Evan Bourtis
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Web producer for @news10nbc. Master's in journalism graduate at Harvard Extension School. Email: ebourtis@gmail.com
Articles by Evan Bourtis
Some parts of lawsuit over High Acres Landfill odors move forward, others dismissed
PERINTON, N.Y. — Eight years after around 200 people filed a lawsuit over the odors coming from High Acres Landfill in Perinton, a judge has denied some claims while allowing others to move forward. For years, News10NBC has covered residents’ complaints of smelling methane gas from the landfill. In the lawsuit, the group Fresh Air for the Eastside, Inc. and residents claim that the landfill violates the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Clean Air Act, and several other state laws.
SEE VIDEO: URochester’s ROTC unit runs to honor local veterans
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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigns after reports of extramarital relationships
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has resigned in the wake of reports that he had multiple extramarital relationships, including one with a woman who reports to him and another with a suspected agent of China — a stunning turn of events for the head of a company at the heart of the global AI investment boom.
Scammers posing as ESL continue to target potential customers
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Do you remember ESL’s warning from earlier this year about scammers trying to steal customers’ personal information? News10NBC’s Emily Putnam got a text on Wednesday night from someone claiming to be from ESL that raised some red flags. The message, from a 585 number, claimed that her account had been restricted due to “usual fraudulent activity.” But get this, Emily doesn’t even have an ESL account.
Death toll rises to 5 in Brooklyn building collapse as rescuers dig through rubble
NEW YORK (AP) — Firefighters early Thursday removed the bodies of three more people who died after a three-story building in Brooklyn collapsed at the edge of a construction site, bringing the death toll to five, and they kept digging through the rubble to find others who may be trapped beneath the wreckage. At least 17 people were hospitalized with injuries, including four in critical condition after the building came down Wednesday afternoon.
NY Regents exams will stay around until at least 2030, as leaders work on overhaul
ALBANY, N.Y. — Despite New York State’s push to eliminate Regents exams as a high school graduation requirement, the exams will stick around until at least 2030. During a meeting in Albany this week, the state’s Department of Education proposed to keep the tests until spring of 2030 while it works to create new forms of high school assessments in English, math, and science.
DEC adds new requirements after chronic wasting disease found in Livingston County deer
LIVINGSTON COUNTY, N.Y. — The Department of Environmental Conservation is ramping up its deer testing after a Livingston County deer tested positive for chronic wasting disease. It’s the state’s first positive test in 21 years for the disease, which is highly contagious and deadly among the deer, elk, and moose family. There has never been a confirmed case in humans, but the DEC says the disease poses a serious threat to deer populations, and hunters should always avoid eating sick animals.
Happening Thursday: 5K to honor veterans, Bass Pro Shop opens, and zoning code hearing
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Here’s your guide to what’s happening around the Rochester area on Thursday. You can see more upcoming events in our community calendar. Veterans Day Honor Run The University of Rochester’s NROTC unit and the Veterans Alliance are holding their annual 5K race on Thursday morning. People are invited to participate from 6 to 8 a.m. starting at the university’s Fauver Stadium. The run is free and refreshments will be available. The route will start and end at Fauver Stadium.
Israeli strike on a Gaza hospital kills 6 people, health authorities say
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike targeting the Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza killed six people, including a general surgeon, and wounded at least a dozen more, Gaza’s Health Ministry said. The strike was carried out early Thursday, according to the Israeli military, which said it struck a Hamas commander and other militants, without providing evidence.
New York joins federal program to help veterans transition into commercial driving industry
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York State has joined a federal program to help active-duty military members and veterans to transition into careers in commercial driving. The state joined the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Even Exchange” program. Under the program, people trained to operate heavy equipment and machinery in the military can use their experience to help qualify for a Commercial Driver License. People who demonstrate the proper knowledge can bypass the need for a DMV written permit test.
SEE PHOTOS: Veterans Day breakfast in Farmington and more
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester region is continuing to hold ceremonies and other events to honor the service of local veterans. News10NBC has covered several events recently that aim to highlight local veterans. See our coverage: Veterans Breakfast in Farmington (Wednesday) Local Veterans gathered on Wednesday morning to bond over breakfast at Park Place restaurant in Farmington.
