Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What this new Buffalo Billion plea means for the city’s future

And on the Buffalo Patch calendar - Buffalo Theater: A Christmas Carol at Alleyway Theater

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Thursday December 25th Patch AM
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Good day Buffalo! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What this new Buffalo Billion plea means for the city’s future
  • What we know so far about the Tops shooting on Jefferson
  • What this new medical deal means for Buffalo police and taxpayers

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Classics and 7 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Low clouds, with a high of 37 and low of 20 degrees.
  • Friday: Colder with an icy mix, 1-3", temps: high: 30, low: 27.
  • Saturday: Low clouds, with a high of 35 and low of 29 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Alain Kaloyeros avoids more jail time in Buffalo Billion case (wgrz.com) — A key figure in the Buffalo Billion scandal, Alain Kaloyeros, has pleaded guilty in federal court and will face no additional jail time, instead receiving time served and a $100,000 fine. His case centers on a pay-to-play scheme tied to a $750 million state-funded solar plant in Buffalo, a project once touted as a cornerstone of the city’s economic revival.
   

2. Multiple people hit in mass shooting at NY grocery store, Buffalo police say (wkrg.com) — Multiple people have been shot at the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, and police say the suspected shooter is in custody. Officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Erie County leaders, are urging anyone in the area to stay away and follow law enforcement instructions as details on victims’ conditions are still emerging.
   

3. Buffalo Police secures medical benefits (wgrz.com) — Buffalo police officers just secured an extension of their medical benefits through June 2029, even as they continue working without a full contract. Union leaders say the deal offers families stability amid retirements, recruiting struggles, and low morale, while adding accountability measures like dash cameras and tighter overtime rules.
   

4. Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Buffalo NYE Ball Drop (vannuysnewspress.com) — Downtown Buffalo residents can ring in 2026 at the free New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and fireworks at the Electric Tower, running 10 p.m. to midnight on December 31. With live music, DJ Jickster, and proceeds supporting Buffalo PAL’s youth programs, the Roosevelt Plaza celebration aims to pack the Electric District with families and visitors.
   

5. BJ Stasio and the Work of Staying Human Inside the System (buffalorising.com) — A Buffalo-born disability rights advocate, BJ Stasio has turned a difficult childhood and systemic barriers into a career pushing New York’s support systems to treat people with disabilities as full human beings. Now a peer specialist in the state’s developmental disabilities office, he mentors others, challenges dehumanizing language, and presses agencies to offer real choices and dignity, not just paperwork and promises.
   

📸 Around Buffalo

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • VFW Warns Buffalo Veterans – Don’t Leave Benefits Money on the Table —Sturges Word Communications Read on Patch
  • Reimer Home Services Unveils Interactive Exhibit at Explore & More Children's Museum —Erinn Lyden Read on Patch
  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Diddy, a cat who went missing in Buffalo, NY, has been safely reunited with their family after 3 hours, 40 minutes. Message from Owner: "I love him… (Nextdoor Schiller Park)
  • Hello neighborhood!
    At 3200 Elmwood Ave ( The Elmwood Commons) starting tomorrow, free Christmas trees. Come get your tree and fixings. We have hundreds of trees. … (Nextdoor Hoover)
  • NOW AVAILABLE: The Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Buffalo Common Council meeting agenda, journal, summary, proceeding, and on-demand video to watch the... (X: BFLO_CC)
  • The Buffalo Common Council has approved a $3 million settlement with the family of William Sager Jr., the 28-year-old Air National Guardsman who died... (X: news4buffalo)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Buffalo. Apply here.
  • Burlington posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time 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 guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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