Local News

City of Batavia Police and members of the Fire Department are investigating a structure fire that occurred a little after midnight early this morning at 3 Vine Street. A downstairs tenant reported the fire and when emergency responders arrived, observed flames coming from the second story window. Initial attempts by police to enter were unsuccessful due to smoke and heat. Firefighters then arrived and rescued the only occupants at the time of the blaze, three children, ages 4, 10 and 12. All three are siblings and were transported to UMMC and then to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. This afternoon, the 10-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries and is deceased. The other children are listed in critical condition. City Police are working with the Batavia School District to assist the family and members of the school community.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the entire GLOW region until 10:00am tomorrow morning. West winds from 20 to 30 mph with gusts of up to 50 mph are predicted. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects; tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Use extra caution when driving.

Officials at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center are issuing a warning to patients. Websites have been selling fake cancer drugs to people who are looking to save money on their treatment but instead end up getting dangerous medications. They also run the risk of purchasing a phony drug that might make their doctor think they’re not responding to their current care plan. Anyone who has questions or concerns can reach out to Roswell Park directly.

Robert Brooks, with son Robert Brooks, Jr. (now an adult). (Provided photo)

Governor Hochul is reacting to the latest developments in the Robert Brooks case.   Brooks was an inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility who was brutally beaten by corrections officers back in December during a disturbing incident caught on camera. Brooks was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment but later died and his death has been ruled a homicide. Brooks’ father, Robert Ricks says he wants to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to other families. The governor says it’s time for the legal process to move forward and for everyone involved in Brooks’ death to be held accountable for their actions.

Police believe speed may have been a factor in crash that took the life of 16-year-old Josh Peters, a student at Kendall Central School. According to authorities, the teen was traveling on Roosevelt Highway in Hamlin yesterday when the vehicle went off the road, hit a utility pole and knocked down power lines. Peters was pronounced dead just after first responders got to the scene. No other injuries were reported.

In just a few months, local travelers are going to have another airline carrier to choose from when it comes time to book a trip. Breeze Airways is planning to arrive at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport this spring. The company, known for its discount fares, is going to offer flights to Charleston, South Carolina, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, New Orleans, Louisiana and Orlando, Florida. For schedules and to book a flight, head to flybreeze.com.

The weather is lousy right now but if you’re looking forward to warmer days and looking for a job may want to consider contacting Six Flags Darien Lake.   The theme park is hoping to hire 1,000 people ahead of opening day, which is currently set for May 16th.   There are a variety of positions that need to be filled including ride operators, lifeguards, food and beverage associates and also park services attendants. Multiple hiring events are happening this month, and additional details are available at jobs.sixflags.com.

With less than three months until the federal REAL ID Act becomes enforceable, the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging state residents to make sure they are prepared. Beginning on May 7, 2025, anyone going through airport security to fly domestically or attempting to enter secure federal facilities will be required to have a REAL ID or another form of compliant identification such as an Enhanced ID or Passport. For those who need to upgrade their state-issued ID before May 7, the DMV is strongly encouraging them to act as soon as possible.

Canadian Consul Tom Clark with Governor Kathy Hochul.

Governor Kathy Hochul is highlighting the trade relationship with New York and bordering Canada. Yesterday, Hochul sat down with Canadian Consul General Tom Clark. Hochul says she’s focused on affordability for New Yorkers and that relationships with Canada will affect that depending on what happens out of Washington. Her meeting comes after tariffs against Canada and Canadian tariffs against the U.S. were put on hold for a month after President Trump says Canada promised to increase border security.

Unidentified dog and sick child, resting at home.

The latest data shows there’s been yet another surge in flu cases across Western New York. During the week ending January 25th, the area with the highest number of infections was Monroe County with 1,415. That was followed by Erie County with 686; Niagara County reported 134; Livingston County, 94 and Genesee logged 46 cases of the flu. Orleans and Wyoming Counties each had 29. Since flu season began back in October, there have been more than 230,000 confirmed flu cases in the Empire State.