Bernie Sanders won’t support Schumer for Senate Democratic leader, saying it’s time for change
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Bernie Sanders said Tuesday he would not be supporting Sen. Chuck Schumer as the Democratic majority leader in the new Congress, setting up a seismic confrontation after the party’s sweep to power in the midterm elections. Sanders was joined by Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan at a news conference at the Capitol, and together they said there needs to be a new generation of leadership and a vigorous debate about the party’s direction and future.
Local author set to cut ribbon on new Barnes & Noble in Henrietta
HENRIETTA, N.Y. — Local author Tim Probert will cut the ribbon on the new Barnes & Noble in Henrietta on Wednesday morning. The grand opening of the store at Market Square Plaza on Jefferson Road is set for 9 a.m. Probert will sign copies of their deluxe edition graphic novel, “Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian.” In addition, Cat in the Hat will host story time events over the weekend.
Part of West Henrietta Road closed in both directions due to crash
RUSH, N.Y. — Part of West Henrietta Road is closed in both directions on Wednesday morning because of a crash involving a commercial vehicle. West Henrietta Road is closed between Fishell and Rush Scottsville roads in Rush. Monroe County sheriff’s deputies are asking drivers to find a different route. Deputies say the crash happened near Rush Scottsville Road, and drugs or alcohol were not a factor. One person has minor injuries. News10NBC will update this story once the road reopens.
New York AG’s Office warns about scams targeting veterans
ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York Attorney General’s Office has a warning about scams targeting veterans, active military members, and their families during the Veterans Day season. AG Letitia James says some scammers offer false military discounts, lure veterans to give up their pension money, or ask for donations for phony charities. She’s reminding people to never share their Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) myPay login, VA.gov login, or other sensitive information.
County Legislature meeting: License plate reader data concerns, call for childcare funding, and more
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — License plate reader technology, childcare funding, and housing vouchers were some topics that came up during Tuesday night’s Monroe County Legislature meeting. Here’s what to know: License plate reader concerns During the meeting, Legislator Rachel Barnhart claimed that the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is sharing its license plate reader data with nearly 400 agencies across 20 states. She said that the agencies getting access to the data have partnership agreements with ICE.
WATCH LIVE: Monroe County leaders will reveal next year’s budget proposal at 12:30 p.m.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Monroe County Executive Adam Bello will release next year’s county budget proposal on Tuesday. The news conference on the proposal is scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. Once the conference starts, you can watch it live in this story. This year’s county budget included measures to lower property taxes, boost public safety funds, improve public health services, and expand access to childcare. The Monroe County Legislature approved the more than $1.56 billion budget in a 27-2 vote.
Happening Tuesday: Pumpkin recycling drive, honoring veterans, and Medicare info fair
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Here’s your guide to what’s happening around the Rochester area on Tuesday. You can see more upcoming events in our community calendar. ROC City Compost Pumpkin Give Back Tuesday marks the first day of the City of Rochester’s pumpkin recycling drive. During the fourth annual Roc City Compost Pumpkin Give Back, people can drop off their old pumpkins at four different locations: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Maplewood Park Rose Garden parking lot, 250 Maplewood Ave.
NY Legislature set to discuss proposal to cap food and beverage prices for some venues
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The New York State Legislature plans to discuss a proposal on Tuesday that would regulate food and beverage prices at some sports and entertainment venues. The bill, called the Fair Concessions Pricing Act, would affect venues with at least 2,500 seats that have received public funding. If the bill became a law, it would cap food and non-alcoholic beverage prices at no more than 20% above the average retail price of similar items at nearby establishments.
Bills shine against top-rated Vikings defense, look to divisional game after four straight wins
MINNEAPOLIS — Bills Mafia is celebrating after the Bills took down the Minnesota Vikings 23-6 on the road Monday night, marking their fourth straight win and tying them for the best record in the NFL. The San Fransico 49ers are the only other 7-1 team, and the Bills sit on top of the AFC. At first, the Bills offense struggled against the league’s top-rated defense, but Josh Allen and company managed to wear them down by the fourth quarter.
