Wednesday News Brief

Governor Hochul is revealing what her latest budget proposal could mean for our area’s future. During a visit to Rochester yesterday, she said her fiscal plan would provide funds to improve higher education and battle poverty. Hochul also said that money would be set aside to repair many of the region’s roads and bridges so they can be safe for residents and tourists. The deadline to pass an on-time state budget is April 1st.

 

Catholic Charities of Buffalo is looking for people to join its free Home Visitation and Friendly Phones program in both Genesee and Orleans Counties. You would either visit in person or make phone calls to individuals who are homebound and 60 and over. These would be 1-hour weekly visits to help fight loneliness and provide opportunities for socialization. As a volunteer, you would engage in friendly conversation and partake in activities such as board games, puzzles, and crafts but would not be providing assistance with personal or medical care, banking, shopping or transportation. To find out more, please call Catholic Charities at 585-343-0614.

 

New information is out on a deadly officer-involved shooting in Hamburg. It’s been revealed that Officer Sean Gregoire is the one who shot and killed 36-year-old Lisa Haight during an encounter in the bathroom of a home on February 2nd. It was believed Haight had a knife when she threatened officers, but it was later determined to be a penlight. Gregoire remains on paid administrative leave.

 

 

Staff members at the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester are mourning the passing of a giraffe calf. Officials say that Parker Junior, who was also affectionately known as PJ, died over the weekend after suffering an apparent seizure. PJ was born on December 6th and had been receiving treatment for an issue with his leg. The calf’s mother is pregnant but has been diagnosed with a cancerous growth on her jaw.

 

 

 

A Rochester man may end up spending the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty to drug and weapons charges. According to prosecutors, 31-year-old Rasheem Sullivan and members of his gang were arrested back in December 2022. An investigation into their activities started after the shooting death of Rochester Police Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz. Sullivan will be sentenced May.

 

 

 

Police in some of Western New York’s suburbs say they’re seeing an increase in car thefts. That includes the communities of Tonawanda, Amherst, Grand Island and West Seneca. The vehicles targeted the most are Kia’s and Hyundai’s, since they’re considered to be easier to steal because of security flaws. Owners are reminded to always lock their cars and never leave keys inside.

 

Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member James Taylor is coming to Western New York this summer. Taylor and his All-Star band will be at the Darien Lake Amphitheater on Tuesday, June 25th. He’s best known for big hits such as “Fire and Rain” and “You’ve Got A Friend.” Tickets go on sale this Friday starting at 10:00am through Live Nation

 

 

 

The Buffalo Sabres will be north of the border tonight as they look to get back on the winning track. The team is set to visit their longtime rivals the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre. Buffalo last played on Monday afternoon when they lost to the Anaheim Ducks 4-3. Face-off for this evening’s contest is scheduled for 7:00.

 

ELSEWHERE…

The Mega Millions jackpot has rolled over again. With no grand prizewinner in Tuesday night’s big drawing, a whopping $525 million will now be up for grabs in the next drawing on Friday. The cash option on that works out to just over $247 million. Please play responsibly.

 

 

Delta Airlines will be offering flights with views of the total solar eclipse. The airline announced several flights for April 8th, with one flight specially designed to follow the path of totality. The flights will depart from Austin at 12:15 p.m. and will land in Detroit. The aircraft type will be an Airbus A220-300 with extra large windows. Delta says other flights that day will also offer at least part of the solar eclipse view.

 

 

The Florida Senate is expected to take up a social media ban for kids Wednesday. The measure would prohibit anyone under the age of 16 from creating an account and require platforms to delete existing profiles run by minors. Lawmakers revamped it last week to specify which platforms are being targeted. Governor Ron DeSantis has not publicly supported the legislation, saying it’s “to be determined” whether he will sign it, if it passes the state legislature. The current session is set to wrap up early next month.