Friday News Brief

The FBI has raided a home on Pearl Street in Batavia; it may have been related to sex trafficking charges against the Pharoahs Strip Club workers and owner in Buffalo. The listed owner of the residence at 3604 South Pearl Street Road, Batavia, is Barsuk Buffalo Properties LLC, and records list Joseph Barsuk Jr. as a former owner of the property. Barsuk and Brian Rosenthal are indicted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Barsuk is also accused of sex trafficking by coercion. On the first count of the indictment, Barsuk and Rosenthal are accused of working together, and perhaps with others, to “knowingly recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide, obtain” sex workers for financial gain. Barsuk is accused of using force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to get a victim, referred to as “Victim 1,” in paid sex work. It is unknown what investigators were looking for in the raid in Batavia.

 

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office has arrested both 87-year-old Caroline Salemi and 61-year-old Timothy Burch, both of Batavia, for unlawful eviction and petit larceny. They allegedly removed their tenant’s property from an apartment and moved another tenant in without properly evicting the tenants. They also allegedly threw out some of that tenant’s property. The Sheriff’s Office reminds landlords that proper eviction processes must be followed if a tenant has resided in a residence for over 30 days, or they may face criminal charges.

 

A Buffalo man is facing up to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to a child pornography charge. The U.S. Attorney’s Office says 41-year-old Michael Regan took a sexually explicit photo of a minor with his cell phone back in 2020, and also met another minor for sexual contact. Regan also told one of the victims not to tell anyone what happened or else he would come to her house. He’s scheduled for sentencing in January.

 

Monroe County deputies have released the name of the man who was killed in a fiery crash involving his car and a school bus. Authorities say 73-year-old William Fierstein failed to yield at a stop sign Wednesday and collided with the bus that was traveling in the area of Lake Road and Route 250 in Webster. Fierstein died at the scene, but all 25 people onboard the bus were accounted for. In a statement, the Wayne Central School District expressed its condolences to Fierstein’s family. The swift response and action taken by the three aides and bus driver were credited with saving the lives of all of the high school students.

 

Governor Hochul says $100 million will be made available to help out school districts statewide who want to add zero-emission buses. The hope is that this funding will make it easier for districts to get rid of buses that run on fossil fuels, which will in turn help limit damage to the environment. The governor believes these funds will put schools on a trajectory towards embracing clean transportation. All school buses sold in New York must be zero-emission by 2027.

 

As reported by Tom Tharp this morning: Its time to get spooky at Dwyer Stadium: The 3rd annual Muckdogs trick or treating event is scheduled for Saturday October 21st from 3 to 6pm. The event is free to enter and is for all ages. Attendees can trick or treat, participate in games & activities, and enjoy the Halloween festivities at Dwyer Stadium. For the last 2 years hundreds of kids and their families lined up in costume to get candy from local businesses and organizations who set up decorated tables to hand out treats and promotional items. There are openings for more people to hand out candy. If you or someone you know wants their local business to be involved, please email Muckdogs General Manager, Marc Witt mwitt.canusa@gmail.com

 

The Buffalo Fire Department has dedicated a new fire truck to a member who lost his life in the line of duty. Jason Arno died while battling a blaze on Main Street back in March. Now, the new truck at Engine Company Two will carry his name and the names of two others who made the ultimate sacrifice. Mayor Byron Brown said yesterday that Arno’s death was a profound loss to the entire community.

 

 

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen recently teamed up with Pepsi to do an ad for Buffalo Pepsi. The difference between regular and Buffalo style, you might have guessed, its hot sauce. In the ad Allen invited people to add a little Buffalo to their soft drink by ordering a Pepsi and wings, ordering extra Buffalo sauce, and adding it to their Pepsi. Hardcore enthusiasts can do a blue cheese rim on their glass. Buffalo residents tried the concoction and said it’s actually pretty good.

 

 

The Buffalo Bills are going to be back on their home field this weekend as they look to pick up a third straight win. The Bills are set to host their AFC East division rival the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Buffalo is coming off of a blowout 37 to three victory last Sunday against the Washington Commanders and has a record this season of two wins and one loss. Kickoff for Sunday’s contest is set for 1:00. “Goooo Bills! Squish the…uh, mammals!!”

 

ELSEWHERE…

 

When nature calls and you’re out and about, a new app can be your relief. The app is called Restspace and it’s designed to help you find a private bathroom to rent in San Diego. It’s kind of like Uber for a potty. Prices start at $15 for 15 minutes. So far, about 400 people have downloaded the app, and it was highly successful during Comic Con. The creators of the app say it was born out of necessity during COVID when most public bathrooms were closed. Restspace is unique to the San Diego area, but not to the world of toilet location apps. There’s also Toilet Finder, Flush Finder and, in the UK, Loo Finder.

 

There is a murder mystery at Southfork Ranch. No, it’s not “who shot JR?” The owners of the property where the TV show “Dallas” was shot are hosting a party where guests have to act as detectives to solve a pretend killing. They are not ruling out that JR Ewing, or his ghost, could somehow be involved. Tickets cost $85 and, if it’s a success, the owners say there could be more murders in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

Bad Company front man Paul Rodgers says he came close to not only losing his voice, but also his life. In an interview this week on CBS Mornings, Rodgers revealed that he has had 13 strokes, including two major strokes, since 2016. He underwent major surgery after his second stroke, which happened in October 2019.

 

New York Governor Hochul is accusing Texas Governor Greg Abbott of grandstanding when it comes to the migrant crisis. It comes after Abbott said New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Hochul, both democrats, seem to be following his advice by continuing to call on the federal government for help. Hochul said she wouldn’t take his advice.

 

 

Welcome to National Coffee Day. That means you can expect discounts at some major chains. The National Coffee Association says about two-thirds of Americans drink coffee daily, and drinks on average about three cups per day.

 

 

Today is Friday, September 29th, the 272nd day of the year.

September 29 in history…

 

…In 1916, John D. Rockefeller’s net worth officially surpassed $1 billion, making him the world’s first billionaire. He died in 1937 at age 97.

 

 

 

 

 

 

…In 1960, “My Three Sons” debuted on ABC. Fred MacMurray starred on the hit show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…In 1966, the Camaro is introduced by Chevrolet; it was originally referred to as a Panther.

 

 

 

 

 

…In 1989, Zsa Zsa Gabor was convicted of battery for slapping Beverly Hills police officer Paul Kramer after he’d pulled over her Rolls-Royce for expired license plates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…In 1992, former Los Angeles Laker Magic Johnson announced he was returning to professional basketball for the Lakers after he became diagnosed with the AIDS virus. He scrapped his comeback attempt the following November.