Wednesday News Brief

28-year-old Nicholas Laffin of Rochester is in serious trouble with the law. He’s been arrested and charged with production and possession of child pornography. The investigation began on December 27th, when Albion Police received a report that a man was found in the bathroom of a 13-year-old girl; he fled when police arrived but left his cell phone behind. The girl said she met Laffin at the Hoag Library in Albion and believed he was 20 years old. Laffin was later located; he said his phone had been stolen but review of files on his phone led to discovery of pornographic images, which were turned over to the FBI. If found guilty, Laffin faces 15 to 30 years in prison.

 

Bottle redemption centers statewide are urging the New York State Legislature to approve an expanded bottle bill. There haven’t been any changes in 15 years, and they say it would help their struggling businesses. The proposed bottle bill expansion would raise the deposit from the current nickel to a dime for the first time in 40 years and also include more types of bottles for redemption. Redemption centers have not seen an increase in the amount of bottles or cans they take in and the price they get for each container has remained the same even as wages and overhead have increased by more than 100%.

 

Governor Kathy Hochul is aiming to change the way reading is taught in schools, promote artificial intelligence and create more affordable housing. Those were among the many 2024 goals in her state of the state address she gave yesterday. Hochul is also proposing a first-in-the-nation prenatal leave that would expand the state’s family leave policy. She also wants to provide more access to safe swimming and wants a dedicated State Police “Smash and Grab” unit to combat retail theft.  When it comes to housing, Hochul is proposing a $500 million capital fund for the development of up to 15,000 units of housing on state-owned land. She also wants the reading curriculum overhauled, saying the current one in many schools has been proven to be ineffective. Hochul says her more than 200 proposals will make New York safer, more affordable and more livable.

 

A man is now facing a possible $15,000 fine after being found with a loaded weapon at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. The gun was found in his bag yesterday when the man went through a security checkpoint. The man does have a valid pistol permit, but firearms must st ill be put in a hard case and locked. A TSA spokesperson says it’s disappointing the man could have impacted the safety of himself and others.

 

Some new data is showing the spread of the flu continues to worsen across our region. During the week ending December 30th, Monroe County had the largest number of cases in this area with 1,217. Erie County with 617; Wayne County with 179 infections; Niagara County, 149 and Ontario County with 117. Experts say the best way to avoid getting sick is to get a flu shot, wash your hands often, and wear a mask in public settings.

 

Getting to Bills games at Highmark Stadium can sometimes get tricky between all of the traffic and finding parking. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is doing their part to make sure Buffalo Bills fans can get to this weekend’s playoff game. Game Day Express service is being offered to Highmark Stadium and the cost of a one-way trip will be $5. Only exact change is being accepted on buses, but riders can also make use of the token transit app. The Bills are playing the Steelers at 1:00 Sunday, and information along with bus schedules can be found at metro.nfta.com.

ELSEWHERE…

 

A third of Gen Z live with a parent or family member because they can’t afford to rent or buy their own place. According to a new survey from Credit Karma, 31% of Gen Z-ers are living with parents after being hit particularly hard by high housing costs, elevated interest rates and stagnant wage growth. Renting isn’t any better — in 2022, 30% of the median income is now needed to pay the average rent for the first time. Last year, the typical first-time homeowner was 36 years old, according to the Association of Realtors. That’s a record high, and a full decade older than the oldest Gen Z-er.

 

Oscar Mayer is looking for new “hotdoggers” to drive its iconic Wienermobile. The meat and cold cuts company owned by Kraft Heinz is hiring people to drive the 27-foot-long hot-dog-shaped vehicle. The lucky wieners will be paid just over a $35,000 dollar salary along with a $150 weekly allowance. The average hotdogger travels 20,000 miles and visits at least 40 cities hosting popup events, appearing on local media and creating social media content.

 

Vegans are less likely to get COVID-19, according to new research. A study published in the journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health found that a diet low in meat and dairy while rich in veggies, legumes and nuts could lower the risk by nearly 40%.

 

 

Today is Wednesday, Jan. 10, the 10th day of 2024 with 356 to follow.

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

January 10 in history…

 

…In 1945, Rod Stewart was born (happy 79th!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…In 1953, Pat Benatar was born (happy 71st!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…In 1982, Actor and comedian Paul Lynde died at the age of 55. While he is probably best remembered as the man who occupied the center square on “The Hollywood Squares,” he also occasionally made appearances in “Bewitched” as Samantha’s wacky practical joker, ‘Uncle Arthur’.

 

 

…In 1985, Ted Nugent made an appearance on “Miami Vice.”