Western New York Law Center

Five more plaintiffs have joined a federal lawsuit claiming the City of Buffalo and its police department are engaging in discriminatory practices regarding checkpoints and traffic tickets.

Cities, towns and villages in Erie County will soon be notified weekly about foreclosures in their communities, potentially allowing them to look for "zombie" homes, buildings in the process of foreclosure which have been abandoned by the homeowners, bringing down neighboring property values.

Under a new state law that takes effect Tuesday residents are encouraged to report zombie properties. And people facing foreclosure are encouraged to stay in their homes.

A statewide action to address the growing problem of zombie homes will benefit local municipalities.

Proposed legislation is under consideration in Albany that would allow check cashing companies the ability to issue loans. Consumer advocates, including the Western New York Law Center, are urging lawmakers to reject the idea.