Wednesday News Brief

NEW LAWSUIT FILED OVER DEADLY PEMBROKE THRUWAY BUS CRASH

Six passengers injured in last summer’s deadly tour bus crash on the Thruway in Pembroke — along with the family of one of the victims killed — have filed a new civil lawsuit seeking damages.
The lawsuit names bus driver Bin Shao, coach company M-and-Y Tour, and four affiliated travel agencies as defendants.
The crash happened in August of 2025 and killed five passengers while injuring dozens more after the bus overturned on the Thruway in Genesee County.
The plaintiffs allege the driver was reckless and inexperienced and claim the bus company failed to properly train, supervise, and vet him. The lawsuit also accuses the travel agencies of failing to properly evaluate the bus company before recommending the trip.
The filing seeks punitive damages and is now the third legal case tied to the crash, alongside an ongoing criminal case in Genesee County and another civil lawsuit filed last year.

 

OVERSIZED TRANSPORT MOVING THROUGH REGION TODAY

Drivers across parts of Genesee and Orleans counties should expect delays today as a large cargo transport moves through the area.
The oversized load is expected to travel between 7:30 this morning and 3:30 this afternoon through Elba, Byron, Albion, and Barre.
Emergency officials say some National Grid customers along the route could experience brief power outages while crews assist the transport.
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and consider alternate routes throughout the day.

 

 

 

INFLATION SURGES AS GAS PRICES CLIMB

New numbers from the Labor Department show inflation jumped sharply again last month as rising gasoline prices continue impacting Americans nationwide.
Consumer prices climbed 3-point-8 percent compared to a year ago — the largest increase in three years.
Gas prices were a major factor, with fuel costs up more than 28 percent from last year. The national average for a gallon of regular gas is now above 4-dollars-50-cents.
Food prices also increased, especially for meat and groceries.
Economists say inflation is now outpacing wage growth for the first time in three years, putting more financial pressure on middle- and lower-income households.
The surge comes amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted global oil supplies and raised concerns about the broader economy.

 

CITY CENTRE MERCHANTS QUESTION FEES, COMMUNICATION

Concerns over fees and communication at Batavia City Centre were brought before Batavia City Council this week by longtime business owners.
Steve Grice of Dan’s Tire told council members some merchants believe there are inconsistencies in how concourse user fees are being handled at the mall.
Grice questioned whether certain tenants are still receiving long-standing discounts while other businesses continue seeing rising costs.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski said she was not aware of any current special deals outside of previous agreements that have already expired.
The discussion also highlighted frustration over communication between merchants and city officials, including how meetings are announced and how fee calculations are explained.
Council members suggested holding a future meeting between merchants and city officials to help address concerns and improve transparency surrounding the City Centre’s operating costs and user fees.

 

CBO ESTIMATES “GOLDEN DOME” COULD COST TRILLIONS

A new report from the Congressional Budget Office says President Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system could cost far more than originally projected.
The analysis estimates the space-based defense program could total nearly 1-point-2 trillion dollars over the next 20 years — far above the 175-billion-dollar figure Trump previously mentioned.
The system would use both ground and space-based technology designed to detect and intercept incoming missiles, similar in concept to Israel’s Iron Dome defense network.
Trump first ordered development of the project during his first week back in office, saying he wanted the system operational before the end of his term in 2029.
Congress has already approved roughly 24 billion dollars toward the initiative, though critics argue the program would become an enormous taxpayer expense benefiting defense contractors.

 

 

TUESDAY BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL SCORES

Big offensive nights highlighted Tuesday’s local high school action.
In baseball, Notre Dame erupted for 23 runs in a blowout win over Wheatland-Chili. Elba stayed hot with a 6-1 win against Attica, while Le Roy cruised past Letchworth 15-2.
On the softball side, Batavia fell in a tight battle with Pittsford Sutherland 3-2.
Alexander knocked off Pembroke 12-7, and Elba completely overwhelmed Wheatland-Chili 25-0.
Oakfield-Alabama’s bats stayed red hot in a 23-8 win over Notre Dame, while Le Roy picked up a 7-3 victory against Letchworth.
And in one of the wildest games of the night, Byron-Bergen outlasted Holley 22-19 in a combined 41-run shootout.