Doug Thompson
November 27, 2023 
Wyoming County and the Southern Tier is under a Lake Effect Snow Warning through 7:00am Wednesday. National Weather Service officials are warning of accumulations of 8-16 inches and possible local amounts of 20 inches. Winds may gust up to 35 miles per hour, which could produce white out conditions and drifts. Conditions could impact morning and evening commutes. Heaviest snows are expected tonight and Tuesday morning.
47-year-old Robert Newton of Darien has been arrested. He’s charged with endangering the welfare of a child and harassment. This followed an investigation after a domestic disturbance complaint. Newton was arraigned in Genesee County CAP Court and released on his own recognizance.
Gas prices continue their slow drop. According to Triple A today, the national average price of a gallon of regular is $3.25. The state average is $3.57. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.59; that’s down a nickel from last week; 17 cents from a month ago today and 4 cents from a year ago. Gas demand is down as the price per barrel remains down as well.
Folks who live in Genesee County and are currently dealing with dry wells have a place where they can go tomorrow to get water. The Town of Bethany has received a shipment of water and is ready to start giving it out to people hard hit by the drought conditions. Farmers are allowed to come and fill up to 500 gallons at a time. The distributions are scheduled for tomorrow from 5pm to 7 pm and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm. Residents have been driving to other towns and other counties to get water. A 500 gallon fill up can mean a week or less for regular households.
File photo of Albion Fire Department truck
Several crews put out a heavy fire at an auto shop in Orleans County. The call came in around 8:00am yesterday morning. Albion firefirefighters responded to a structure fire at Frank’s Auto Center on Telegraph Road. Firefighters were unable to get into the building due to downed power lines blocking their path. As a result, it took more than an hour to put out the fire. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. The extent of the damage done to the shop is unclear at this time. Firefighters in Albion were later dispatched to another fire at approximately 11:15am at 312-314 West Park Street, a house owned by Vickie Golisano. Two residents there were momentarily trapped but were able to safely get out. The cause of that fire also remains under investigation.
Thousands of New Yorkers are facing an important deadline this week from the state Department of Motor Vehicles. Anyone who had their license expire and renewed it online between March 1st, 2020 and August 31st, 2021 must submit proof of an in-person vision test by Friday. Drivers who fail to do so will end up having their license suspended. The DMV has posted a list of places to get a vision test on its website at dmv.ny.gov.
File photo of Josh Allen; he wore the same facial expression last night.
The Buffalo Bills have suffered another tough loss after coming up short on the road. Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles scored in overtime as his team beat the Bills 37 to 34 at Lincoln Financial Field yesterday. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen tossed two touchdown passes and rushed for two more for the Bills, whose record this season is now 6 wins and 6 losses. The next game for Buffalo is December 10th against the Chiefs in Kansas City. Kickoff is at 4:25.
ELSEWHERE…
File photo of unidentified “Gen Z-er”
Some members of Generation Z might not be able to make it home for the holidays this year. A recent Credit Karma survey found many Gen Z Americans with student debt won’t be able to afford traveling home for the holidays on top of their student loan payments. Nearly a third of Gen Z survey participants say they’re relying on their parents to pay for their travel expenses. A consumer financial advocate at Credit Karma says holidays can cause a lot of financial stress for people who are struggling to make ends meet.
BBC News photo of A23a iceberg (in red)
For the first time in more than three decades, the world’s largest iceberg is on the move. The Antarctic iceberg called A23a is about 1,500 square miles, roughly three times the size of New York City. The huge chunk of ice has been stuck on the floor since 1986, but now it’s traveling about three miles away from Antarctica every day. Scientists say they are closely monitoring the iceberg’s trajectory.
For that price, you’d think you could get fresh scotch…
A rare bottle of scotch whiskey has sold for a record-breaking $2.7 million. The 1926 Macallan Adami single-malt whiskey is one of only 40 that were ever bottled and is described as “the most sought-after” whiskey in the world. After an intense bidding war, it sold for nearly $3 million, shattering the previous record for a single-malt bottle.
It’s Cyber Monday and time to look for those hidden sales. Amazon has some, like a 32-inch high definition TV for 80 bucks. There’s also vacuum cleaners, pillows, airpods, mattresses, furniture and plenty of other electronics at huge discounts. Analysts say beware of scams though and do your research.
Derek Chauvin
The former Minnesota police officer who was convicted of killing George Floyd is expected to survive after he was stabbed in prison. Derek Chauvin is serving over 20 years in a federal prison for Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis in 2020. He was seriously injured Friday after being stabbed by another inmate.
Today is Monday, Nov. 27, the 331st day of 2023. There are 34 days left in the year.
November 27 in history…
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 1931
…In 1924, Macy’s first Thanksgiving Day parade — billed as a “Christmas Parade” — took place in New York.
