Weekend News Brief
Written by Mitch Ernst on January 24, 2026
New York State Police are reminding drivers to slow down and move over,
after a trooper was struck Thursday night while assisting a disabled motorist on the Thruway in West Seneca.
The trooper was standing outside his vehicle when a pickup truck left the roadway and hit him. He was taken to ECMC, treated, and later released.
State Police identified the driver as 34 year old buffalo native James stumpf, and say the driver showed signs of impairment and now faces multiple charges.
Troopers are reminding motorists that New York’s Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down and move over for stopped emergency vehicles. More than 2,500 tickets were issued last year on the Thruway alone.
Drivers are also encouraged to plan ahead and use ride-share options if impaired.
the 2025 income tax filing season begins Monday, January 26th,
according to The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
The deadline to file and pay — or request an extension — is April 15th.
Many New Yorkers can file their state and federal returns for free using the state’s Free File program, which is available through the Tax Department website.
A reminder for job seekers in Genesee County —
A Premier Genesee Job Fair is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28th, from 1 to 4 p.m., at 278 Bank Street in Batavia.
Organizers say the event will focus on healthcare-related positions, including reception staff, CNAs, LPNs, and registered nurses.
Hiring incentives will be available, including sign-on bonuses of up to $3,000 for CNAs, $5,000 for LPNs, and $7,500 for RNs.
Anyone interested in healthcare careers or career advancement is encouraged to attend
Genesee And Orleans County have been put under travel advisories, effective Sunday at 10 am until what thay say is further notice in anticipation of the upcoming storm.
Genesee county sheriff joseph graff states “In order to give the public as much advance notice as possible, the travel advisory is being released at this time with consideration given to the weather predictions that are currently available. As the storm evolves, the conditions affecting travel will continue to be evaluated. The best and safest option is to stay home until the snow storm passes,”
He again reminds traffic that dark traffic signals are to be treated as 4 way stops
Also in effect, the new york state department of transportation has restricted all commercial vehicles to travel in the right lane of all state roads in new York, while the storm is active.
A fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents is under investigation today in Minneapolis.
Authorities say a 37-year-old man was shot and killed during an ICE enforcement operation.
Federal officials state an agent fired after the man allegedly approached officers with a handgun, describing the shooting as self-defense.
Video circulating online has raised questions about that account, and state and federal investigators are now reviewing the incident.
Protests have followed in Minneapolis and other cities, as calls grow for transparency and accountability.
No charges have been announced at this time
The Buffalo Sabres have surged their way into a division playoff spot with just two weeks remaining before the Olympic break. Buffalo is coming off a dominant five–nothing shutout of the New York Islanders, a statement win that continues their recent climb up the standings. Goaltender Alex Lyon was once again the backbone of the effort, tying the Sabres’ franchise record for consecutive wins by a goalie at nine straight.
Couple that with a loss tonight by the Montreal Canadiens, and the Sabres have done enough to plant themselves firmly in third place in the aever competitive Atlantic Division. The combination of strong defensive play, timely scoring, and steady goaltending has turned Buffalo into one of the hottest teams in the conference right now with a league leading 19-4-1 since December 8th.
