Monday News Brief

STREAM DATA CENTER ENVIRONMENTAL VOTE DELAYED

A key vote on the proposed Stream data center in the Town of Alabama appears to be on hold.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center had planned to vote on the project’s environmental review following a July 2 board meeting. That vote was expected before an Alabama Planning Board meeting originally scheduled for August 3. However, no special meeting was held, the planning board meeting has since been canceled, and no vote appears on the agendas for this week’s STAMP Committee or GCEDC board meetings.
The delay comes as the project faces several new hurdles, including a lawsuit challenging zoning approvals, opposition from state lawmakers over environmental concerns, and a one-year state moratorium on new hyperscale data centers signed by Governor Kathy Hochul. The next regularly scheduled GCEDC meetings are set for early September.

 

STRAIGHT OUT THE BOOT TO CLOSE THIS MONTH

A popular Oakfield restaurant will soon serve its final meal. Straight Out the Boot has announced it will close its doors on August 22, ending a four-year run under owners Kim Turner and Corey Brown.
The pair say the decision comes as they look toward a new chapter, but they wanted to give customers and staff time to prepare. Known for its Louisiana-style Cajun cooking, the restaurant built a loyal following by introducing Western New York diners to dishes like jambalaya, soul food, and other Southern specialties.
The owners say they’re grateful for the support they’ve received from the community over the years and encourage customers to stop in before closing day and use any outstanding gift cards. Straight Out the Boot’s final chicken barbecue is scheduled for August 15.

 

 

BATAVIA DOWNS RESPONDS TO UNION PICKET

Batavia Downs says it remains committed to reaching a new labor agreement after union employees held an informational picket Friday.
The casino says its proposal includes 3.5 percent annual wage increases for the next three years, lower employee health insurance contributions, a doubled gaming bonus incentive, increased shoe allowances, higher security shift differentials, an additional floating holiday, and more personal leave for eligible seasonal employees.
The previous contract expired at the end of 2025. With negotiations now at an impasse, both sides are expected to enter mediation in September in an effort to reach a new agreement.

 

 

 

OAKFIELD BOX CAR DERBY CROWNS NEW CHAMPIONS

The Oakfield Box Car Derby returned Saturday with close races and new champions as young drivers raced down Bennett Avenue for top honors.
In the ages 7 to 10 division, Alex Puls claimed first place, followed by Carter Austin in second and Carter Nichols in third. In the 11 to 13 division, Brynn Schildwaster took the championship, with Forrest Franklin finishing second and Ty Roth third.
Organizers say several races were decided by just hundredths of a second. The annual event honors the memory of Suzanne “Sue” D’Alba, a longtime community volunteer, and continues to grow thanks to strong local support and volunteers.

 

 

LEGAL AID FOR MIGRANT CHILDREN SET TO END

Tens of thousands of unaccompanied immigrant children could lose access to legal representation after July 31 as the Trump administration allows a federal contract funding those services to expire.
Advocates say about 20,000 children nationwide, including roughly 1,400 in New York, will be affected. They argue attorneys are often critical in helping children navigate immigration proceedings, reunite with family, and seek legal protection.
The federal Office of Refugee Resettlement says it offered the contractor a temporary extension with new reporting requirements, but the organization declined. Supporters worry the loss of funding could leave children without legal guidance and potentially affect services provided through shelters that care for unaccompanied minors.

 

TRUMP SAYS HE’LL HALT NEW IRAN STRIKES

President Donald Trump says he plans to order a halt to new U.S. military strikes against Iran, saying negotiators have outlined the framework for a possible agreement to end the five-month conflict.
In a social media post, Trump said the proposed deal would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s nuclear program. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry quickly pushed back, saying there are no plans to reopen the vital shipping route to its pre-war status.
Regional officials say negotiations are continuing, but no formal agreement has been reached. Trump says the pause in strikes is contingent on progress toward a deal, while Iran says it remains on alert and prepared to respond if necessary.

 

 

MUCKDOGS WIN FIRST-EVER PGCBL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Batavia Muckdogs are Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League champions for the first time in franchise history after a commanding 13-1 victory over the Utica Blue Sox Friday night at a packed Dwyer Stadium.
Manager Joey “Skip” Martinez, who promised when he took over the program that he would bring a championship to Batavia, watched that promise become reality as the Muckdogs captured the title in their third trip to the league finals.
Gavin Chandler was named the championship game’s MVP after allowing just one run over 5.1 innings, while Jackson Inman drove in three runs to lead a 13-hit offensive attack. The Muckdogs finished the season 32-10-1, adding a league championship to their fifth straight West Division title and capping one of the most successful seasons in franchise history.