Get Local: Biggest headlines and news for Thursday, May 15th!
Let's get your day started with everything you need to know to get up-to-date and out-the-door.
Auburn IDA audit finds project oversight, reporting failures
A state audit found that the Auburn Industrial Development Authority failed to properly approve, monitor, and report on economic development projects between January 2023 and February 2025. Key issues included missing job documentation, overdue tax payments totaling $1.27 million, and failure to conduct required site visits. The report highlighted major gaps in accountability, with several projects falling far short of job creation goals. AIDA has agreed with the findings and must submit a corrective action plan within 90 days.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Scattered storms around today!
Thursday in the Finger Lakes will be partly sunny with a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, reaching a high near 75. Storm chances continue into Thursday night, followed by more widespread showers and storms on Friday, when highs will approach 80. Rain and thunderstorms are likely again Saturday, with a high near 77 and gusty southwest winds.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
Watkins Glen State Park’s iconic Gorge Trail has officially reopened for the 2025 season, welcoming visitors to its stunning two-mile path featuring 19 waterfalls. Crews cleared winter debris to ensure safe hiking conditions, though a construction project on the historic Sentry Bridge will close the main tunnel and South Rim Trail access beginning July 7. Hikers can still enjoy the Gorge Trail via alternate entrances during the work. Full access is expected to return by summer 2026, with pets and swimming still prohibited to preserve safety and the park’s natural beauty.
Will Ouweleen, a former Wall Street consultant turned Finger Lakes winemaker, has built a life rooted in community, sustainability, and spiritual purpose. As steward of O-Neh-Da Vineyards, he blends tradition with innovation—preserving a 150-year legacy of sacramental wine while expanding into glamping, concerts, and environmental activism. His deep devotion to the region is reflected in everything from his donation of land to The Nature Conservancy to the creation of a Finger Lakes flag symbolizing unity and peace. Ouweleen’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of place, purpose, and living a life aligned with values.
Two Wayne County judges are challenging New York’s mandatory retirement age for judges, arguing it violates the state’s newly enacted Equal Rights Amendment. Judges Rick Healy and Art Williams filed a lawsuit asserting that the age cap constitutes unlawful discrimination and should be overturned. Their case, set for argument on June 4, could have broad implications, including allowing judges to serve beyond age 70. Republican judicial candidate Jeannie D’Alessandro is seeking to intervene, warning that the suit could upend judicial elections across the state.
The Cayuga Community College Childcare Center in Auburn will stay open after resolving state concerns that nearly led to a license revocation. Following an October inspection, the center addressed safety issues and has since appointed Lisa Fredette, a longtime staff member, as its new director. Fredette replaced Colette TenEyck, who departed after an unrelated arrest, and has committed to improving communication and care standards. With a capacity of 132 children, the center has implemented new training and safety measures to maintain high-quality care.
A 19-year-old student was taken into custody Wednesday after a bomb threat forced the evacuation of Finger Lakes Community College’s main campus. Authorities say the student placed a backpack in a classroom and claimed it contained a bomb, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and a full campus sweep by the Monroe County Bomb Squad. No explosives were found, and the campus is expected to reopen Thursday following the all-clear.
