Thursday News Brief

WILDFIRE SMOKE TRIGGERS AIR QUALITY ALERT

Wildfire smoke from Canada is impacting the GLOW region, prompting state officials to upgrade today’s air quality advisory as fine particulate pollution is expected to reach unhealthy levels.
Western New York is expected to see some of the worst conditions, with air quality likely deteriorating further through Thursday before improving later this week.
Health officials are urging older adults, young children and anyone with asthma or other lung conditions to limit time outdoors. If you must be outside for an extended period, officials recommend wearing a KN-95 mask and carrying any prescribed inhalers.
Residents are encouraged to monitor conditions at AirNow.gov. The state is also making KN-95 masks available to counties that request them.

 

 

 

 

BISCUIT BROTHERS BRING HISTORY TO LIFE TONIGHT

Looking for something fun to do tonight? The Holland Land Office Museum’s Summer Concert Series continues with a performance by the Biscuit Brothers beginning at 7 p.m. at GO ART! on East Main Street in Batavia.
The show will transform the venue into a 19th-century Batavia tavern, featuring live music, storytelling and comedy inspired by life in the community more than 150 years ago. Organizers say it’s a family-friendly evening that’s perfect for history buffs and music lovers alike.
Admission is by suggested donation. Anyone planning to attend is encouraged to contact the Holland Land Office Museum to reserve a spot.

 

 

 

U.S. REIMPOSES BLOCKADE AS IRAN CONFLICT ESCALATES

The United States has reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and launched another wave of airstrikes after Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. officials say the strikes targeted military bases, missile sites and coastal defense positions. Iranian authorities report at least seven troops were killed and hundreds of people have been wounded in recent days.
The renewed fighting has effectively ended the interim ceasefire agreement between the two countries. Iran is threatening to halt oil and gas exports through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that carries about 20 percent of the world’s traded oil and natural gas.
The escalating conflict has pushed global oil prices higher and raised concerns that the region could be headed toward a broader military confrontation.

 

 

 

FORMER RAPTORS PIZZA BUILDING COMING DOWN

Demolition is underway at the former Raptors Pizza building on West Main Street Road in Batavia.
Town officials say the property at 3711 West Main Street Road was purchased by AG Dental, which plans to build a new dental facility on the site. The building inspector confirmed demolition has begun after the new owner secured the necessary permits.
The location has housed several restaurants over the years, including Scooter’s Family Restaurant, Severe’s Turkey Kitchen, John & Mary’s, and most recently Raptors Pizza.
Once demolition is complete, construction on the new dental office is expected to begin.

 

 

 

4-H THRIVING AS CORNELL COOPERATIVE FACES FUNDING CHANGES

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County says while some programs are facing funding cuts, its popular 4-H program continues to grow.
Agency Director Jocelyn Sikorski told county legislators that federal SNAP nutrition education funding will end September 30, but CCE plans to continue those services through regional partnerships and by pursuing new grants.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for next week’s Genesee County Fair. More than 140 local youth will participate in the annual 4-H livestock auction, with organizers hoping to top last year’s record of nearly $485,000 in sales.
Cornell Cooperative also highlighted continued growth in its Master Gardener program, community garden, seed libraries and youth education efforts, while announcing a new statewide planning grant for New York’s 4-H camp network.

 

 

 

TRUMP FEATURED ON NEW COMMEMORATIVE DOLLAR COIN

The U.S. Mint has begun producing a new commemorative one-dollar coin featuring President Donald Trump as part of the nation’s America 250 celebration.
The Treasury Department says the coin, which will be released this fall, has a gold-colored finish and is intended to honor the country’s 250th anniversary and what officials call America’s enduring legacy of liberty.
The front of the coin features Trump’s portrait along with the word “Liberty,” the dates 1776 to 2026, and the phrase “In God We Trust.” The reverse displays the Great Seal of the United States.
The announcement has drawn criticism because federal law generally prohibits living presidents from appearing on U.S. currency, though the Treasury Department says it has the authority to issue commemorative coins under certain circumstances.

 

 

 

MUCKDOGS SNAP TWO-GAME SKID

The Batavia Muckdogs snapped their two-game losing streak Wednesday night with a win over the Jamestown Tarp Skunks.
Batavia gets right back on the road tonight as the Muckdogs travel to Olean to take on the Oilers. First pitch is scheduled for this evening as the Muckdogs continue their push to stay atop the PGCBL standings.