Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
@journo-holly.bsky.social
Journalist and investigative reporter at Buffalo Toronto Public Media NPR. Previous work for BBC, Channel 4 (UK). Finding out.
The Buffalo Common Council is discussing the expired medical contract for the Buffalo police union. Union President John Davidson warns that unless the medical contract is renewed, the BPD faces mass retirements and a shortage of staff, especially at the lieutenant level.
October 21, 2025 at 3:45 PM
The Buffalo Common Council is discussing the expired medical contract for the Buffalo police union. Union President John Davidson warns that unless the medical contract is renewed, the BPD faces mass retirements and a shortage of staff, especially at the lieutenant level.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
The Digi Power X plant in North Tonawanda - formerly known as Digihost/Fortistar - has been operating on an expired air permit since 2021.
Lawmakers target crypto mines on expired permits, propose taxes on energy use
The Digihost/Fortistar facility in North Tonawanda has been operating on an expired air permit since 2021 and a renewal application has been pending with the DEC for more than four years.
www.btpm.org
October 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The Digi Power X plant in North Tonawanda - formerly known as Digihost/Fortistar - has been operating on an expired air permit since 2021.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
The independent candidate calls for the removal of both the Kensington and Scajaquada Expressways and wants the City of Buffalo to partner with the state Department of Transportation in all future transportation planning in the region.
Gainer outlines “city in a park” transportation plan in bid for Buffalo mayor
The independent candidate calls for the removal of both the Kensington and Scajaquada Expressways and wants the City of Buffalo to partner with the state Department of Transportation in all future transportation planning in the region.
www.btpm.org
October 20, 2025 at 7:15 PM
The independent candidate calls for the removal of both the Kensington and Scajaquada Expressways and wants the City of Buffalo to partner with the state Department of Transportation in all future transportation planning in the region.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
Incumbent Kevin Hardwick is running for a second term on Democratic and Working Families Party lines, while challenger Christine Czarnik is running on Republican and Conservative lines.
Who is funding the race for Erie County Comptroller?
Incumbent Kevin Hardwick is running for a second term on Democratic and Working Families Party lines, while challenger Christine Czarnik is running on Republican and Conservative lines.
www.btpm.org
October 17, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Incumbent Kevin Hardwick is running for a second term on Democratic and Working Families Party lines, while challenger Christine Czarnik is running on Republican and Conservative lines.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
Nice scoop here from @journo-holly.bsky.social: www.btpm.org/local/2025-1...
'Thanks but no thanks': Sean Ryan rejects Byron Brown’s donation to mayoral campaign
Former Buffalo Mayor, Byron Brown, made a $1,500 donation to the Sean Ryan for Buffalo campaign committee, but Ryan’s campaign rejected the cash.
www.btpm.org
October 7, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Nice scoop here from @journo-holly.bsky.social: www.btpm.org/local/2025-1...
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
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.
WNY wind and solar projects hang in balance as Feds tighten rules on renewables
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.
www.btpm.org
September 2, 2025 at 1:18 PM
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.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
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.
Buffalo Common Council clears way for police training hub
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.
www.btpm.org
September 2, 2025 at 7:05 PM
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.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
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.
Buffalo’s Ukrainian Cultural Center celebrates county-funded upgrades
More than $420K in Erie County cash funded upgrades to the building's facade, a children's activity center and the banquet kitchen.
www.btpm.org
August 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM
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.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
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.
Erie County GOP calls to end NY bail reform laws
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.
www.btpm.org
August 27, 2025 at 10:40 PM
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.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
The way the City of Buffalo governs itself is under the microscope as the city’s charter revision commission met for the first time, Monday.
Buffalo opens first charter review in more than 25 years
The way the City of Buffalo governs itself is under the microscope as the city’s charter revision commission met for the first time, Monday.
www.btpm.org
August 5, 2025 at 10:45 PM
The way the City of Buffalo governs itself is under the microscope as the city’s charter revision commission met for the first time, Monday.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
A state program that helps low-to-moderate income homeowners boost energy efficiency and save money on bills is being slashed.