Paul McCartney with Alistair Taylor
…1967: The Beatles’ single “Hello, Goodbye” backed with “I am the Walrus” was released in the US. On the same day, the first promo for the single premiered on The Ed Sullivan Show, featuring the band in their Sgt. Pepper outfits and accompanied by hula dancers. Paul McCartney later said that “Hello, Goodbye” originated when, in response to a question from Beatles aide Alistair Taylor about songwriting, McCartney sat down at a harmonium and asked Taylor to say the opposite of whatever he said.
Asylum Records Photo
…1978: The Eagles released their cover of the Charles Brown song “Please Come Home for Christmas.” It was the first song by the group to feature Timothy B. Schmit on bass and peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the first Christmas song to reach the top 20 since “Pretty Paper” by Roy Orbison in 1963.
President Clinton with Monica Lewinsky (NBC News Photo)
…In 1998, answering 81 questions put to him three weeks earlier, President Bill Clinton wrote the House Judiciary Committee that his testimony in the Monica Lewinsky affair was “not false and misleading.”
…In 2000, a day after George W. Bush was certified the winner of Florida’s presidential vote, Al Gore laid out his case for letting the courts settle the nation’s long-count election.
With a lot of people traveling to and from their Thanksgiving destinations in the coming days, police across the state will be on the lookout for impaired and reckless drivers. Their latest safety initiative kicks off today and runs through Sunday. During last year’s Thanksgiving holiday travel period, over 210 people were arrested for DWI and more than 4,000 speeding tickets were handed out. Anyone who sees suspicious or dangerous activity out on the roads should dial 911 immediately.
Niagara County deputies are continuing their investigation into the death of a pedestrian. According to authorities, the 29-year-old woman was in the area of Military Road and Lockport Road in Lockport last night when she was struck by a vehicle. She was taken to a nearby hospital but could not be saved. No charges have been filed and witnesses are asked to reach out to the sheriff’s department.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: GO Health is alerting residents that cases of respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, are rising throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties. An increase in the presence of RSV in wastewater throughout both counties is also noted. RSV is a common respiratory virus that can be mild for most people, but can be very harmful and serious for very young children, older adults, people with medical conditions, those born premature, or with underlying lung conditions. Symptoms of RSV include fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, and runny nose. A vaccine is available to prevent and protect against RSV for adults aged 60 and older, infants and young children, as well as pregnant people to protect their unborn child.
Governor Hochul says steps are being taken to crack down on what she says is a growing amount of hate speech online. She’s sent a letter to social media companies, asking them to increase monitoring of content that may lead to violence. The governor has also asked her administration to create a media literacy toolkit to help educators teach kids how to spot misinformation online. Money will also go to expand threat assessment and management training at all colleges and universities statewide.
The Buffalo Sabres will be on the road once again tonight as they look to win their second straight game. They’ll visit the Washington Capitals at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Buffalo hasn’t played a game since Sunday when they beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2. Face-off for this evening’s contest is set for 7:00.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange is paying over $4 billion in penalties following a years-long Justice Department probe. Attorney General Merrick Garland says Binance and its founder have agreed to plead guilty to money laundering violations, unlicensed money transmitting and sanctions violations.
…In 1954, the Humane Society was founded.
…In 1967 George Harrison began recording sessions for the film soundtrack “Wonderwall,” which was also his first solo album.
…In 2018, as a part of the ongoing 20-year project to stabilize the Leaning Tower of Pisa, its tilt is reduced by four centimeters.
Wyoming County is under a wind advisory until 11:00pm. Winds from 20-35 miles per hour with gusts of up to 50 miles per hour are predicted to come in from the southeasterly direction. The strongest winds will be at the tops of hills and hitting north facing slopes. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few isolated power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving especially high profile vehicles.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: The clock is ticking for survivors of sexual abuse or misconduct who have not yet filed a suit under the Adult Survivors Act as the window closes Friday. The Adult Survivors Act, signed into law last year by Gov. Kathy Hochul, created a one-year look back window for survivors of sexual misconduct to take legal action. More than 2,500 suits were filed statewide in the past year, empowering survivors even if the statute of limitations normally would have passed in their case. Many of the suits filed involve abuse at local jails. Eleven suits were filed against Erie County and the Office of Sheriff in the last month. A resolution could take 2-5 years if a case goes to trial.
The results of a new poll show just how Empire State residents are feeling about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to the Siena College survey, 75% of people asked said the level of anti-Semitism has increased since Hamas attacked Israel last month. And, about 60% of respondents said those attacks are an unspeakable crime that should be condemned. Also, 54% said they are against the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza.
Buffalo police are expressing concern following a recent spike in the number of deadly drug overdoses. Six people have died due to suspected overdoses in the past few days, including four within a 24-hour period this past weekend. At five of the overdose scenes, authorities found what they believe was powder and crack cocaine. They are now waiting for test results to see of those drugs were contaminated with xylazine or fentanyl.
