Monday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on July 20, 2026
PROTESTERS RALLY AGAINST PROPOSED STAMP DATA CENTER
Protesters gathered in Batavia over the weekend as part of a nationwide day of action against large artificial intelligence data centers, including the proposed Stream U.S. Data Centers project at the STAMP industrial park in the Town of Alabama.
The demonstration comes after Governor Kathy Hochul issued an executive order placing a one-year pause on new state environmental permits for hyperscale data centers while New York develops new regulations. Protesters welcomed the pause but say they want the governor to sign a permanent moratorium into law, arguing the executive order could be changed or lifted at any time.
The proposed $19.5 billion project would include three data halls on about 90 acres at STAMP. Developers estimate it would create roughly 6,000 construction jobs over five years, 125 permanent positions, millions in annual host payments to local governments and schools, and significant sales tax revenue for Genesee County. Officials with the Genesee County Economic Development Center say they are reviewing the governor’s executive order before commenting on its impact to the project.
PLAQUE HONORS LE ROY HERO JOHN ARAMINO
A new plaque honoring Le Roy hero John Aramino was dedicated Sunday at Trigon Park during the Oatka Festival.
The memorial recognizes Aramino’s heroic sacrifice in 1961, when the 18-year-old gave his life to save a young boy from an oncoming train. The plaque, located near Wolcott Street School, includes a QR code that will be activated next week, allowing visitors to learn more about his life and bravery.
Organizers say the memorial ensures Aramino’s story will continue inspiring future generations in the Le Roy community.
MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT ESCALATES AS U.S., IRAN EXCHANGE NEW STRIKES
Fighting between the United States and Iran intensified over the weekend as both sides launched new attacks across the Middle East.
The U.S. military says another American service member was killed in Iraq during the controlled detonation of a downed Iranian drone, bringing the number of U.S. military deaths in the conflict to 17. American forces also carried out new strikes against Iranian military targets, while Iran launched missiles toward Jordan, raising concerns the fighting could spread further across the region.
The renewed conflict has also disrupted shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil supplies. Traffic through the waterway remains well below normal, fueling concerns about the broader economic impact as both sides continue exchanging strikes.
MUCKDOGS SPLIT WEEKEND SERIES
The Batavia Muckdogs split their weekend slate, defeating the Olean Oilers 3-2 Friday night at Dwyer Stadium before falling to the Niagara Ironbacks 8-4 on Sunday.
The split moves Batavia to 26-9-1 on the season as they continue to lead the PGCBL Western Division. The Muckdogs return to action Tuesday night when they host the Newark Pilots at Dwyer Stadium.