Local business owners, residents push back against cuts to state energy program
A state program that helps low-to-moderate income homeowners save money and boost energy efficiency is being slashed.
www.btpm.org
August 8, 2025 at 2:51 PM
A state program that helps low-to-moderate income homeowners boost energy efficiency and save money on bills is being slashed.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
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.
‘We weren’t told’: Broadway-Fillmore residents push back on planned police training facility
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.
www.btpm.org
August 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM
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.
"We were unaware about this situation that's under our nose," said Broadway-Fillmore resident, Kaale Pope, as he signed a new petition opposing the plans.
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
‘We weren’t told’: Broadway-Fillmore residents push back on planned police training facility
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.
www.btpm.org
August 11, 2025 at 11:47 AM
"We were unaware about this situation that's under our nose," said Broadway-Fillmore resident, Kaale Pope, as he signed a new petition opposing the plans.
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
Residents had their say Tuesday on a zoning amendment that would pave the way for a new police training facility in the city of Buffalo.
The $5 million facility is slated for a vacant city-owned property in the shadow of the Central Terminal in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood.
The $5 million facility is slated for a vacant city-owned property in the shadow of the Central Terminal in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood.
Neighbors support, others question police training facility near Buffalo's Central Terminal
Residents had their say Tuesday on a zoning amendment that would pave the way for a new police training facility in the city of Buffalo.
www.btpm.org
July 29, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Residents had their say Tuesday on a zoning amendment that would pave the way for a new police training facility in the city of Buffalo.
The $5 million facility is slated for a vacant city-owned property in the shadow of the Central Terminal in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood.
The $5 million facility is slated for a vacant city-owned property in the shadow of the Central Terminal in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
Buffalo Common Councilmember, David Rivera, has asked the state Attorney General’s Office to investigate a series of crashes involving an Erie County Sheriff’s chief.
Buffalo councilmember asks state AG to investigate Erie County Sheriff's crash
Buffalo Common Councilmember, David Rivera, has asked the state Attorney General’s Office to investigate a series of crashes involving an Erie County Sheriff’s chief.
www.btpm.org
July 31, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Buffalo Common Councilmember, David Rivera, has asked the state Attorney General’s Office to investigate a series of crashes involving an Erie County Sheriff’s chief.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
201 Ellicott is already under scrutiny by the city’s Department of Permits & Inspections, which has cited the property for 11 building code violations, all of which remain active. The apartments are managed by Corvus Property Intelligence.
Councilmember blasts property firm over conditions at Buffalo apartments
Buffalo Common Councilmember, Leah Halton-Pope, called-out Corvus Property Intelligence over conditions at 201 Ellicott apartments.
www.btpm.org
July 9, 2025 at 4:30 PM
201 Ellicott is already under scrutiny by the city’s Department of Permits & Inspections, which has cited the property for 11 building code violations, all of which remain active. The apartments are managed by Corvus Property Intelligence.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
It took "20 nickels" and a vision. Local developer, Amun Ra, cut the ribbon on four new affordable housing units in Buffalo's Hamlin Park neighborhood, Friday.
Emerging developer turns dollar homes into affordable housing
It took "20 nickels" and a vision. Local developer, Amun Ra, cut the ribbon on four new affordable housing units in Buffalo's Hamlin Park neighborhood, Friday.
www.btpm.org
July 11, 2025 at 10:40 PM
It took "20 nickels" and a vision. Local developer, Amun Ra, cut the ribbon on four new affordable housing units in Buffalo's Hamlin Park neighborhood, Friday.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
Tenants at 201 Ellicott Apartments in downtown Buffalo are not happy with their building manager. They plan to protest against the complex's operators, Monday.
Tenants at Buffalo apartment complex raise concerns over building manager
Tenants at 201 Ellicott Apartments in downtown Buffalo plan to protest against the building’s operators, Monday.
www.btpm.org
July 7, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Tenants at 201 Ellicott Apartments in downtown Buffalo are not happy with their building manager. They plan to protest against the complex's operators, Monday.