The U.S. government is offering to send another round of four free at-home COVID-19 tests ahead of the typical surge in cases during the winter holiday season. Anyone who did not order a batch of four COVID-19 tests in September can secure up to eight of them this time around starting Monday at 
With energy costs expected to rise during the winter months, the state Division of Consumer Protection is offering recommendations to help people save on their bills. Folks should often check their thermostat, since each degree it’s lowered can decrease fuel consumption by about three-percent. And, weatherize and insulate your home to help it retain heat. Finally, make sure your heating system is in good shape so it can run efficiently.
Belly fat could be linked to early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. A new study found that those in their 40s and 50s with more hidden belly fat had a higher amount of an abnormal protein in the part of the brain where dementia occurs. The study’s senior author said men have a higher relationship between belly fat and the brain. The research also showed a relationship between belly fat and brain atrophy, which is important since the brain wasting away is a biomarker of Alzheimer’s.
A gag order hearing involving one of former President Trump’s federal cases is over. The limited gag order from the judge in his 2020 election subversion case was frozen until the three-judge panel considered how to balance Trump’s free speech rights. Prosecutors claim the order is necessary to protect witnesses, prosecutors and court personnel from intimidation. Trump claims the Obama-appointed judge had inserted herself into the 2024 race by restricting his ability to speak freely.
Governor Hochul has signed off on a brand-new law aimed at helping stop the opioid crisis in the Empire State. It’s called Matthew’s Law, and expands access to fentanyl testing supplies by allowing them to be given out by pharmacists and health care professionals. The Office of Addiction Services and Supports has already started a new system that has led to the order of 2 million fentanyl test strips. Anyone who needs help battling addiction can call 1-877-8-HOPENY.
An elderly woman has tragically lost her life after being hit and killed by a vehicle over the weekend. According to authorities, the 97-year-old victim was in the area of Hertel Avenue and Saint Florian Street in Buffalo Saturday when she was struck. The woman, whose name hasn’t been released, was taken to Erie County Medical Center and pronounced dead. No charges have been filed in connection with this incident.
Rochester police continue to be on the lookout for the suspect involved in a weekend carjacking. A 72-year-old man says he was sitting in a car near Saint Paul Street and Norton Street yesterday when he was approached by someone and punched. The suspect then drove away with the victim’s vehicle, and the man needed treatment for an injury.
The Bills are now 6 and 5 after a 32 to 6 win against the Jets Sunday night. The Bills have been struggling and many fans were incredibly disappointed after last week’s 12 men on the field flub which saw a victory go up in smoke in the last few seconds of the game against the Broncos. Bills offense sacked Jets Quarterback Zack Wilson 5 times causing 2 fumbles. Allen went 20 of 32 for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns. Injuries in the Bills secondary continued to pile up, with Dane Jackson with a concussion, Taron Johnson also suffering a concussion and Taylor Rapp hurting his neck. The Bills will hit the road to face the 8-1 Eagles in Philadelphia. Kickoff is set for 4:25 on Sunday.
A man who won the $1.35 billion Mega Millions jackpot is suing his ex-girlfriend for telling his family members about the lottery win. The Maine resident who anonymously claimed the jackpot earlier this year filed a lawsuit claiming that his ex-girlfriend, who is also the mother of his child, breached an agreement that they had to keep the win confidential. The lawsuit says his ex signed an NDA but ended up telling his father and stepmother about the jackpot win. The man is asking her to name every person she’s told and pay a $100,000 fine for each NDA violation.
The holiday season is bringing an increase of viral illnesses, as people are getting ready for gatherings. While flu activity is still at low levels overall, an official with the CDC says there’s going to be many weeks of increasing flu activity and estimates that nearly 780,000 people have had it so far this season. The director of the CDC says these are the months when flu likes to spread, especially since everyone travels for holidays.
The civil service exams may stay at no cost after a bump in the number of applications following the fee waiver this year. The normal price of $25 had been in place since 2011. This year it was decided to waive the fee to see if more people would come take the test. And they did. The number of applicants was up 31 percent this year. The county has struggled to attract candidates for several departments over the last couple of years, including the sheriff’s office, which is growing with a new, larger jail facility in progress, and the mental health department. The no-fee trial period started June 1, 2022. The Ways & Means Committee has agreed to keep it in place through 2025.
The State Attorney General’s Office has opened up an investigation into a fatal shooting involving a New York State Trooper. On Wednesday, the Trooper responded to a call on State Route 64 in East Bloomfield after getting a report that someone was threatening to kill another person. When the Trooper interviewed a 17-year-old, the teen reportedly pulled out a knife and charged at the Trooper, leading to the officer opening fire and killing him. The AG’s office will now determine if the Trooper did anything wrong.