Antonio Roman

A retired Buffalo police officer has admitted to shooting a teen last year. Officials say 67-year-old Antonio Roman shot a 14-year-old boy in the leg during a confrontation with a group that he suspected was stealing from vehicles outside the Marine Drive Apartments. After the shooting, the group drove away in a vehicle that had been stolen in Amherst. The boy had to be taken Oishei Children’s Hospital, where he underwent surgery. Roman pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and first-degree reckless endangerment. He faces a maximum of seven years in prison when he is sentenced in May.

Robert Brooks (released photo)

The death of Robert Brooks at the Marcy Correctional Facility has now been ruled a homicide. A grand jury will be reviewing evidence on this case February 10th. Body camera footage showed Brooks being brutally attacked by several prison employees back in December. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment but couldn’t be saved.   Onondaga County DA William Fitzpatrick was named special prosecutor after the Attorney General’s office recused itself.

Jasmin Osteen

A Jamestown woman has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for sex trafficking of a minor. Officials say between August and October 2020, 27-year-old Jasmin Osteen conspired with others to coerce two 17-year-olds to engage in commercial sex acts. She would then transport the minor victims to a hotel in Buffalo, and reached out to various clients who engaged in commercial sex acts with the victims. Osteen arranged the commercial sex acts on Facebook and received most of the proceeds.

The Sabres closed out an undefeated home stand with a 3-2 against the Columbus BlueJackets last night. Alex Tuch led the way with two goals and an assist in the victory. Bowen Byram chipped in with a goal and an assist of his own. The Sabres have now won four-straight games, which is the team’s best since a five-game run in January 2023. Buffalo hits the ice again on Saturday when they play the Predators in Nashville.

The Crossroads House 29^th Annual “Strike UP Some Fun for Crossroads” Betty Ellison Memorial Bowling Event is coming up this weekend, Friday and Saturday, February 7^th and 8^th at Mancuso Bowling Center. A DJ will be on hand for the evening shifts, and there will be contests throughout. For more information, please call 585-343-3892 or get registered at www.crossroadshouse.com/events.

WBTA undated file photo of Robert Morris.

The Batavia City School District is now accepting registration applications for universal pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs for the 2025-26 school year. For more information, call 585-343-2480 or visit bataviacsd.org/registration. The deadline to register is May 1^st.

An investigation is underway into what caused a fire in Corfu that left a firefighter injured. The blaze happened yesterday on Main Street. Crews worked quickly to try and contain the smoke and flames and the firefighter suffered an ankle injury after falling off a six-foot ladder. No one was inside the house at the time of the fire.

Governor Hochul speaks with a Rochester Police Officer.

The Rochester Police Department is trying out new technology aimed at stopping the growing number of car break-ins. Leaders say license plate readers will trigger a response for any report of a vehicle that’s stolen by reporting it to officers. The vehicle models targeted most in recent months are KIAs and Hyundais because their security systems make them easier to take.   These crimes been prominent in lower income neighborhoods such as the Park Avenue and South Wedge areas.

Inside the American Rock Salt salt barn. (13WHAM photo)

There’s still a few weeks left to go in winter, and American Rock Salt is dealing with a shortage of the salt used to keep motorists safe. The company is opening up its reserve stockpiles and purchasing new equipment to boost mining efforts. Several towns in the region and across New York are running low on salt, and American Rock Salt says that’s due to high demand. Some communities have had to cut back on using road salt or tapped into their emergency supplies.

Hadi Matar in court today as his trial begins. (NBC News photo)

A Fairview, New Jersey man is set to go on trial today for the attempted murder of an author during a live event.   Back in 2022, author Salman Rushdie was set to deliver a lecture before a live audience in western New York when prosecutors allege Hadi Matar charged him with a knife, stabbing him numerous times. Matar told the New York post in a jailhouse interview after the attack he doesn’t think Rushdie is a very good person and says he is someone who attacked Islam. Rushdie spent years in hiding after the leader of Iran put a bounty on his head in 1989 with Iran’s leader calling a novel of his an insult to Islam.

