Midday News Brief

Governor Hochul has revealed a budget plan that she says will help improve the state’s finances while also making investments in several important programs. The 216-billion-dollar proposal sets funds aside for coronavirus pandemic recovery initiatives and includes a record high 31-billion-dollars in school aid. Money from the budget would also go towards gun violence prevention, healthcare, pothole repair and a middle-class tax credit. Hochul and lawmakers in the state Senate and Assembly have until April 1st to pass the budget on time.
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This morning, Governor Hochul announced that more than $12 million has been added to the Drive Clean Rebate Program. The program helps consumers save between $500 and $2000 when purchasing or leasing electric vehicles. This is available at car dealerships throughout the state of New York.
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A new poll is providing some very good news for Governor Hochul as she looks to win a full four-year term this November. According to the Siena College poll she has a large lead over her fellow competitors in the race to secure the Democratic party’s nomination. The poll shows Hochul with a 34-point edge over former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who said yesterday he isn’t running for governor. New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams was in third place with 11% and Long Island Congressman Tom Suozzi was in fourth place with 6%. The Democratic primary is scheduled for June.

The Richmond Library remains closed today, once again due to the mechanical failure of their heating system. They hope to reopen tomorrow.

Security is being increased at a parking garage in Rochester after a man was assaulted over the weekend. Police say the 52-year-old victim was walking with his family to the Civic Center Garage from Blue Cross Arena on Saturday when he was attacked. Officers later arrested 24-year-old Tyrone Oliver in connection with the case. Officials say there will now be 24/7 security at the parking garage to prevent a similar incident from happening again.

Here’s a timely reminder from The American Heart Association: Shoveling heavy snow may put you at an increased risk for a heart attack, even if there is no history of heart disease. The risk extends to the use of snow blowers as well; the energy required to move the machinery may also quickly raise blood pressure and heart rate. The Association recommends you take it slow at first; move only fresh, powdery snow, only partially fill your shovel and then lift with your legs (not your back), and preferably push the snow rather than lifting; and do not work to the point of exhaustion.
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Full list of suggestions for staying safe during snow removal:
• Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
• Take it slow and stretch out before you begin
• Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it’s lighter
• Push the snow rather than lifting it
• If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel
• Lift with your legs, not your back
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion

A garbage truck and semi collided yesterday on Rte 63 in Bethany. The semi-truck driver said he looked down for a moment and then looked back up and rear-ending the waste management truck was unavoidable. The accident caused something in the semi truck’s engine to catch fire, which crews were able to get under control. Estimates of 50-100 gallons of diesel fuel spilled. The semi-truck driver was taken to Rochester Regional Health/United Memorial Medical Center for evaluation of minor injuries. The accident remains under investigation.

The Buffalo Sabres have put an end to their two-game winless streak, and they have their goaltender to thank for it. Michael Houser stopped 43 of the 44 shots he faced as the Sabres beat the Ottawa Senators 3-1 at the Canadian Tire Centre last night. Alex Tuch, Dylan Cozens, and Mark Jankowski each had a goal for Buffalo in the win. Up next for the Sabres is a home game against the Dallas Stars tomorrow night.

Tickets are still available for this weekend’s big showdown between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, but they’re definitely not cheap. According to VIPTIX, there are thousands of seats up for grabs at Arrowhead Stadium with prices ranging from $124 to more than 250 bucks each. VIPTIX says there is a high demand for tickets and recommends anyone who wants to see the game in-person should secure their seat soon. Kickoff for Sunday’s contest in Kansas City is set for 6:30pm.

Every household in the United States is now eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free and orders usually ship within 7-12 days. It’s recommended you order the tests now so that your family will have them, when needed: covidtests.gov

The Erie County District Attorney’s Office has announced an arrest in connection with a homicide in Buffalo last year. Officials say 30-year-old Steven Tyler shot 30-year-old Bashir Ingram outside of a home on Keppel Street November 2nd. Ingram was taken to a nearby hospital but died from his injuries. Tyler was arraigned on a murder charge yesterday and sent to jail without bail. He faces a sentence of 25-years to life behind bars if convicted.

The Monroe County Department of Public Health has announced another double digit increase in the number of residents who have died due to COVID-19. The agency says 30 people passed away between December 15th and January 12th, pushing the overall death toll since the health crisis began to 1644. There have also been nearly 5800 new coronavirus cases reported since Friday. Right now, 741 people in the Finger Lakes are hospitalized for treatment of the illness with 125 of them in intensive care.
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Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says there are signs that the COVID-19 surge is past its peak in the area. Poloncarz says the number of new cases has dropped steadily over the past couple of weeks and he’s hopeful the trend will continue. Infections skyrocketed recently due to the extremely contagious omicron COVID-19 variant. So far, 193,758 have tested positive for the illness since the start of the pandemic. The countywide death toll is now sitting at 2425