National Grid is taking action to update its substations across the region ahead of what could be another snowy winter. When a deadly blizzard hit the region last December, high winds caused snow to pile up in some of those substations, which made power restoration efforts even more difficult. The company is installing new vents and shutters that’ll help keep snow out of buildings. The hope is all of this work will be done in the next few weeks.
…On November 18, 1883, the United States and Canada adopted a system of Standard Time zones established by the railroads — Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific.
…In 1962 The Four Seasons started a five week run at number one on the US singles chart with ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry.’
…On November 18, 1985, the comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes” debuted in newspapers. For a look at the first one, click here: 
New information has been released about a sexual assault at a high school in Wayne County. Officials say four people who were involved in the incident are members of the Clyde-Savannah High School varsity football team. The victim was assaulted in a locker room last month and video of what happened was shared on social media. Two of the defendants were in court yesterday and the other two will face a judge today.
PepsiCo Incorporated is now facing a lawsuit that’s been filed by New York State Attorney General Letitia James. The lawsuit claims single-use plastic packaging that is produced by the company is causing environmental problems along the Buffalo River. As a result, pollution is leading to the contamination of drinking water and putting the safety of wildlife at risk. James wants the company to pay restitution for the damage caused and to end its environmentally unsafe practices.
Roswell Park is offering men the opportunity to get themselves screened for prostate cancer later today. An event is taking place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Data shows one in eight men will have to battle prostate cancer at some point in their lives. To sign up for an appointment, head to 
A new poll is suggesting that over half of all American voters want other candidates to join the 2024 presidential race. Over a dozen candidates have joined the race to the White House, but a new Quinnipiac poll says 52% of voters would like more options, including 72-percent of independents and 58-percent of Democrats.
…In 1974, “Whatever Gets You Through The Night” lands John Lennon a number one spot on the U.S. singles chart.
Unionized Starbucks baristas are planning to hold a major strike this week. Thousands of employees across the nation will hit the picket lines Thursday on the company’s so-called Red Cup Day, a popular promotional event when Starbucks gives out holiday-themed reusable cups. Workers are accusing the company of refusing to fairly negotiate at cafes that voted to organize. Starbucks claims it’s the union that is not bargaining in good faith.
The Beatles are making chart history again. The Fab Four have a new song on the Billboard charts, called “Now and Then.” It debuted at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, making it their 35th track to hit the top ten. It also extends their record as the group with the most top ten hits (with the Rolling Stones in second place with 23 top ten hits).
The Federal Reserve will likely make deep cuts to interest rates this spring. That’s according to a new estimate from UBS Investment Bank. The cuts could come as early as March. UBS said easing inflation could pave a way for a 2.75% decrease in the interest rate over the year. That would almost halve the current nearly 5.5% rate.
…In 1939, President Franklin Roosevelt laid the cornerstone of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.
34-year-old Michael Lanham of Lockport has pleaded guilty to production of child pornography with a prior offense, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years in prison. Back in 2010, he was convicted of rape of a victim less than 17 years of age and is a registered sex offender. In September 2020, he took a sexually explicit photo of a minor on his cell phone. Lanham then distributed the image in a private online message to an undercover law enforcement officer on the Kik application. Sentencing is scheduled for March 2024.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: Major changes have been proposed to New York’s current guidelines for students to graduate from high school. A panel laid out its recommendations yesterday, and they included replacing three diploma types with just one diploma type, ensuring access to career and technical education, and also creating more tailored requirements for certain groups of students. Right now, students need to pass multiple Regents exams to get their diploma. It’s unlikely any changes will go into effect for at least a year.
Marijuana users say cannabis helps them get a good night’s sleep more than medications. Washington State University helped lead a study that compared marijuana to sleep aids like melatonin or benzodiazepines. More than 80% of pot users say smoking joints helped them get better sleep.
…In 1969 “Sugar Sugar” by the Archies went number-one on the UK singles chart.
43-year-old Carrie Stewart of Attica has been arrested. She’s charged with petit larceny. It’s alleged she shoplifted from Old Navy in the Town of Batavia. Stewart was released on an appearance ticket returnable to Batavia Town Court next month.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: Some possible bad news for the STAMP site in Genesee County near Alabama. The Plug Power company currently building a hydrogen fuel cell plant at the site declared in an SEC filing that it has not been able to raise enough money through investors and may not have enough capital to continue within a year. The Latham-based company started selling public stock in 1999 and has never reported a profit, which is not unusual for early-stage start-ups. The company is working on several options to raise more capital. The CEO said that the report is not final and he has hope for the company’s future. According to reports in early October, Plug Power is considered a strong contender for a portion of $7 billion in federal grants for alternative energy projects. In 2019, the federal government committed $4 million to the company.
