Midday News Brief
Written by Dan Fischer on December 17, 2021
Beginning today, state police will be keeping a close eye out for dangerous drivers as the ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign begins. Through the holidays, drivers can expect to see increased patrols with police goals of reducing the number of alcohol and drug-related traffic accidents. Police ask that you make sure you have a safe ride home by choosing a designated driver or planning to use a ride-sharing service.
Federal funding of over $150,000 is on its way to the Genesee County Airport. The money can be used for improvements related to safety, runways, taxiways, as well as terminal, airport transit connections and roadway projects.
People who are past due on their payments to utility companies may soon have their utilities turned off as the statewide moratorium on shutoffs ends next Tuesday, December 21. As of September, there were over 1.2 million households in the state that were late with payments; this, according to the Public Utility Law Project. There are options. Governor Hochul noted the Home Energy Assistance Program is available to assist homeowners and renters with heating costs. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance as well as the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program may also be available to help.
The Buffalo Bills will be back in front of their home fans this weekend as they try and avoid a three-game losing streak. The Bills are hosting the Carolina Panthers. Buffalo is hoping to have starting quarterback Josh Allen in the lineup after he suffered a foot injury in last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bills have a record of seven wins and six losses this season and are in second place in the AFC East. Kickoff for Sunday’s contest is scheduled for one p-m.
Anyone who is concerned about paying off those holiday bills may want to play the lottery the next couple of days since there’s over 500-million-dollars in prize money up for grabs. The jackpot for tonight’s Mega Millions drawing is $160-million, while $353-million will go to whoever wins tomorrow’s Powerball jackpot. As always, the cost of a ticket for each game is just two-dollars. Both the Mega Millions and Powerball drawings are going to be streamed live online.
