Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 7, 2026
BUS DRIVER PLEADS GUILTY IN DEADLY PEMBROKE THRUWAY CRASH
The driver of the tour bus involved in last August’s deadly Thruway crash in Pembroke has pleaded guilty to five counts of criminally negligent homicide.
Fifty-six-year-old Bin Shao admitted in Genesee County Court that he looked away from the road to pick up a water bottle that had rolled near the driver’s seat. When he looked back up, the bus had drifted from its lane. Prosecutors say he overcorrected several times, causing the bus to overturn while traveling 71 miles an hour.
Five passengers were killed and all 53 others on board, along with Shao, were injured.
As part of a plea agreement, more serious manslaughter charges were dropped. Shao now faces between one and one-third and four years in state prison when he is sentenced on September ninth.
Federal investigators also found the bus company lacked adequate safety procedures and identified multiple mechanical issues with the vehicle. Shao also faces civil lawsuits filed by injured passengers.
FELONY DWI, SEX OFFENDER CHARGES HIGHLIGHT SHERIFF’S OFFICE ARRESTS
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is reporting a number of recent arrests, including a Le Roy man accused of felony DWI after a crash in Pavilion. Thirty-two-year-old Kodey Mills allegedly drove with a revoked license while intoxicated, struck a utility pole on Perry Road, then left the scene. Because of two prior DWI convictions within the past 10 years, Mills faces felony charges along with several traffic violations.
Also arrested was 28-year-old Kiha McNear of Batavia, who is charged with attempted second-degree assault after allegedly punching another inmate at the Genesee County Jail.
Authorities also charged 46-year-old James Chase and 66-year-old Alan Tidd, both of Batavia, with separate sex offender registration violations.
Other arrests include criminal contempt, DWI, child endangerment, criminal trespass, drug possession, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
All charges are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
BERGEN FARMERS MARKET OPENS FOR THE SEASON TODAY
The Bergen Harvest Market opens for the season today from 3 until 6 p.m. at Hickory Park on Route 19 in the Village of Bergen.
Visitors will find fresh vegetables and fruit, locally raised meat and eggs, honey, maple syrup, flowers, artisan goods, spices, salsa, ready-to-go meals, and a food truck. The market also accepts Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program benefits.
Organizers invite the community to stop by, shop local, and support area farmers and vendors on opening day.
MUSIC IN THE PARK RETURNS TO ELBA TO BENEFIT LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS
The Jared Lee Diehl Memorial Scholarship Fund will host its third annual Music in the Park this Sunday from 3 until 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park on Main Street in Elba.
The family-friendly fundraiser will feature live music from GumShoe, Savage Cabbage, and Royal Halls, along with food trucks, basket raffles, a 50/50 drawing, bounce house, face painting, a lemonade stand, and local vendors.
Proceeds will support scholarships for local high school students while promoting music, compassion, and inclusion. Organizers encourage everyone to bring a lawn chair and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment for a great cause. Cash and Venmo will be accepted.
UPSTATE NEW YORK MAN SUES ICE OVER WARNING AFTER CRITICAL EMAIL
An upstate New York man is suing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after federal agents visited his Rochester home over an email he sent criticizing the agency’s former acting director.
David Streever, a U.S. citizen, says ICE violated his First Amendment rights after officers delivered a warning notice to his wife while he was traveling overseas. The agency said the email was considered a threat, but Streever’s attorneys argue it was protected political speech.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., comes after another upstate New York resident also reported being contacted by federal agents over social media posts critical of ICE. The Department of Homeland Security says it does not suppress free speech but will investigate threats made against law enforcement officers.
TRUMP HEADS TO NATO SUMMIT, PUSHES ALLIES TO BOOST DEFENSE SPENDING
President Donald Trump is heading to this week’s NATO summit in Turkey with a clear message: allied nations must follow through on their pledge to dramatically increase defense spending. Trump wants every NATO member on a path toward spending five percent of its gross domestic product on defense over the next decade.
The summit is also expected to focus on the war in Ukraine, with Trump scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He’ll also hold talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
While many NATO nations have increased military spending in response to Trump’s demands, questions remain over Europe’s long-term defense capabilities and the alliance’s future direction under what the administration calls “NATO 3.0.”
LE ROY TO HONOR ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS
Le Roy High School will welcome its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame class during an induction ceremony Friday, July 17, at 9:30 a.m. in the high school auditorium. This year’s class includes longtime football supporters Terry and Patty Dillow, standout athletes Zach and David Dillow, Don Miller, Kyle Miller, Matt Gugino, and Andrew Paladino. Also being honored are the 2002 Le Roy football team and the 1959 Le Roy baseball team for their historic accomplishments. The ceremony celebrates decades of athletic excellence and community contributions to Le Roy sports.
