Morning News Briefing

New York looks into legalizing pot as opponents blow smoke.
New York’s health department may soon recommend legalizing marijuana.
Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo called weed a “gateway drug” as recently as last year, however he commissioned a study just six months ago through the State’s Health Department that has changed his tune…

State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker is releasing a long-awaited report, commissioned by Governor Cuomo, that supports the idea…

Republican challenger to Cuomo, Marcus Molinaro says the move represents a sprint to the political left and remains skeptical of legalization.
Governor Cuomo’s primary opponent, Cynthia Nixon, has indicated she supports legalizing marijuana as it pertains to criminal justice reform.

A Sex offender with a past in Pavilion is arrested for continued sex crimes in the southern tier.
70 year old Miguel De Jesus of Machias in Cattaraugus County was taken into custody by Troopers out of Batavia for allegedly forcibly touching a family member confined to a wheelchair.
De Jesus has a previous conviction out of Pavilion for Forcible Touching in June of 2015.
He was remanded to jail in lieu of $2,500 bail.

Pro Baseball is back in Batavia rain or shine.
A little rain can’t keep a good dog down and it couldn’t stop the Batavia Muckdogs from taking the field at Dwyer Stadium for their long awaited home opener last night.
After an hour rain delay The Muckodgs put on a show taking the team to 2 and 2 with a 9 to 6 win over West Virginia.
Ben Hayes President of the New York-Penn league dropped by the Dwyer stadium to see the work that has been done…

Hayes said the team is now focused on playing good ball on the field while speaking with our news partner The Batavian.
The Muckdogs continue their series against West Virginia tonight, with the first pitch is at 7:05 at Dwyer Stadium.

The age to buy tobacco products could be going up in Monroe County.
Democrats on the county legislature say you should have to be 21 to purchase them.
The current age limit is 18.
Supporters say they want to lower the number of smokers and tobacco-related health problems.
There’s no word when a vote on the proposal could happen.

Former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos is going back on trial in Manhattan.
He was convicted in 2015 of using his position to get his son Adam a series of do-nothing jobs worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Both men were found guilty of corruption, but their convictions were overturned by a 2017 U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
Jury selection begins today and testimony could start tomorrow.

Paving operations to pick up this morning on Lehigh Avenue.
The second day of road work starts this morning at 7 shutting down Lehigh Ave between Ellicott Street and Creek Road to all through traffic.
Work is expected to be completed by 5 today.
The work is weather dependent.