Wednesday Afternoon News Brief

The hallways of the New York State Capitol building are busy once again today as lawmakers start their 2025 legislative session. Among some of their top priorities are expected to be working on the state budget and addressing issues like reducing population loss and getting the state closer to meeting climate mandates. Democrats will have the majority once again in both the Assembly and Senate. This year’s session is scheduled to wrap up in June.

 

The latest data shows there’s been yet another rise in the number of flu cases across the Western New York region. During the week ending December 28th, Monroe County had the highest infection total with 136. That was followed by Ontario County with 91 and Wayne County with 91. Experts say the best way for folks to protect themselves is to get a flu shot, practice good hygiene and avoid large crowds.

 

The real estate website Zillow has named Buffalo as the ‘hottest’ housing market for 2025. Zillow’s list is based on several factors such as home value growth and projected changes in the labor market. Zillow said that Buffalo has the most new jobs per new home permitted, which in turn raises competition and drives up prices unless builders can match the additional demand. Indianapolis, Providence, Hartford, and Philadelphia rounded out the top five.

 

Governor Kathy Hochul is looking to build more childcare centers in New York State. She says she’ll be proposing in her state of the state address next week spending $110 million to build more to address a shortage of facilities. For lower income families, the state has a program that offers childcare at a very steep discount. However, Hochul says some families may not have a facility near them to take advantage of the program.

 

Greece police are on the lookout for the suspects involved in a jewelry store theft. Video shows those suspects walking into Dubai Jewelry at The Mall at Greece Ridge Monday and at least one of them was armed with a baseball bat. The group then smashed display cases and took about $90,000 worth of jewelry.   A security guard in the food court was almost hit by the bat after it was thrown at him. Witnesses are asked to contact police immediately.

 

 

The Inner Loop Renovation Project in Rochester is getting a significant boost thanks to the federal government. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was in the city yesterday to announce $100 million in funding. The project is considered a major part of Rochester’s downtown revitalization efforts and Mayor Malik Evans says it may end up being one of the largest construction projects in the city’s recent history. Work isn’t scheduled to begin until 2027.

 

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office Police Services Division is asking for the public’s help locating a man involved in an electronics scam at a Clarence Walmart. In a post on Facebook, the Sheriff’s Office says the man will engage customers as if he works for the retailer, and after receiving payment for the electronics promised, flees the store. The man is described as an older white or hispanic male, going by the name Jose. Anyone with possible information is asked the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 716-858-2903.

 

 

The Buffalo Bills may be without a key member of their team when they take the field for a playoff game this weekend. Wide receiver Amari Cooper left the AFC East champions last week to deal with a personal family matter and there is no word when he could return.   Bills head coach Sean McDermott says he hopes Cooper is back soon but that things are being dealt with one day at a time. The Bills host the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium Sunday.

NBC News feature:

Girl Scout cookie season is starting to ramp up in some parts with two flavors making their final run in 2025. The organization says after nine years on the market, S’mores will be retired while the final sales of Toast-Yay! cookies will be made after only four years.   Girl Scouts of America says this is the first time it’s warning customers that flavors are being discontinued so they can stock up before they’re gone for good. All cookies will be available for sale at booths or online through local chapters across the country. Girl Scout cookie season runs through April.