Friday News Brief
Written by Doug Thompson on December 15, 2023
Robert Morris will become a modern early childhood center. Photo: Doug Thompson, WBTA News
Batavia City School District’s $45 million capital improvement project is approved. Last night’s vote means that the capital project will proceed in 2024 to install two synthetic turf fields for the high school, a baseball and softball field each, and upgrades for every school building within the city school district. Also included in the work will be Robert Morris School, which will be converted into a “modern early childhood education center” according to Superintendent Jason Smith.
As reported this morning by Tom Tharp: Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent announcement of a $479 million investment in water infrastructure projects across New York brings significant benefits to Genesee County, including a substantial $30 million allocation for the third phase of the County’s critical water supply project. This funding is part of New York State’s $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. Part of the money is going to help villages like Bethany to expand public water to people who’s wells have dried up in this Fall’s drought conditions.
Terry Brayman
The remains of fallen airman Terry Brayman will be returning to the region today. The Pittsford resident was one of eight military members who lost their lives when their helicopter went down off the coast of Japan last month. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
13WHAM file photo from September 2023 – Jakubonis (right) leaving court house with his attorney
The man who attacked former Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin has found out the punishment for his crime. Yesterday, a judge ordered David Jakubonis to spend three years on probation. Jakubonis admitted to being under the influence of alcohol when he approached Zeldin during a campaign stop in Perinton last year. Zeldin, who was running for New York governor at the time, wasn’t hurt. He released a statement saying he hopes Jakubonis is progressing towards getting his life back on track.
The Buffalo Bills are going to be back on their home field this weekend as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Bills will host the Dallas Cowboys at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Buffalo is coming off of a big 20 to 17 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last weekend that boosted their record this season to seven wins and six losses. Kickoff Sunday is scheduled for 4:25.
With folks making plans for holiday gatherings, the state Department of Health is reminding people to protect themselves from serious illnesses. The agency says there are currently vaccines available to help keep people safe from the flu, COVID-19, and RSV. The CDC believes low immunization rates could lead to a massive spread of these viruses in the coming weeks. To find a clinic in your area, head to vaccines.gov.
ELSEWHERE…
Lotto players will be lining up the next couple of days to take their shot at winning a more than half-billion dollar prize. The Powerball jackpot is now at $535 million tomorrow since no one has correctly picked the winning numbers since October. However, the odds of getting the grand prize are one in more than 292 million. The drawing will be streamed live at powerball.com. Please play responsibly.
Jimmy Kimmel (right) could have been responding to Santos’ demand for money.
Former New York Congressman George Santos is now launching a subscription page on the social media platform X. The Republican who used to represent parts of Long Island and Queens is promising he’ll divulge details regarding Congress, the media, and some celebrities to users who pay seven dollars a month for his content. It comes after the ousted congress member started making customized videos on the Cameo platform, which late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel later used for new segment called “Will Santos Say It.” Santos is now threatening a lawsuit if Kimmel doesn’t pay him $20,000 for it.
One of the many reasons I avoid roller coasters.
Dozens of people were left dangling upside down over 100 feet in the air after a roller coaster got stuck at a Japanese amusement park. Universal Studios Japan in Osaka says 32 people were riding on the Jurassic Park-themed Flying Dinosaur on Thursday when it got stuck at its highest point about 130 feet high. No one was injured and the park says all the passengers were guided to safety.
Chewy is one of many companies identified by the FDA that sells unapproved animal antibiotics.
The FDA is accusing Chewy and eight other pet product companies of selling unapproved animal antibiotics. The agency alleged on Thursday that the retailers violated federal law by selling unapproved medications containing penicillin and amoxicillin, which could help create drug-resistant “superbugs.” A letter from the FDA says the products in question were targeted at birds and fish, and they’re threatening legal action if the companies don’t address the alleged violations within 15 days.
Today is Friday, Dec. 15, the 349th day of 2023 with 16 to follow.
The moon is waxing. Morning stars are Jupiter, Uranus and Venus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.
December 15 in history…
…In 1791, the Bill of Rights, comprising the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, took effect.
Sitting Bull (circa 1883)
…In 1890, Sioux Indian leader Sitting Bull was killed in a skirmish with U.S. soldiers along the Grand River in South Dakota.
December 15, 1939 (Atlanta): Policemen line up in front of the entrance to Loew’s Grand Theater for the gala premiere of Margaret Mitchell’s ‘Gone With the Wind.’
…In 1939, the film version of Gone with the Wind premiered at the Lowe’s Grand Theater in Atlanta. Mayor William B. Hartsfield declared a citywide holiday, and a crowd of 18,000 gathered outside the theater to catch a glimpse of the film’s stars. In attendance were lead actors Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, a portrait of both is visible in the picture above the theater’s entrance.
…In 1944, a single-engine plane carrying U.S. Army Major Glenn Miller disappeared in thick fog over the English Channel while en route to Paris. The true fate of the plane and its passengers has never been determined.
A black-faced Grace Slick appears with the Jefferson Airplane on the Smothers Brothers show (CBS Photo)
…In 1968, Grace Slick appeared in blackface when Jefferson Airplane appeared on the Smothers Brothers TV show on CBS.
John Lennon performs in London for UNICEF.
…In 1969, John Lennon gave his last live performance in England. It was a UNICEF benefit in London.
John Paul Getty, III (Rolling Stone photo)
…In 1973, John Paul Getty III is found alive at a gas station outside of Naples, Italy, more than four months after he was kidnapped. Graphic details of Getty’s ordeal are included in a Rolling Stone interview the following year. Warning: Some readers may find the story disturbing.
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/j-paul-getty-iii-exclusive-1974-interview-with-kidnapped-oil-heir-120637/
