Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on January 30, 2026
Hope Center purchases first permanent home in Le Roy
The Hope Center, a Le Roy–based nonprofit focused on community support and outreach, has purchased its first permanent home.
Director Gina Lathan says the organization closed on the property at 54–56 Main Street on Jan. 23, calling it a major milestone since the Hope Center was founded in 2017. Until now, the group has operated out of rented space while steadily expanding programs across Le Roy and the GLOW region.
The purchase was made possible with support from real estate investor Peter Gallagher of PB ST PETE LLC, who is also helping fund renovations to the building’s main level. The site, known to longtime residents by several former business names, will be converted into a full-service community center.
Plans include space for tutoring, senior respite care, wellness programs, community events, offices, and an ADA-accessible certified kitchen.
To support the project, the Hope Center has launched a building campaign with a $400,000 fundraising goal. Donations, sponsorships, and volunteers are welcome. More information is available at hopecenterofleroy.org.
FLYAP celebrates Signing Day at GCC
The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program held its 6th annual Signing Day Wednesday at Genesee Community College’s BEST Center in Batavia.
More than 45 students from electromechanical programs are now earning real-world experience through paid co-ops with 11 local advanced manufacturing companies. The event brings together students, educators, and employers to formally kick off those placements.
FLYAP, created in 2018, has already connected 800-plus students with nearly 150 businesses across the Finger Lakes and Greater Rochester region, while also helping students earn college credit at no cost.
More information is available through the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association.
Ex-Illinois deputy sentenced to 20 years in Sonya Massey killing
A former Illinois sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, who called 911 in 2024 to report a possible prowler outside her Springfield home.
Sean Grayson, 31, received the maximum sentence Thursday after being convicted last fall in a police brutality case that sparked nationwide protests and a Justice Department review. Grayson, who has been jailed since his arrest, apologized in court, saying he made “terrible decisions” the night Massey was killed.
Massey’s family pushed for the maximum sentence, telling the court the shooting permanently changed their lives. Prosecutors argued Massey would still be alive if another officer had responded.
The case led to a $10 million settlement, changes in state law, and reforms within the county sheriff’s department.
Trump says Putin agrees to brief pause on strikes amid extreme cold
President Donald Trump says Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for about a week as extreme cold grips the region.
Speaking Thursday at the White House, Trump said he personally asked Putin to pause strikes during the severe winter weather, saying Putin agreed. The Kremlin has not confirmed the claim, and the White House has not provided details on when the pause would begin.
Ukraine has faced repeated attacks on power and heating infrastructure during the war, leaving many communities vulnerable as temperatures are expected to plunge to dangerous levels.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the possibility of a pause, calling energy supply essential to daily life, but warned that intelligence reports suggest Russia may still be preparing further attacks.
The limited pause, if it occurs, would come as U.S.-brokered peace talks are expected to resume this weekend.
Multi-vehicle crash shuts down westbound Thruway near Batavia
The New York State Thruway remains partially closed following a major multi-vehicle crash near Batavia.
Eastbound lanes have reopened, but westbound lanes are still shut down between the Batavia and Pembroke exits. State police say a preliminary investigation indicates 25 to 30 vehicles, including passenger cars and tractor-trailers, were involved in the crash, which happened around 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Non-life-threatening injuries have been reported.
Traffic continues to be diverted off the Thruway, and drivers are being asked to avoid the area. One motorist traveling eastbound described whiteout conditions at the time, saying visibility dropped to about 10 feet, with heavy snow making travel extremely dangerous.
Genesee County officials warn of increased traffic on local roads, and the Batavia City School District says school buses may be delayed due to congestion.
Genesee County girls basketball from Thursday night…
Oakfield-Alabama stayed perfect, rolling Lyndonville 53–18 to extend its unbeaten streak to 12–0. The Hornets led early and never looked back in another dominant team win.
Alexander picked up a road win over Holley 40–20, while Pavilion edged Wheatland-Chili 31–27 in a close one.
In a marquee matchup, York stormed back to beat Elba 54–50. Elba’s Lydia Ross crossed the 1,000-point milestone in the first half, but York closed strong in the fourth to seal the win.
