Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on March 2, 2023
The Buffalo Fire Department announced a 37-year-old firefighter was killed in the four-alarm fire on Main Street Wednesday. Crews responded to the 700 block of Main Street around 10 a.m. and around noon officials said there was a firefighter from Engine 2 that was unaccounted for. A city spokesperson said there was a partial collapse of the building and there was no contact with the firefighter after the collapse. Around 3:30 p.m. officials announced the 37-year-old firefighter was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is not being released at this time. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz expressed their condolences and directed flags in the county and city to be flown at half staff.
Shopping just got a little cheaper in Monroe County. The 4% sales tax on clothing and shoes has been eliminated for purchases under $110. The change is permanent and is expected to save shoppers an estimated $12 million per year. Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said “Basic necessities like groceries, medicine, diapers, are not subject to sales tax, and other fundamental necessities like clothing and shoes are. In our view, clothing and shoes are just as essential as food.” The sales tax exemption applies to purchases in stores located in Monroe County and includes online purchases. County leaders hope the move will help local retailers attract more customers.
For the third time in recent years, a bill is being pushed in the NYS general assembly to make prostitution legal in the empire state. According to the Sex Trades Act, also known as SVSTA, the criminalization of consensual sex work drives it into an illegal environment where sex workers face increased violence, abuse, exploitation, and are more vulnerable to trafficking. The bill would also give more rights for people in housing and health care and remove prior criminal records of sex workers or alleged sex workers. The bill has only ever remained in the New York Senate’s code committee. But if it makes it out of committee and signed into law, it would take effect within months.
Perry’s Ice Cream announced Wednesday three new retail flavors for the Spring 2023 season. The newest family-size flavors, Banana Graham, Dark Chocolate Pretzel, and S’more Adventures will hit retail stores this spring. Premium Three Gallon Tubs will also get new flavors, including Bourbon Caramel Pecan, Mallow-dramatic, Wafer Wonder, Peanut Butter & Cookies Oats Cream. All flavors will arrive on shelves at retailers down the East Coast at Dash’s Market, Tops, Walmart, and Wegmans.