There’s a new law in New York State to help further protect doctors from legal trouble for prescribing abortion medication out of state.   Governor Hochul signed legislation today that allows doctors to request pharmacies to put their health practice on the prescription label rather than the doctor’s name when prescribing FDA-approved abortion medication. This builds upon previous passed legislation that helps protect New York doctors from states with strict abortion laws that may attempt to impose criminal penalties on New York physicians.   Just last week, a jury in Louisiana indicted a doctor from New Paltz in Ulster County for approving an abortion medication for a minor in Louisiana.

A Dunkirk man is facing time in prison after pleading guilty to labor trafficking and kidnapping charges. Prosecutors say 33-year-old Augusto Mateo Francisco, a legal permanent resident from Guatemala, provided work and housing to Guatemalan migrants he brought to the Dunkirk area. Francisco would then take a cut of the migrants’ earnings and threaten them if he did not receive the money they “owed” to him. Prosecutors said he also repeatedly raped a 16-year-old Guatemalan girl beginning in March 2019. He then abducted her in May 2020 and held her for nearly two weeks before she was rescued by police. Francisco faces a maximum of life in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced in May.

The Super Bowl is coming up Sunday, and law enforcement statewide will be working to ensure people get to and from their big game parties safely. The annual Super Bowl week crackdown on dangerous and impaired drivers is underway and it runs through Sunday. During last year’s campaign, a total of almost 8,400 tickets were issued. Anyone who spots suspicious activity on the roads is asked to dial 911 immediately.

Aerial file photo of KeyBank Center

The Buffalo Sabres are hoping to wrap up their latest home stand tonight with a fourth straight victory. The Sabres are hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets at the KeyBank Center. Buffalo last played on Sunday when they fought off a late rally and defeated the New Jersey Devils by a final score of four to three. Face-off for their contest is scheduled for 7:00.

The Richmond Memorial Library is once again partnering with volunteers from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance to offer income-eligible citizens assistance with filing their taxes online this tax season. Tax Department employees will help by going through your income tax returns, step-by-step, as you complete and then e-file your tax return for free. The first session will be offered this Thursday, February 6^th. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 585-343-9550, Extension 3. You can also find the library online at batavialibrary.org.

Governor Kathy Hochul says New Yorkers will pay an economic price for the tariffs imposed Saturday on Canadian goods by President Trump. The governor says Canada and New York State are part of a single region and have long been economically intertwined, calling it a “synergy.” She tells MSNBC it is “critically important” for New York farmers and manufacturers to be able to get goods across the border with ease. Hochul also says it is not surprising that Canada quickly imposed retaliatory tariffs on imports coming from the US. She adds that if the aim of the President’s tariffs is to stop the flow of fentanyl into the US, New York is already working to do that.

The Batavia City School District is now accepting registration applications for universal pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs for the 2025-26 school year. For more information, call 585-343-2480 or visit bataviacsd.org/registration. The deadline to register is May 1^st.

46-year-old Richard Burdick of Batavia has been arrested by the Genesee County Sheriffs. He’s charged with criminal possession of a narcotic drug with intent to sell, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. It’s alleged that Burdick was in possession of approximately 62 grams of cocaine during a traffic stop. He was held at the Genesee County Jail pending arraignment.

Western New York drivers are seeing steady prices at the pump when it comes time to fill up their vehicles. Triple A says the national average cost for a gallon of regular fuel right now is $3.10. The state average for gas is sitting at $3.17 per gallon. In Batavia, the average figures out to $3.18 a gallon, which is down two cents from a month ago and is seven cents lower than it was a year ago today.

A teacher at Amherst Central High School was arrested on Friday for sex crimes against children. New York State Police said 45-year-old Geoffrey Testa was arrested on a warrant for multiple felony child exploitation charges out of Fairfax, Virginia. He was processed and taken to Erie County Holding Center on the arrest warrant awaiting extradition. Testa’s also been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. School officials are working with State Police on this incident.

