Monday News Brief
Written by Doug Thompson on January 15, 2024
File photo of Attorney General James
The Office of State Attorney General Letitia James is warning businesses in the region against price gouging during and after severe weather. State law makes it illegal to increase prices on essential goods and services that people need. Those items include things like batteries, food, water, hotel lodging, and transportation. Any price gouging is punishable by a fine and can be reported by calling 800-771-7755.
As a result of the winter storm, and dangerous road conditions, Batavia Downs has canceled live racing for today out of an abundance of caution for the safety of the horses, horsemen and woman as well as the fans. Live racing will resume as scheduled on Thursday January 18 at 3:00pm.
The travel advisory for Genesee County has been lifted. The Sheriff’s Office continues to urge motorists to use caution if they decide to travel. However, another winter storm watch goes into effect tomorrow (Tuesday, 1/16/24).
Gas prices continue to trend slightly downward. According to Triple A, the national average cost for a gallon of regular fuel is now $3.09. The state average is $3.28. In Batavia, the average price is reported to be $3.32; that’s down a nickel from a week ago; 18 cents from a month ago and exactly the same price it was a year ago today.
Police investigate shooting in East Rochester (13WHAM photo)
An East Rochester police officer is continuing to recover after being injured in the line of duty. Authorities say Officer Brad Steve was struck in his bulletproof vest yesterday during an exchange of gunfire with a suspect on Garfield Street. Both the officer and suspect were taken to a hospital and are expected to survive. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Aftermath of New Year’s Day crash near Kodak (13WHAM Photo)
A vigil has been held for the victims of a fiery crash in Rochester on New Year’s Day. The gathering took place last night outside of the Kodak Center on West Ridge Road. Four people ended up dying after a man intentionally slammed a Ford Explorer into a rideshare vehicle and a group of pedestrians. The Ford driver was among those who lost their lives. Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the tragedy.
The state Division of Consumer Protection is providing tips to help job seekers avoid employment scams. The agency recommends that people be weary of possible employers who want personal information before an interview. Other red flags are employers who only communicate via text or offer to hire you without a meeting or interview. If you’re trying to find a job, some reputable places to search online include usajobs.gov and the state Department of Labor’s website.
The view at Highmark during the blizzard of 2022.
After a one-day delay due to that lake-effect storm, the Bills will finally get to take the field for their AFC Wild Card game today. They will be hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. If Buffalo is victorious, they’ll end up playing the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs this coming weekend. Kickoff for this afternoon’s contest is scheduled for 4:30.
ELSEWHERE…
‘Trixie and Ed Norton’ – Joyce Randolph and Art Carney on “The Honeymooners.”
Fans of the iconic 1955 TV sitcom “The Honeymooners” are remembering Joyce Randolph. Randolph’s son told TMZ that his mother died “peacefully in her sleep of old age” at her New York City home at the age of 99. Randolph’s character “Trixie” was married to Ed Norton, played by Art Carney on the popular TV series based in Brooklyn which still lives on in re-runs. It centered around bus driver Ralph Kramden played by Jackie Gleason and also starred Audrey Meadows as Kramden’s wife Alice. Randolph is the last of the cast to pass on and as one fan wrote on social media, it marks the end of the golden age of television.
New Peeps!
A classic Easter candy will debut some new flavors this year. Four new flavors of Peeps will be hitting shelves soon. The flavors include Rice Krispies Treats, Icee Blue Raspberry, Sour Strawberry and S’mores Graham Cracker dipped in Milk Chocolate. The Rice Krispies Treats flavor will be a Walmart exclusive, Icee Blue Rasperry will only be sold at Target and Sour Strawberry will be only on Kroger stores shelves. The new offerings will join classic Peeps offerings like Sour Watermelon, Sparkly Wild Berry and Cotton Candy.
The 75th Annual Emmy Awards are almost here. The Primetime Emmys will be on Monday with Anthony Anderson set to host live on Fox from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles at 8:00pm Eastern Time. Warner Brothers-Discovery led the way for the studios with 155 total Emmy nominations. Television icons including Carol Burnett and Peter Dinklage are also set to present. Fans of shows like the Sopranos and Cheers will want to watch for possible cast reunions and tributes.
Today is Monday, January 15, the 15th day of 2024 with 351 to follow.
The moon is waxing. Morning stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Uranus and Venus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn and Uranus.
January 15 in history…
The Nast drawing from 1870.
…In 1870, a cartoon by Thomas Nast appeared in Harper’s weekly with a donkey symbolizing the Democratic Party for the first time.
Dr. Naismith appears ready to play.
…In 1892, Dr. James Naismith published the rules of basketball. He invented the game at a YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Super Bowl I, today in history.
…In 1967, the first Super Bowl, pitting the NFL and AFL champions, was played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, with the Green Bay Packers defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10.
The Rolling Stones on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Mick had to compromise for this appearance.
…Also in 1967 The Rolling Stones were asked to change the words to the hit “Let’s Spend the Night Together” when the group was to perform on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” CBS-TV censors wanted Mick Jagger to sing “Let’s Spend Some TIME Together” instead of the actual lyrics.
Who else but President Nixon?
…In 1973, President Richard Nixon called a halt to U.S. military offensives in Vietnam.
The Eagles on stage at The Forum.
…In 2014 The Eagles played the first of six concerts at the Forum in Inglewood, California, which were the first shows at the remodeled venue. To commemorate the occasion, a giant, 407-foot diameter vinyl replica of the band’s 1977 album “Hotel California” was built on top of the arena, and began spinning like a record.
