Wednesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on April 8, 2026
Road Rage on Thruway Leads to Arrest in Batavia
A road rage incident on the Thruway in Batavia escalated into a fight and weapons charges Monday morning.
State Police say 47-year-old Jason Wendt of Calcium was arrested following the incident on I-90 westbound around 7:40 a.m.
Investigators say Wendt allegedly stopped suddenly in traffic, causing a tractor-trailer behind him to rear-end his vehicle. Both drivers pulled over, where things quickly escalated.
Police say the truck driver approached Wendt’s vehicle when Wendt allegedly opened his door suddenly, nearly pushing the man into traffic. The two then began fighting on the shoulder of the Thruway.
During the altercation, Wendt is accused of pulling out a pocketknife and threatening the other driver.
He’s now facing charges including criminal possession of a weapon, menacing, and assault, and was taken to the Genesee County Jail for arraignment.
Photo Courtesy of Le Roy Garden Club
Learn About Pollinators at Le Roy Garden Club Event Tonight
A unique and educational event is happening tonight in Le Roy, focusing on the importance of solitary bees.
The Garden Club is hosting a free program at 6:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church on Clay Street, highlighting how these lesser-known bees play a major role in pollination.
Guest speaker Dr. Robert Minckley from the University of Rochester will discuss bee behavior, environmental threats, and how people can help support pollinators.
The event is open to the public, with donations accepted, and attendees are invited to stay for refreshments and learn more about the club’s work in the community.
Photo Courtesy of Hershey Park
Parents Charged After Toddler Reaches Into Wolf Exhibit
Police say the parents of a toddler injured at a Pennsylvania zoo are now facing charges after the child made contact with a wolf.
Investigators say the parents had stepped about 25 to 30 feet away and were focused on their phones when the young child slipped through a barrier and entered a restricted area at ZooAmerica.
The toddler then reached through a fence surrounding the wolf enclosure, where one of the animals grabbed the child’s hand. Bystanders quickly stepped in to help pull the child away.
Officials say the injuries were minor, but the situation raised serious safety concerns.
The parents have been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and are due in court later this month.
Photo Courtesy of Ricky Palermo Foundation
Ricky Palermo Foundation Announces New Partnership
The Ricky Palermo Foundation is expanding its mission with a new partnership involving JT Turnbull and his family.
Turnbull, who suffered a spinal cord injury in a skiing accident two years ago, will now join the foundation’s efforts to support research, patient care, and community awareness.
The Turnbull family will take part in planning fundraising events and helping grow the foundation’s outreach.
The Ricky Palermo Foundation has raised more than $2.2 million over nearly 30 years, supporting local programs and national research aimed at finding a cure for paralysis.
Organizers say the partnership brings a powerful personal perspective as they continue working to improve lives and advance spinal cord injury research.
Photo Courtesy of Cleveland Clinic
Colon Cancer Rising Among Younger Americans
Doctors are sounding the alarm as colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults.
Health experts say it’s now the leading cancer killer for Americans under 50, a sharp shift from years past when the disease was mostly seen in older populations.
While overall cases have declined thanks to better screening, diagnoses among people in their 20s, 30s and 40s have been steadily rising for more than two decades.
Symptoms can include blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss and abdominal pain — and doctors stress those signs should never be ignored.
Experts recommend regular screenings starting at age 45, or earlier for those at higher risk, noting early detection dramatically improves survival.
Photo Courtesy of Princeton University
Le Roy Senior Earns Prestigious Princeton Prize
A Le Roy High School senior is being recognized nationally for her work promoting diversity and cultural awareness.
Elise Fisher has been named the Rochester Region winner of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations, earning a $2,500 scholarship and a trip to Princeton University.
Fisher helped lead efforts through her school’s MOSAIC Club, organizing events that celebrated different cultures and encouraged open conversations around diversity.
She says her goal has been to create a more informed and inclusive school environment, especially in a smaller community.
Fisher plans to continue that work in college, carrying forward her efforts to promote awareness and positive change.
