Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on August 7, 2026
MEMORIAL HIGHWAY TO HONOR FALLEN LE ROY SOLDIER
A stretch of State Route 19 through Le Roy will soon be dedicated in honor of Army Lieutenant Gary Scott, a Le Roy native who was killed while serving in Vietnam nearly 60 years ago.
The dedication ceremony is scheduled for August 27 and is expected to include Bruce Bratton, the Army medic whose life Scott saved during an ambush in the city of Hue in March 1968. Scott was just 22 years old when he was killed while shielding Bratton from enemy fire.
Organizers are working with the State Department of Transportation to relocate the northern memorial highway sign to a more visible location south of the Thruway bridge. A second sign will mark the southern entrance to Le Roy.
Scott graduated from Le Roy High School in 1963 and Syracuse University in 1967 before joining the 101st Airborne Division. Following his death, classmates established the Gary A. Scott Memorial Scholarship, which continues to be awarded each year. A public ceremony and reception at the Le Roy American Legion are also planned, and Governor Kathy Hochul has been invited to attend.
SHERIFF’S OFFICE: REPORTED OAKFIELD ROBBERY DID NOT OCCUR
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office says a reported attempted robbery in the Village of Oakfield never happened.
Deputies now say their investigation has found no evidence that any altercation occurred, despite an earlier report of an attempted purse snatching near South Main Street on August 2.
The Sheriff’s Office says the incident was not reported as it actually occurred, and investigators are now looking into the false report itself. Authorities say the investigation remains active, and criminal charges may be filed.
TRUMP SIGNS NEW ORDERS TARGETING BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP
President Donald Trump has signed two new executive orders aimed at limiting birthright citizenship and cracking down on what’s known as “birth tourism.”
One order would restrict automatic U.S. citizenship for certain children born in the country, including those whose parents are tied to foreign diplomatic missions, are considered enemy aliens, or allegedly obtained citizenship through fraud. A second order tightens visa rules for people traveling to the U.S. specifically to give birth.
Trump says the measures are constitutional, despite the U.S. Supreme Court rejecting a broader effort to limit birthright citizenship earlier this year. Immigration advocates, including the ACLU, say the new orders violate the Constitution and are expected to challenge them in court.
RUMOURS ATL BRINGS FLEETWOOD MAC CLASSICS TO BATAVIA DOWNS TONIGHT
Fleetwood Mac fans won’t want to miss tonight’s concert at Batavia Downs. Rumours ATL takes the stage beginning at 5 o’clock, bringing an authentic recreation of Fleetwood Mac’s legendary live performances. Formed in 2014, the nationally acclaimed tribute band has built a reputation for faithfully recreating the music, energy, and sound of the iconic rock group. Special guest Refugee will also perform. Tickets start at just $15, with VIP and premium seating available. The show takes place at Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel.