Unidentified postal carrier and dog in undated file photo.

Folks interested in a career with the United States Postal Service should check out two hiring events happening this week.   The first job fair is Wednesday at the USPS Rochester Processing and Distribution Center on Jefferson Road from 9:30am until 12:30pm. The second event is taking place Thursday from 9:00am until noon in Canandaigua at the post office next to the Wegmans on Eastern Boulevard. There are multiple positions available including carrier assistants and rural carrier associates.

Fans of the Buffalo Zoo will be happy to hear that the zoo received a $9 million grant from the state on Friday. The funding will be used to support projects aimed at improving safety, animal welfare and the overall enhancement of the visitor experience. Lisa Smith, the President and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo, said the funding would help them preserve the historic structures while modernizing their facilities to meet the highest standards of animal care and visitor experience.

The Buffalo Sabres are now on a three-game winning streak after picking up a victory on home ice. Jason Zucker, Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka each had a goal as the Sabres held on to beat the New Jersey Devils four-to-three at KeyBank Center yesterday. Buffalo’s goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen faced a total of 24 shots in the contest and stopped 21 of them. The next game for the Sabres is at home tomorrow night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Face-off is at 7:00.

Noah Magee

20-year-old Noah Magee of Brockport will spend up to 15 years in state prison, the maximum for second-degree manslaughter. He was sentenced yesterday in connection to the death of 24-year-old Roger Kingdollar III. Kingdollar was riding a dirt bike in Barre when Magee crossed the opposite lane and hit him, something that Magee maintained was an accident following his attempt to make too wide a turn at an intersection. Magee was also sentenced to up to seven years in prison for leaving the scene of a fatal accident, 30 days in county jail for reckless driving, and 15 days in jail for failure to keep right. Those sentences will be served concurrently with the longer sentence for manslaughter.

Martinko Jamel Caver

A Buffalo man will spend the next 15 years to life in prison for a fatal shooting in 2022. 45-year-old Martinko Jamel Caver was sentenced Thursday in Erie County Court. He pleaded guilty to one count of Murder in the Second Degree this past November. Investigators say Caver shot 33-year-old George McGee, III on Glenwood Avenue in Buffalo on September 5, 2022. McGee was taken to the hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead.

National Grid is encouraging their customers to be vigilant and protect their personal information. This, in light of multiple, active email and telephone scam campaigns occurring throughout our region. Customers and law enforcement agencies have reported receiving contact from someone representing National Grid and threatening service disconnection if immediate payment is not made. To learn more about this scam and ways to protect yourself from being ripped off, visit ngrid.com/scam.

Evans Bank is announcing layoffs to 64 of their employees due to the pending merger with NBT Bank. A bank spokesperson told WKBW that the layoffs would occur due to duplication of positions when the merger closes. The number impacted could be reduced however, as additional employees could be matched with NBT job openings. Employees impacted will be offered severance benefits and outplacement assistance.

With less than four months until the federal REAL ID Act becomes enforceable, the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging state residents to make sure they are prepared. Beginning on May 7, 2025, anyone going through airport security to fly domestically or attempting to enter secure federal facilities will be required to have a REAL ID or another form of compliant identification such as an Enhanced ID or Passport. For those who need to upgrade their state-issued ID before May 7, the DMV is strongly encouraging them to act as soon as possible.

Unidentified children in undated file photo with electronics.

The New York State United Teachers Union convened in Rochester on Friday to deliberate on the state’s initiative to prohibit smartphone usage in K-12 schools. The state has proposed allocating more than $13 million to enforce a ban on smartphones from the start to the end of the school day, aiming to establish distraction-free learning environments. The union’s conference invited representatives from local school districts to explore the effects of cell phones and social media on students. Attendees also discussed successful policies implemented by other schools and districts.

