Monday News Brief

ALABAMA SOLAR PROJECT MOVES TO NEXT STAGE

The proposed Alabama Solar Project is taking another step forward.
Developers announced they intend to file a formal application with New York’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission on or after July 27 for the proposed 130-megawatt solar facility spanning the towns of Alabama, Batavia and Oakfield. The project would be reviewed under the state’s Article Eight permitting process.
Developers say the solar farm would help New York meet its renewable energy goals while creating temporary construction jobs, generating tax revenue for local municipalities and school districts, and providing payments to participating landowners. The application will also include studies evaluating potential impacts to wetlands, cultural resources and other environmental concerns, along with plans to avoid or minimize those impacts.
Once the application is filed, $130,000 will be made available to local agencies and community groups to help them review the proposal during the state permitting process.

BATAVIA DOWNS UNION TALKS REACH IMPASSE

Contract negotiations between Batavia Downs Gaming and the union representing about 150 employees have reached an impasse, prompting an informational picket this week.
The United Public Service Employees Union says workers will hold a controlled informational picket Thursday, July 31st, from 2:45 until 4 p.m. outside the casino on Park Road. Union leaders say employees rejected management’s contract offer, arguing it falls short of promises made after Western Regional Off-Track Betting received a reduction in its state tax rate last year.
Management has proposed 3.5 percent annual wage increases through 2028, along with enhanced bonuses, lower healthcare costs for some employees, and additional benefits. Batavia Downs officials call the proposal fair and competitive, while the union says workers deserve larger raises and opposes changes to longevity-based pay.
Both sides are expected to continue negotiations during mediation in September.

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER DONATES $10,000 TO CANCER INSTITUTE

A community fundraiser in Wyoming has resulted in a $10,000 donation to the Rochester Regional Lipson Cancer Institute in Batavia.
The event, called “Let’s Fight Cancer Together,” was held in June at Moose Harbor in support of Howard Zwelling, who is battling stomach cancer, and his stepdaughter, Michelle Antonucci, who is also undergoing cancer treatment. The fundraiser attracted about 200 people and ultimately raised nearly $17,000, with $10,000 presented to the Lipson Cancer Institute to help support patient care and cancer services. Organizers say the overwhelming community support made the donation possible.

BRIGHTPATH HOSTS LEMONADE STAND FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER

BrightPath Batavia is inviting the community to help support children battling cancer.
The childcare center on Clinton Street Road will host an Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation fundraiser Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Students will serve lemonade while learning about the importance of giving back to their community. Donations raised will help fund childhood cancer research, raise awareness and support families affected by pediatric cancer. BrightPath says donations are being accepted now, and every contribution helps make a difference.

OIL PRICES FALL AS MIDDLE EAST REMAINS CALM

Oil prices moved lower Sunday after the United States and Iran went a second straight day without exchanging military strikes in the Persian Gulf.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell to about 92 dollars a barrel after topping 102 dollars last week, its highest level in two months. Prices had surged amid fears that fighting in the Middle East would further disrupt global oil supplies.
The conflict has already affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about one-fifth of the world’s oil. Analysts say continued instability could keep energy prices volatile.
Here in the United States, AAA says the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has climbed to 4 dollars and 11 cents, and experts warn prolonged tensions could keep prices at the pump elevated.

PENTAGON CHANGES HOW IRAN WAR CASUALTIES ARE COUNTED

Questions are being raised after the Pentagon changed how it reports American casualties from the conflict with Iran.
Four U.S. service members killed during the latest fighting are no longer included in the Pentagon’s official Iran war casualty totals. Instead, they have been moved into a new category labeled “Overseas Operations,” which also lists 207 wounded troops. The change comes after the Pentagon’s casualty database briefly showed 18 Americans killed before the total was reduced back to 14.
Pentagon officials insist the changes are the result of temporary data issues and not an attempt to downplay the human cost of the conflict. However, the shift has prompted new questions about transparency as fighting in the Middle East continues and the Trump administration seeks additional funding for military operations.

MUCKDOGS OPEN PLAYOFFS TONIGHT AT DWYER STADIUM

The Batavia Muckdogs head into the postseason on a high note after closing out the regular season with back-to-back dominant victories.
On Friday, Batavia traveled to Newark and blanked the Pilots 17-0, tossing a no-hitter in the process. The Muckdogs followed that up Saturday with a 12-4 victory over the Niagara Falls Americans at Dwyer Stadium to finish the regular season with a 29-10-and-1 record.
Now the focus shifts to the playoffs. Batavia hosts the Auburn Doubledays tonight at 6:30 in a win-or-go-home elimination game, with the winner advancing to the next round of the PGCBL playoffs.