Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on May 22, 2023
Lawmakers across the state are calling on the federal government to fast-track work permits as busloads of asylum seekers continue to arrive in New York City. More than 70,000 migrants have arrived there in recent months, according to Mayor Eric Adams, with 42,000 still in the city’s care. Gov. Kathy Hochul joined Adams on Monday to call for additional help, asking the federal government to expedite work permits that allow asylum seekers to get jobs. Adams has been asking for assistance for months, saying it’s a national issue that shouldn’t just fall on the shoulders of one city. Even if the federal government intervenes, housing remains an issue. Hochul has said she’s considering using some SUNY campuses to house asylum seekers. Numerous counties across the state have issued states of emergency saying they don’t have room for migrants, due to housing issues of their own.
There is a new principal at John Kennedy Intermediate School starting July 1st who has a long history of leading in education in Batavia. Paul Kesler, who has been principal of Batavia High School since 2018, began his career with the Batavia City School District at John Kennedy in 2005 as Principal. With the departure of Mr. Kesler as Principal of Batavia High School, Jason Smith and the BCSD leadership team will immediately begin the search process to name a replacement.
Police in Buffalo report that the Erie County Naval and Military Park has been vandalized. On Monday it was discovered that the Korean War Memorial was painted with the rifle held by the statue of the soldier painted yellow and pink. Several months ago the war memorial outside Russell’s Steaks and Chops was vandalized. The man who allegedly did it was arrested in March. Police ask anyone with information to call or text the confidential tip line at (716) 847-2255.
AAA is offering a travel package for Bills fans looking to go across the pond to see their team play in London this fall, but you’ll need to act fast. The package includes four nights at a hotel, various sightseeing activities and tickets to Buffalo’s Oct. 8 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Travelers would return to Toronto Oct. 10. The trip will cost $3,999 per person for double occupancy and $4,699 per person for single occupancy. AAA said that more than half of the available spots have already been booked.
Six Flags Darien Lake has been named as a top North American Amusement park by Hometogo.com’s best amusement parks ranking system. It scored number 1 in affordability with the cost of a regular ticket, 39.99, combined with parking at 20 dollars and nearby cheap hotels making it one of the cheapest parks you can visit in North America. It came in 6th overall out of all parks surveyed. Only Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Hersheypark, Canada’s Wonderland, and Cedar Point placed higher. The overall score was made by weighing affordability next to how many rides there are at the park. Cedar Point Ohio came in first in overall score and number of attractions score. The Disney parks because of their high price and low number of attractions ranked low on the list.
The Bills announced that safety Dean Marlowe will remain in Buffalo on a one-year deal. Marlowe was brought back last season in a trade with the Falcons, as the Bills were in need of some depth due to injuries. Buffalo gave up a 7th round draft in the 2023 draft in the trade. Marlowe played in a total of four games after joining midway through the season. The Bills also signed an undrafted free agent, Joel Wilson from Central Michigan University. That makes for another tight end to be thrown into the mix.
