Thursday News Brief
Written by Doug Thompson on January 18, 2024
Michael Brodman
An arrest has been made in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in Gates. Police say 52-year-old Michael Brodman was driving on Buffalo Road New Year’s Eve when he struck 32-year-old Jesse Rivera. Rivera was pronounced dead at the scene just moments after first responders arrived. Brodman has been arraigned and taken to the Monroe County Jail.
We’ve been talking about it for a couple of days, and today the lake effect snow warning remains in effect until 7:00 this evening. The most persistent lake snows will remain in Erie County with 2 to 5 more inches of snow possible for us in western Genesee County. The full forecast is coming up in just a few moments. Travel will be difficult in the areas most impacted by the storm from the combination of snow-covered roads and poor visibility.
The nearly week long winter storm that we’ve experienced and necessitated the cancellation of live racing at Batavia Downs on Monday, January 15th, has once again forced track officials to cancel live racing at The Downs for tonight (Thursday, January 18th) due to the ongoing effects of the extreme weather conditions. Simulcast at the track will remain open.
Unidentified school bus driver in undated file photo.
Governor Hochul is making it easier for schools to address the ongoing shortage of bus drivers in New York State. She’s instructed the DMV to implement a waiver that allows driver applicants to skip the engine compartment component part of a license test. That will allow people to get their commercial license quicker so they can get out on the road. Hochul says transportation and care for children are vital and this change will encourage more folks to become bus drivers.
Police investigate at Main Street Armory (file photo)
A woman has filed a lawsuit after being injured during a stampede at a Rochester concert venue. Tiffany Baxtrum claims that she was hurt as a result of the carelessness and recklessness of the former owner of the Main Street Armory and a security company. Thousands of people ran towards the exit of the building during a show last March after thinking they heard gunshots. One woman was killed and the venue hasn’t hosted a concert since the stampede.
File photo of Mark Poloncarz
The deaths of at least three people have been connected to recent snowstorms that have impacted the region. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says a man died on Monday while shoveling snow, and another person lost their life after being hit by a car in Cheektowaga. On Tuesday, the body of a 57-year-old woman was found near a snow blower.
Aerial file photo of KeyBank Center
The Buffalo Sabres and Chicago Blackhawks are finally going to get the chance to do battle tonight. The teams were supposed to play last night at KeyBank Center, but the game was postponed due to a winter storm. The Sabres will be playing the second-to-last game of their current home stand before traveling out west for three games. Face-off for this evening is set for 7:00.
File photo of Coach McDermott
Several Buffalo Bills players are still recovering from injuries ahead of this weekend’s big showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. Among the players who were not available for yesterday’s walk-through practice included Gabe Davis, Christian Benford, Sam Martin, and Taylor Rapp. Head coach Sean McDermott hasn’t said if any of them are going to be available to help Buffalo battle the reigning Super Bowl champions. Kickoff Sunday evening at Highmark Stadium is set for 6:30.
ELSEWHERE…
It has been a week since the opening of OpenAI’s GPT store and already users are breaking the rules and creating, “companions.” A search for “girlfriend” on the new GPT store will populate the site’s results bar with at least eight “girlfriend” AI chatbots. The company bans apps dedicated to fostering romantic companionship. In the US, seven of the 30 AI chatbot apps downloaded last year from the Apple or Google store were related to AI friends, girlfriends, or companions, according to data.ai. The proliferation of these apps comes as the US faces an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, with the Surgeon General calling for the need to strengthen social connections, and AI chatbots could be part of the solution.
File photo of fruit juices
A Harvard study is showing a link between fruit juice and weight gain in both children and adults. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, says the actual weight gain is small, but significant, because fruit juice causes a sugar spike and too much sugar in the blood can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
Lionel Ritchie (second from the left) with Earth, Wind and Fire
A solo singer and group that have both been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are coming to Buffalo later this year. Lionel Richie will be joined by Earth, Wind and Fire at KeyBank Center on Saturday, June 15th. The artists are teaming up for what they’re calling the “Sing A Song All Night Long Tour.” Tickets for the show are scheduled to go on sale to the public Friday at 10 a-m through Ticketmaster.
Today is Thursday, Jan. 18, the 18th day of 2024 with 348 to follow.
The moon is waxing. Morning stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Uranus and Venus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn and Uranus.
January 18 in history…
Curly Howard
…In 1952, actor, comedian Curly Howard died at the age of 48. Born Jerome Lester Horowitz, he is best remembered as part of the legendary comedy team The Three Stooges.
Kevin Costner at age 12
…In 1955, Kevin Costner was born (happy 68th!)
Is anyone really surprised that this union didn’t work out?
…In 1996, Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce from Michael Jackson after 20-months of marriage.
