Monday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on February 16, 2026
State Offering Millions to Support Volunteer Fire Departments
Volunteer fire departments across New York have a new funding opportunity — and the clock is ticking.
The state is making $25 million available through a competitive grant program aimed at helping volunteer departments modernize and strengthen emergency response.
Local departments can seek large-scale funding for station construction or major upgrades, as well as significant support for new apparatus and safety equipment.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley is encouraging departments in his district to apply before the February 25th deadline, saying rural communities depend heavily on volunteers and need up-to-date tools and facilities to stay prepared.
Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. that day. Departments looking for details can visit the state homeland security website or reach out to Hawley’s office directly.
Stricter DMV Point System Now in Effect
New York’s updated DMV point system is now in effect as of today, bringing tougher penalties for several traffic violations.
The most significant change involves drug- and alcohol-related offenses. A DUI now carries 11 points on a driver’s license — a major shift from previous rules. The same applies to aggravated unlicensed operation.
Passing a stopped school bus, speeding in construction zones, or damaging bridges and tunnels with an over-height vehicle will now mean eight points. Cell phone use behind the wheel adds five.
While the suspension threshold hasn’t changed, points will now stay on a license for two years instead of 18 months. Officials are urging drivers to be aware of the new rules.
EU Pushes Back on Claims of “Civilizational Erasure”
A top European Union official is pushing back against criticism from the Trump administration, rejecting claims that Europe is facing what was described as “civilizational erasure.”
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas dismissed assertions in a recent U.S. national security strategy that Europe is being weakened by immigration policies, declining birth rates, and restrictions on free speech.
Kallas defended Europe’s record on human rights and democratic values, saying the continent remains strong — and still attractive to countries that want closer ties.
Her remarks came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured allies that the U.S. does not want to end the trans-Atlantic partnership, even as disagreements remain over migration, trade, and climate policy.
Genesee County girls basketball from the weekend
Byron-Bergen picked up a 55-35 win over Pembroke Friday night. Lucy Rea led the Bees with 16 points as B-B avenged an earlier loss to the Dragons. The Bees improve to 9-10.
Notre Dame defeated Lyndonville 57-35. Sofia Falleti scored 22 points to lead the Fighting Irish, who are now 14-5.
Batavia held off Brockport 51-44. Violet Lopez hit four three-pointers and finished with 16 points, while Ally Tomidy added a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds.
And Oakfield-Alabama stayed unbeaten, rallying past Elba 67-50. The Hornets exploded for 31 third-quarter points and clinched the Genesee Region Division 2 title, improving to 18-and-0 on the season.
Bus Driver Pleads Not Guilty in Deadly Pembroke Thruway Crash
The bus driver involved in last summer’s deadly Thruway crash in Pembroke has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges.
State Police say 56-year-old Bin Shao of Flushing, Queens, faces five counts of second-degree manslaughter and five counts of criminally negligent homicide in connection with the August 22 crash that killed five passengers.
Genesee County District Attorney Kevin Finnell says each charge corresponds to one of the victims. He noted there is no evidence of drug or alcohol impairment, and investigators found no mechanical failure with the bus.
Forty-nine other passengers were injured when the tour bus overturned on Interstate 90 while returning to New York City from Niagara Falls. Authorities say the bus entered the median, attempted to correct, and then left the roadway.
Shao was taken into custody February 11 after a 12-day search. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison on the manslaughter charges.
He is due back in court in March.
Borrello Proposes Tougher Enforcement on E-Bikes
State Senator George Borrello has introduced two bills aimed at cracking down on illegal and unsafe use of electric mobility devices, especially e-bikes.
One measure would allow police to seize Class 3 e-bikes operated outside New York City, the only place they’re currently permitted. It also sets graduated fines of up to 750 dollars.
A second bill increases penalties for reckless operation, including riding on sidewalks, ignoring traffic signals, or modifying devices for higher speeds. Fines could reach one-thousand dollars, with possible confiscation and misdemeanor charges for repeat or injury-related offenses.
The legislation also calls for statewide safety education materials.
Notre Dame Wins Thriller; Le Roy Rolls in Weekend Boys Hoops
Notre Dame outlasted Albion 65-59 in overtime Friday night. Chase Antinore led the Irish with 22 points and 12 rebounds as Notre Dame won its tenth straight to improve to 16-3.
Holley rallied past Oakfield-Alabama 58-53 Saturday. Josh Silpoch scored 20 to lead the Hawks, while Mason Watterson had 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Hornets.
Le Roy cruised to a 74-33 win over Letchworth. Grady Gilligan posted 22 points and 11 rebounds in the blowout.
And Batavia topped Greece Odyssey 60-47 behind 20 points each from Gavin White and Casey Mazur.
