Thursday News Brief

GAMING COMMISSION REVIEW COULD LEAD TO $5 MILLION UPGRADE AT BATAVIA DOWNS

The New York State Gaming Commission is reviewing safety standards at harness racing facilities following last week’s devastating barn fire at Saratoga Harness Track that killed 17 horses.
Batavia Downs officials say the review could result in a state mandate requiring major fire prevention upgrades at harness tracks across New York. Western Regional Off-Track Betting President Byron Brown and Chief Operating Officer Scott Kiedrowski told board members Thursday that compliance could cost Batavia Downs nearly $5 million.
Proposed improvements include a new alarm system, sprinkler system, water infrastructure, electrical upgrades, and a building to house the equipment.
Officials say the stables at Batavia Downs, which were originally built in the 1940s, currently have standard firefighting equipment but no fire alarms, smoke detection, or automatic suppression systems. Around 250 to 275 horses are typically housed on-site during racing season.
Brown said the Gaming Commission has already requested information from tracks statewide as it considers possible regulations. Batavia Downs has urged state officials to provide funding if any new requirements become mandatory.
The cause of the Saratoga fire remains under investigation.

 

ELLMAN WINS DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY IN 24TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

After a closely watched primary race, Diana Kastenbaum has conceded the Democratic nomination in New York’s 24th Congressional District to Alissa Ellman.
In remarks to supporters, Kastenbaum congratulated Ellman on her victory and urged Democrats to unite ahead of November’s general election against incumbent Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.
Kastenbaum praised Ellman’s progressive platform and said while the two may differ on strategy, they share a commitment to what she called democratic values and people-first policies.
She acknowledged the challenge Democrats face in a Republican-leaning district but said Ellman is a strong candidate who understands voters are looking for change.
Kastenbaum also thanked her campaign staff and volunteers for their work throughout the race, calling them the lifeblood of American democracy and pledging to remain active on issues affecting the region.
Ellman will now advance to the November election, where she is expected to face Tenney for New York’s 24th Congressional District seat.

 

CEDAR STREET TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS BEGIN FOR SEWER REPAIRS

Motorists in Batavia should expect delays on Cedar Street through July 2 as sewer repair work gets underway.
City officials say Cedar Street will be reduced to a single lane between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays while crews complete the project.
The south entrance to the DeWitt Recreation Area will also be closed during the work. The north entrance will remain open for access.
Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible to help reduce traffic congestion in the area.

 

 

 

CIVIL WAR PROGRAM TONIGHT AT HOLLAND LAND OFFICE MUSEUM

Civil War history comes alive tonight at the Holland Land Office Museum in Batavia.
Historian Vic Vignola will present “The Battle of Seven Pines, May 31st, 1862: McClellan Finds a Scapegoat,” beginning at 7 p.m. Vignola will use primary sources to explore the often-overlooked battle, the experiences of common soldiers, and the leadership decisions that shaped the conflict.
The Battle of Seven Pines is perhaps best known for the wounding of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston, which led to Robert E. Lee taking command of the Army of Northern Virginia.
Admission is by suggested donation. The Holland Land Office Museum is located at 131 West Main Street in Batavia. Attendees are encouraged to call the museum for more information.

 

SENATE APPROVES IRAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION

The U.S. Senate has approved a war powers resolution seeking to limit military action against Iran, marking the first time lawmakers have passed such a measure since the conflict began.
The resolution cleared the Senate by a vote of 50 to 48, reflecting growing concern among both Democrats and some Republicans over President Donald Trump’s handling of the war and the administration’s agreement with Iran.
While the measure is largely symbolic and does not carry the full force of law, it serves as a rebuke of the administration’s military actions and comes as Congress considers billions of dollars in additional funding tied to the conflict.
The vote follows criticism from some Republican lawmakers who say they still have unanswered questions about the war’s objectives and the terms of the agreement reached with Iran.

 

 

 

HUMANOID ROBOT MAKER PLANS WALL STREET DEBUT

A company that builds humanlike warehouse robots is preparing to go public in a deal that values the business at approximately $2.5 billion.
Oregon-based Agility Robotics announced plans to merge with an investment firm, becoming the first publicly traded company focused entirely on building and selling humanoid robots.
Its flagship robot, known as Digit, is already being used in warehouses to move bins and totes. The company says the robots are designed to handle repetitive and physically demanding tasks that can lead to workplace injuries.
Agility Robotics has attracted backing from major companies including Amazon, Nvidia, SoftBank and Foxconn. Officials say the company plans to use new funding to expand production and deploy more robots as demand grows in manufacturing, logistics and other industries.

 

MUCKDOGS’ RALLY FALLS JUST SHORT IN 5-4 LOSS

The Batavia Muckdogs came up just short Wednesday night, falling to the Niagara Ironbacks 5-4.
Batavia had one last chance in the ninth inning, putting the tying run on third base with two outs, but couldn’t deliver the game-tying hit.
The loss drops the Muckdogs to 12-5 on the season.
Batavia will look to bounce back tonight as the Muckdogs travel to Jamestown for a 6:30 first pitch against the Tarp Skunks.