Cheap Trick

New York State Fair organizers have announced the first of what will be many concerts this summer.   Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Cheap Trick will perform at Chevy Court on Thursday, August 21st at 6:00pm. The band is known for several smash hits including “The Flame,” “Dream Police,” and “I Want You To Want Me.”   Their performance is free as part of daily admission to the fair, which is $8 for adults for the second straight year.   The fair starts August 20th and ends September 4th.

The Buffalo Sabres will again be on home ice Friday night as they look to earn a second straight win. The Sabres are hosting the Nashville Predators at KeyBank Center Buffalo last played Tuesday when they dominated the Boston Bruins by a final score of 7 to 2 and improved their point total on the season to 43. Face-off for their contest is scheduled for 7:00 and the game airs nationally on NHL Network.

Anne Collins

A former Brockport JV basketball coach has admitted to having sexual contact with a student-athlete. Anne Collins pleaded guilty to engaging in inappropriate conduct with the then 15-year-old victim between March and August of 2018. At the time of her arrest last year, Collins had begun a career as a social worker and stopped seeing children in that position after being charged. She’s expected to be sentenced in April.

Crossroads House (Photo from their website)

The Crossroads House 29^th Annual “Strike UP Some Fun for Crossroads” Betty Ellison Memorial Bowling Event is coming up next Friday and Saturday, February 7^th and 8^th at Mancuso Bowling Center. A DJ will be on hand for the evening shifts, and there will be contests throughout. For more information, please call 585-343-3892 or get registered at www.crossroadshouse.com/events.

A Lockport man has admitted to selling fentanyl that resulted in the death of a toddler in 2022. Authorities say 23-year-old Javonte Holloway sold large quantities of heroin, fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl in the Lockport area, usually in form of counterfeit hydrocodone pills known as “M-30s”. Officials say a Lockport couple with a small child purchased the pills between July and December 2022. In December 2022, the toddler was found unresponsive in a bedroom surrounded by fentanyl residue. Holloway pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl. He’ll be sentenced on June 10th.

Three people have been arrested following a traffic stop in the Town of Pembroke. Following investigation, sheriff’s found a quantity of cocaine in the vehicle. The driver of the car was 41-year-old Teresa Hillin of Batavia; the two passengers were identified as 46-year-old Peter Dercqu of Lyndonville and 43-year-old Steven Hadden from Pembroke. Charges include criminal possession of a controlled substance, operating a vehicle without insurance and operating a vehicle without an inspection certificate. All were released on appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in the Town of Pembroke Court at a later date.

According to the State Department of Labor, the unemployment rate in Genesee County was 3.4% in December, which is down from 4% in December 2023. Orleans County reported a 4% unemployment rate last month; Wyoming County had 4.3% of their population unemployed, as did Niagara County. Nationally, the unemployment rate was at 3.8% (compared to 3.5% a year earlier) while the statewide rate was 4.1%, compared to 4.4% a year earlier.

13WHAM file photo

Rochester Regional Health is providing some important training to EMT’s around the area. Those first responders are learning how to deal with childbirth emergencies they may encounter while out on a call. These sessions are taught by OBGYN experts from Rochester Regional Health, and data shows pre-hospital deliveries happen in one out of every 500 pregnant patients.   Officials say while those instances are rare, there’s no such thing as too much training.

NBC News photo

The Canadian border patrol caught a person jumping off a moving train in Fort Erie, which is just across Buffalo’s U.S.-Canada border. Authorities say the person was entering Canada from the United States and was intercepted by Canadian Border Services and Canadian police. They were deemed inadmissible to enter Canada and were returned to the United States. Canadian authorities said the intercept was part of Project Disrupt and Deter, which was launched in December and aimed at monitoring “vulnerable” areas along the International Railway Bridge.

Unidentified couple in undated file photo of an older woman celebrating her graduation with her husband.

Governor Hochul is rolling out her plan to make college more affordable for some Empire State residents. In Syracuse yesterday, Hochul discussed a proposal to provide free community college tuition for students between the ages of 25 and 55 who are pursuing associate’s degrees in high demanding fields. The plan would cover not only tuition fees but also books and supplies.   Some of those high demanding fields include advanced manufacturing, health care, education and engineering.