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
Buffalo Common Councilmember, Mitch Nowakowski, joins residents' calls to revamp the Erie Basin Marina. He's asking the city for a multi-year plan for the waterfront.
Buffalo lawmaker calls for waterfront revitalization plan
Buffalo Common Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski joins residents' calls to revamp the Erie Basin Marina.
www.btpm.org
July 8, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Buffalo Common Councilmember, Mitch Nowakowski, joins residents' calls to revamp the Erie Basin Marina. He's asking the city for a multi-year plan for the waterfront.
201 Ellicott is already under scrutiny by the city’s Department of Permits and Inspections, which has cited the property for 11 building code violations — all of which remain active. The property is managed by Corvus Property Intelligence.
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
Councilmember blasts property firm over conditions at Buffalo apartments
Buffalo Common Councilmember, Leah Halton-Pope, called-out Corvus Property Intelligence over conditions at 201 Ellicott apartments.
www.btpm.org
July 9, 2025 at 4:24 PM
201 Ellicott is already under scrutiny by the city’s Department of Permits and Inspections, which has cited the property for 11 building code violations — all of which remain active. The property is managed by Corvus Property Intelligence.
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
Buffalo’s West Side has long welcomed immigrants from around the world and in recent years has become home to newcomers from countries like Somalia, Burma, Iraq and Afghanistan. But this week, multiple sightings of federal ICE agents on one neighborhood block has raised concern among residents.
‘Still the land of dreams’: ICE activity rattles Buffalo neighborhood
Buffalo’s West Side has long welcomed immigrants from around the world, and in recent years has become home to newcomers from countries like Somalia, Burma, Iraq, and Afghanistan. But this week, multiple sightings of federal ICE agents on o...
www.btpm.org
July 1, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Buffalo’s West Side has long welcomed immigrants from around the world and in recent years has become home to newcomers from countries like Somalia, Burma, Iraq and Afghanistan. But this week, multiple sightings of federal ICE agents on one neighborhood block has raised concern among residents.
From BTPM NPR's Ryan Zunner: Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon's bid for Buffalo mayor has come to a end.
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon removes himself from November ballot, ending campaign
Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon has filed paperwork with the Erie County Board of Elections to remove himself and his Good Neighbors Party independent line from the November general election ballot...
www.btpm.org
June 27, 2025 at 10:12 PM
From BTPM NPR's Ryan Zunner: Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon's bid for Buffalo mayor has come to a end.
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
Many voters in Buffalo received unsolicited text messages last week going after Buffalo mayoral candidate, Sean Ryan. The texts end with a sign-off stating they were paid for by an independent expenditure committee called Common Sense for the City of Buffalo. Here are the donors:
June 23, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Many voters in Buffalo received unsolicited text messages last week going after Buffalo mayoral candidate, Sean Ryan. The texts end with a sign-off stating they were paid for by an independent expenditure committee called Common Sense for the City of Buffalo. Here are the donors:
MY LATEST published Friday.
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
Who is behind some of the mass text messages in Buffalo's mayoral primary race?
Many voters in Buffalo received unsolicited text messages this week going after Buffalo mayoral candidate, Sean Ryan. BTPM NPR can reveal who is running and funding the committee behind the messages.
www.btpm.org
June 23, 2025 at 7:37 PM
MY LATEST published Friday.
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
www.btpm.org/local/2025-0...
Reposted by Holly Kirkpatrick BTPM NPR
“Two world wars and the sinking of the Titanic have happened more recently than when we've redrawn these lines," Assemblymember Jon Rivera said.
Legislature approves major overhaul of WNY judicial districts
Under the current structure, all eight Western New York counties are grouped into one judicial district. The new legislation would separate Erie County – the most populous – from the other seven. Rivera argues this would create a more repre...
www.btpm.org
June 18, 2025 at 2:59 PM
“Two world wars and the sinking of the Titanic have happened more recently than when we've redrawn these lines," Assemblymember Jon Rivera said.