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Why Gen Z protesters worldwide are flying an anime pirate flag

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 3d

Why are frustrated youth taking to the streets worldwide raising this particular Jolly Roger?

Gen Z protesters from Indonesia and Nepal to Madagascar and Morocco, are rallying behind an unexpected banner: a grinning skull in a straw hat.

States are cutting Medicaid provider payments long before Trump cuts hit

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 3d

Nationwide, states are scrambling to close budget shortfalls and are eyeing Medicaid.

North Carolina and Idaho have cut their Medicaid programs to bridge budget gaps, raising fears that providers will stop taking patients and that hospitals will close even before the brunt of a new federal tax-and-budget law takes effect.

Federal judge suggests state took Seneca land illegally for Thruway

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 3d

Under the Treaty of Canandaigua, signed in 1794 by the Seneca Nation and the US, the Nation is permanently guaranteed free use and enjoyment of its lands.

A federal judge recommends a 1954 easement obtained by New York State to build a portion of the Thruway through the Seneca Nation’s Cattaraugus Territory be voided, because it violated federal law.

Community leaders meet in Buffalo to address barriers to prenatal care

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 7d

Families, health professionals and community leaders gathered in downtown Buffalo Wednesday for the Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network’s annual family conference.

Families, health professionals and community leaders gathered in downtown Buffalo Wednesday for the Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network’s annual family conference.

Local leaders urge Congress to save healthcare subsidies amid looming shutdown

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 9d

Tax credits under the Affordable Care Act are one of the sticking points in the standoff between Republicans and Democrats in Congress -- threatening a government shutdown starting Oct. 1.

Tax credits under the Affordable Care Act are one of the sticking points in the standoff between Republicans and Democrats in Congress -- threatening a government shutdown starting Oct. 1.

In final State of the University speech, UB president reflects on growth

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 12d

University at Buffalo President, Satish Tripathi, gave his final State of the University address Friday. Tripathi will step down from the position in July 2026 after 15 years at the helm.

University at Buffalo President, Satish Tripathi, gave his final State of the University address Friday. Tripathi will step down from the position in July 2026 after 15 years at the helm.

Leadership change in Buffalo's Law Department

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 12d

The City of Buffalo's top lawyer, Cavette Chambers, has "mutually agreed" to resign from her role as Corporation Counsel according to Buffalo Acting Mayor, Chris Scanlon.

The City of Buffalo's top lawyer, Cavette Chambers, has "mutually agreed" to resign from her role as Corporation Counsel, says Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon.

Lawmakers urge Hochul to authorize state investigation into DJ Granville incident

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 13d

Five Democratic Erie County Legislators have formally asked Gov. Kathy Hochul to authorize a state investigation into the incident involving Erie County Sheriff’s Chief of Narcotics, DJ Granville.

Five Democratic Erie County Legislators have formally asked Gov. Kathy Hochul to authorize a state investigation into the incident involving Erie County Sheriff’s Chief of Narcotics, DJ Granville.

Judge hears arguments in Buffalo capital budget dispute

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BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 16d

Buffalo Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon is suing Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams over her refusal to issue bond anticipation notes for portions of the $110 million capital budget. The money would fund infrastructure projects across the city.

The dispute between Buffalo Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon and Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams was heard in court Monday. Scanlon is suing Miller-Williams over her refusal to issue bond anticipation notes for portions of the $110 million ca...

Tonawanda Paramedic Unit celebrates 50 years with flag rededication

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 20d

In service since 1975, the Town of Tonawanda's Paramedic Unit is the longest-serving unit of its kind in Western New York and believed to be the oldest in New York State.

Started in 1975, the Town of Tonawanda's Paramedic Unit is the longest continuous serving unit of its kind in Western New York, and believed to be the oldest in New York State.

Buffalo Police face mass retirements without medical contract extension, warns union

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 20d

The medical agreement between the police union and the city protects the amount some officers pay into their health insurance, specifically those hired before October 3, 2018, who currently pay nothing.

The medical agreement between the police union and the city protects the amount some officers pay into their health insurance, specifically those hired before October 3, 2018, who currently pay nothing. Buffalo Police Benevolent Association...

‘Never Forget’: Buffalo volunteers restore naval ships in memory of 9/11

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 27d

Volunteers, servicemembers and business leaders gathered to honor the 2,977 people killed in the terror attacks on September 11, 2001.

Volunteers, servicemembers and business leaders gathered to honor the 2,977 people killed in the terror attacks on September 11, 2001.

