Morning News Briefing
Written by WBTA STAFF on December 23, 2019
Batavia Police have arrested one person in connection with a car theft from earlier this month. Back on December 7, a vehicle was allegedly stolen from the parking lot of a business on Liberty Street in the city. After the investigation, Police arrested 57-year-old Edward Ruckdeschel of Liberty Street and charged him with second-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle and fourth-degree grand larceny. He is being held without bail in the Genesee County Jail pending a court appearance.
Some residents receiving food stamps across New York State could be at risk of losing those benefits. It’s due to new federal rules demanding states enforce work requirements for folks who are considered able-bodied. Previously, states could waive those requirements in areas where unemployment was high. But now, unemployment will have to be at least six percent for that to happen. When the new regulations kick in next year, folks who are able to work, are single or don’t have children will have to either be employed or receive job training for at least 20 hours a week to receive their benefits.
On Friday, Durin Rogers was sworn in as the new full-time judge Batavia City Court and David Saleh was sworn in as the new part-time judge.
Governor Andrew Cuomo is set to unveil a proposal in his upcoming State of the State address that would save women money. He’s planning to call for an end to the so-called ‘pink tax’ and ban businesses from charging more for items marketed towards women. On average, women pay seven cents more for things like razors, shampoo and health care products than men. In a statement, the governor called the practice of basing prices on gender discriminatory and repugnant.
The Buffalo News is reporting that there is a push intensifying to bring trans-Atlantic flights to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The Buffalo News says airport officials and politicians are lobbying the state for money in order to make the flights a reality. They point to the fact that nearby airports, like Toronto’s Pearson Airport, are congested and that makes the Buffalo Airport a logical choice for trans-Atlantic flights. Airport officials will look to make their pitch to the state in January.
Drivers hitting the road during this busy travel week will find dropping gas prices. According to AAA of Western and Central New York, the average cost for a gallon of gas in Batavia is $2.65 a gallon, and that’s a drop of 8 cents from a year ago. The state average is $2.69, while nationally it’s $2.55. Triple-A expects 116 million people to be traveling for the holiday, the most in nearly 20 years. That’s an increase of almost four-percent over last year. Triple-A expects 104 million of those holiday travelers will drive to their destinations.
Senator Chuck Schumer is demanding a federal investigation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission into T.J. Maxx and its Marshall’s and HomeGoods brands. Schumer said the stores sold recalled products including clothes, toys, and electronics. The products were already recalled between 2014 and 2019. Most of the merchandise was highly hazardous, with dangers such as infant fatalities, fire, burning, and explosions, just to name a few. He added that consumers deserve to be notified, refunded, and reassured that this will not happen again.
