Weekend News Brief
Written by Dan Fischer on October 4, 2024
New York State is putting $35 million towards the fight against domestic violence. Governor Kathy Hochul says the money will be distributed to 25 district attorney offices across the state. Hochul also talked about funding a collaborative statewide initiative to help survivors. The announcement of the largest investment in state history to fight domestic abuse coincides with the kickoff of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Hochul says 80,000 New Yorkers experience domestic violence every year, vowing she will bring the power of the state against abusers.
Parents and guardians are being urged to protect babies in their care from the dangers posed by RSV. The respiratory virus can be harmful to children, but there is a vaccine available that’ll protect kids for months. Pregnant women can also get themselves vaccinated before giving birth. RSV is spread through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of infected people. Symptoms include cough, sneezing, fever, decreased appetite and wheezing.
Area drivers this weekend are finding prices at the pump are continuing to come down. According to Triple-A today, the national average cost of regular fuel is now $3.18 per gallon. The state average is $3.23. In Batavia, the average price right now is $3.37. That’s down 15 cents from a month ago and is 45 cents lower than it was one year ago today.
The Buffalo Bills are back on the road again as they try and avoid a second straight defeat. The reigning AFC East champions are visiting former Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium in the Lone Star State. Quarterback Josh Allen says the Texans present a big challenge. The Bills were blown out last Sunday by the Baltimore Ravens and their record dropped to 3 and 1. Kickoff for tomorrow’s contest is scheduled for 1:00.
Saturday evening, October 19th, starting at 7:00, Bart Dentino will perform a selection of music, including some original compositions, at GOArt at 201 East Main Street, Batavia. The event is free and open to the public; however, tips are welcome and appreciated by GOArt.
The Annual Halloween Candlelight Ghost Walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th. The spooky fun through the historic Batavia Cemetery on Harvester Avenue begins at 7pm with tours starting every 15 minutes through 8:45pm. Admission is $15 and reservations are required. Proceeds benefit the upkeep and restoration of the cemetery. Visit bataviacemetery.org for more information.
The Great Batavia Train Show is scheduled for next Sunday, October 13th from 9:30 to 3:30 at the Call Arena at Genesee Community College. All forms of model railroad and train-related merchandise will be available. Over 100 vendors will on hand offering all scales of model trains and historic items. Parking is free; concession stands will be on-site with plenty of free seating available. The cost is $6 for adults; $3 for ages 13 to 18; admission is free for kids under 13. for more information, go to http://gsme.org
NBC News Features…
New CDC data shows a record number of kindergarteners had vaccine exemptions last school year. In the 2023 to 2024 school year, three-point-three-percent of kindergartners were exempt from at least one vaccine, compared to three-percent the previous year. Exemptions went up in 40 states and Washington, DC, and 14 states had exemption rates over five-percent. Most states also allow for religious exemptions and a few permit exemptions based on non-religious personal reasons.
The Chicken Big Mac is set to make its debut in the U.S. McDonald’s says it’ll be offered nationwide starting October 10th. The double-decker sandwich will include all the ingredients of a Big Mac, but substitute “two tempura battered chicken patties” for the traditional two all-beef patties. McDonald’s claims American fans have been craving the Chicken Big Mac after its successful debuts internationally, which included Ireland and the U.K., where it saw its “most popular launch ever.”
