Get Local: Weekend update from the Finger Lakes for December 13-14!
From packed gyms and playoff races to holiday crowds, small business pressure, big economic moves, and changing rules that affect daily life across the Finger Lakes and New York State.
What’s happening today at the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival
Saturday marks the biggest and busiest day of the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival in Seneca Falls. Events run from early-morning breakfasts and museum visits to the parade, presentations, and the iconic twilight 5K. Thousands of visitors are expected downtown as Bedford Falls comes to life. Organizers urge visitors to plan ahead and use shuttles due to packed streets and venues.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Breezy, snow showers, and very cold this weekend
Snow showers are expected at times through the weekend, with colder temperatures settling in. Accumulations look light, but winds could be gusty at times. More snow chances arrive Sunday and early next week. A brief warm-up may follow midweek before another round of unsettled weather.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
State regulators have approved key environmental permits for Micron’s massive semiconductor project in the town of Clay. The DEC issued nine permits covering wetlands, water quality, and species protection, clearing a major hurdle toward construction. Public comment is still open on air permits and related infrastructure projects. State leaders say the decision brings the long-term job-creating project closer to breaking ground.
A small Dundee candy maker earned major national recognition just ahead of the holidays. Hazy Fudge was named a finalist for the 2026 sofi Awards, placing it among the top specialty food products in the country. The honor highlights its Cabernet-infused spoonable fudge and puts the Finger Lakes on a national stage. Only 75 products were selected from more than 1,200 entries.
Small businesses across the region say new tariffs are driving up costs during an already tight holiday season. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand warned that higher prices on materials like aluminum and grains are hitting breweries and manufacturers hard. Local business owners say shrinking margins leave little room to absorb the increases. Lawmakers are calling for relief to ease pressure on small employers.
New York schools have served more than 150 million free breakfasts and lunches since September. The surge follows a new law guaranteeing free meals to all public school students, regardless of income. State officials say participation is up and stigma is down. Families are also seeing meaningful savings on monthly food costs.
New York drivers could face license suspensions faster under a new DMV point system set to begin in 2026. The updated rules lower the point threshold while increasing penalties for common violations like speeding and cell phone use. Even minor offenses could now carry long-term consequences. Officials say the changes aim to improve safety but leave drivers with less margin for error.
HS BASKETBALL REPORT: Wayne girls edge Mynderse to move to 3-0; Newark boys rally past Palmyra-Macedon
Friday night delivered a full slate of high school hoops across the Wayne Finger Lakes. The Wayne girls stayed unbeaten at 3-0 with a narrow win over Mynderse, while the Newark boys rallied late to knock off Palmyra-Macedon. Several teams picked up decisive wins as league play continued to take shape. A busy weekend slate is next as tournaments and conference games roll on.
ORANGE GAME DAY: Syracuse men’s basketball vs. Hofstra preview
Syracuse men’s basketball looks to extend its win streak at home against Hofstra this afternoon. The Orange enter the matchup leaning on balanced scoring and strong defense. Hofstra arrives hot after winning five of its last six games, including a road win at Pitt. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. at the JMA Wireless Dome.
BILLS WEEKEND: Heading to Foxboro in AFC East showdown
The Buffalo Bills head to New England for a high-stakes AFC East matchup on Sunday. A Bills win keeps the division race alive, while a Patriots victory would clinch the East. Buffalo is coming off a dramatic win over Cincinnati and is seeking revenge for an earlier loss to New England. Red zone efficiency and discipline are expected to be key factors.
FLX WEEKLY: Michelle Grasek of Seneca Falls Acupuncture
FL1 FEED: What else is happening in the Finger Lakes?
LOCAL NEWS THAT MATTERS
Police issue reminders ahead of It’s a Wonderful Life 5K in Seneca Falls
State Police seek driver in hit-and-run that injured UPS worker in Verona
Traffic stop on I-81 leads to major cocaine and gun seizure in Oswego County
Audit contract, board review, and banking resolution on Seneca County Water-Sewer agenda
Niles man charged with DWI after calling 911 to report crash
LOCAL SPORTS AROUND THE REGION
Zach Benson ends scoring drought as Sabres earn first road win in regulation
NYSPHSAA Announces Fall 2025 Scholar-Athlete Teams and Individual Honorees
Syracuse women’s basketball extends win streak to four with dominant win over Colgate
LOCAL LIFE AROUND THE LAKES
STREAMING NOW ON FL1
FL1 SPORTS: CFP debate, NFL Week 15 preview and picks (podcast)
AGAINST THE BOARDS: Amerks winning, Knighthawks opener, Brad Gillies interview (podcast)
FRESH TAKES: CFP drama, Chiefs and Eagles Hate Watch (podcast)
KENNY’S 2 PENNIES: It’s a Wonderful Orange Weekend (podcast)
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