Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on March 10, 2026
Several Arrests Reported in Batavia Area
Batavia Police report several recent arrests.
On February 28th, 24-year-old Nicholas Wissinger of Middleport was charged with DWI following a traffic stop on North Lyon Street. He was issued traffic tickets and released.
Also on February 28th, 33-year-old Candice Fiegl of Batavia was charged with second-degree criminal contempt after allegedly violating an order of protection. She was issued an appearance ticket and released.
That same day, 36-year-old Matthew Waterman of Livonia was charged with DWI after a traffic stop on Ellicott Street. He was arraigned in CAP Court and released.
In a separate incident February 24th, 29-year-old Zachary Burk of Batavia was charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and second-degree harassment following a reported physical altercation. Police say narcotics were also found during his arrest. Burk was arraigned in Batavia City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail.
Hawley Visits Local Schools for Read Across America Day
Assemblyman Steve Hawley visited two local schools last week as part of Read Across America Day. Hawley read to third graders at Elba Elementary School and second graders at Ronald L. Sodoma Elementary School in Albion.
He shared the Dr. Seuss book “Maybe You Should Fly a Jet! Maybe You Should Be a Vet!” and later donated copies to the schools.
Hawley says the annual event highlights the importance of reading in the classroom and encourages students to develop a lifelong passion for learning.
Uber Launches Women-Only Ride Preference Nationwide
Uber is rolling out a new feature across the U.S. allowing women riders and drivers to be matched with other women. The option, called “Women Drivers,” lets passengers request a female driver through the app or set it as a preference to increase the chances of being matched with one.
Female drivers can also choose to prioritize trips with women riders.
Uber says the feature is aimed at improving comfort and safety on its platform and follows pilot programs in several U.S. cities.
However, the move comes as the company faces a class-action lawsuit in California from drivers who argue the policy discriminates against men. Rival ride-hailing company Lyft is also facing a similar lawsuit over its own women-matching option.
Uber says the feature responds to long-standing requests from women riders and drivers for more safety options.
YWCA Opens Nominations for Women of Inspiration Awards
The YWCA of Genesee County is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Women of Inspiration Awards, recognizing women who make a meaningful impact in the community.
The annual celebration is scheduled for April 19 from noon to 2:30 at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Peggy Marone, director of Leadership Genesee, who has spent more than 20 years mentoring local leaders across the county.
Community members can submit nominations and find event details at ywcagenesee.org.
Trump, Putin Hold Call on Iran War and Global Issues
President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call Monday to discuss the ongoing war involving Iran and other international issues, according to the Kremlin.
Russian foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said the conversation lasted about an hour and described it as “frank and businesslike.” During the call, Putin reportedly shared ideas aimed at reaching a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict.
Trump also offered his assessment of the situation as U.S. and Israeli military operations continue in the region. The two leaders also discussed global oil markets and the situation in Venezuela.
The call comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The war involving Iran, Israel, and U.S. forces has caused widespread casualties, disrupted global oil supplies, and raised fears of a broader regional conflict.
Officials say the leaders exchanged views on possible diplomatic paths forward, though no specific agreements were announced.