Some good news regarding the per-gallon price of regular gas. As of this morning, the national average price is $3.37. The state average is 3.65. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.66 per gallon, that’s down 4 cents from a week ago and 13 cents from a year ago today. Recent decreases in the price of oil may bring the price at the pump down even more. Oil has dropped over $10 per barrel in just a week.
The Buffalo Bills will be back in the national spotlight tonight as they take the field for Monday Night Football. The Bills are set to host the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Buffalo is coming off of a 24 to 18 loss last Sunday night against the Cincinnati Bengals that dropped their record this season to five wins and four losses. Kickoff this evening is set for 8:15.
A Dickinson, North Dakota woman has been handed a big surprise at Lottery headquarters in Bismarck. The woman was cashing in what she thought was a Powerball ticket worth $600 this week. At the Lottery office she was told it was actually worth $150,000. The drawing was October 7th.
40-year-old Marlene Cruz of Rochester has been arrested. She’s charged with the delay or destruction of mail and theft of mail by a postal employee. The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Multiple complaints were filed by postal customers in January 2022 that their mail had been tampered with. Investigation revealed that Cruz, a fulltime mail carrier, had opened envelopes and parcels, removed items such as ticket stubs, cash, lottery tickets and gift cards on multiple occasions. Cruz will return to court at a later date.
…In 1775, the Continental Marines was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It became recognized as the United States Marine Corps in 1798.
…In 1967 The Moody Blues released the single “Nights in White Satin.”
…In 1979 The Eagles were at number one on the US charts with “Heartache Tonight” the groups 5th and final number one.
47-year-old Brian Kennedy of Batavia has been arrested. He’s charged with petit larceny, possession of burglar tools and conspiracy. It’s alleged he entered Dick’s Sporting Goods and removed a security tag from a coat and exited the store passing all points of sale without paying. Sheriffs later located Kennedy in Walmart. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Batavia Court for a later date.
…In 2020, global COVID-19 cases passed 50-million. The death toll at that point was over 1.2 million.
…In 1941, the Soviet Union was lent $1 million by the United States.
Governor Hochul has announced millions of dollars will be coming to the Genesee County STAMP site. In her statement yesterday, Hochul touted the site as the largest in New York and her commitment to the new Tech Corridor designation between Syracuse and Buffalo. She said that the state would be working to focus on building the remaining infrastructure to support many advanced manufacturing projects including a wastewater treatment facility and pump station, force-main components, natural gas transmission main tap and extension within the site, road construction improvements and a water transmission main. Total cost of the project is 62.37 million dollars.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: A pair of teenagers from Rochester are accused of stealing two unlocked vehicles that were left running in the driveways of Batavia homes yesterday morning. The first theft was reported on Lacrosse Avenue in Batavia. It was later located on Cherry Avenue, where another vehicle that had been left unlocked and running was stolen. A short time after the theft was reported, a Le Roy patrol officer spotted the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver fled, leading to a chase into Monroe County. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the pursuit once it was in the department’s jurisdiction. The chase ended in North Chili, where one occupant was taken into custody without incident. A second occupant fled on foot but was taken into custody a short time later. A 17-year-old male and an 18-year-old female, whose names are not being released by Batavia PD, were charged with two counts each of grand larceny 4th. They are also facing charges and traffic violations in Le Roy. The pair was issued appearance tickets and released to their guardians in accordance with state law.
Daylight Saving Time is coming to an end Sunday and the American Red Cross says the clock change should serve as a reminder to people to test their smoke alarms. Experts say doing so can help prevent a tragedy in your home if there’s a fire. They’re also recommending everyone practice their fire escape plan to make sure they know a way out of their residence in case of an emergency. Additional safety tips can be found at 
Damar Hamlin is most likely not going to play against the Cincinnati Bengals when Buffalo goes up against them on Sunday. But, whether he plays or not Hamlin says he is not worried. The 25-year-old Hamlin’s journey is coming full-circle with Buffalo’s first return to Cincinnati since he collapsed after making what appeared to be a routine tackle. Hamlin’s heart stopped as a result of commotio cordis, which happens after a direct blow at a specific point in the heartbeat cycle causes cardiac arrest. Doctors have assured Hamlin he can resume playing without any fear of setbacks or reoccurrence. It’s unlikely Hamlin — who missed practice Wednesday due to an illness — will suit up Sunday. He’s been a healthy inactive for all but one of Buffalo’s first eight games since he’s last on the team’s safety depth chart.
The Buffalo Bills will be hitting the road this weekend in search of a second straight victory. The Bills are set to battle the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Ohio. Buffalo hasn’t played since last Thursday night when they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and improved their record this season to five wins and three losses. Kickoff Sunday night will be at 8:20.