Another bridge on Gillett Road set to close for repairs; Ogden supervisor expresses frustration
OGDEN, N.Y. — Months after the CSX overpass bridge on Gillett Road reopened following a nearly two-year closure, a different bridge on the same road is set to close for repairs. Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale said the state-owned bridge over the Erie Canal will close starting Monday, Nov. 30. In a Facebook post, he said the New York State Department of Transportation expects the road to reopen by April 2.
Geneva General Hospital gets $3.5M for energy upgrades
GENEVA, N.Y. — Geneva General Hospital is among the eight hospitals across New York to get state funding for energy efficiency and electrification upgrades. The hospital will get $3.5 million to install a high-efficiency cooling plant, update the central building management system, and replace two aging air handling units. The project is expected to save the hospital more than $230,000 annually on energy costs and save enough energy to power more than 490 homes.
Tickets now on sale for Dolly Parton tribute with RPO at Kodak Hall
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Tickets are now on sale for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra’s musical and video tribute to country music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton. The orchestra will perform “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs In Symphony” on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at Kodak Hall within the Eastman Theatre. Parton herself produced the show in 2025. The show will feature Parton’s iconic songs and the stories behind them, along with a giant screen above the orchestra.
Happening Monday: Diwali celebration and automatic license plate reader hearing
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Here’s your guide to what’s happening around the Rochester area on Monday. You can see more upcoming events in our community calendar. Diwali celebration in Brighton The Rochester area is continuing to celebrate Diwali, India’s national festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and other religions.
Tractor-trailer gets stuck on underpass on St. Paul Street
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Crews are working to remove a tractor-trailer after it got stuck in an underpass on St. Paul Street near Cumberland Street on Monday morning. News10NBC sees a Rochester Police cruiser directing traffic away from the underpass. We have reached out to RPD for information, including whether anyone was hurt. Check back for updates. For Related Stories: St. Paul Street
Crash on I-490 East sends car into median
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A crash on I-490 East near the Culver Road Bridge sent a car into the median on Monday morning. News10NBC’s photojournalist saw an ambulance at the scene around 1 a.m. and a police cruiser blocking the leftmost lane. We’ve reached out to New York State Police to learn if anyone was hurt. Check back for updates.
Perinton asks for feedback on Spring Lake Park safety improvements after dog attacks
PERINTON, N.Y. — Perinton leaders are asking for the public’s feedback on improving safety at Spring Lake Park. It’s in response to reports of off-leash dogs causing injuries and dogs being rescued from the park’s creek. In a Facebook post, the town said it’s gotten multiple reports of dog fights and attacks over the past decade, including town employees being bitten. The town said there have also been multiple water rescues involving dogs swept downstream, putting owners at risk as well.
Monroe County veteran agency leader reflects on biggest challenges facing veterans
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Wednesday marks Veterans Day, and the Rochester region is reflecting both on the service of veterans and how to address the challenges veterans face. One of the biggest challenges for veterans is mental health and suicide, said Nick Stefanovic, director of the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency. The organization guides veterans with filing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs claims and connects them with other resources, such as therapy groups.
Crash on I-490 East sends two cars off the road
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A crash on I-490 East near the Culver Road Bridge sent two cars off the road early Monday morning. News10NBC’s photojournalist saw two cars on the grass, with one tipped over, and a fire truck blocking the left lane around 1 a.m. We’ve reached out to New York State Police to learn if anyone was hurt. Check back for updates.
Judge denies request by Wayne County sheriff and others to block state ban on ICE cooperation agreements
ALBANY, N.Y. — A federal judge has denied a request by 15 sheriffs, including the Wayne County sheriff, to block a New York State law that bans law enforcement from making agreements with federal immigration agents. The sheriffs filed a lawsuit against Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration in August over the “Local Cops, Local Crimes” Act. Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby told News10NBC that he joined the lawsuit because he believes the law violates his independence as an elected sheriff.
