Thursday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on June 4, 2026
DATA CENTER MORATORIUM BILL DRAWS LOCAL OPPOSITION
The Genesee County Economic Development Center is pushing back against proposed state legislation that could place a moratorium on new data center development.
GCEDC officials say the measure would undermine local control and could jeopardize the proposed STREAM U.S. Data Centers project at STAMP in the Town of Alabama, which could move forward within weeks pending local approvals.
The agency says the project is already undergoing extensive environmental review and argues studies have shown it would not increase residential electric bills, would use minimal water through a closed-loop cooling system, and would meet local noise requirements.
GCEDC officials contend the legislation would interfere with local decision-making and could halt a project expected to bring significant investment and jobs to Genesee County.
The proposed state legislation remains under consideration in Albany.
BOARD OF ELECTIONS ANNOUNCES PRIMARY ELECTION DEADLINES
The Genesee County Board of Elections is reminding voters that early voting for the June 23rd Primary Election begins Saturday, June 13th and runs through Sunday, June 21st at the ARC Community Center on Woodrow Road in Batavia.
The final day for the Board of Elections to receive an absentee ballot application is June 13th.
Voters can verify their polling location through New York State’s voter lookup tool or by calling the Board of Elections at 585-815-7804.
The Board of Elections office on Main Street in Batavia will also be open Saturday, June 13th from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. to assist voters with election-related needs.
TRUMP SAYS HE CALLED NETANYAHU “CRAZY” OVER LEBANON FIGHTING
President Donald Trump says he recently criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call, confirming reports that he referred to the Israeli leader as “crazy” over continued fighting with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Trump said he was “a little bit perturbed” that the conflict was complicating broader efforts to stabilize the region and advance peace talks involving Iran. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers he hopes ongoing talks between Israel and Lebanon will lead to a joint statement aimed at reducing hostilities.
The comments highlight growing pressure from the White House to ease tensions in the Middle East as diplomatic efforts continue on multiple fronts.
LE ROY CAPITAL PROJECT MOVING FORWARD AFTER DELAYS
Le Roy Central School officials say progress is once again moving forward on the district’s 12-and-a-half million dollar capital project after a series of construction delays.
Superintendent Merritt Holly says newly installed single-use bathrooms at the junior-senior high school officially opened this week after an 11-month process that included resolving safety concerns and construction issues. District officials say they worked closely with contractors to ensure the finished product met the standards approved by taxpayers.
Work is also continuing at Wolcott Street School, where new windows, trim work, and lighting improvements are being installed.
Meanwhile, construction on the new multi-purpose turf stadium at Hartwood Park continues, with concrete work underway and fencing, bleachers, and a press box scheduled to be added soon. The turf field is still expected to be completed in time for the fall 2026 sports season, though district officials say a more specific timeline should be available following a project meeting later this month.
School leaders thanked residents for their patience, saying the improvements will benefit students and the community for years to come.
HOUSE OF BOUNCE CLOSES ITS DOORS
House of Bounce has announced the immediate closure of its indoor play facility.
Owner Justina Rapone thanked families and community members for their years of support, saying the business was built on the smiles, birthday parties, friendships, and memories shared with local families.
While the indoor facility is closing, House of Bounce will continue operating its bounce house rental business and community events. Information on rentals and gift certificate use will be posted on the company’s website.
In a message to customers, Rapone expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported the business over the years and said the memories created will stay with her family forever.
RUBIO DEFENDS FOREIGN POLICY DURING CAPITOL HILL HEARING
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spent nearly four hours before the House Foreign Affairs Committee Wednesday, fielding questions on issues ranging from Iran and NATO to Israel and Lebanon.
Rubio said the Trump administration remains committed to NATO but continues to push allies to increase defense spending. He also expressed hope that ongoing talks between Israel and Lebanon will produce a joint statement aimed at reducing tensions along their border.
On Iran, Rubio told lawmakers that any future agreement with Tehran would be stronger than the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated during the Obama administration. He also defended the administration’s recent actions in the Middle East, arguing that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains a top priority.
The hearing was one of several appearances by Rubio this week as Congress reviews the State Department’s budget request.