Applications are now being accepted for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program ahead of the 2024-2025 academic year. Financial help is available to both part-time and full-time students who attend an approved school in the Empire State. The maximum TAP award is more than $5,000 dollars, and the goal of this program is to provide support to people who may not be able to afford a college education. For more information, head to 
…In 1967, The Beatles completed recording their next single “Hello Goodbye” at Abbey Road studios in London with a second Paul McCartney bass line. The McCartney song had been selected for the A-side of the Fab Four’s next single, the flip side to be Lennon’s “I Am The Walrus.”
…In 1978 The Police released their debut album, “Outlandos d’Amour.” The working title, “Police Brutality,” was changed to make is sound more romantic.
30-year-old Maranda Button of Batavia has been arrested. In addition to a traffic violation, she is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. The arrest occurred last night when Button was stopped by road patrol Deputies near the intersection of Route 63 and Park Road. An investigation resulted in allegations that Button was in possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released on an appearance ticket.
Starting today, applications are being accepted for anyone who is interested in enrolling in the Home Energy Assistance Program. The program helps people pay their energy bills during the winter months and eligibility is based on factors such as income, household size, and primary heating source. Only one HEAP benefit will be given to an eligible household per program year. Additional information can be found by going to 
…In 2005, voters in Denver, Colorado voted to allow residents over the age of 21 to legally possess up to an ounce of marijuana.
The Genesee County Local Drug Enforcement Task Force searched a house at 14 Spruce Street on Saturday and arrested 4 people. 30-year-old Michael Torres, 32 year old Jason Freeman, 24-year-old Haley Lardner and 63-year-old Dawn Morford were all arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a weapon. The search warrant was a result of a several month investigation into the illegal possession and sale of narcotics from 14 South Spruce Street and weapons possession. Torres, Lardner, Morford and Freeman were held at the Genesee County Jail pending Cap Court arraignment.
Halloween has arrived, and tonight, State Police and volunteers will be teaming up for the annual Pumpkin Patrol. The goal is to prevent Halloween pranks on the Thruway and to protect people from drivers who take part in dangerous activities such as speeding or being behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. About 200 volunteers from more than a dozen counties will help Troopers with this initiative. State Police took over running the Pumpkin Patrol in 1990.
Witches, black cats, and other images associate with Halloween have a history that goes back 2,000 years. The ancient Celtic fire festival called “Samhain” marked the close of harvest and the initiation of the winter season. It was believed to be a time when the souls of the dead could return to the earth. Black cats became a symbol of the day because some believed souls could inhabit their bodies. The broomstick used by witches is symbolic of the magical powers of women, because it’s employed in the cleansing of ritual places.
According to Triple A this morning, the national average cost for a gallon of regular gas $3.49. The state average is 3.74. In Batavia, we’re paying $3.75 per gallon; that’s down 7 cents from a month ago but up a penny from a year ago today. Oil prices have stayed $80 a barrel despite lower demand because of global tensions from the war in Israel.
Legendary magician David Copperfield is announcing his newest trick. During a weekend interview on Today, Copperfield revealed he has plans to make the moon disappear. He said it’s taken 30 years of work to develop the illusion. Practice runs of the trick are apparently going well, and he claims “people have reported seeing strange things in the sky at night all around the country.” Copperfield has previously made the Statue of Liberty appear to vanish, and has seemingly walked through the Great Wall of China.
…In 1973 John Lennon released the album “Mind Games.” It was Lennon’s first self-produced recording without help from Phil Spector.
…In 1984 Bruce Springsteen released the single “Born In The U.S.A.” The song was ranked 275th on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: Eight women have filed lawsuits against the Erie County Sheriff’s Office alleging sexual abuse by corrections officers while in custody. The abuse in the eight separate suits is alleged to have occurred at both the Erie County Correctional Facility and Erie County Holding Center, with dates ranging from 1996 through 2018. The lawsuits are part of the Adult Survivors Act. The legislation created a one-year look-back window for survivors of sexual assault that occurred when they were over the age of 18 to sue their abusers regardless of when it occurred. A spokesperson for the Erie County Attorney’s Office said they have not yet seen the lawsuits. The sheriff’s office declined comment.
The Rochester Police Department has issued a warning about an ongoing scam in our region. They say people are posting apartments for rent on sites like Craigslist that the scammers have no connection to. Those scammers claim to be out of town and only offer to give people keys to the apartment once they have received money. Police say it’s best to only meet potential landlords in-person.
With a lot of people heading out to celebrate Halloween in the coming days, police across New York State are going to be keeping a close eye out for drunk drivers. People can expect to see increased patrols on the roads from today through Tuesday. Folks who are planning to drink alcoholic beverages are being urged to make sure they have a safe ride home. Anyone who sees suspicious or dangerous activity while they’re driving should dial 911.
National Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday, October 28th, from 10am to 2pm. There are 3 locations across Genesee County where the public has the opportunity to safely dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The Batavia Police Department will be accepting prescription drugs and sharps in the Alva Place parking lot across the street from Batavia Showtime. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will accept prescription drugs ONLY at the Pembroke Town Hall, 1145 Main Road Corfu. The LeRoy Police Department will also be accepting prescription drugs ONLY at their headquarters located at 3 West Main Street, LeRoy.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: Members of the Rochester Union of Nurses and Allied Professionals working at Rochester General Hospital have voted to ratify the new 42-month contract with the hospital. Approximately 95 percent of the nurses voted in favor of the deal, which is said to increase wages and improve staffing levels. Both were major sticking points during negotiations. The two sides came to an agreement last week, averting a five-day strike. A strike that lasted two days was held back in August.
The New York State Department of Transportation is reminding drivers about a closure on the Kensington Expressway. The highway will be shut down once again from 11 p.m. tonight until 6 a.m. tomorrow. This closure is needed so crews can safely install signs above the Dodge Street overpass. A detour is going to be in effect from Best Street to East Delavan Avenue to help travelers get to their destinations.
The Buffalo Bills are home tonight as they look to get back on the winning track. The Bills are hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park for Thursday Night Football. Sunday, the Bills fell to the New England Patriots 29 to 25. The Buccaneers have lost three of their last four games to sit at 3-and-3 on the season. However, Tampa has won three of its last five against Buffalo dating back to 2005. The Bills are in second place in the AFC East with their 4 wins and 3 losses. Kickoff tonight is 8:15.
McDonald’s is getting rid of its McFlurry spoon. The fast food chain says it’s looking into more sustainable alternatives. The hollow plastic spoon, which confused many for its shape, doubled as a spindle. It could be inserted into the machine to mix the ice cream toppings in. Now, the shakes will have a smaller spoon using less plastic.
…In 2015, meat becomes classified as a carcinogenic by the WHO.
The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants today until approximately 3:00pm in the general area of north of West Main Street and west of Bank Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected because the tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As is always the case, do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored; if your water is discolored, run it cold for about five minutes or until it’s clear. If you have questions, or notice a hydrant in need of repair, please contact the fire department at 345-6375.
New York has joined dozens of states across the country in taking legal action against Meta. The social media company, which oversees Facebook and Instagram, is facing a federal lawsuit. Meta is accused of hurting the mental health of young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis. State Attorney General Letitia James is claiming Meta designs its platforms to have features that make children addicted while lowering their self-esteem. Meta says it’s working to provide a safer environment for teens.
Niagara Falls police are expected to release more information today on a recent sexual assault. Authorities say that an arrest has been made in connection to the September 19th incident in the parking lot of the Pine Plaza shopping center. A woman told officers a man approached her with a weapon before being forced to go behind a building where she was then assaulted. The name of the suspect hasn’t been made public.
The Buffalo Diocese says it’s willing to pay a total of $100 million to the survivors of sexual abuse. The money would be used to help settle lawsuits that were filed by people who were allegedly victimized by members of the clergy. Up to half of those funds would come from schools, parishes, and the sale of the Catholic Center on Main Street. However, lawyers for some of the survivors believe the diocese wants to silence accusers by quietly putting an end to these lawsuits.
Monroe County deputies are looking into the deaths of two people in Pittsford. Law enforcement was called to a home on Tobey Road last night after a woman’s relative said the family had not heard from her. The bodies of the woman and a man were found inside the house. Investigators say this could have been a murder-suicide.
Tops Friendly market is giving veterans, military personnel and their families a discount on their purchases again this year. On Veterans Day they can take 11% off their bill for the 11th year in a row. Customers should present proof of service that they, or an immediate family member are a U.S. Veteran, active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel to automatically receive an 11% discount off of their total purchase that day.
Rochester is one of the 50 “rattiest” cities, according to a new list from pest control company Orkin. The list is based on the number of new service calls and efforts the communities make to control the problem America’s largest cities take up the top spots in the list, with Chicago leading the way for the ninth consecutive year. Los Angeles is second, followed by New York City, Washington and San Francisco rounding out the top five. Rochester moved into the top 50, up five spots to 46th this year. Buffalo dropped five spots to 38th, while Albany fell six spots to 42nd and Syracuse dropped nine spots to 48th.
Thanks to the Buffalo Bills, students in the Orchard Park Central School District will be spending less time in class this week. A spokesperson says kids will be dismissed after just a half-day of instruction on Thursday. This move is being made for traffic and safety reasons ahead of Buffalo’s game against the Tampa Bay Bucanneers. Another half-day is set for Monday, November 13th when the Bills host the Denver Broncos.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling on her colleagues in Congress to keep the Affordable Connectivity Program running. The New York Democrat says more than 1.5 million Empire State households depend on this program so they can afford high-speed Internet service. Gillibrand believes that fast and reliable Internet is no longer a luxury and is necessary for everyday life. Funding for the program, which was established in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is set to expire in a few months.
