey Beer Co., 5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
• Bollywood Classes for Adults and Kids! Devi Studios,7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
• Free Spoon Carving Meet Up! The Foundry, 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

From my notebook:

• Hamlin's Tweets: "Let’s win today for Damar ❤️💙 Tw: @d.ham3" (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Hamlin Street: "#ForDamar - Let’s Go Buffalo! ❤️🦬💙 #InTheBUF / Photo by @auroraciderhouse" (Visit Buffalo Niagara via Instagram)
• Friday Foster Feature: "Friday Foster Feature with Phillip! 🏡🐾🧡 This sweetie came to us late summer as a chunky big puppy, was adopted, but returned and is now in a foster home thriving! He is very people, dog and kid friendly." (City Of Buffalo Animal Shelter via Instagram)
• Historic Cobblestone District: "February 7, 2015 when 'Heart Bombs' were bestowed upon buildings in the Cobblestone District by preservationists seeking to save some of Buffalo's remaining history from the wrecking ball." (Rise Collaborative via Instagram)
• Buffalo Strong at the Waterfront: "Buffalo Strong❤️💙🤍 Tonight, at the Ice at Canalside, presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York" (Buffalo Waterfront via Facebook)
• Heavy Dog: "Lilliana is an approximately 2 year old Boerboel who arrived at the shelter as a stray and was never claimed." (City Of Buffalo Animal Shelter via Instagram)
• Marathon Registration: "Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/... #buffalomarathonweekend #buffalomarathon #damarhamlin" (Buffalo Marathon via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!