Morning News Brief

A young man who captured the hearts and minds of people across America, met president Goerge W Bush, and then became the team manager for Greece Athena High School, Jason McElwain, otherwise known as J-Mac, is in intensive care after a bicycle and car collision Monday afternoon.  According to police, McElwain drove his bike into a car, sending him to Strong Memorial Hospital with several broken ribs, among other injuries. His father said he also suffered a collapsed lung, but no head injuries.  Police said McElwain’s helmet likely spared him from a serious brain injury or worse.  Since his big night when he scored 6 3 point shots in 2006, McElwain served as a volunteer coach at his alma mater, co-authored a book, ran the Boston Marathon, suited up for the Rochester Razorsharks, and most recently has been serving as a classroom aide and bus monitor for Greece schools.  Police added they do not believe charges will be pressed in the crash.

With Roe V Wade hanging in the balance and America waiting for the Supreme Court decision after a draft was leaked in May, New York has pushed through legislation enshrining Abortion access and expanding services in preparation for Abortion tourism to come to the Empire State.  The Empire State provides nearly 1 in every 8 abortions in the US.  On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a package of bills to ensure the state will remain a safe harbor for people seeking to terminate their pregnancies. The laws include protections for abortion providers and patients.  Pro Life advocates want to see more money being put towards taking care of women who continue their pregnancies and the families after the baby is born.  People like Carol Crossed, president of Feminists Choosing Life of New York, says that the state is trying to take the easy way out instead of offering childcare, education or housing help to women in need.  Organizations such as Compasscare, Abortion Abolitionists and others have called on the State and federal government to pass legislation protecting crisis pregnancy centers, especially after several were firebombed over the last week including one in Amherst.

Frustrated by the construction on Park Road in front of Batavia Downs?  Concrete Applied Technologies Corp has an update.  The 4 million dollar project has reached the boxing out stage on the east side of the road, which means that the road is prepared for milling, stone and repaving.  After they are done with the east side it will be opened up for traffic and then the west side will get worked on.  Henry Wojtaszek, president of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., said the project is ahead of schedule, stating that he is confident work will be done by mid-October.

The Rotary Club of Batavia is holding its annual Father’s Day Breakfast on Sunday, June 19 at the Genesee County Airport.   Breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. with the menu including eggs, pancakes, sausage, omelets, juice, coffee, tea and milk.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 4-12.  Children 3 and under eat free.  Tickets are available from any Batavia Rotary Club member.  All proceeds from the breakfast will help fund the Batavia Rotary Club’s charitable projects.