Get Local: Your daily headlines for Tuesday, May 20th!

What's happening in the Finger Lakes?! NY hospitals sound the alarm, Hochul struggles with re-election support, Yates Co. dump truck crash update, and much more!

May 20, 2025

New York hospitals warn of $13.5B annual hit under House bill

New York hospitals are sounding the alarm over a House budget bill that could cut $13.5 billion annually from the state’s healthcare system. The Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) warned the legislation would strip coverage from 1.5 million residents, increase uncompensated care costs, and impose billions in new Medicaid burdens. Citing severe consequences for patients, jobs, and local economies, HANYS urged the state’s congressional delegation to reject the proposal.

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Finger Lakes Forecast: Enjoy the sun. Rain is coming.

The Finger Lakes will see a mix of clouds and sun today with a high around 57. Rain is expected to move in Wednesday through Friday, with high chances of precipitation and temperatures in the mid-50s. Conditions will begin to improve slightly over the weekend, though scattered showers remain possible. Memorial Day is forecast to be mostly sunny with a high near 67, offering a pleasant break from the unsettled weather.

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Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?

Burnap’s Farm Market & Garden Café in Sodus, a beloved local destination for nearly three decades, has been listed for sale at $1.25 million. Owner Kendra Burnap is stepping back from the business due to challenges in apple farming and plans to focus on her family's nearby inn. The 71-acre property includes fruit fields, a market, and a café, and has become a key agritourism spot in Wayne County.
A dump truck overturned on North Vine Valley Road in Yates County Monday morning, sending the driver to the hospital with minor injuries. The truck, loaded with stone, failed to navigate a downhill curve and flipped, prompting a response from multiple fire departments and a HAZMAT team. The road was closed for over two hours as crews worked to clear the scene and address potential hazards.
New York State is seeking contempt of court rulings against several correction officers who participated in an illegal strike earlier this year, alleging violations of the Taylor Law. State attorneys emphasized they are not pursuing penalties, only a formal finding of wrongdoing, while defense lawyers argue the move is punitive given the officers’ job losses. A July hearing will determine how to proceed with unresolved cases and severance matters related to medical leave.
A new Siena College poll shows Governor Kathy Hochul losing ground in her 2026 re-election bid, with 55% of voters wanting a new governor and only 36% supporting her return. Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik has surged to the top of the GOP primary field with 35% support, outpacing other contenders. While key budget policies like free school meals and smartphone restrictions enjoy bipartisan support, affordability concerns persist and political figures like Trump and Schumer remain deeply divisive.
Waterloo Mayor Walt Bennett says the village is poised for major progress in 2025-26, fueled by significant public investment. He highlighted $28 million in infrastructure upgrades and upcoming Downtown Revitalization Initiative awards that will reshape the downtown area. Bennett encouraged community involvement through the Waterloo Community Center as projects like water system improvements and EV charging stations move forward.

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Hawker talks details of 2025 campaign for SF Town Board

Mason Hawker, a lifelong Seneca Falls resident and public safety advocate, is running for Town Board on a platform focused on transparency, infrastructure investment, and community engagement. Drawing on more than a decade of municipal service and civic involvement, Hawker emphasized his commitment to open communication and responsive local leadership. With the Republican primary set for June 24, he’s encouraging residents to reach out and share their concerns directly.