Morning News Briefing

A stand-off that began around 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon on Liberty Street apparently continued through the night and remains on-going this morning.
The incident started after emergency dispatchers received a report that a man carrying a sword had entered a home in the 200 block of Liberty Street.
Later police said the unidentified man had barricaded himself in an upstairs room and refused to come out armed with a sword and a pellet gun.
Batavia Police, Genesee County Sheriff’s Deputies and State Police cordoned off the section of Liberty Street and the man fired several pellets at police, shot out windows in the area and refused to come out peacefully.
The Orleans County SWAT team responded to the incident last night and at about 8 p.m., shot CS gas canisters into the house which only shut down communication with the subject for around 45 minutes.
Police Chief Shawn Heubusch explains why officers have not stormed the residence to apprehend the suspect…

Shortly before 11 p.m. last night Heubusch confirmed that the suspect unsuccessfully attempted to stab “Frankie,” the K-9 of Deputy Chris Erion.
No one has been reported injured including Frankie.
At around 6:13 a.m. this morning radio communication was reported that negotiators were coming to an end of their options.
For more on the story check the article by our news partner The Batavian.

42 minor league teams may get the ax by their Major League parent clubs.
The New York Times is reporting today that the Batavia Muckdogs are on the list.
It is part of an effort by M.L.B. to overhaul the lower minor leagues and the way players are developed to make it to the bigs.
Baseball has been sending signals of a minor league re-do for the past several months but this is the first time that actual teams have been named.
Also on the proposed chopping block is the Auburn Double Days, who like Batavia, are part of the New York Penn League.
Attempts to reach officials with the Muckdogs were unsuccessful.
The cellphone for Muckdogs General Manager Brendan Kelly is no longer in service.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is continuing to push for a ban on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes.
At Depew High School yesterday, the New York Democrat said there’s legislation pending in the Senate that would put that ban in place. President Trump said back in September he supported a ban on these products, but The Washington Post reports he’s backing away from a ban due to concerns it could lead to job losses.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says over 40 recent deaths have been connected to e-cigarette use.

Buffalo Bishop Richard Malone is revealing details of his brief meeting with Pope Francis.
The pair spoke last week while Malone joined other religious leaders on a trip to the Vatican.
Malone says he believes the Pontiff understands the difficulties he’s been facing. Malone has been criticized for his handling of the clergy sex-abuse scandal in the diocese.
There have been calls for Malone to resign, but he says he’s not planning to do that.