Thursday News Brief

BATAVIA POLICE TAKING PATROLS ELECTRIC

The Batavia Police Department is embracing new technology with the use of electric bikes for downtown patrols.
Patrol Officer Chance Hutson says the e-bikes provide a faster, more visible, and more approachable presence than traditional patrol vehicles. The department received the bikes through a state grant, and officers can use them to patrol downtown streets, respond to incidents, and better interact with residents.
Police say the e-bikes have also proven useful in addressing traffic violations involving e-bikes and e-scooters, which have become increasingly popular in recent years.
Equipped with lights and sirens, the bikes can reach speeds of around 30 miles per hour and allow officers to navigate areas that are difficult to access by car. Hutson says beyond their practical benefits, the e-bikes help officers connect with the community and provide a highly visible police presence during the city’s busy summer season.

 

 

DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES DEBATE IN BATAVIA

Democratic congressional candidates Diana Kastenbaum and Alissa Ellman squared off Tuesday night in Batavia, finding common ground on several issues while sharply disagreeing on others.
The two candidates largely agreed on topics including education, congressional term limits, restoring congressional authority, background checks for gun purchases, and opposition to the SAVE Act. Both also voiced opposition to a proposed data center project at STAMP in Alabama, though for somewhat different reasons.
The most heated exchange came over U.S. support for Israel. Ellman argued against funding military operations and criticized civilian casualties in Gaza, while Kastenbaum supported a two-state solution and said she would support defensive aid such as Israel’s Iron Dome system.
The candidates also differed on gun policy. Kastenbaum backed reinstating a federal assault weapons ban, while Ellman said any new restrictions should be carefully defined and proven effective at reducing violence.
Despite their disagreements, both pledged to support the Democratic nominee following the June 23 primary in the race to challenge incumbent Congresswoman Claudia Tenney this November

PAWS FOR JUSTICE LAUNCHES FUNDRAISER FOR NEXT SHERIFF’S K-9

A new nonprofit organization is raising money to help the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office purchase its next K-9 partner.
Paws for Justice was recently formed following the announcement that K-9 Rayzor will retire this fall. Organizer Barb Starowitz says the group’s goal is to fund Rayzor’s successor entirely through private donations.
Rayzor and his handler, Deputy James Stack, have served Genesee County since 2020, assisting in everything from locating missing people to tracking suspects and supporting law enforcement operations.
The K-9 was named in honor of Genesee County Correction Officer Raymond Thompson, who died in the line of duty in 2002. Organizers say fundraising efforts are now underway to ensure the Sheriff’s Office can continue its K-9 program after Rayzor’s retirement.

 

TRIVIA NIGHT RETURNS TO HOLLAND LAND OFFICE MUSEUM

History buffs can put their knowledge to the test tonight at the Holland Land Office Museum in Batavia.
The museum’s latest Trivia Night begins at 7 p.m. and will focus on Revolutionary War battles as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday.
Admission is $5 for the general public and $3 for museum members. Organizers encourage anyone planning to attend to contact the museum in advance.
The event will be held at the Holland Land Office Museum on West Main Street and promises an evening of history, fun, and friendly competition.

 

 

BILL GATES CALLS EPSTEIN MEETINGS A ‘GRAVE ERROR’

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates spent hours answering questions before the House Oversight Committee Wednesday about his past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In a statement, Gates called meeting Epstein a “grave error in judgment” and said he should never have associated with him. Gates maintained that he never witnessed or had knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct and denied any wrongdoing.
Lawmakers questioned Gates about why he continued meeting with Epstein after his 2008 conviction, with Gates saying he believed Epstein could help raise money for global health and philanthropic efforts. He testified that he ended the relationship in 2014 after determining those efforts were not productive.
The hearing is part of a broader congressional review of Epstein’s connections to influential figures in business, politics, and finance as lawmakers continue examining how Epstein was able to operate for years before his 2019 death.

 

 

 

UKRAINE TESTED FULLY AUTONOMOUS KILLER DRONES, REPORT SAYS

A Ukrainian defense industry official says fully autonomous drones were used to kill enemy soldiers in combat for the first time, marking a major development in modern warfare.
According to the report, 10 AI-controlled drones were tested during a Ukrainian counteroffensive two years ago. Once launched, the drones operated without any human control, using artificial intelligence to identify and attack targets on their own.
The official says Russian soldiers and at least one vehicle were destroyed during the test. Ukraine has not publicly confirmed the operation, and current Ukrainian policy still requires a human to approve targets before a strike is carried out.
The revelation has renewed international debate over autonomous weapons systems. Critics warn that allowing artificial intelligence to make life-and-death decisions raises serious ethical and legal concerns, while supporters argue the technology could provide military advantages and reduce risks to human operators.

 

THREE BLUE DEVILS EARN MONROE COUNTY ALL-STAR HONORS

Three members of the Batavia Blue Devils softball team have been recognized with Monroe County Division 4 All-Star selections following standout 2026 seasons.
Senior Libby Grazioplene and Junior Arianna Almekinder earned First Team honors. Grazioplene hit over .500 with 11 doubles, three home runs, and 21 RBIs, while Almekinder won 10 games in the circle, striking out 151 batters and contributing offensively with a batting average above .300.
Senior Drew Stevens was named to the Second Team after batting over .330 with two home runs and 15 RBIs while providing strong defense at shortstop.
The trio helped lead Batavia to a 10-9 record and a berth in the Section V Class A championship game. Grazioplene and Stevens were also selected to participate in the Monroe County Exceptional Senior Game at Gates Chili High School.