As Buffalo bond dispute heads to court, fiscal watchdog calls for cooperation

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 27d

We'll be performing maintenance on our radio towers at 10 a.m. today. This may slightly affect our BTPM NPR 88.7 FM signal, and our HD stations will be temporarily off the air. Listen to all your favorite shows without interruption on BTPM.org or the BTPM Listen app. Thanks for your understanding!

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 28d

Representatives from the warring sides were at the meeting, which advisory board secretary, Frederick Floss, said was called to quell the intergovernmental squabble.

Representatives from both the city comptroller and Acting Mayor's offices were at the meeting, which advisory board secretary, Frederick Floss, said was called to quell the intergovernmental squabble.

Buffalo acting mayor, councilmember sue comptroller in capital budget spat

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · 29d

The courts have been called in to resolve the public dispute between Buffalo Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon and city comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams.

The courts have been called in to resolve the public dispute between Buffalo Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon and city comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams.

Mercy Hospital nurses express disappointment over negotiations, hospital 'deeply concerned'

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · Sep 8

If employees strike, it would only apply to Mercy Hospital staff, but the ongoing negotiations are applicable across Catholic Health’s various locations. https://www.btpm.org/local/2025-09-08/mercy-hospital-nurses-express-disappointment-over-negotiations-hospital-deeply-concerned

Mercy Hospital employees are embroiled contract negotiations with the hospital. Union members are voting on a potential strike, but their president says no date is currently planned.

World’s oldest working fireboat to celebrate 125 years with Buffalo Harbor event

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · Sep 4

This Saturday, the Edward M. Cotter will recreate its 1900 maiden voyage into Buffalo Harbor escorted by 20 vessels from both local and international agencies, before delivering a full water display using all five of its deck water guns.

This Saturday, the Edward M. Cotter will recreate its 1900 maiden voyage into Buffalo Harbor escorted by 20 vessels from both local and international agencies, before delivering a full water display using all five of its deck water guns.

Councilmember considers subpoena for Buffalo Police in Granville case

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BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · Sep 3

Buffalo Common Councilmember, David Rivera, said he’s considering issuing a subpoena to the Buffalo Police Department compelling officials to explain their handling of the incident involving Erie County Sheriff's Chief of Narcotics, DJ Granville.

Buffalo Common Councilmember David Rivera said Tuesday he’s considering issuing a subpoena to the Buffalo Police Department compelling officials to explain their handling of the incident.

Buffalo Common Council clears way for police training hub

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BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · Sep 2

The Buffalo Common Council approved a zoning amendment Tuesday in a vote of 6-2. It allows the renovation of a vacant city-owned property at 379 Paderewski Drive to become a police training facility.

The Buffalo Common Council approved a zoning amendment Tuesday which allows the renovation of a vacant city-owned property at 379 Paderewski Drive to become a police training facility.

WNY wind and solar projects hang in balance as Feds tighten rules on renewables

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · Sep 2

The new laws have caused a race against time to start construction on wind and solar projects across the country. Only those that begin physical work by July 4, 2026, will be eligible for federal tax credits -- credits that typically cover around a third of project costs.

Laws passed within the Trump administration's "One Big Beautiful Bill" have led to a race against time to start construction on wind and solar projects across the U.S., including WNY.

Erie County GOP calls to end NY bail reform laws

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · Aug 27

New York’s bail reform laws are back in the spotlight after Erie County Republican leaders called for their repeal in light of the alleged murder of Amanda Thompson.

New York’s bail reform laws are back in the spotlight after Erie County Republican leaders called for their repeal in light of the alleged murder of Buffalo resident, Amanda Thompson.

Buffalo’s Ukrainian Cultural Center celebrates county-funded upgrades

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · Aug 22

More than $420K in Erie County cash funded upgrades to the building's facade, the parking lot, a children's activity center and the banquet kitchen.

More than $420K in Erie County cash funded upgrades to the building's facade, a children's activity center and the banquet kitchen.

Walmart says tariff costs are rising 'each week' and will continue

BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · Aug 21

Walmart says it has been able to mitigate many of the tariff costs so far, but they are rising "each week" and will continue to do so through the rest of the year. https://www.btpm.org/2025-08-21/walmart-says-tariff-costs-are-rising-each-week-and-will-continue

The world's largest retailer — like many others — has been absorbing most of the increased costs, but raising prices of some goods.

‘We weren’t told’: Broadway-Fillmore residents push back on planned police training facility

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BTPM NPR @btpmnpr.bsky.social · Aug 11

The City of Buffalo's plan to convert a vacant building into a $5 million police training facility is drawing backlash from residents who say they were left out of the conversation.

The city's plan to convert a vacant building into a $5 million police training facility is drawing backlash from residents who say they were left out of the conversation.