Retroactive Safety

Two years of protracted fighting and County Exec Chris Collins’ obstruction came to an end on June 18 as the Justice Department and Erie County signed a pact to increase suicide screening and safety at the Holding Center. All it took was five dead prisoners!

Rumspringa!

Four Amish teens in the Chautauqua County town of Sherman were charged with underage posession of alcohol on June 20 for drinking and driving in a horse-drawn buggy. Such an indictment of our youth nowadays. What’s next, zippers?

Online Trolling

In response to reader posts which devolve into hateful or racist attacks, Buffalo News editor-in-chief Margaret Sullivan outlined plans on June 20 for tough new restrictions and censoring of comments. A shame, the flamebait was the best stuff on there.

Tremors

WNY experienced the gentle vibrations of a mild earthquake on June 23. The USGS has confirmed the 5.0 magnitude quake’s epicenter was in Northern Ontario and not­—contrary to popular wisdom—directly beneath Kevin O’Connell’s feet.

Counter Terrorism

Miles Fisher, 63, of NYC appeared in a Buffalo court on June 23 to face charges that he called in a bomb threat to Carl Paladino’s downtown office in April. Fisher was allegedly upset over racist emails sent by the Tea Party candidate for governor.

Cost of attending a Republican fundraising dinner on June 18 at former Ambassador to Malta Anthony Gioia’s home in North Buffalo. The event played host to a quartet of Southern senators including minority leader Mitch McConnell-KY, Jon Cornyn-TX, Jeff Sessions-AL, and Bob Corker-TN. For the bargain-conscious GOPer, a contribution of $1,000 gained entry to a reception at the Buffalo Historical Society.