Peter Marlette, Jr. (X photo)

Buffalo Pro Soccer said they’re considering three sites for their new stadium, including one in Downtown Buffalo. The group has identified the parking lots for the former Buffalo News building and HSBC Atrium along Scott Street as its preferred site. Buffalo Pro Soccer President Peter Marlette, Jr. released a statement, saying that Downtown Buffalo is an ideal location for a professional soccer stadium, but that they have not yet made a final decision on the club’s future home. He also said that one key consideration is that building downtown would require public investment, whereas other potential locations could be developed primarily through private funding.

The Richmond Memorial Library is once again partnering with volunteers from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance to offer income-eligible citizens assistance with filing their taxes online this tax season. Tax Department employees will help by going through your income tax returns, step-by-step, as you complete and then e-file your tax return for free. The first session will be offered next Thursday, February 6^th. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 585-343-9550, Extension 3. You can also find the library online at batavialibrary.org.

32-year-old Christian Poole of Medina has been arrested. He’s charged with possession of child pornography. According to the criminal complaint, Poole accessed a chat room on the Telegram app, where he observed and downloaded multiple child pornography photos and videos. A search of his cell phone revealed hundreds more images and videos, some of which depicted violence against children. Poole was held pending a detention hearing, which was scheduled for today. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Buffalo native Trini Ross is preparing to leave her position as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York after four years. With the arrival of a new presidential administration, Ross is preparing to step down from the position in which she oversaw the prosecution of any federal case within the 17 counties of Western New York. She was the first Black woman to hold the position.

Unidentified parent with sick child, in undated file photo.

The latest data from the state shows the number of flu cases continue to grow in the region. During the week ending January 18th, the spot with the highest infection total was Monroe County with 1060. Erie County reported 649 cases of the flu; followed by Niagara County with 118 and Livingston County with 82. Genesee and Wyoming Counties identified 35 and 19 cases of the flu, respectively. Experts say the best way for people to reduce their risk of getting sick is to practice good hygiene and get a flu shot. For more information, visit a local pharmacist or go to vaccines.gov.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook that includes Genesee, Orleans, Niagara, Monroe and Northern Erie Counties. West to northwesterly winds will gust up to 45 mph at times today into this evening. This could lead to a few downed tree limbs and isolated power outages.

Congressman Nick Langworthy (13WHAM file photo)

Western New York Congressman Nick Langworthy met with ICE agents in Buffalo amid the crackdown on illegal immigration. During a news conference yesterday, Langworthy was adamant that agents are only going after criminals and suspected terrorists, saying they pose a security risk and need to be removed. He also criticized Governor Kathy Hochul and New York’s Green Light Law, saying it’s the biggest barrier to the enforcement of this mission and that it needs to be repealed.

Smokey Robinson (released publicity photo)

Organizers of the Rochester Jazz Festival have announced some of the headliners for this year’s event. One of the main musical acts will feature an appearance by the legendary singer and songwriter Smokey Robinson. He’s scheduled to take the stage on opening night, which is Friday, June 20th.   Other artists scheduled to perform are Rickie Lee Jones, Thundercat and American roots band The Wood Brothers.   More details on the festival are available at rochesterjazz.com.

The Buffalo Sabres were on a roll during last night’s win over the Boston Bruins. Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka both scored hat tricks as the Sabres came back from an early deficit to beat the Bruins 7-2. Thompson and Peterka are the first teammates to record hat tricks in the same game for the Sabres since 2008. Buffalo returns to the ice on Friday when they host the Nashville Predators; the puck drops at 7:00.

