Thursday News Brief

ROOF WORK CAUSES MINOR LEAK AT CITY CENTRE THEATER

A brief roof leak during Tuesday’s heavy rain at Main Street 56 Theater in Batavia is being blamed on ongoing construction — not a major issue.
Buckets were placed in the seating area during rehearsal as water came through the roof, but Batavia Players leadership says the situation was temporary.
Officials say the leak likely came from a seam between old and new roofing as crews continue replacing the City Centre roof.
By Wednesday morning, conditions had returned to normal, and cleanup was completed.
City officials say the nearly $315,000 roofing project is progressing well, with crews working to finish the job soon.
The theater is still preparing for its upcoming production this weekend, with organizers expecting no major disruptions despite the construction.

BOCES STUDENTS EARN CAREER READINESS CERTIFICATIONS

Forty-six students in the Genesee Valley BOCES Electromechanical Program have earned the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate.
The nationally recognized credential measures real-world job skills like applied math, reading, and workplace problem-solving — helping connect students to careers across Genesee County and beyond.
The achievement is part of the county’s Work Ready Communities initiative, aimed at strengthening the local workforce.
The program was first piloted at Pavilion High School last year, and officials say nearly 300 more students are expected to be tested in the future.

U.S. STRIKES IRANIAN TANKER AS TENSIONS RISE

Tensions in the Middle East escalated Wednesday as the U.S. military fired on an Iranian oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman.
Officials say a U.S. fighter jet disabled the vessel after it attempted to breach an American blockade of Iranian ports — despite an ongoing ceasefire between the two nations.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on Iran to accept a deal to end the conflict, warning that if no agreement is reached, further bombing could follow.
Iran says it is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal but has not agreed to terms.
At the same time, violence continues in the region, with Israel launching a new strike in Beirut targeting a Hezbollah commander.
The conflict has disrupted global oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, driving up fuel prices and raising concerns about the global economy as negotiations continue.

COURT DATE PUSHED BACK IN RAPONE CASE

The case involving longtime Batavia figure Mike Rapone has been delayed, with his next court appearance now set for June 2.
Rapone, 72, appeared briefly in Town Court Tuesday as the case was adjourned.
He’s facing charges tied to an alleged incident earlier this year at Batavia Downs, involving accusations of unwanted physical contact.
Following the allegations, Rapone stepped down from his position at the gaming facility and was also placed on leave from Notre Dame High School.
He spent more than four decades at Notre Dame, building one of the most successful coaching careers in New York State history.
The case remains ongoing as it heads toward its next court date.

GCC STUDENT EARNS PRESTIGIOUS MEDIA AWARD

A Genesee Community College student is being recognized for excellence in media production.
Asia Slocum-Kehrer has been named a 2026 recipient of the Tom Hope Media Scholar Award, honoring top emerging talent in the Rochester region.
She was one of six students selected and was recognized at a ceremony in Irondequoit, where her project Inner Critic was showcased — a piece focused on overcoming self-doubt.
The award provides financial support and professional guidance to students entering the media field.
It’s named after Tom Hope, a pioneer in film and video, and continues to highlight the next generation of storytellers.

CNN FOUNDER TED TURNER DEAD AT 87

Media pioneer Ted Turner has died at the age of 87.
Turner revolutionized television news by launching CNN in 1980 — the first 24-hour cable news network — changing how people consume news around the world.
Over his career, he built a massive media empire that included networks like TNT, TBS, and Cartoon Network, while also owning the Atlanta Braves and other sports teams.
Known for his bold personality and risk-taking approach, Turner later shifted his focus to philanthropy, donating billions to global causes and conservation efforts.
He passed away surrounded by family, according to his company.
Turner is widely remembered as one of the most influential figures in modern media history.

WEDNESDAY LOCAL SCORES

In softball, Aquinas outlasted Notre Dame in a wild one, 21-20.
Geneseo also picked up a shutout win over York/Pavilion by a score of 6-0.
On the baseball diamond, Honeoye Falls-Lima defeated Batavia 6-2.