Friday News Brief

WROTB Earns Top Marks for Cash Management

Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. is being recognized for sharply improving its investment strategy.
At a Finance Committee meeting at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, Pittsford-based three+one presented WROTB with a 90+ cashVest Award. Since partnering with the firm three and a half years ago, WROTB boosted its cash management score from 38 to 93 out of 100.
In 2025, the corporation earned more than $510,000 in total interest income, including $412,205 from cash deposits and nearly $98,000 from certificates of deposit. That marks a $122,000 increase over the previous year. No investment placement fees were paid.
Officials say the stronger returns benefit both WROTB’s operations and its 17 member municipalities, as the organization explores potential expansion projects, including adding rooms to its hotel and building an event center.

Luminary Walk Returns to Iroquois Refuge This Weekend

A glowing winter tradition returns to Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge this Friday and Saturday.
The Luminary Walk takes place February 27 and 28 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., featuring a self-guided, one-mile trail illuminated by glowing luminaries. Visitors can arrive during their selected 30-minute window and stay as long as they’d like.
The Visitor Center and Flyway Nature Store will be open, with hot beverages, snacks and restrooms available. The event is free, but registration is required due to limited parking.
Organizers encourage guests to dress for the weather and sign up online to receive any weather-related cancellation updates.

Hillary Clinton Denies Knowledge of Epstein Crimes in House Deposition

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told House lawmakers she had no knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s or Ghislaine Maxwell’s criminal activities as she began a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee.
“I had no idea about their criminal activities. I do not recall ever encountering Mr. Epstein,” Clinton said in a statement posted to social media.
The deposition follows months of tension between the Clintons and the Republican-led panel chaired by James Comer. Former President Bill Clinton is also expected to testify.
Proceedings were briefly paused after Rep. Lauren Boebert shared a photo from inside the closed session. Clinton renewed calls for the testimony to be made public.

Jason Smith Named Batavia City Historian

The City of Batavia has appointed Jason Smith as its new City Historian.
A lifelong Batavian and history teacher, Smith will serve as the official steward of the city’s historical records, artifacts and archives. In the part-time role, he’ll work to preserve and share the people, places and events that have shaped the community.
Smith said he’s honored to continue the work of previous City Historians Larry Barnes and Ryan Duffy and thanked the City Manager and Council for their confidence.
City Manager Rachael Tabelski said Smith will carry on the tradition of professionalism while helping expand public access to Batavia’s historical resources.
In his new role, Smith will collaborate with the Genesee County History Department and local organizations, assist with commemorative events and support educational initiatives. Residents with historical photos, documents or stories are encouraged to reach out to the City Historian’s office.

Detainee Population at Batavia ICE Facility Exceeds Capacity

New federal data shows the detainee population at the ICE Buffalo Service Processing Center in Batavia has climbed to 745 — surpassing its stated capacity of 650 beds.
According to TRACImmigration and ICE fiscal year 2026 data, the population has increased by 200 detainees over the past year. The rise follows renewed immigration enforcement efforts under Donald Trump.
Advocates, including the United Farm Workers, say overcrowding has led to concerns about beds, medical care and food quality. Some detainees reportedly chose to self-deport after months in custody. Other accounts describe conditions as acceptable, though food was criticized.
Of those detained, 621 are classified as non-criminal and 124 as criminal detainees — a decline in the criminal category from last year.
Kirsten Gillibrand said her office is monitoring the situation and has called for improved conditions. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment.

Burger King Testing AI Headsets in 500 U.S. Restaurants

Burger King is testing AI-powered employee headsets in 500 locations across the country.
Parent company Restaurant Brands International says the OpenAI-powered system, called “Patty,” can recite recipes, flag low inventory and alert managers to customer concerns. Employees can also ask Patty for help preparing menu items or updating digital menus.
The system can track service-related phrases like “please” and “thank you,” though Burger King says it’s meant to coach teams — not monitor individuals.
The technology is part of a broader BK Assistant platform expected to roll out nationwide later this year.

Plug Power Announces $132M Asset Sale Deal

Plug Power Inc. has entered a definitive agreement with Stream Data Centers as part of a plan to improve liquidity by more than $275 million.
Under the deal, Plug expects at least $132.5 million in gross proceeds — potentially up to $142 million — from the sale of its interest in the Project Gateway site at the STAMP industrial park in New York. The transaction is expected to close by the end of June.
Company leaders say the move allows Plug to unlock value from existing assets while refocusing on hydrogen production and fuel cell deployment, as data center demand continues to grow nationwide.