Thursday News Brief

28-year-old James Carollo of Texas has been sentenced in Erie County Court to 12 years in prison followed by 20 years of post-release supervision and he will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release. Between July and September 2020, Carollo forcibly engaged in sexual intercourse with a child who was less than 14 years old. According to Orchard Park police, Carollo was the live-in boyfriend of the child’s mother.

 

 

 

FROM THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE: 45-year-old Lorrie Fischer of Batavia has been arrested. She’s charged with misapplication of property; it’s alleged that Fischer had another person’s property while at a hotel in the Town of Batavia (8250 Park Road) and allegedly sold the property, failing to return it. She was transported to the County Jail for fingerprints and photographs. Fischer was then released on an appearance ticket for Batavia Town Court. ALSO: 53-year-old Darrell McFadden of Batavia was arrested. He’s charged with assault with intent to cause serious physical injury. It’s alleged McFadden caused serious injury to another during the course of a domestic incident. He was held at the Genesee County Jail pending CAP Court.

 

 

A Rochester woman who dealt drugs is going to be spending the next 10 years behind bars. Prosecutors say between October 2021 and November 2022, 37-year-old Ebony Shine sold more than 400 grams of Fentanyl, 119 grams of cocaine and a pistol to undercover law enforcement in Medina and Rochester. During a search of her home, authorities discovered over $4000 cash, drug paraphernalia and ammunition. Her co-conspirators are awaiting sentencing.

 

 

The Rochester Police Department is currently looking to boost the number of officers in its ranks. Anyone who wants to take the March 2nd civil service exam that is required to become a member of the department must sign up for the test by February 9th. Potential officers are also required to pass an agility exam in April. Among the benefits of joining the police department include paid holidays, a pension plan, and an over $102,000 a year salary after 44 months on the job. For more information, go to: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/joinrpd/

 

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has announced a new bill in Congress aimed at improving mental health in underserved communities. The Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act would give mental health professionals psychologists, social workers, and school counselors up to $250,000 in student loan forgiveness if they want to work in certain areas of the state. Data shows 55 of New York’s 62 counties don’t have enough mental health professionals available. Gillibrand says this measure has bipartisan support.

 

Governor Kathy Hochul has joined Planned Parenthood’s Day of Action to codify the state’s abortion rights. The group has started raising awareness about the New York Equal Rights Amendment, which will be on the ballot this November. If New Yorkers vote to pass the measure and amend the state constitution, it would prevent New York from implementing a statewide abortion ban. The push comes days after what would have been the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade if the Supreme Court hadn’t overturned abortion protections in June of 2022.

 

The Buffalo Sabres have snapped their two-game losing streak and picked up a much-needed win in the process. JJ Peterka scored twice while Alex Tuch, Dylan Cozens and Jack Quinn had a goal apiece as the Sabres came from behind and defeated the Los Angeles Kings 5 to 3 last night. Buffalo goaltender Devon Levi stopped 37 of the 40 shots he faced in the contest. Buffalo’s next game is Saturday against the San Jose Sharks.

 

ELSEWHERE…

McDonald’s trendy new spin-off CosMc’s is bringing in more traffic than a typical McDonald’s. Its first location had twice as much traffic last month than the original fast food chain. CosMc’s is a specialty drinks café that targets younger customers. The company first unveiled it in December, and the first location is in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Another nine are slated to open this year.

 

A singer from the Woodstock era has passed away. Melanie, as she went by, became famous after appearing at the iconic music festival in 1969, and wrote the hit song “Lay Down (Candles In the Rain)” about the experience. On Wednesday, her children posted on Facebook that Melanie Safka died Tuesday at age 76.

 

 

 

The manufacturer of Robitussin is recalling eight lots of cough syrup due to a microbial contamination. On Wednesday, the company Haleon announced they are voluntarily recalling lots of their Robitussin Honey CF Max medicine for adults. Specific recalled lot numbers can be found online, and Haleon says people with these products should stop consuming them immediately.

 

A familiar face is set to return to “The Daily Show” next month. Jon Stewart will host the Comedy Central show on Monday nights beginning February 12th. The former host will sit behind the desk through the 2024 election. “The Daily Show” has been using guest hosts as it continues to look for a permanent replacement for Trevor Noah after he left in December of 2022. Stewart ended his first run as host of the comedic news program in 2015 after 16 years.

 

The American Red Cross is sounding the alarm as it deals with an ongoing nationwide shortage of blood. The agency says donations have not been this low in 20 years. And that may end up leading to delays for people who need treatment for serious illnesses or who have to undergo lifesaving medical procedures. Anyone who donates through the end of the month will be entered to win a trip to Super Bowl 58. To find a clinic in your area, head to redcrossblood.org.

Today is Thursday, Jan. 25, the 25th day of 2024 with 341 to follow.

The moon is full. Morning stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Uranus and Venus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn and Uranus.

January 25 in history…

…In 1961, newly inaugurated U.S. President John Kennedy had the first televised presidential news conference.

 

 

 

 

…In 1981, Alicia Keys was born (happy 43rd!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…In 2003, Billy Joel spent the night at Stony Brook University Hospital after he ran his Mercedes into a tree in Sag Harbor, Long Island.