🌱 ☕Starbucks Union Complaints + Faith in the Snow Removal Plan + New Diaper Bank

Hello, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this chilly morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in town. Today you'll find news about:

• ❄️ The city's snow removal plan!
• 🚘 The social media "Kia Challenge!"
• 🐶 Cuteeeee dog picture!

❄️ But first, today's weather: A little snow at times. High: 41. Low: 33.

Here are the top stories in Buffalo today:

1. Starbucks workers say that since the first local store successfully unionized last year, 15 workers have been fired for supporting the union. Among cited reasons for these terminations are wearing a suicide-prevention pin in honor of co-worker and not finding coverage when attending the funeral of a grandparent (despite company rules not requiring a worker to find coverage in emergency cases). Starbucks claims that any reflection of union members being fired in higher numbers is reflective of an increased likelihood to break store rules. Nationally, 130 union members have been fired, with about a dozen reinstated after the National Labor Relations Board required the company to do so. Learn more at WIVB 4.
2. As the first snow storm of the season approaches, the city expresses faith in the snow removal plan. New this year is an app that allows people to see what streets have already been plowed, which might make commutes easier. Returning is the 24 hour guarantee that all city streets will be plowed if it snows less than 8 inches that day and towing/ticketing illegally parked cars to ensure that, which hasn't happened since the onset of the pandemic. To ease that for people, the city has set up lots in each common council district where people can park their cars if they are worried about not being able to move it during the next day's storm. Read more at WGRZ 2.
3. A diaper bank on Vermont street has opened today, created through a partnership between West Side Community Services and Every Bottom Covered. The diaper bank will be providing residents of the 14201, 14209, 14213, and 14222 zip codes can up 50 diapers a month if they bring a photo ID, proof of address, and the birth certificate of their child/children to the bank. For more information, visit WKBW 7.
4. In response to a social media challenge, Cheektowaga police are joining other law enforcement agencies and giving out free wheel locks for Kia vehicles made between 2011 and 2021. The social media challenge is called "Kia Challenge" and involves breaking into the vehicle with a phone charger. Find out more via WIVB 4.
5. Many veterans have joined the Buffalo Fire Department through its apprenticeship program. In the words of Commisioner Renaldo, "Many veterans find a home in the fire service due in large part to the comradery and shared mission they provide, similar to what service members had while serving in the military." Read more at WGRZ 2.

Today in Buffalo:

• Sustainable Business Summit! The Powerhouse. November 16th, 11:00 A.M. Details!
• Zoning Board of Appeals! City Hall OSP Room. November 16th, 2:00 P.M. Details!
• Out For Business: LGBTQ+ Networking Event! Breezy Burrito Bar. November 16th, 5:00 P.M. Details!
• JCC Zoom Author Event - Miriam Steinberg-Egeth! Virtual. November 16th, 6:30 P.M. Details!

Buffalo Chatter:

• Travelling UB Bulls: "Globe trotting Bulls! 🌎 These are just some of this year's entries into the 2022 Global Gallery Photo Contest 📸 Check out all the entries and cast your vote for the People's Choice winner at the link in our bio! 🤘🏽 #UBuffalo" (University at Buffalo via Instagram)
• Best Pasta in Buffalo: "In a recent article from Food Network, one of Buffalo’s very own made the list of the “Best Pastas in The Country"! Tap our link in bio to find out why it made the list 🍝" (Step Out Buffalo via Instagram)
• Big Yawnin' Tiger: "Big yawns from Zhanna on this chilly #TongueOutTuesday 🥱👅🐯" (The Buffalo Zoo via Instagram)
• Buffalo Schools Gives Away Free Winter Coats: "Just in time for the winter season! The BPS Parent Centers will be distributing FREE winter coats during their upcoming Saturday Academies for those in need. Nov. 19th @ South Park High School Nov. 19th @ East Community High School Dec. ..." (Buffalo Schools via Facebook)
• JCC Buffalo: "We hope to see you tomorrow for a Zoom discussion with Co-editor Miriam Steinberg-Egeth. ✨ Warm and Welcoming: How the Jewish Community Can Become Truly Diverse and Inclusive in the 21st Century is the first book to tackle institutionali..." (JCC Buffalo via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.