Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on August 26, 2025
I-90 Tour Bus Crash Update
We continue to follow the latest developments after Friday’s deadly tour bus crash on the Thruway in Pembroke. Officials say the bus, carrying 54 people, lost control and crashed—killing five.
Genesee County Emergency Management Director Tim Yaeger called it one of the most stressful incidents in his 35-year career. He praised first responders, saying their heroic actions helped save lives, including children, despite heavy traffic slowing their arrival. Critical incident stress debriefings for responders are being held this week.
Investigators confirm the bus was operated by M & Y Tour Incorporated out of Staten Island. Federal inspection records show the company has a “satisfactory” safety rating, though in the past two years it was placed under out-of-service orders nine different times.
The NTSB remains on scene, looking closely at driver performance, company oversight, and seat belt use. A preliminary report is expected in about 30 days, with a final report possibly taking over a year.
Corfu Hosting 5th Annual Autumn in the Village Festival Oct. 4
The Village of Corfu will celebrate its 5th Annual Autumn in the Village festival on Saturday, October 4th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine.
The event, held at 1 Corfu Plaza, will feature local vendors, artisans, food trucks, live music, and plenty of seasonal favorites. A highlight includes the Corfu United Presbyterian Church’s famous clam chowder and a basket raffle, with proceeds supporting local programs.
Organizers say it’s the perfect way to shop local, enjoy good food, and celebrate the fall season with friends and neighbors.
Stafford Special Town Board Meeting
The Stafford Town Board will hold a special meeting Thursday, August 28th at 7:00 p.m. at the Stafford Town Hall. The purpose is to vote on a resolution to secure a bond for new highway department equipment.
Borrello Urges Hochul to Halt Genesee County Solar Projects
Senator George Borrello is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to stop two major solar projects in Genesee County, warning they will permanently destroy prime farmland and threaten New York’s agricultural economy.
In a letter to the governor, Borrello opposed Hecate Energy’s Cider Solar project in Oakfield and Elba, and the Excelsior Solar project in Byron. He said the developments would turn productive cropland into “permanent industrial sites,” undermining the state’s food supply and rural communities.
Cornell research shows most solar sites in New York occupy farmland, and once cleared, that land is lost to agriculture. Genesee County already has more than 8,400 acres slated for solar, including 6,200 acres of prime soil vital for crops and livestock feed.
Borrello noted local agribusinesses like HP Hood, OATKA Milk, Yancey’s Fancy and Upstate Niagara rely on those farms. He said New York has already lost 14% of its farms over the past decade and utility-scale solar is accelerating the trend.
“Farmland is not vacant land,” Borrello wrote. “It produces food, supports families, and drives our rural economy. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.”
Byron-Bergen Named Among Nation’s Best High Schools
Byron-Bergen Senior High School has once again been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best High Schools for 2025–26, placing in the top 40% nationally.
It’s the seventh straight year the school has earned the honor. Principal Paul Hazard praised the effort of teachers, staff, students, and families, saying, “It takes a whole hive.”
The rankings are based on factors like college readiness, state assessments, and graduation rates.
