Tuesday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on May 12, 2026
BATAVIA SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES TO FACE OFF TONIGHT
Batavia residents will have a chance to hear directly from the three candidates running for two open seats on the Batavia City School District Board of Education during a public forum tonight at Batavia Middle School.
The race features Catrina DeJaneiro-Hansen, Zach Korzelius, and Matt Warren, with longtime board members Alice Ann Benedict and Barbara Bowman not seeking reelection.
DeJaneiro-Hansen, a Batavia native and working mother, says she wants to focus on student safety, responsible budgeting, and more teacher-driven classrooms.
Korzelius, a local business owner and former board member, says his priorities include improving graduation rates, accountability, and student involvement in extracurricular activities.
Warren, a former teacher and current sports media manager, says he wants to focus on long term planning, teacher support, and helping students recover from the lasting impacts of COVID.
The forum begins at 6 p.m. tonight and will be moderated by former WBTA owner Dan Fischer. Voting on the school board race and proposed district budget takes place May 19th.
BORRELLO TO HOST TOWN HALL IN BERGEN
George Borrello will host a town hall meeting in Genesee County Thursday night in Bergen.
The event runs from 6 to 7 p.m. at Bergen Town Hall on Hunter Street and will give residents a chance to ask questions and discuss state and local issues directly with the senator.
Borrello says topics expected to be discussed include the overdue state budget, rising utility costs, and concerns over proposals that could impact Upstate taxpayers.
The meeting is open to the public.
TRUMP SAYS IRAN CEASEFIRE ON “LIFE SUPPORT”
Donald Trump says the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is now “on life support” after rejecting Tehran’s latest proposal to end the conflict.
Trump criticized Iran for failing to make what he called meaningful nuclear concessions, while tensions in the region continue driving up global oil prices.
The ongoing conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and helped push crude oil prices above 104 dollars a barrel Monday.
Trump also says he wants to temporarily suspend the federal gas tax to help Americans deal with rising fuel costs, though Congress would need to approve the move.
Meanwhile, international diplomacy continues ahead of Trump’s trip to China later this week, where talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to include the Iran conflict and global trade concerns.
ITALIAN-AMERICAN FOUNDATION TO HONOR LOCAL LEADERS, STUDENTS
The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation will hold its annual Italian-American Award and Scholarship Dinner June 9th at Batavia Downs.
This year’s Italian-American Honoree is 97-year-old Ann Schiavone Valerych, recognized for decades of community service and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities. Valerych helped found what eventually became Arc GLOW and was previously named Geneseean of the Year alongside her late husband Hank.
The foundation will also recognize several student scholarship winners, including Elba senior Noah Calarco-Smith, Batavia senior Madeline Smith, Notre Dame standout athlete Gianna Falletti, and Notre Dame senior Parris Martin.
Organizers say the event celebrates local Italian-American heritage, leadership, academics, athletics, and community service.
Tickets for the dinner are available through foundation board members.
STOCK MARKET HOLDS NEAR RECORD HIGHS DESPITE IRAN WAR
U.S. stock markets stayed near record highs Monday despite growing concerns over the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The S-and-P 500 and Nasdaq hovered around all-time highs as strong corporate earnings and continued growth in artificial intelligence helped steady investors.
Tech companies led much of the market strength, with Nvidia and Micron posting strong gains tied to the AI boom.
Analysts say more than 80 percent of major companies reporting earnings this quarter have beaten expectations.
Meanwhile, some companies tied heavily to fuel costs — including airlines and discount retailers — saw losses as oil prices continued climbing amid tensions in the Middle East.
Markets overseas were mixed, with South Korea’s stock market surging more than four percent thanks to strong performances from major tech companies.
MONDAY LOCAL SCOREBOARD
In softball, Oakfield-Alabama shut out Alexander 3-0, while York/Pavilion rolled past Lima Christian-Mount Morris 11-4.
Avon also picked up a 6-0 win over Le Roy.
On the baseball diamond, Alexander topped Attica 12-2, and Elba beat Oakfield-Alabama 13-3.
Notre Dame defeated Lyndonville 12-6, while Pembroke blanked Byron-Bergen 11-0.
Le Roy exploded for a 14-0 shutout win over Avon.
And Notre Dame also picked up a 4-1 victory over School of the Arts.
