Thursday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on January 8, 2026
Noise a Major Focus at STAMP Data Center Meeting in Alabama
Concerns over noise dominated discussion Monday night in the Town of Alabama as developers presented plans for a proposed data center at the WNY STAMP site.
Representatives from Stream Data Centers told the planning board that noise mitigation is a top priority, particularly from rooftop cooling systems that would operate around the clock. Company officials said the facility would use air-cooled technology, premium fan systems, and acoustic screening to reduce sound levels.
Developers said computer modeling shows the project would meet New York State Department of Environmental Conservation noise standards, including nighttime limits. Backup diesel generators would be used only during emergencies or limited testing, not for full operations.
Residents raised concerns about low-frequency noise, proximity to homes, and the scale of the project. Planning board members also questioned job numbers and infrastructure impacts.
The presentation marked the first detailed public look at the proposal. Developers say additional community information sessions are planned before a formal application is submitted.
Genesee County Democrats Seeking 2026 Election Candidates
The Genesee County Democratic Committee is actively seeking candidates for the 2026 elections.
Offices up for election include New York’s 24th Congressional District, State Senate District 57, State Assembly District 139, and village offices in Alexander, Bergen, Corfu, Elba, LeRoy, and Oakfield.
Committee leaders say they are looking for community-connected individuals — not career politicians — who want to make a difference locally. Chair Michael Plitt says everyday life experience and the ability to connect with people matter most.
Anyone interested is encouraged to contact the committee at info at GeneseeNYDemocrats.org.
ICE Shooting During Minneapolis Crackdown Sparks Outrage
A federal immigration officer shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis Wednesday during a major immigration enforcement operation, prompting sharp criticism from city and state leaders.
Federal officials say the ICE officer acted in self-defense after the woman attempted to drive away during an encounter. Video posted online shows officers approaching a stopped SUV before shots were fired as the vehicle moved forward.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the shooting reckless and unnecessary, demanding federal agents leave the city. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also rejected the federal account, calling it propaganda and promising a full investigation.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the officer’s actions, while protests quickly formed at the scene.
The shooting marks the latest escalation in nationwide immigration crackdowns under President Donald Trump.
Batavia Downs Hosting “Polka Buzz” Night with Live Band Seven
Batavia Downs is hosting a special live music event called “Polka Buzz” tonight at the Park Place Event Center.
The night features a live performance by the polka band Seven, with dancing and entertainment starting at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are ten dollars and include ten dollars in free play, redeemable at the Player’s Club.
The hotel package is sold out, but individual tickets are still available at BataviaConcerts.com and the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop. The event is open to guests 21 and older, and WBBZ will be on site recording multiple television tapings.
New Federal Diet Advice: Eat Real Food, Skip the Junk
The federal government has released updated dietary guidelines — and the message is pretty simple: eat more real food, fewer things that come in shiny packages.
The new recommendations from the Trump administration urge Americans to load up on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, protein, and dairy, while cutting back on highly processed snacks, added sugar, and refined carbs — basically, fewer cookies and chips, more things that once grew or grazed.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. summed it up bluntly, telling Americans to “eat real food,” a slogan nutritionists say might finally fit on a fridge magnet.
The guidelines also call for more protein and sharply limiting added sugars, saying no amount is considered healthy — which could be bad news for soda, candy, and most of the breakfast aisle.
Officials say the simplified advice is meant to rebuild trust and improve health, especially in schools and federal meal programs. Translation: your doctor, your mom, and now the government are all saying the same thing — eat your vegetables.
Genesee County Girls Basketball — Wednesday Scores
In Genesee Region girls basketball Wednesday night, Kendall Eagles closed on a 7–0 run to beat Byron-Bergen Bees 39–32. With the game tied late, Mia Price hit a three and another bucket as Kendall held the Bees scoreless down the stretch. Izzy D’Agostino led Kendall with 10 points. Riley Shallenberger paced Byron-Bergen with nine.
Also Wednesday, Oakfield-Alabama stayed unbeaten, rolling past Wheatland-Chili Wildcats 59–20.
And Lyndonville Tigers edged Attica Blue Devils 27–23.
