Thursday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 2, 2026
BATAVIA SCHOOLS DEFEND SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM
Batavia City School District officials are defending their Social-Emotional Learning program, saying it has produced measurable improvements in student behavior despite criticism from some community members over its effectiveness.
District leaders point to a 50 percent drop in behavior referrals and suspensions at Batavia Middle School since the program began in 2024, along with assessment data showing significant gains in students’ social-emotional skills. Officials say the program teaches self-management, decision-making, relationship skills and personal responsibility, while emphasizing it does not replace discipline.
The discussion comes after concerns about bullying were raised by city leaders. Superintendent Jason Smith says the district welcomes community input and remains committed to working with parents, law enforcement and the Board of Education to provide a safe, supportive learning environment while continuing to improve student outcomes.
FARWELL DRIVE TO CLOSE FOR PAVING
Motorists in Batavia should plan for traffic delays as Farwell Drive will be closed to through traffic for paving operations on Thursday and again Monday.
The road will be closed from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m., weather permitting. Residents in the work area are asked not to park on the street during paving, and drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes while the work is underway.
YWCA NAMES ORLEANS SAFE HOUSE IN HONOR OF COMMUNITY ADVOCATE
The YWCA of Genesee County has acquired the former PathStone Safe House in Orleans County, ensuring emergency shelter and support services continue for survivors of domestic violence and their children.
The home will be renamed Dayle Rae’s Place, honoring the late Dayle Rae Beedham, a longtime social worker and advocate who dedicated her career to helping vulnerable families throughout Orleans County.
YWCA Executive Director Jamie Beedham-Rada says the name recognizes Beedham’s lifelong commitment to dignity, safety, and compassion, adding that her legacy will continue to provide hope and healing for generations to come.
The YWCA will operate the shelter in partnership with the Orleans County Department of Social Services, providing emergency housing, counseling, advocacy, safety planning, and other support services for survivors across Orleans County and neighboring communities.
PENTAGON YET TO RELEASE REPORT ON DEADLY IRAN SCHOOL STRIKE
More than four months after a U.S. missile strike hit a primary school in Iran, the Pentagon has yet to release the findings of its investigation into what has been described as the deadliest reported attack of the U.S.-Israeli war.
An Associated Press investigation says between 157 and 168 people were killed, including at least 123 children, when multiple munitions struck the school in the city of Minab on February 28. The report says U.S. military officials knew almost immediately that a school had been hit, but questions remain about how the building was identified as a military target.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the report will be released “when the appropriate time is right,” while members of Congress continue pressing for answers and greater transparency surrounding the strike.
BANNER UNFURLED ATOP EMPIRE STATE BUILDING, TWO ARRESTED
Two people were arrested Wednesday after climbing to the top of the Empire State Building’s antenna and unfurling a banner reading, “When the power of love beats the love of power, the world knows peace.”
The pair, dressed in black and wearing masks, climbed more than 1,400 feet above Manhattan without visible safety tethers. After displaying the banner, they climbed back down, embraced, appeared to celebrate with a kiss and selfies, and were taken into police custody shortly after 1 p.m.
No one was injured during the incident. Authorities have not released the identities of the climbers, and it remains unclear how they gained access to the building’s restricted antenna area. Building management called the stunt unauthorized but said it posed no danger to people inside the landmark.
