Tuesday News Brief

GCEDC Responds to Seneca Nation Concerns Over STAMP Data Center

The head of the Genesee County Economic Development Center is defending the agency’s role in reviewing a proposed data center at the STAMP site in the Town of Alabama, while again inviting dialogue with the Tonawanda Seneca Nation.
In a three-page letter dated January 2nd, GCEDC President and CEO Mark Masse wrote to Seneca Nation Chief Scott Logan, acknowledging the Nation’s opposition to the STAMP development and the proposed Project Double Reed data center. Masse said GCEDC believes the project could still provide long-term benefits and stressed that the agency’s role as lead reviewer under the State Environmental Quality Review process would not limit environmental scrutiny.
The Seneca Nation and its allies have argued GCEDC should not oversee its own project, calling for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to take over the review. Masse denied claims of personal financial gain by GCEDC board members, noting they are unpaid volunteers, and pointed to environmental mitigation measures tied to STAMP, including wetland preservation and open space protection.
Masse says GCEDC continues to request a meeting with the Seneca Nation to address concerns directly.
Meanwhile, the GCEDC board is expected to consider an agreement requiring STREAM U.S. Data Centers to cover review-related costs, with the company also expected to seek financial incentives later this winter.

Blood Emergency Declared

There is an urgent need for blood donations across New York. The New York Blood Center has declared a blood emergency, saying donations are nearly forty percent below what hospitals need.
The American Red Cross also says it is close to a shortage. Type O, A-negative, and B-negative blood are especially needed.
Blood has a shelf life of just forty-two days, and every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs it. Donating takes about eight minutes and can save lives.

Federal Reserve Independence in Spotlight After DOJ Subpoenas

The Trump administration’s criminal investigation of Jerome Powell is drawing sharp bipartisan concern and renewed debate over the independence of the Federal Reserve.
Powell revealed that the Department of Justice has issued subpoenas tied to his testimony about a multi-billion-dollar renovation of Fed buildings. He called the investigation a “pretext” to pressure the Fed into cutting interest rates — something President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded.
Several Republican senators say the move goes too far and threatens the Fed’s independence, warning it could undermine confidence in the U.S. economy. Economists say the controversy could actually harden the Fed’s resolve to resist political pressure ahead of its next meeting.
Powell says he will continue carrying out his duties without political influence.

Batavia Receives $12 Million Grant for Wastewater Upgrades

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation has awarded Batavia a twelve-million-dollar grant to help modernize the city’s wastewater treatment facility.
EFC President and CEO Maureen Coleman announced the funding through the state’s Intermunicipal Water Infrastructure Grant program. The grant supports Batavia’s larger, thirty-million-dollar initiative to upgrade aging infrastructure and improve system reliability.
Planned improvements include replacing aeration equipment, removing and disposing of sludge from ponds, installing a new effluent lift station and filtration system, adding chemical dosing systems, and installing a new emergency generator to ensure uninterrupted service.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski said the investment will improve efficiency, reliability, and compliance with evolving environmental regulations, while helping protect local waterways.
The application received support from Kathy Hochul, State Senator George Borrello, Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, the Genesee County Legislature, and several local and regional partners.

Hoops for Hope Tournament Returns January 31

The 3rd annual Hoops for Hope Tournament benefiting the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation will be held January 31st, 2026, with a full day of boys and girls basketball in Batavia.
Games will be played at Batavia High School and Genesee Community College, featuring Notre Dame, Batavia, and York. One admission gets fans into all games — five dollars for adults, two dollars for students, and kids five and under are free.
The foundation is seeking community support through sponsorships, donations, concessions, and volunteers. Proceeds help families facing pediatric cancer, fund youth activities, and support research and local hospitals.
More information and donation options are available at michaelshope.org.

Iran’s Leadership Under Pressure Amid Widespread Protests

Iran’s leadership is facing its most serious challenge in years as widespread protests shake the country and a violent crackdown pushes the death toll into the hundreds.
The unrest comes as Iran’s government is already weakened following last year’s conflict with Israel and U.S. airstrikes that damaged military leadership and nuclear facilities. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been largely out of public view, adding to uncertainty at the top.
Hardliners have threatened the U.S. and Israel over alleged support for protesters, though President Donald Trump says Iran has signaled interest in negotiations. U.S. officials stress there are no plans for military intervention.
Experts say Iran’s economy, battered by sanctions and inflation, is fueling public anger, but there are no clear signs the regime is close to collapse.

Genesee County Basketball — Monday Night Scores

In girls basketball Monday night, the Le Roy Oatkan Knights earned a dominant 68–8 win over Rochester Academy Charter School. Le Roy led 39–4 at halftime and held RACS scoreless in the fourth quarter. Maddie Paddock led the Knights with 20 points as Le Roy improved to 6–3.
In boys action, Williamson Marauders defeated Oakfield-Alabama by a final score of 70–50.