Thursday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on May 14, 2026
ROUTE 19 MEMORIAL PROPOSED FOR FALLEN LE ROY SOLDIER
George Borrello announced today the State Senate has passed legislation to designate part of Route 19 in Le Roy as the “Lieutenant Gary A. Scott Memorial Highway.”
Lt. Gary Scott, a Le Roy native and 1963 graduate of Le Roy High School, served with the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War.
After graduating at the top of his ROTC class at Syracuse University, Scott volunteered for combat duty and became a platoon leader with the famed “Screaming Eagles.”
In March of 1968, Scott was killed during an ambush while attempting to rescue members of his platoon pinned down by enemy fire. Officials say he ultimately sacrificed his life shielding another soldier with his own body.
Senator Borrello says the designation would honor Scott’s courage, leadership, and sacrifice while ensuring future generations remember his story.
Supporters gathered signatures for the proposal during the Oatka Festival, and companion legislation is now awaiting action in the State Assembly.
TRIVIA NIGHT RETURNS TO HOLLAND LAND OFFICE MUSEUM TONIGHT
Holland Land Office Museum will host another edition of its popular Trivia Night at the Museum tonight in downtown Batavia.
This month’s trivia theme centers around the original 13 colonies as part of celebrations leading up to America’s 250th birthday.
Participants will test their knowledge on early American history, colonial life, and the founding of the United States.
The event begins at 7 p.m. at the museum on West Main Street.
Admission is 5 dollars for the general public and 3 dollars for museum members.
Organizers are encouraging anyone interested in attending to contact the museum ahead of time to reserve a spot.
TRUMP, XI MEET IN HIGH-STAKES CHINA SUMMIT
Donald Trump begins the busiest stretch of his trip to China today with a major summit alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The meetings are expected to focus heavily on the war involving Iran, trade tensions, Taiwan, and the global economy.
While both sides are signaling possible announcements on trade and Chinese purchases of American products, analysts say major breakthroughs remain unlikely.
The ongoing Iran conflict is also expected to dominate discussions, especially as rising oil prices and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue impacting global markets.
Trump is also expected to pressure China to do more to influence Iran, while Beijing is expected to push back against U.S. support for Taiwan and planned American weapons sales to the island.
The three-day visit includes formal meetings, cultural events, and a state banquet in Beijing.
Photo Courtesy of The Village of Alexander
THREE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS PLAN STAFF CUTS
Three Genesee County school districts are planning faculty and staff reductions for the upcoming school year as they deal with declining enrollment and rising costs.
Alexander, Le Roy, and Oakfield-Alabama all included cuts in their proposed 2026-27 budgets.
Alexander plans the largest reduction, cutting 14 positions, including teachers, aides, a mental health professional, and curriculum administration roles. District officials say elementary library and STEAM classes will also be eliminated, though class sizes are expected to remain under 25 students.
Le Roy plans to eliminate 11 positions through attrition, while Oakfield-Alabama says nine positions will be cut through attrition and reorganization.
School leaders point to declining enrollment, rising insurance costs, and uncertainty surrounding state aid as major factors driving the decisions.
Despite the reductions, district officials say they are working to protect core academic programs, athletics, arts, and extracurricular opportunities for students.
Residents in all three districts will vote on the proposed budgets later this month.
HAWLEY CRITICIZES ALBANY OVER VETERANS TAX RELIEF BILL
Steve Hawley says legislation aimed at expanding property tax relief for disabled veterans was blocked this week by the Democratic majority in Albany.
The proposal would have expanded eligibility for property tax exemptions tied to service-related disabilities, helping more veterans afford to stay in their homes as costs continue rising across New York.
Hawley called the bill “common-sense legislation” and criticized what he described as a lack of transparency in the legislative process.
Despite the bill being stopped in committee, Hawley says he plans to continue pushing for policies supporting veterans and military families.
ALLEGIANT COMPLETES PURCHASE OF SUN COUNTRY
Allegiant Air has officially completed its purchase of Sun Country Airlines, creating a larger low-cost airline company during a difficult stretch for the budget travel industry.
The deal, valued at roughly 1-point-5 billion dollars including debt, combines the two carriers as airlines continue dealing with rising fuel costs tied to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Industry analysts say those higher fuel prices have put major pressure on discount airlines, especially after the recent shutdown of Spirit Airlines earlier this month.
Allegiant says the merger will expand travel options in smaller and mid-sized markets, with the combined company operating nearly 200 aircraft across more than 650 routes.
For now, both airlines will continue operating separately, and passengers should not expect immediate changes to bookings or flights.
WEDNESDAY LOCAL SCOREBOARD
In softball, Batavia picked up an impressive 14-5 win over Pittsford Mendon.
Oakfield-Alabama stayed hot as well, rolling past Holley 18-3.
On the baseball side, Elba dominated Lyndonville twice Wednesday, winning by scores of 22-4 and 13-4.
Batavia meanwhile fell to Greece Olympia-Odyssey 6-3.