1 officer killed and 3 wounded in a firefight with a suspect in Lakewood, Colorado
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — A suburban Denver officer was killed and three others were wounded during a firefight on a transit bus that ended with police fatally shooting the gunman, law enforcement authorities said Friday. A bystander also was injured. The Lakewood officers had responded to a call Thursday evening about a suspicious person attempting to get on a public bus, police spokesperson John Romero said during a news conference.
Events ahead of Veterans Day: Stars and Stripes Celebration, Rochester parade, and more
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Wednesday marks Veterans Day, and the Rochester region is honoring the service of local veterans this weekend and next week. Here’s what to know about upcoming events to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces. Stars & Stripes Celebration (Friday) The Veterans Outreach Center is holding its annual Stars & Stripes Celebration on Friday to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces and remember the fallen.
Former Crescent Beach Restaurant in Greece will head to foreclosure auction next month
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The former Crescent Beach Restaurant in Greece is headed to a foreclosure auction in December, according to court documents. It comes nearly two years after the owner, Katherine Mott-Formicola, had to surrender the property as part of a federal fraud case. A New York State Supreme Court filing shows that eight parcels of land on Edgemere Drive, all belonging to Casciani Construction Company, will be auctioned on Dec. 9. One matches the address of Crescent Beach.
Brockport High School lockdown lifted, started over ‘concerning statements’ related to video game
BROCKPORT, N.Y. — Brockport High School went into lockdown on Thursday morning because of “concerning statements” related to a video game, according to the district. Brockport Superintendent Sean Bruno said the lockdown lasted around 90 minutes before being lifted. All school activities have now resumed, and an investigation found that there was no direct threat.
Do the Right Thing: Gisele helped an injured cat lying on the street
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Gisele Walker, a first grader at Nazareth Elementary School, is being honored for helping an injured cat that was lying on the street. She’s among this fall’s recipients of the Do the Right Thing awards. Just days before last Christmas, she saw the cat and worried that the cat would be hit by a car. She called 911 to get help for the animal. Her mom says Gisele is always looking out for others.
Eastman Business Park mineral separation facility secures $54M; Aims to strengthen American supply chains
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A rare earth mineral separation facility that’s coming to Eastman Business Park has secured about $54.2 million in state and local infrastructure incentives. The support package for Phoenix Tailings’ Freedom Project includes up to $3 million in performance-based tax credits through Empire State Development’s Excelsior Jobs Program. It also includes about $15.9 million in separate New York State investment tax credits.
Happening Thursday: URochester and URMC hiring fair and Rochester’s top 100 awards
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Here’s your guide to what’s happening around the Rochester area on Thursday. You can see more upcoming events in our community calendar. URochester and URMC hiring fair Thursday is your chance to learn about job openings at the University of Rochester and UR Medicine. A hiring fair runs from 9 to 11 a.m. at the RochesterWorks Career Center at 100 College Ave.
Cornell rape investigation will be led by a former prosecutor in the Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs case
NEW YORK (AP) — A reopened criminal investigation into gang rape allegations at Cornell University will be led by a former Manhattan federal prosecutor who oversaw high-profile sex crimes cases against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and fashion executive Peter Nygård, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Wednesday.
Alaska and Mississippi Senate races still too close to call, along with some NY House races
WASHINGTON — The midterm elections are over, but two Senate races and nearly 50 House races are still too close to call on Thursday morning. Democrats have flipped both the House and the Senate based on the races that have already been called. A Democrat-controlled Congress will be sworn in on Jan. 3. However, Alaska’s Senate race between incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan and Democratic challenger Mary Peltola is still a tight race. With 75% of the votes counted, Peltola is leading by just 637 votes.
SEE VIDEO: Multi-agency chase heads down Hudson Avenue, ends near Hollenbeck Street
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — News10NBC is working to learn more after seeing Greece Police, Brighton Police, and Monroe County sheriff’s deputies chasing a car overnight. Our photojournalist caught video of the chase as it headed down Hudson Avenue near Norton Street on the city’s northeast side around 11:30 p.m. The chase later ended around Hollenbeck Street and Avenue D. Multiple Rochester Police cruisers were at the scene where the chase ended.
