Tuesday News Brief

Batavia Awarded $10 Million in Downtown Revitalization Funding

The City of Batavia is set to receive another major boost for its downtown, as state officials have awarded $10 million through New York’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
The funding, announced Monday, marks the second time Batavia has secured a $10 million DRI award, building on a previous grant in 2018 that helped spark private development, revitalize public spaces, and bring new life to the city’s core.
State leaders say the latest investment will continue that momentum, focusing on housing, economic development, and improving public spaces throughout downtown Batavia.
A total of 13 proposed projects are under consideration, many centered along Evans Street and East Main Street. Plans include developing waterfront housing along Tonawanda Creek, creating a multi-use recreation complex, redeveloping several historic downtown buildings, and restoring the Brisbane Mansion into residential space. Additional proposals call for streetscape upgrades, a public market, and improvements to the Ellicott Street corridor.
City officials say the funding will help transform underutilized properties into vibrant destinations, support small business growth, and strengthen connections throughout the downtown area.
A local selection committee will now review the proposals before submitting recommendations, with final project approvals to be made by the state.

 

Batavia Evening of Jazz Set for April 25

The Batavia Evening of Jazz is set for Saturday, April 25 at 6 p.m. at the Generation Center on Center Street.
The event will feature performances from several local high school and college groups, including Batavia, Fairport, Alexander, and Finger Lakes jazz ensembles.
Tickets are $10 at the door, with limited seating available. Proceeds will support local music programs and student musicians, with desserts and refreshments also available during the evening.

 

 

 

 

 

Tensions Rise Ahead of Possible U.S.-Iran Talks

Pakistan is moving forward with plans to host a new round of talks between the United States and Iran, even as tensions continue to escalate in the region.
The discussions are expected to take place this week, just as a fragile ceasefire is set to expire. Over the weekend, the U.S. seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iran to threaten retaliation and question the sincerity of upcoming negotiations.
At the same time, conflict around the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for global oil shipments — has disrupted trade and pushed oil prices higher.
Despite the rising tensions, Pakistan officials say they are working to keep talks on track, though it remains unclear whether both sides will ultimately participate.

 

 

 

 

Louisiana Community Reeling After Deadly Shooting

A Louisiana community is in shock after a father killed eight children in one of the deadliest mass shootings in the U.S. in recent years.
Police say the violence unfolded early Sunday in Shreveport across two homes. The suspect fatally shot seven of his own children and another child, with the victims ranging in age from just 3 to 11 years old. The children’s mother was also shot and wounded but survived the attack.
Authorities say the suspect later died following a police pursuit, though it remains unclear whether he was killed by officers or from a self-inflicted gunshot. Investigators noted he had a prior felony weapons conviction from 2019, which legally prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
Family members say the couple had been in the process of separating and were scheduled to appear in court, with tensions reportedly escalating in the days leading up to the shooting.
The tragedy has left the Shreveport community devastated, as residents gathered for vigils and remembered the children as joyful and full of life.

 

Free Training in Batavia Aims to Combat Human Trafficking

Rotary clubs across Western New York and Southern Ontario are inviting the public to attend a free training session focused on combating human trafficking.
The event will take place Saturday, May 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, with a complimentary lunch provided.
Organizers say the session will help attendees recognize warning signs of trafficking and learn how to respond, as part of a broader effort to raise awareness across the region.

 

 

 

 

 

Demolition Set to Begin on Former Batavia YMCA

Demolition of the former YMCA building on East Main Street in Batavia is set to begin Monday, April 27, marking the end of a facility that served the community for nearly five decades.
Crews from Empire Building Diagnostics are expected to spend about a month tearing down the 1977 structure, with work projected to run through early June. The building was replaced earlier this year by the new Healthy Living Campus, which has already seen a significant increase in membership.
Once demolition is complete, plans call for a new parking area on part of the site and green space along Main Street, though the timeline for final site work remains uncertain due to earlier delays.
YMCA officials are asking visitors to avoid the Bank Street entrance during construction and use alternate access points.
The building being demolished was one of several homes for the YMCA in Batavia dating back to the late 1800s, closing a chapter on a facility that served generations of local residents.

 

Josh Allen Set to Attend Sabres Game 2 in Buffalo

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is expected to be in the building tonight as the Sabres host Game 2 of their playoff series against the Bruins.
Allen said he missed Sunday’s opener while flying into town, but quickly caught up on the highlights, calling the atmosphere “electric.” Now, he plans to experience it firsthand — and even hinted he could be part of the pregame festivities.
Allen added that the Sabres’ playoff run has energized the city, saying Buffalo is a better place when the team is playing well, with the current buzz surrounding the team hard to ignore.