Thursday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on October 8, 2026
NEW PICKLEBALL AND SPORTS CLUB OPENING IN BATAVIA THIS WEEKEND
A new indoor sports facility is preparing to open in Batavia, bringing dedicated pickleball courts and several other recreational activities to the city.
Liberty Pickleball and Sports Club, located at 29 Liberty Street, is the creation of Batavia native and Notre Dame graduate Michael Berardini.
The 22-thousand-square-foot facility features three full-sized pickleball courts with specialized playing surfaces, along with space for cornhole, horseshoes, ping pong, foosball and other activities.
Berardini says he hopes the club becomes a gathering place for families, beginners and experienced players alike, with plans to eventually host tournaments and private events.
A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., featuring free pickleball sessions, refreshments and opportunities to tour the facility.
Visitors can reserve playing time through the CourtReserve app, although some morning sessions are already booked.
The club officially opens Sunday, with regular hours beginning at 9 a.m. daily.
For more information, call 585-815-3419.
GENESEE COUNTY PREPARES FOR SHARP GROWTH IN OLDER POPULATION
Genesee County officials say an aging population is expected to significantly increase demand for senior services over the next two decades.
Office for the Aging Director Jessica Riley says the number of county residents 65 and older is projected to grow by roughly 19 percent between 2025 and 2045, while the population 85 and older could more than double.
That growth is expected to increase demand for transportation, in-home assistance, caregiver support and programs helping seniors remain independent.
Income is also a concern. Households headed by someone 65 or older have a median income of about 48-thousand-500 dollars, well below the countywide median of more than 84-thousand.
The Office for the Aging expects demand to increase for aide services, transportation and nutrition counseling while continuing existing programs across the county.
Riley says the goal is to reach residents before they face a crisis, expand partnerships with healthcare providers and bring more health and wellness programs into rural communities.
The proposed 2027 budget also includes funding to fill a vacant meal-site manager position and add a grant-funded program assistant.
BATAVIA MAN CHARGED AFTER INFANT SERIOUSLY INJURED
A 20-year-old Batavia man is facing charges after police say an infant suffered serious injuries.
City police say an investigation determined Ty’Heem Jordan allegedly shook the child.
Jordan was arrested September 28th and charged with reckless assault of a child and endangering the welfare of a child.
He was committed to the Genesee County Jail following his arrest and is scheduled to appear in Batavia City Court on October 13th.
The charges are allegations, and Jordan is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR SPY TRIVIA TONIGHT IN BATAVIA
Think you know your American history? The Holland Land Office Museum is putting that knowledge to the test tonight with a special trivia event.
Tonight’s theme is Spies of the Revolutionary War, featuring questions about espionage and intelligence gathering during America’s fight for independence.
The event begins at 7 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Library on Ross Street in Batavia.
Admission is five dollars for the general public and three dollars for museum members.
For more information or to reserve a spot, call the Holland Land Office Museum at 585-343-4727.
FCC CONSIDERS LOOSENING POLITICAL ROBOCALL RESTRICTIONS AHEAD OF MIDTERMS
The Federal Communications Commission is considering a proposal that could allow political organizations to send unsolicited automated calls to cellphones, including calls featuring artificial intelligence-generated voices.
The conservative advocacy group Club for Growth is requesting an exemption from federal rules requiring consumers to consent before receiving most automated wireless calls.
Supporters argue the change would help political organizations communicate with voters more effectively.
However, consumer advocates warn it could lead to a flood of unwanted calls and potentially deceptive AI-generated messages ahead of November’s midterm elections.
The proposal comes after a 2024 incident in which voters received robocalls imitating then-President Joe Biden’s voice.
Public comments close October 19th, with the FCC potentially making a decision later this month.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PROPOSES $70,000 FEE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WORK PROGRAM
The Trump administration is proposing a major new fee for international students who want to work in the United States after graduation.
Under a Department of Homeland Security proposal, colleges and universities would have to pay 70-thousand dollars for each student entering the Optional Practical Training program, known as OPT. Renewals would carry an additional 30-thousand-dollar fee.
OPT allows international students to work in jobs related to their field of study, generally for one year, with longer eligibility for some science, technology, engineering and math graduates.
DHS says the proposal is intended to reduce fraud and what it calls abuse of the program.
Higher-education and business groups warn the fees could discourage international enrollment and make it harder for employers to recruit skilled graduates.
The proposal now enters a 60-day public comment period.
GENESEE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER ROUNDUP
In Genesee County high school boys soccer action Wednesday evening, Pembroke picked up a 2-nothing victory over Wheatland-Chili.
Pittsford Sutherland defeated Batavia 6-nothing, while Byron-Bergen/Elba earned a 1-nothing shutout win over Kendall.
And on the girls side, Attica edged Byron-Bergen 1-nothing.
