Evening News Briefing
Written by Dan Fischer on May 17, 2019
John Hodgins has died.
Mr. Hodgins was a creative printer, sign painter and entrepreneur who founded Hodgins Printing, Hodgins Engraving, Batavia Press and John’s Studio.
He was also involved politically as a Batavia City Councilman and County Legislator. He was a former president of the Batavia Society of Artists.
John is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary. They had six children.
Mr. Hodgins was 87.
A Warsaw man has pled guilty to possession of child pornography.
33 year old Kory Doyle of Warsaw faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Prosecutors said electronics seized from Doyle’s home contained over 700 images and 500 video files of child pornography.
Sentencing for Doyle will be held in August.
Lawmakers in Albany are considering banning texting while walking. New Yorkers crossing the street in Manhattan this morning are weighing in on the proposed bill. Legislation has been introduced in the State Senate that aims to penalize people who are typing on their phones while crossing the street. The measure is meant to cut down on incidents where pedestrians are struck by cars. The fines would range from $ 50 to $150-dollars.
Some smaller cities in California have passed similar legislation.
There’s about to be a new push in Albany to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes. A proposal is expected to be revealed in the coming days that would lay out a plan to tax, regulate and create licensing requirements for the drug.
Supporters say legalizing recreational marijuana would bring in needed revenue, but opponents are concerned about possible health impacts.
This issue was part of Governor Cuomo’s proposed budget, but wasn’t included in the final agreement.
The Buffalo Bills have announced plans to honor super fan “Pancho Billa.” A celebration of Ezra Castro’s life will be held September 22nd before the team’s home opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. .
The 39-year-old passed away earlier this week after a lengthy battle with cancer.
