Buffalo News Live

Some of the stories we've got in the pipeline that we talked about at the 11 a.m. news meeting:

*Two teens were arraigned today accused of burning a dog.

*Where does our local congressional delegation stand on the issues facing the country involving the "fiscal cliff?"

*There's a $20 million affordable housing project aimed at helping veterans coming to Riverside.

*WJYE has a new program director.

*A missing Lewiston woman has returned home.

*Jeff Miers is putting together his review of last night's Rubblebucket show at Rapids Theatre in the Falls.

--Aaron Besecker

The future of Statler City is discussed by developer Mark D. Croce. He also talks with The News' Brian Meyer about steps that are being taken to make sure this year's Ice Ball doesn't face the problems that last year's event encountered.

Tim Wanamaker, City Hall's former economic development chief, is in federal court this afternoon for sentencing. He has previously admitted using a city credit card to pay for about $30,000 in personal expenses. (Photo by Derek Gee/Buffalo News)

**Update 1:35 p.m.: The sentencing has been postponed until next month. More to come.

Here's some of what came up in this morning's 11 a.m. news meeting:

*Tim Wanamaker, the City of Buffalo's former top economic development official is being sentenced today in federal court for using a city credit card for personal expenses.

*Barry E. Snyder Sr. is being installed today as the president of the Seneca Nation of Indians.

*First Niagara is announcing a $500,000 donation to the Computers for Kids program.

*Food Editor Andrew Z. Galarneau will have a story in tomorrow's Taste section about cranberries -- they're not just for sauce anymore.

*With the game Thursday night, today is Bills media day, so our beat reporters will have the latest from One Bills Drive.

*The Niagara University men's basketball team opens up its season tonight.

--Aaron Besecker

A funeral for Sgt. Brett Gornewicz, who was killed in Afghanistan on Nov. 3, was held this morning in St. John the Baptist Church in Alden.

Photos by Derek Gee/Buffalo News

Continue reading "Photos: Funeral of Sgt. Brett Gornewicz" »

Just got finished with the 11 a.m. news meeting. Here's what's on tap:

*Staff Reporter Sandra Tan is following up on the two people who were killed on the bike path in Amherst.

*John Vogl is in Toronto covering Rick Jeanneret's induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He's expected to file something by early afternoon.

*Our Bills beat reporters are tracking down Bills running back Fred Jackson's status. Jackson was injured in Sunday's loss to the Patriots.

*Arts Editor Jeff Simon is writing about "Queen City," which is being screened at the Market Arcade on Wednesday night.

*The Small Business Administration is releasing the latest numbers on what banks are making the most loans. M&T Bank is high on the list.

*Gotti, the two-year-old pit bull (pictured below) that was dragged behind its owner's SUV, will be going up for adoption today. Daniel Delaney Jr., who is facing animal cruelty charges, had been attempting to block the move.

(John Hickey/Buffalo News file photo)

--Aaron Besecker

Here are some of the things on our plate today:

*The state Thruway Authority is expected to officially increase tolls for commercial vehicles today. How will it impact our pocketbooks? Why is it being done? (****Update 12:25 p.m.: The vote has been postponed. More to follow.)

*Staff Reporter Emma Sapong is profiling a taxi cab company on the city's lower West Side.

*Pop Music Critic Jeff Miers is writing about two new films about The Rolling Stones.

*Sabres play-by-play man Rick Jeanneret is going into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday. He's having media availability today.

*Fourteen teams from across the country are competing in a sled hockey tournament this weekend in Amherst.

--Aaron Besecker