Malachi Nix

20-year-old Malachi Nix of Tonawanda has been arrested in Batavia. He’s charged with burglary, criminal possession of a weapon, grand larceny, criminal mischief and conspiracy. It’s alleged that on May 27, 2024, Nix and another person broke into Barrett’s Batavia Marine and stole numerous firearms. Nix was arraigned in City Court and remanded to the Genesee County Jail. He’s due back in court on February 15th.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins

The New York State Senate has passed nine bills aimed at making utilities more affordable. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins says the legislation will expand flexible payment plans for consumers and demand transparency and rate setting processes. One measure would require social service districts to automatically re-enroll people in the low-income home energy assistance program, also known as HEAP.   The bills would need to be approved by the State Assembly before going to Governor Hochul.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for areas of south of us from 6:00pm tonight through 6:00pm tomorrow. Snow is expected, with total accumulations from 4 to 8 inches. Winds could gust to 40 mph in the advisory area. Travel there may become difficult; with hazardous conditions impacting the Wednesday commutes.

File photo of State Attorney General Letitia James

State Attorney General Letitia James secured $450,000 from three companies that distribute eufy home security video cameras, for failing to secure customers’ private home security videos. The companies, Fantasia Trading LLC, Power Mobile Life LLC, and Smart Innovation, LLC distribute a line of video cameras, video doorbells, and video smart locks under the eufy brand. An investigation by the A.G.’s Office found that video streams from the cameras were not always securely encrypted and could be accessible to anyone with the relevant link without authentication. The settlement requires these companies to take steps to ensure stronger protections for customers’ data and pay $450,000 in penalties and costs.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans (13WHAM photo)

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans is addressing the presence of immigration officials in this area. Evans said he was made aware of their appearance over the weekend and that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement doesn’t tell local governments about their activities. He’s now urging community organizations that work closely with immigrants to make sure all of them know their rights. President Trump has been cracking down on immigration nationwide since returning to office last week.

Kelvin Hunt during courtroom appearance January 27, 2025. (13WHAM photo)

A convicted sex offender is going back to prison after kidnapping a 14-year-old girl in Rochester. Yesterday, a judge sentenced 48-year-old Kelvin Hunt to spend the next 25 years behind bars. Prosecutors say he abducted the child from a home on the city’s northeast side back in February 2024.   He then took the child to another address and sexually assaulted her. She was later released and Hunt ended up being arrested at a hotel in Gates.

13WHAM file photo of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is continuing his push to lower egg prices for millions of Americans. Schumer was in Rochester yesterday where he pledged to do everything he can to limit the effect of bird flu that’s caused egg prices to surge. Schumer says he’s ready to work with Republicans to get this crisis under control and that more federal funding will be needed. Over 60 people have been infected with bird flu and one of them died.

The moment. (NFL photo)

Bills fans have begun donating to the Summit Center in honor of tight-end Dalton Kincaid after Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Summit Center, which Kincaid has been advocating for since 2023, provides programs for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Donations began coming in after Kincaid dropped a pass on fourth-and-5 with two minutes left on the clock in the final quarter, ultimately ending the game for Buffalo. The Center said over 350 donors made a gift as of Monday morning. Mary Bennett, superintendent of Summit Academy, said not only is Kincaid an incredible athlete, but he has a big heart, and that was evident during the time he spent with their students.

The Richmond Memorial Library is once again partnering with volunteers from the New York State Department of Tax and Finance to offer income-eligible citizens assistance with filing their taxes online this tax season. Tax Department employees will help by going through your income tax returns, step-by-step, as you complete and then e-file your tax return for free. The first session will be offered on Thursday, February 6^th. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 585-343-9550, Extension 3. You can also find the library online at batavialibrary.org.

The State Environmental Facilities Corporation has approved more than $127 million in financial assistance for water infrastructure improvement for Western New York. Over $62 million will go to the Buffalo Sewer Authority for upgrades at the Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. Erie County is receiving $56 million for improvements at the South Towns Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility, and the City of Lockport is receiving over $9 million for improvements to the Gulf Interceptor. A total of $273 million was approved for clean water projects statewide.

With less than four months until the federal REAL ID Act becomes enforceable, the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging New Yorkers to make sure they are prepared. Beginning on May 7, 2025, anyone going through airport security to fly domestically or attempting to enter secure federal facilities will be required to have a REAL ID or another form of compliant identification such as an Enhanced ID or Passport. For those who need to upgrade their state-issued ID before May 7, the DMV is strongly encouraging them to act now.

