Wednesday Afternoon News Brief

39-year-old Latoya Denise Jackson of Batavia has been arrested. Charges against her include criminal possession of a controlled substance, driving with a suspended vehicle registration, aggravated unlicensed operation and driving without insurance. It’s alleged Jackson was found in possession of two different controlled substances and she resisted arrest. Jackson was released on an appearance ticket.

 

27-year-old Salvatore Schwable of Oakfield has been arrested by Genesee County Sheriffs and charged with petit larceny and possession of a forged instrument. It’s alleged that he used a counterfeit bill to purchase merchandise from a gas station. Schwable was taken to the Genesee County Jail and held pending CAP Court arraignment.

 

Governor Kathy Hochul is focusing on affordability in her State of the State address. Hochul is announcing plans for an income tax cut that will lower middle class taxes to their lowest level in nearly seven decades, a first-ever inflation refund and an expansion of the child tax credit.   She also wants to provide free meals for millions of K through 12 students increase the number of childcare facilities and put the state on a pathway to universal childcare. In addition, Hochul is calling for the building of more housing and down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.   She’s also proposing free SUNY tuition for adult students pursuing in-demand careers and is launching an initiative to help kids get off their phones and stay active.

 

The latest data shows there’s been yet another surge in the number of flu cases across the Western New York region. During the week ending January 4th, the area with the highest number of infections was Monroe County with 687. That was followed by Erie County with 427; Wayne County with 99; Ontario County with 96; Niagara County with 68; and Genesee County with 66. COVID-19 and norovirus cases are also rising in the area and residents are urged to take the proper precautions to protect themselves from getting sick.

 

There’s no escaping the long arm of the law: A man accused of setting his wife on fire in Rochester over five years ago is now in custody after being caught thousands of miles away. It’s alleged that 50-year-old David Johnson doused his wife in a flammable liquid back in August 2019 and ignited her. The woman suffered severe burns, and Johnson was taken into custody in Uganda where he was living under an alias. He’s already been extradited back to the area and remains behind bars without bail.

 

Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School at 73 Union Street will host their third annual meat raffle this Saturday evening, January 18^th from 7 until 9pm. For more information, please call 585-343-2783, ext. #106.

 

Crossroads House on Liberty Street, Batavia is hosting an evening of reflection, cocktails, dinner and dancing for staff, families and friends. The event will be held at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel on Saturday, January 25^th starting at 5:00pm. Your attendance will help support their mission to provide the best end-of-life care possible. For more information, please call 585-343-3892.

 

After a few days off, the Buffalo Sabres will be back on home ice as they try and avoid a second straight defeat. The Sabres are hosting their Eastern Conference rivals the Carolina Hurricanes at KeyBank Center. Buffalo hasn’t played since Saturday when they suffered a six to two defeat at the hands of the Seattle Kraken. The Sabres sit in last place in the Atlantic Division and face-off this evening is scheduled for 6:00.

 

A Buffalo pizzeria is at risk of losing a lot of money if the Buffalo Bills do not beat the Baltimore Ravens this weekend.   Pesci’s Pizza and Wings posted a message on Facebook saying anyone who does an online preorder for a large pizza and 20 wings or large pizza and boneless specials through Thursday will get their money back if the Bills are beaten Sunday. The refunds would come in the form of an eGift card and customers should use the promo code JOSH4MVP when ordering.

 

NBC News feature:

A team of global health experts is proposing redefining obesity. The Commission on Clinical Obesity is recommending including body fat measurements and existing health issues instead of relying on body mass index alone. They also recommend using the terms “pre-clinical” and “clinical” obesity to distinguish between people who have potential health risks from obesity versus those who have issues affecting their organ functions.