Get Local: Your daily rundown for Sunday, June 8th!
Let's wrap up the weekend getting you caught up on the biggest stories. Jockey seriously hurt at FL Racetrack, wildfire smoke prompts advisory, baseball sized hail in Steuben, and much more.
Jockey Jackie Davis injured in heroic fall at Finger Lakes Racetrack
Veteran jockey Jackie Davis was seriously injured in a fall at Finger Lakes Racetrack after making a selfless move to protect another rider during a high-speed race. The incident occurred when another horse veered into her path, causing her to be thrown from her mount, resulting in multiple injuries including fractured ribs and a lacerated liver. Despite the severity, Davis remains determined to return to racing, with her recovery expected to take up to three months.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Air quality takes center stage today—upper-70s for highs.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has prompted New York State to issue an Air Quality Health Advisory through Sunday due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The advisory covers multiple regions, including Central and Western New York, the Adirondacks, and the Upper Hudson Valley. Health officials urge residents, especially those in sensitive groups, to limit outdoor activity and monitor updates as air quality conditions evolve.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
A powerful thunderstorm brought hail to Steuben County on Thursday, dropping ice as large as 3 inches and causing significant damage in areas like Pulteney and Prattsburgh. Local residents reported near-zero visibility, damaged grapevines, and harrowing conditions that felt like a tornado. Azure Hill Winery and others expressed concern about the storm's impact on future crops.
An appellate court has upheld three felony convictions in Cayuga County, securing lengthy prison sentences in cases involving robbery, assault, and two separate murders. The court affirmed Alissa Reynolds’ 2023 robbery conviction, rejected Brenda Newkirk’s resentencing request tied to a 2013 murder, and sustained Kevin Ritchie’s 2013 murder conviction after years of appeal delays. Cayuga County prosecutors say the decisions reinforce justice for victims and maintain accountability in long-standing violent cases.
Three Wayne-Finger Lakes lacrosse teams advanced to the state semifinals after strong regional wins on June 7. Canandaigua’s boys, Victor’s girls, and Penn Yan’s boys each delivered dominant performances, led by standout efforts from Drew Williamee, Maia Pronti, and Teagan Fingar. Penn Yan’s girls, however, saw their season end with a tough loss to South Jefferson in Class D play.
Residents are voicing strong opposition to a proposed 60-unit affordable housing project on Geneva’s former foundry site, citing environmental and neighborhood concerns. At a public meeting, many questioned the safety of renewed development on the cleaned-up brownfield and the project’s potential impact on the surrounding area. Developers emphasized that no final decisions have been made, but community skepticism remains high.
Falling concrete from the top of a historic building at 120 Genesee Street in downtown Auburn forced emergency closures on Friday. No injuries were reported, but police cordoned off sidewalks and parking areas as a safety precaution, and a specialist will inspect the structure. The incident, similar to one in 2022, comes amid a $7.3 million redevelopment project transforming the building into apartments and commercial space.
