Monday News Brief
Written by WBTA STAFF on July 22, 2024
Couple Arrested on Larceny Charges
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Department announced over the weekend that on July 17th they arrested Anthony Wenhold and Laura Barber of Batavia for Petit Larceny.
On the 17th the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call for a robbery at Walmart in Batavia. It is alleged that Wenhold and Barber were at the self-checkout and did not scan multiple items worth $173.11, and then they attempted to leave the store. Following an investigation, Wenhold and Barber were arrested and taken to the Genesee County Jail where they were released with appearance tickets.
Both Wenhold and Barber are due at the Town of Batavia Court tomorrow at 3 pm.
Governor Hochul Requests Federal Emergency Declaration for Genesee County
On Saturday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Genesee County was one of 15 counties she requested a Federal Emergency Declaration for following the severe weather on July 15th and 16th.
On the 15th and 16th a state record 17 tornadoes touched down across New York State. The federal government is currently doing a damage assessment of the aftereffects. If Governor Hochul can secure federal assistance, it would authorize FEMA to provide reimbursement for debris removal operations, emergency protective measures like search and rescue operations, and actions to eliminate or reduce immediate threats of significant additional damage to critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water control facilities, and utilities.
Governor Hochul said. “We must give our communities the support they need to recover, and I will do everything in my power to get New Yorkers the resources they need.”
President Joe Biden Drops out of Presidential Race
On Sunday afternoon, President Joe Biden announced that he is no longer seeking reelection and is dropping out of the 2024 United States presidential Race.
The news comes following multiple top Democrats urging him to drop out following an extremely rough performance in his debate with Donald Trump. Biden had insisted for weeks that he would not be dropping out, even as recently as Friday morning. However, as it has become more clear he is losing popularity, a dropout has become more inevitable.
At this time it is unclear who will be his replacement as the Democratic Party Nominee. Still, the favorites are current Vice President Kamala Harris who Biden gave his backing to following his resignation, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and independent Robert F Kennedy Jr. who is popular among voters.