🌱 Redistricting + Cannabis-Positive Firefighter + Bus Driver Hirings

Hey, everybody! Here's the community news you need to know right now, including:

• A legal challenge to the redistricting map has been rejected.
• The firefighter who tested positive for marijuana has been reinstated.
• Free STEM programming is coming to local libraries.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 34. Low: 28.

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Here are the top stories today in Buffalo:

1. Yesterday, a judge rejected a legal challenge led by Our City Action Buffalo about Buffalo's redistricting map. Our City Action Buffalo feels that the signed map does not take into account neighborhoods and acts to promote racism. "The issue is not whether the map is the best possible map," State Supreme Court Justice Timothy J. Walker said after siding with the Common Council and their existing map, "Rather, it is whether the map substantially complies with legal requirements." For more information, visit The Buffalo News.
2. Scott Martin, a Buffalo firefighter who was fired in 2021 after testing positive for cannabis on a random workplace drug test was recently reinstated. Martin holds a medical registration for marijuana to help with chronic back pain, insomnia, and PTSD. He also never used the medicine on the job. In addition to the reinstatement, the city has also agreed to pay Martin $242,000 in back pay. More details can be found at WIVB 4.
3. First Student Inc., a student-centered school bus company, is currently hiring drivers. According to regional recruiter Matthew Hudson, they have about 300 openings and provide paid training, as well as benefits. To learn more, visit WKBW 7.
4. Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum and LaBella Associates are working together to bring free STEM programming to multiple Buffalo & Erie County Public Libraries. 12 total programs will be implemented in various local libraries, each of which will help 25 children work on problem-solving and creativity through hands-on activities. Visit Niagara Frontier Publications to read more.
5. The Seattle man who made threatening calls to Buffalo businesses this past July has been sentenced to two years in federal prison. In 37-years-old Joey George's calls he referenced the May 14th shooting and specified that he was threatening to kill Black customers at these other businesses. Read more at The Buffalo News.

Today in Buffalo:

• "OUT" for the Holidays- The Pride Center of WNY Open House! 278 Delaware Ave, 3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
• Joe Baudo’s Big Band Christmas Concert! Sportsmen's Tavern, 12:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
• Buffalo Holiday Market! Loaded Lumber Creative Studio, 3:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
• Free Bottle Engraving on Select Woodford & Jack Daniel’s Purchases! Queen City Wine & Liquor, 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
• Chanukah Festival! Jewish Discovery Center, 5:30 P.M. - 12:00 A.M.
• Scrooge & It's a Wonderful Life Movie Screening! The Screening Room Cinema Cafe, 5:00 P.M. & 7:30 P.M.

From my notebook:

• Beautiful Resin Menorah at the History Museum: "Happy Hanukkah to all those who celebrate! We hope the Festival of Lights is a special time for you and your loved ones. This resin Menorah from our collection depicts Jerusalem around 1993." (The Buffalo History Museum via Instagram)
• Temple Picture for Hanukkah: "Happy #Hanukkah from Buffalo! We hope you have a joyful first night and a holiday full of light. 🕎 #InTheBUF / Photo at Temple Beth Zion" (Visit Buffalo Niagara via Instagram)
• Gorilla Birthday Party: "There's nothing like a gorilla birthday party! Please join us in wishing our own Lily a very happy 22nd birthday! 🥳🎉🎁🦍." (The Buffalo Zoo via Instagram)
• JCC Festivities: "Happy Hanukkah from your friends at JCC Buffalo! We wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and joyous holiday season filled with light! 🕎 #hanukkah" (JCC Buffalo via Facebook)
• Animals for Adoption: "For us volunteers, the best part of events are seeing our dogs so tired out and happy on the car ride back to the shelter…😴💤🐾 ." (City Of Buffalo Animal Shelter via Instagram)
• Eco Updates: "Buffalo ReUse Update! With the help of volunteers and supporters from across Western New York, the Buffalo ReUse building is SLOWLY emptying. This is a herculean effort and we need support! Please share THIS post with your friends." (Buffalo ReUse via Facebook)
• Elf + Bills Mafia = Great Meme: "Son of a nutcracker." (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)

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Events:

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

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!