Ryan Zunner

Buffalo

Assistant Managing Editor at Buffalo Toronto Public Media

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Articles

Emergency shelter receives cease order right before ‘oppressive heat wave’

1 week ago | btpm.org | Emyle Watkins |Ryan Zunner

On Thursday, an emergency shelter on Bailey Avenue was told they would have to cease operations no later than noon on Friday, potentially displacing between 60 and 80 people before a major heatwave. Outdoor plans? Today is the day before oppressive heat begins to build through the weekend, and peaks early next week. There however will be a few thunderstorms to dodge this afternoon and evening across WNY, so keep an eye to the sky.
Extreme heat forecasted for WNY as schools adjust schedules

1 week ago | btpm.org | Ryan Zunner

The official start to summer is June 20, and Western New York is already anticipated to receive some extremely hot and humid weather. The National Weather Service is forecasting heat indexes well into the 90s from Sunday into the middle of next week. Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gail Burstein said it’s important to stay cool, and know the signs of heat-related illness.
Councilmember proposes advisory council for youth programming at Juneteenth, other Buffalo festivals

1 week ago | btpm.org | Ryan Zunner

Buffalo's Juneteenth Parade on Saturday brought thousands to Genesee Street, but city leaders and residents did report some fights from teenagers. Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart is introducing a few proposals to increase safety at next year's festivities, and other large community gatherings. "Fighting is a response. It is not something that young people just wake up and do every day," said Everhart. "They're responding. They're reacting to something.
Kenmore board votes to alter outdoor dining law following 'misinformation'

1 week ago | btpm.org | Ryan Zunner

Some “misinformation” and social media posts led to quite the stir for residents, business owners and elected officials alike in the village of Kenmore. Some were concerned the village board was voting to ban or severely limit outdoor dining and music, but turns out, the board was actually looking to loosen a 2004 law that they say served as a roadblock.
Future of Kenmore Days at-risk following arrest filled 2025 festival

1 week ago | btpm.org | Ryan Zunner

Buffalo’s first suburb has their “Kenmore Days” festival every year in June. But violence and arrests at last weekend’s Kenmore Days has drawn the event’s future into question. It's a stretch of days filled with food, carnival rides, music and fun in the village's park. But after five arrests were made during the 2025 Kenmore Days, Mayor Patrick Mang said the village is taking notes, and the festival's future is at-risk. "I would think it's at threat.
Youth voting initiative returns to Erie County

1 week ago | btpm.org | Ryan Zunner

An election season tradition for youth is returning in Erie County. That’s Kids Voting USA, a nationwide, non-partisan initiative that gives school children a chance to cast a ballot of their own. This year features selections for the Buffalo mayoral primary, as well as suburban races. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said it’s a good way to foster civic engagement for youth.
State senate votes for loan to Dunkirk, not control board, to fix financial woes

2 weeks ago | btpm.org | Ryan Zunner

The City of Dunkirk is facing a $12.7 million fiscal shortfall next month. State and local officials have been working to find a solution, with two options floated. A hard financial control board like what Buffalo had in 2003, or a loan directly from the state of New York. The state senate voted for the latter, which has drawn some criticism. The state-backed loan comes at an interest rate of 7.5%, with Dunkirk given 15 years to pay it back.
Buffalo police officer suspended after shooting in Lancaster

2 weeks ago | btpm.org | Ryan Zunner

A Buffalo Police officer who was on probationary status is now under suspension with pay following a shooting incident in the town of Lancaster around 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Lancaster Police responded to a house they say is owned by one of their officers, but learned a shooting victim was already taken to the hospital. Authorities identified the person as a 22-year-old woman. She was treated for injuries and released. The Lancaster officer who owns the home was off-duty and allegedly present.
Possible tornado hits Cattaraugus County following severe weather weekend

2 weeks ago | btpm.org | Ryan Zunner

Emergency crews and officials from the National Weather Service are still on the scene in Great Valley in Cattaraugus County, where a possible tornado struck leaving a path of damage in its wake. According to the National Weather Service, towns including Great Valley, Franklinville and Ellicottville were dealing with severe thunderstorms, rain and wind throughout much of Monday night.
Former Lancaster cop federally charged in Buffalo airport gate breach

3 weeks ago | btpm.org | Ryan Zunner |Jim Fink

A Depew resident who allegedly, on May 20, drove his pick-up truck through a gate at Buffalo Niagara International Airport and across several runways is now facing federal charges. James Muench Jr., 45, who’s LinkedIn identifies him as a former Town of Lancaster police officer and FBI taskforce member, is facing a pair of federal charges related to the incident including illegal entry of airport property, and breach of a secured aircraft operational area.