Thursday News Brief

BATAVIA MAN CHARGED WITH ARSON AFTER STABLE FIRE AT BATAVIA DOWNS

A Batavia man is facing multiple charges after a fire broke out at the stables at Batavia Downs on April 22.
City firefighters and police were called to the scene after maintenance staff reported smoke coming from one of the barns. Workers at the facility also spotted a man walking away from the area and were able to restrain him after he allegedly tried to flee before officers arrived.
Police arrested 33-year-old Curt Buchinger the second, charging him with burglary in the third degree, arson in the fourth degree, and criminal mischief in the fourth degree.
Authorities say the quick response helped prevent further damage at the stables.
Buchinger was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice. He is expected to return to court at a later date.

 

MAY DAY RALLY PLANNED FRIDAY IN BATAVIA

A May Day rally is planned for Friday in Batavia as part of a nationwide movement marking International Workers’ Day.
The event will run from 1 to 3 pm outside Batavia City Hall, organized by GLOW Community Alliance and the Genesee County chapter of Democratic Socialists of America.
Organizers say the rally is part of a broader effort happening in more than 1,000 cities across the country, focused on worker rights and economic concerns.
Speakers say the event is meant to highlight issues like cost of living, labor rights, and immigration policy, while bringing together workers, students, and families in the community.
Organizers emphasize the rally is intended to be a peaceful demonstration.

 

SUPREME COURT RULING COULD RESHAPE CONGRESSIONAL MAPS

A major ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court could significantly impact how congressional districts are drawn across the country.
In a 6-3 decision, the court’s conservative majority weakened key parts of the Voting Rights Act that required districts to give minority voters a fair chance to elect candidates of their choice.
The ruling could allow Republican-led states to redraw maps in ways that favor GOP candidates and potentially add more winnable House seats.
However, the timing may limit its immediate impact, as many states have already finalized ballots or begun early voting for upcoming elections.
Experts say the long-term effects could be significant, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of future election cycles.

 

 

 

 

DOWNTOWN BATAVIA PROJECT APPROVED FOR $1.6 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT

A major redevelopment project is moving forward in downtown Batavia after receiving approval from the city’s Planning and Development Committee.
The $1.6 million plan will transform a former department store at 215 East Main Street into a mixed-use building with apartments and commercial space.
Developers plan to renovate the existing structure and add additional floors, creating 9 apartments—including a mix of market-rate and affordable units—along with 2 storefront spaces.
Project leaders say the design will preserve elements of the building’s original 1950s architecture while adding modern features, including balconies and updated energy-efficient systems.
Developers are expected to seek construction bids in the coming months, with a target completion sometime in 2027.
They say interest in the space has already grown, thanks in part to the nearby GLOW YMCA helping drive new activity in the area.

 

GAHA CELEBRATES SEASON AT END-OF-YEAR AWARDS CEREMONY

The Genesee Amateur Hockey Association wrapped up its season Thursday with its annual awards ceremony at the David McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena.
Players from Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam, and Midget teams were honored, while younger divisions held their own recent celebrations.
Despite a delayed start to the season due to rink upgrades, teams came together for a strong year, capturing division titles and tournament hardware.
The event, hosted by Erik Triftshauser and Steve Pies, also recognized graduating seniors as they move on from the program.

 

 

 

 

 

MUSK TESTIFIES IN HIGH-STAKES TRIAL AGAINST OPENAI

Elon Musk took the stand for a second day Wednesday in a major trial against Sam Altman over the future of OpenAI.
Musk claims Altman and others abandoned the company’s original mission as a nonprofit focused on benefiting humanity, testifying he grew concerned they were trying to “steal the charity.”
OpenAI disputes those claims, arguing there was never a promise to remain a nonprofit and accusing Musk of trying to slow the company’s growth to benefit his own AI venture.
The case centers on OpenAI’s shift from a nonprofit startup—originally backed by Musk—to a for-profit company now valued at more than $800 billion.
The trial, expected to last several weeks, could have major implications for control of one of the world’s leading artificial intelligence companies.

 

 

 

 

GENESEE COUNTY CHIEF DEPUTY BRIAN FRIEDAY RETIRES AFTER 30 YEARS

After 30 years of service, Genesee County Chief Deputy Brian Frieday has officially retired.
Frieday spent more than half his life with the Sheriff’s Office, rising through the ranks from deputy to chief deputy of road patrol, a role he held for the past 7 years.
He says the job showed him both the challenges and the good in people, pointing to moments where community members stepped up to help others in need.
Frieday received a ceremonial walkout on his final day, with colleagues lining up to wish him well.
Andrew Hale will take over as chief deputy, while Frieday plans to remain active in the community, taking on a role at Batavia Middle School and enjoying a more relaxed schedule.