Friday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 31, 2026
Photo by Howard Owens/The Batavian
DRI APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR DOWNTOWN PROJECTS
Applications are now being accepted for the next round of Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding in the City of Batavia, and local organizations are already lining up projects.
During a workshop at City Hall, business owners Mark and Loren Pflaumer said they’re planning to seek funding to renovate a downtown building and add a second golf simulator to expand a new entertainment business. Meanwhile, the Friends of the Batavia Peace Garden hope to secure funding for the third phase of the garden’s expansion, including a connection to the Ellicott Trail.
The city says applications for DRI funding will be accepted through 5 p.m. on September 4th. Eligible projects include building renovations, public improvements, parks, trails, and downtown business development. Any funding awarded will be provided as a reimbursement grant after project work is completed.
BATAVIA DOWNS ADDS FIRE SAFETY MEASURES
Batavia Downs has added new fire safety measures in its horse barns following the deadly barn fire at Saratoga Casino in June that claimed the lives of 17 horses.
During Thursday’s Western Regional Off-Track Betting board meeting, President and CEO Byron Brown announced the facility has installed 88 battery-operated smoke detectors, added 39 new fire extinguishers, relocated emergency communications equipment to the barns, and assigned 24-hour security patrols to the stable area. The improvements were required by the New York State Gaming Commission following the Saratoga fire.
Brown says Western Regional has invested more than $850,000 in stable area improvements since 2020, including renovations to barn roofs, doors, windows, siding, and other infrastructure. Officials say the latest safety upgrades were completed before the start of the current racing season and complement the annual inspections already required by the City of Batavia Fire Department.
THREE CHARGED FOLLOWING DRUG RAID IN BATAVIA
Three people are facing felony drug charges after a search warrant was executed Thursday at an apartment on Otis Street in the City of Batavia.
Members of the Genesee County Local Drug Task Force and the Batavia Police Emergency Response Team carried out the raid following a narcotics investigation. Charged were 32-year-old Jackson Perkins of Rochester, 54-year-old Michael Snyder of Batavia, and 51-year-old Colleen Hutchinson of Batavia on various felony controlled substance charges. All three were taken to the Genesee County Jail to await arraignment in CAP Court.
VAN HALEN TRIBUTE ROCKS BATAVIA DOWNS TONIGHT
Get ready to rock as JUMP: America’s Van Halen Experience takes the stage tonight at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel.
The Toledo-based tribute band performs two hours of classic David Lee Roth-era Van Halen, featuring hits and fan favorites from the band’s first six albums. The show begins this evening, with tickets starting at $15. Fans can also choose from VIP, Premium, and Front Row seating options. For ticket information, visit the Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel website.
MORTGAGE RATES REACH ONE-YEAR HIGH
The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage has climbed for the fourth straight week, reaching its highest level in a year and adding pressure on prospective homebuyers.
Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reports the average rate rose to 6.66 percent, up from 6.58 percent last week. The average 15-year fixed mortgage also increased, rising to just over 6 percent. Higher borrowing costs are making monthly mortgage payments more expensive and have continued to slow home sales across the country.
Economists say mortgage rates have been pushed higher by rising bond yields and persistent inflation concerns, while this week’s decision by the Federal Reserve to leave interest rates unchanged suggests meaningful relief for homebuyers may not come anytime soon.
TRUMP MAY DELAY ATTORNEY GENERAL NOMINATION
President Donald Trump says he may withdraw and delay the nomination of Todd Blanche for U.S. attorney general until two Republican senators leave office, as a dispute within his own party continues.
Trump made the comments after the Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a vote on Blanche’s nomination. Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina are seeking written assurances about the settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service before moving forward. Cornyn recently lost his primary election, while Tillis is not seeking reelection.
The president called Blanche “a star” and said he is prepared to keep him on as acting attorney general rather than make concessions to secure confirmation.
MUCKDOGS HOST PGCBL CHAMPIONSHIP TONIGHT
The Batavia Muckdogs will play for the 2026 Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League Championship tonight as they host the Utica Blue Sox at Dwyer Stadium. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.
The Blue Sox earned their spot in the championship series with a 9-1 upset victory over the top-seeded Amsterdam Mohawks on Thursday. Fans can purchase tickets at the Dwyer Stadium box office or by calling 585-524-2260.