Peace Bridge – January 2025

Landmarks across the city of Buffalo are showing their Bills pride ahead of Sunday’s AFC Championship Game. The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority announced that the Peace Bridge will be lit in Bills colors until Sunday night, and overhead traffic gantry signs will display the Bills logo all through the weekend. In addition, whenever the Bills score, there will be a celebratory special effects light show conducted on the bridge. Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

The Buffalo Bills are just 60 minutes of football away from the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance in decades. The Bills are on the road this weekend to take on the two-time and defending Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in the AFC title game. Buffalo and Kansas City battled earlier in the season and the Bills came away with a 30 to 21 victory. Kickoff for Sunday’s game is 6:30; you can catch the game on channel 4.

Crossroads House – photo from their website

Crossroads House on Liberty Street, Batavia is hosting an evening of reflection, cocktails, dinner and dancing for staff, families and friends. The event will be held at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel Saturday afternoon starting at 5:00pm. Your attendance will help support their mission to provide the best end-of-life care possible. For more information, please call 585-343-3892.

Unidentified children in undated file photo using cell phones.

Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a plan this week to ban all cell phones in schools across the state. The goal is to create a distraction-free environment so kids can focus on learning. There are exceptions for students who need devices for medical reasons or to assist non-English language speakers. A number of New York school districts have already implemented cell phone bans, including the Lackawanna City School District, which has implemented a “no cell, bell to bell” policy.

Police say two people involved with two missing Buffalo girls found on Tuesday have been cleared of any wrongdoing. The girls, ages 12 and seven, were found safe at an apartment on Langfield Drive after they were reported missing on Monday night. Two people were brought in to speak with detectives, but police say they were “good Samaritans” who took the children in from the cold and contacted authorities after learning what had happened.

Attorney General James

Attorney General Letitia James is announcing a $1 billion settlement with a shady lending network. James says 25 predatory lenders controlled by Yellowstone Capital targeted 1,100 small businesses across New York with excessive interest rates and punishing repayment terms. They included a food truck and caterer in Buffalo, a hair salon in Syracuse, a Long Island tailoring shop and City Bakery in Manhattan, which was forced to close after 30 years. Under the settlement, Jersey City-based Yellowstone will cancel $534 million in outstanding debts across the country and immediately pay 16-million to affected businesses.

Ryan and Anna Corbett – Provided photo

A Dansville resident who was held captive by the Taliban for more than two years is back in the United States. Ryan Corbett arrived in San Antonio, Texas yesterday where he was greeted by his wife and three children. Corbett and another American were released as part of a prisoner exchange between the Taliban and U.S. that was made earlier this week. Corbett was detained in Afghanistan while he was in that country on business in 2022.

Organizers of the popular Lilac Festival in Rochester have announced plans for this year’s event. The 127th annual event is going to feature a farmer’s market, free walking tours and even a non-alcoholic bar. Opening day is scheduled for May 9th and the festival will run through May 18th. The event traditionally draws crowds of more than 500,000 people each year. For more details, head to roclilacfest.com.

Mark Andrews – Baltimore Ravens photo

Buffalo Bills fans are raising money for a charity backed by Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews. Bills’ fan Nicholas Howard set up a GoFundMe page for Breakthrough T1D, a type 1 diabetes research and advocacy non-profit supported by Andrews, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a child. The fundraiser was started after Andrews began receiving death threats and negative comments after he dropped a game tying two-point conversion in Sunday’s game. Bills’ fans answered the call, donating over $90,000 as of last night.

The Buffalo Sabres will be in Western Canada again tonight as they look to earn a second straight win. The Sabres are visiting the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Buffalo last played Tuesday when they beat the Vancouver Canucks by a final score of three to two and improved their point total this season to 41 which is still the lowest in the Eastern Conference.   Face-off tonight is set for 9:00.