A Lackawanna man is in some serious legal trouble after being arrested on a child pornography charge. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says 32-year-old Maxwell Gawley used three separate Snapchat accounts to upload disturbing videos. It is also alleged he used the app to have sexual conversations with a minor, and he is now facing 15 years to life in prison. After making his initial court appearance, Gawley was released from custody.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has an update on the state’s response to the migrant influx as she announced an extension of her own migrant emergency declaration. Hochul says Albany has earmarked $1.7 billion to support migrants and migrant care. That includes $250 million recently sent to New York City.
…In 1940, the 40-hour workweek went into effect under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
29-year-old Ronald Murray, Jr. of Batavia has been arrested in Bethany. He’s charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. It happened late yesterday afternoon when sheriffs were called to The Rolling Hills Asylum to check on the welfare of a male passed out behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. During the investigation, Murray was found to possess a white rock-like substance, which was later identified as crack cocaine. He was taken to Genesee County Jail for processing. Murray was released on an appearance ticket and is set to return to Bethany Town Court on November 1. ALSO: 21-year-old Raven Spikes and 20-year-old Jaliyah McClinic, both of Batavia, have been arrested for petit larceny and endangering the welfare of a child. It’s alleged they stole items from Target on Veteran’s Memorial Drive; two children were with them. Both were transported to Genesee County Jail for processing, issued appearance tickets and are scheduled for Batavia Town Court on December 12th. ALSO: 19-year-old Tyler Burns has been arrested and charged with criminal mischief for damaging property. Sheriff Deputies responded to Batavia Downs Casino for a male going through vehicles and spoke with Burns. He had fallen asleep in the bathroom and when woken by security, became irate and destroyed the baby changing station. Burns was transported to Genesee County Jail and released on appearance tickets. He’s due in Batavia Town Court on November 7th.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: The GEICO Insurance company is having mass layoffs that will include our region. The company says it is reducing its workforce by roughly 2,000 associates or 6% of its total workforce. This impacts about 5.5% of the workforce in our area. Those impacted were contacted yesterday. The company is offering career transition assistance, including individual career coaching sessions, assistance with resume updates, on-demand interviewing and networking resources, and tips to enhance one’s social media presence. GEICO is also asking workers to return to the office after allowing people to work from home for the last few years.
The well-over-month-long United Auto Workers strike rolls on as Ford Motor Company announces more layoffs. The automaker says an additional 150 workers have been temporarily laid off. Negotiations with the Big Three automakers seem to have stalled, and as the strike rolls on, supplies of some of the most popular vehicle models are starting to shrink.
Pfizer is upping the cost of its COVID-19 medication Paxlovid by more than double what it was. As the U.S. transitions out of the pandemic’s emergency phase, the drug maker is changing the list price of the drug before insurance to nearly $1,400 for a five-day course, according to the Wall Street Journal. That’s up from $530 per-course, which was paid by the government.
…In 1962, Bobby “Boris” Picket and the Crypt Kickers hit the top of the charts with “The Monster Mash.”
…In 1965, The Beatles received a gold record for their hit song “Yesterday.”
59-year-old Debra Stanley of Rochester has been arrested in Batavia. She’s charged with petit larceny and criminal possession of a controlled substance. It’s alleged Stanley stole merchandise from Ulta Beauty and police search revealed possession of a controlled substance. She was issued appearance tickets and is scheduled for arraignment in Batavia Town Court on November 14th.
As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: An investigation is underway after a series of threats were made against schools in Western New York and other parts of the state. Yesterday, Governor Hochul announced 10 school districts in WNY, the Capital Region, Central New York, Long Island, the Southern Tier and the North Country received swatting threats, which are hoax emergency calls intended to cause a scare by getting a SWAT team to respond to a location. State police are investigating these threats, and the NYS Intelligence Center is also keeping a close eye on the situation. A series of similar threats were made to school districts in the Rochester area earlier this year.
New legislation has been signed that’s aimed at supporting STOP-DWI programs across the Empire State. The measure requires surcharges that are assessed to drivers who are caught being impaired behind the wheel to be used towards funding local drunk driving prevention programs. Officials say that in turn will help protect New Yorkers from dangerous drivers. Since 1981, the STOP-DWI program has provided thousands of intervention and training programs.
Election Day is under three weeks away, and the deadline for voters to request an absentee ballot is coming up soon. The last day for the Board of Elections to receive an absentee ballot application by letter, telefax or online is this Monday, October 23rd. The final day to apply in-person for an absentee ballot is November 6th, which is one day before Election Day. More details can be found on the state Board of Elections website.
etflix is raising prices. The company announced that its premium ad-free plan will jump by three-dollars a month to 22-99, starting this week. The basic plan will increase to $11.99 in the U.S., while other plans will stay at the same price. The company also reported Wednesday that third-quarter subscription numbers show a 9% increase in paid accounts.
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