Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What did clergy uncover inside Erie County’s jails this year?

Also, don't miss Buffalo Jazz Collective Holiday Celebration on the Buffalo Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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What's up Buffalo! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What did clergy uncover inside Erie County’s jails this year?
  • Why Buffalo mail carriers say they feel like ‘sitting ducks’
  • How could Buffalo businesses plug into the semiconductor boom?

Also on today's calendar: Santa's Helpers Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Buffalofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Buffalofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Morning snow showers; colder, with a high of 27 and low of 22 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly cloudy, snow showers, temps: high: 32, low: 25.
  • Saturday: Snow showers in the afternoon, with a high of 29 and low of 16 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. Clergy group releases first public report on Erie County jail conditions (wkbw.com) — Clergy from across Erie County have released a first-of-its-kind public report on conditions at the county’s jails, including the Holding Center in downtown Buffalo, praising some reforms while flagging five serious concerns. They call for improvements in racial justice, food, women’s treatment, medical care, and religious access, while Sheriff John Garcia says his office has expanded programming but is limited by outdated facilities and budgets.
   

2. Postal workers union pushes for safety bill amid rising attacks (rochesterfirst.com) — Postal workers in Buffalo are facing a worrying rise in robberies and assaults, including a recent armed theft of a carrier’s keys in the Buffalo area. Local union leaders are urging support for a federal safety bill to upgrade arrow keys, improve equipment, and increase penalties, and they’re asking residents to stay alert and watch out for carriers this season.
   

3. NY SMART I-Corridor Opportunity Exchange focused on opportunities in advanced manufacturing – Central New York Business Journal (cnybj.com subscription) — Business, education, and economic-development leaders gathered in Buffalo for an NY SMART I-Corridor Opportunity Exchange aimed at plugging local companies into the booming semiconductor and advanced manufacturing supply chain. With updates from Micron and Edwards Vacuum, organizers say the Tech Hub effort could bring thousands of middle-skill jobs and billions in investment to the Buffalo Niagara region over the next decade.
   

4. 9,500 Truckers Taken Off Roads Over English Tests, Trump Admin. Praises Crackdown (dailyvoice.com) — Federal English-language enforcement for truck drivers has led to more than 9,500 drivers being taken off U.S. roads, including dozens arrested in mid-November raids along the Thruway near Buffalo and Syracuse. Supporters say the crackdown boosts safety, while immigrant-rights advocates and trucking companies warn it worsens driver shortages, disrupts freight, and unfairly targets foreign-born drivers.
   

5. 'I feel free': North Tonawanda teen released from hospital with surprise parade after urgent transplant (wkbw.com) — A North Tonawanda high school swimmer is recovering after doctors at Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo spotted severe liver problems and rushed her to Pittsburgh for a life-saving transplant. After 33 days in the hospital, she’s now out, staying nearby for follow-up care, and already looking ahead to getting back in the pool and returning home to Western New York.
   

📸 Around Buffalo

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • ​Comcast Business Expands in Upstate New York, Bringing Connectivity Solutions to Buffalo Area Businesses —Marc Goodman Read on Patch
  • The Kris Kringle Craft Show is
    at the Wurlitzer building this Sunday the 14th, 10:30-3:30. Located next to Platters Chocolate on Niagara Falls Blvd. Great place to do some… (Nextdoor Buffalo)
  • Hi neighbors, I'm a retired former preschool teacher/nanny who is looking for an after school position 1 or 2 days per week.
    I'm available on Tuesdays from 4-7 pm and from 2-6 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I can meet your children at the bus and walk them home, start… (Nextdoor North Park - Lower)
  • The Bills have lost more than $ million in revenue in 2025 due to counterfeit fake jerseys, according to a new study.... (X: news4buffalo)
  • Next Thursday, December 18 at 7 PM I will be holding a Town Hall Meeting in Tonawanda. On the agenda will be a discussion about the 2026 county... (X: markpoloncarz)
  • US Foods Holding Corp. posted a job opening for Driver Check In Clerk in Buffalo. Apply here.
  • PriceRite Marketplace posted a job opening for Price Rite - Stocking Clerk - Part Time (PRRC NY) Salary Range $15.50 - $19.00/hr in Buffalo. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Buffalo here.

Ok Buffalo! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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