RTS set to fully end On Demand services next year, announces new fixed routes
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Two months after RTS ended its On Demand services for weekend and late-night riders, some more changes are coming to the transit service. RTS says it plans to fully end its On Demand services across Monroe County in 2027 as part of its restructuring changes. Friday, Jan. 22 will be the last day of On Demand services in the Brockport, Irondequoit, Pittsford, and Webster areas. After that, Friday, April 2 will be the last day for the Greece, Henrietta, and Lexington Avenue areas.
Tina Abrams elected as first female president of Seneca Nation
IRVING, N.Y. — Seneca Nation members have elected the first female president in the nearly 180-year history of the Indigenous nation’s current form of government. CLICK HERE: Complete election results across the Rochester region and key battleground states Tina Abrams, who has been a part of the nation’s leadership for more than 20 years, will be sworn in as president on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to serve a two-year term.
Town supervisors in Gates and Rush are trailing in re-election bid
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Some changes could be coming in town leadership in Monroe County, according to the unofficial results from Tuesday’s general election. CLICK HERE: Complete election results across the Rochester region and key battleground states In the Gates Town Supervisor race, Democratic challenger Nick Coffee is leading against Republican incumbent Cosmo Giunta, who has held the role since 2019.
See results for who will represent Rochester region in NY Legislature
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The unofficial results from Election Day are in, including for local New York State Senate and Assembly races. So, who will represent the Rochester region in Albany? Here’s the breakdown of the results: CLICK HERE: Complete election results across the Rochester region and key battleground states Local New York State Assembly races In the 130th Assembly District, which covers all of Wayne County and Webster, Republican George Dobbins is leading with 56% of the vote.
Gov. Hochul declares victory in speech, AG James and Comptroller DiNapoli appear to have won
ALBANY, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared victory in the race for New York governor. Unofficial results show that she has 60% of the votes, compared to 40% for her Republican challenger, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. CLICK HERE: Complete election results across the Rochester region and key battleground states This will mark Hochul’s second term as governor. She assumed the role in 2021 when former Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned.
Alaska Senate race remains too close to call on Wednesday
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The two major candidates in Alaska’s U.S. Senate race urged supporters to be patient as results began coming in late Tuesday, delivering rousing speeches and expressing confidence against the backdrop of the fallout from allegations of partisan tricks to recruit a candidate with the same name as the Republican incumbent. The race headlined by two-term Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democratic former U.S. Rep.
Latest: Party leaders share reaction after Democrats win the House and Senate
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress, delivering a decisive rebuke of Republican governance in Washington and ushering in a new era of congressional resistance to President Donald Trump. Tuesday’s midterm elections laid bare voters’ deep frustrations over high prices, the Iran war and concerns over government corruption.
Child dies after getting measles in Lewis County, latest on local measles cases
LEWIS COUNTY, N.Y. — For the first time in more than 30 years, a child in New York State has died from complications of measles. The child died in Lewis County in the North Country, according to the state’s Department of Health, but officials haven’t shared any more details. Lewis County has seen 15 confirmed cases of measles so far this year, according to the state’s measles dashboard. The announcement comes four weeks after Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a measles disaster emergency.
Crews battle large fire on Waterport Road in Orleans County
CARLTON, N.Y. — News10NBC is working to learn more about a large fire at a trailer home on Waterport Road in Orleans County on Tuesday. Tom Rivers, editor of Orleans Hub, shared video of firefighters using hose lines to put out the flames, with multiple fire trucks at the scene. We have reached out to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office for more information. Check back for updates. BREAKING: We're working to learn more about a large fire at a trailer home on Waterport Road in Orleans County.
Irondequoit cracks down on short-term rental violations after police break up crowds on Halloween
IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. — Irondequoit’s supervisor says the town is cracking down on short-term rental violations after the police broke up large crowds at three locations on Halloween night. Irondequoit Police broke up a crowd of partygoers near a permitted short-term rental on Fairlea Drive and called in an RTS bus to help disperse them. Town Supervisor John Perticone says the town has since suspended the home’s short-term rental permit and plans to revote it.
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