Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on October 9, 2026
MURDER CASE AGAINST FREDERICK SCOTT HEADED TO GRAND JURY
The case against 53-year-old Frederick Scott is expected to go before a Genesee County grand jury in the near future as prosecutors seek a possible indictment.
Scott is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon following the September 17th death of a 63-year-old man at Hope Haven Center in Batavia.
Police were called shortly after midnight for a reported possible homicide involving two residents. Officers say the victim suffered severe traumatic injuries and later died despite efforts from Batavia firefighters and Mercy EMS.
District Attorney Kevin Finnell says prosecutors will present evidence to the grand jury, which will determine whether there is enough evidence to formally indict Scott. Finnell says the result of that vote may not become public for a week or more.
If indicted, Scott would be arraigned in Genesee County Court before the case moves into the pretrial process.
Finnell says there have been no discussions about a possible plea agreement.
The charges remain allegations, and Scott is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES OUTLINE PRIORITIES AT BATAVIA TOWN HALL
Two Democratic candidates for state office outlined their priorities and answered questions from voters during a town hall Tuesday at Richmond Memorial Library.
Victoria Guite, who is challenging Republican State Senator George Borrello in the 57th District, appeared alongside Sarah Wolcott, who is running against Republican Assemblyman Steve Hawley in the 139th District.
Questions focused on affordability, healthcare, veterans services, housing, childcare and government assistance programs.
Both candidates also reiterated opposition to the proposed Stream data center at the STAMP industrial park in Alabama. Guite said stopping the development would be an early priority, while Wolcott criticized the use of economic-development incentives for the project. The Democratic candidates have publicly pledged to oppose data-center development in Genesee County.
Wolcott also called for additional incentives to keep healthcare services in rural communities, while Guite proposed creating an emergency assistance fund for farmers.
Both candidates said they would be willing to debate their incumbent opponents before November’s election.
BATAVIA PLAYERS’ “THE MIRACLE WORKER” OPENS TONIGHT
Batavia Players opens its production of The Miracle Worker tonight at the Main St. 56 Theater.
The William Gibson drama tells the story of young Helen Keller and teacher Annie Sullivan, whose determination helps Helen break through barriers of communication and begin understanding language.
Directed by Tom Clark, the production explores perseverance, family relationships and the power of human connection.
Performances are tonight and Saturday at 7:30, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. at Main St. 56 Theater in Batavia.
ATTICA FACING FLUORIDE SHORTAGE, PUBLIC HEARING PLANNED
The Village of Attica says it expects to run out of fluoride because of an ongoing supply-chain shortage.
According to the village water treatment facility, the current supply was expected to last about 30 days as of late September, while the shortage could continue for three to six months or longer.
Village officials are now considering whether to remove fluoride treatment from plans for the new water plant.
A public hearing is scheduled for October 20th at 6 p.m. to gather questions and feedback from residents.
USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN RETURNS HOME AFTER RECORD-LONG DEPLOYMENT
The USS Abraham Lincoln has returned to San Diego after a record 265 consecutive days at sea supporting U.S. military operations in the war with Iran.
The aircraft carrier and its strike group completed nearly 37-hundred combat missions during the deployment, which lasted more than 10 months.
The mission also drew scrutiny over conditions aboard the ship. Reports described shortages of food and hygiene supplies, along with concerns about crew stress and mental health. Navy officials later acknowledged some resupply problems during combat operations.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the carrier before its return and presented the crew with the Presidential Unit Citation, the military’s highest unit-level honor for combat achievement.
Thursday’s homecoming also included 64 sailors who were expected to meet babies born while they were deployed.
NEWS OUTLETS CHALLENGE WHITE HOUSE REPORTER BAN IN FEDERAL COURT
CNN, MS NOW and Politico are asking a federal judge to block the Trump administration from barring their reporters from White House grounds.
Attorneys for the news organizations argue the restrictions amount to viewpoint discrimination and violate First Amendment protections, saying the administration is punishing outlets for coverage it dislikes.
The Justice Department argues inaccurate reporting can affect government policy and, in some cases, national security.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly questioned parts of the government’s argument during Thursday’s hearing, describing some of its positions as an “uphill climb.”
The outlets are seeking longer-term protection while the lawsuit continues. Kelly says he expects to issue a ruling by Tuesday, possibly sooner.
GENESEE COUNTY GIRLS SOCCER ROUNDUP
In Genesee County high school girls soccer action Thursday, Alexander defeated Pembroke 6-2.
Holley edged Byron-Bergen 2-1, while Geneseo picked up a 2-1 victory over Le Roy.
Avon shut out Pavilion/York 2-nothing, Notre Dame rolled past Oakfield-Alabama/Elba 6-nothing, and Honeoye Falls-Lima defeated Batavia 3-1.
