🌱 UB VITA Program Brings In $300K + Woman Pleads Guilty To Felony

Up and at 'em, Buffalo! Here's everything you need to know to get this Wednesday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 74 Low: 51.

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Here are the top 3 stories in Buffalo today:

1. On Friday, Jamya Beathley pleaded guilty to three felony charges connected to the assault that took place inside her home on the West Side. The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted burglary, first-degree attempted assault, and second-degree assault. She was said to be armed with a knife, back in Feb. 2021, when she entered the victim's home on Potomoac Avenue. After being released for her plea in court on Friday, she will remain out of custody until the sentencing takes place in August. The victim and her family will have a temporary order of protection during this time. (WKBW 7 News Buffalo)
2. During the 2022 tax season, 65 IRS-certified, University at Buffalo School of Management accounting students were able to return almost $300,000 to the region by utilizing the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Students from UB's Accounting Association and the university's chapter of Beta Alpha Psi led the program that provided nearly 1,400 hours of tax service, preparing tax returns for Buffalo residents with incomes below $58,000. The students, while they had a lot on their plates between school and different commitments, were able to make time for those in need. In doing so, they completed over 9,700 tax returns and were able to bring almost $13 million in tax refunds back into the Buffalo community. (Press Release Desk)
3. Even though the pandemic has put lots of people's travel plans on hold, Buffalo Seminary students have sought to form relationships with students in Beijing. Not only are the students writing letters back and forth, but Buffalo students also conducted live presentations, introducing themselves, as well as their different hobbies and pastimes to the Beijing students. Wen Guo, the student's Mandarin teacher, is originally from just outside of Beijing, and she has stated how proud she is to be able to show her culture to her students and foster connections between the two schools. (WKBW 7 News Buffalo)

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Today in Buffalo:

• Computer Coach At Buffalo And Erie County Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Read To A Therapy Dog At Buffalo And Erie County Public Library (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Batavia Downs will be throwing a Tacos & Tequila Festival on Sat., May 21! What better way to spend your night than with some good food, fun games, and good drinks⁠ ⁠The event will take place⁠ at⁠ Batavia Downs, Park Place Events Center⁠ ⁠from 5:00-7:00 p.m. (Instagram)
• For a limited time, you can get 20 percent off your tickets to see Tyga at the Buffalo Outer Harbor. The concert will take place on Jun. 11 and tickets are available now. (Facebook)
• The Buffalo History Museum will have its 21st annual Paint the Town on Thursday, Jun. 9. Showcasing local talents and museum donors, the event will feature an art auction, as well as wine and beer tasting from local wineries and breweries. Get your tickets today! (Instagram)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.