Wednesday News Brief

GENESEE COUNTY CELEBRATES BROADBAND EXPANSION

More than 700 Genesee County homes and businesses that previously lacked broadband service now have access to high-speed internet following a major expansion project with Spectrum.
County officials and Spectrum representatives are highlighting the project and its impact on some of the county’s more rural communities.
The expansion is expected to improve internet access for students and families while giving local businesses additional opportunities to operate and grow online.
Elba Central School Superintendent Gretchen Rosales is among those discussing the importance of reliable broadband for education.
Other speakers include L-and-M Specialty Fabrication Office Manager Sarah Geissler, Genesee County Parks Conservation Education Program Coordinator Claudia Nusstein and County Legislature Chair Christian Yunker.
Officials say the project is part of a broader effort to improve connectivity and quality of life throughout Genesee County.

BATAVIA CONSIDERS NEW RULES FOR E-BIKES AND SCOOTERS

The City of Batavia is considering tougher regulations for electric bikes and scooters following complaints about reckless riding.
City Council has directed staff to prepare legislation addressing sidewalk riding, intoxicated riders and possible licensing requirements.
Council President Eugene Jankowski says the city has received dozens of complaints, including reports of close calls with pedestrians. In July, an e-bike rider struck Fire Chief Joshua Graham’s vehicle after riding from a sidewalk. The rider was not injured.
Police Chief Christopher Camp says defining reckless operation could give officers greater authority to intervene when riders are creating a safety hazard.
Council members also questioned whether police have enough staffing to consistently enforce additional regulations.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski says proposed legislation is expected to be ready for Council’s October 13th meeting.

BATAVIA MAN CHARGED WITH SEXUALLY ABUSING CHILD

A Batavia man who was released from state prison last November is back behind bars, accused of sexually abusing a child.
52-year-old Joel Morales-Cruz is charged with felony first-degree sexual abuse, along with forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child.
Batavia Police allege the victim was under 11 years old.
Morales-Cruz previously served 15 months in state prison for felony DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation. His parole ended in July.
He remains in the Genesee County Jail pending further court proceedings.

NASCAR DRIVER ROSS CHASTAIN COMING TO BATAVIA

NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain will make a stop in Batavia Thursday morning for a free fan event.
The six-time Cup Series winner and driver of the Number One Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet will appear at Tops Friendly Markets on West Main Street from 9 until 11 a.m.
Fans will have an opportunity to meet Chastain, get autographs and see his race car as part of a Busch Light promotion.
The event is free, but Tops recommends picking up a wristband in advance at the store’s customer service desk.

WASHINGTON FACES PRESSURE TO ACT ON AI SAFETY

Pressure is growing on Congress to address artificial intelligence after leading technology executives issued new warnings about increasingly powerful AI systems.
Executives including OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Anthropic’s Dario Amodei and Elon Musk have called for stronger oversight and safeguards. President Donald Trump has pushed back, arguing excessive regulation could weaken America’s position against China.
There are signs of bipartisan movement in Congress. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says he is discussing legislation with Democrat Amy Klobuchar, while Republican Senator John Kennedy is proposing a requirement that developers maintain the ability to shut down dangerous systems.
But Congress has repeatedly struggled to advance AI regulations, and with lawmakers preparing to leave Washington ahead of the November elections, significant legislation may be difficult to complete this fall.

JUDGE BLOCKS TRUMP NAME FROM KENNEDY CENTER

A federal judge has again blocked efforts to place President Donald Trump’s name on Washington’s Kennedy Center.
The center’s board voted last month to add an inscription recognizing Trump’s role in planned renovations and to rename the plaza outside the building in his honor.
Judge Christopher Cooper ruled Tuesday that those changes would violate his earlier order, which found that Congress alone has authority over naming the Kennedy Center.
The administration had argued the proposed inscription was recognition of Trump’s renovation efforts rather than a formal renaming.
The ruling comes as the Kennedy Center faces significant financial and structural concerns.

GENESEE COUNTY BOYS SOCCER ROUNDUP

In Genesee County high school boys soccer action Tuesday night, Attica/Alexander earned a 1-0 shutout victory over Wheatland-Chili.
Byron-Bergen/Elba also came away with a 1-0 win, defeating Pembroke.
And Livonia turned in a shutout performance against Le Roy/Cal-Mum, winning 5-0.