Get Local: Your headlines for Friday, May 23rd!
Get the latest in the Finger Lakes including a new report on Cargill, how NYers will be impacted by SALT Cap changes, and Ritts seeking a special prosecutor in ex-Geneva cop's case.
DEC says Cayuga salt mine expansion won’t harm environment
State regulators have determined that Cargill’s proposed expansion of water storage at its Cayuga Lake salt mine will not harm the environment. The Department of Environmental Conservation issued a “negative declaration,” indicating no significant environmental impact. The expansion involves storing water used for dust control and runoff, without changing mining methods or expanding the mine’s footprint. DEC officials also confirmed there is no connection between the mine and the lake and committed to ongoing inspections and third-party oversight.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Showers continue.
Rainy and cool conditions will dominate the Finger Lakes region through the weekend, with highs in the low-to-mid 50s and frequent chances of showers. Rain is expected today through Friday night, tapering to scattered showers by Saturday. Drier weather returns Sunday and Memorial Day, bringing partly sunny skies and warmer temperatures in the 60s. Another round of showers is possible starting Tuesday, continuing into midweek.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The town of Lansing has broken ground on a $22 million public works facility aimed at modernizing its highway department and addressing space constraints. The 43,000-square-foot building will house a larger vehicle fleet, include new office space for the Planning & Codes Department, and feature upgraded fuel tracking and equipment storage systems. Completion is expected by fall 2026. Officials say the project will improve safety and efficiency, supporting the town’s infrastructure needs for the next 50 years.
New York State has allocated $1.71 billion since 2017 to help counties implement the Raise the Age law, which moves most 16- and 17-year-olds out of the adult criminal system. A new report from Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli shows that $658.8 million has been spent so far, mainly on juvenile facilities, caseworkers, and youth programs. Counties are reimbursed by the state if they comply with budget rules, though New York City is excluded from the program. Spending is expected to rise as more counties expand services under the law's long-term shift toward youth rehabilitation.
Congress has raised the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000, offering significant tax relief for residents in high-tax states like New York, California, and New Jersey. The change was included in the latest federal budget bill after pressure from lawmakers representing those states. Supporters say the increase will lower federal tax bills for many taxpayers, while critics warn it could deepen the national deficit. The new cap takes effect for tax filings beginning in 2025.
Ontario County District Attorney Jim Ritts has requested a special prosecutor in the case of Michael Tapscott, a former Geneva police officer accused of selling drugs while on duty. The decision follows the release of personal texts between Tapscott and Jason MacBride, Ritts’ political opponent, which included campaign-related discussions. Ritts cited the need to avoid any appearance of impropriety, while MacBride criticized Ritts for delaying his recusal. MacBride said he welcomed Tapscott’s early support and argued that Ritts should have stepped aside as soon as the connection became clear.
Andrew Wilbur, a 25-year-old from Cayuga County, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography involving victims as young as four. He admitted to collecting explicit content between January and May 2024, storing it on his cellphone and an online platform. Wilbur had previously served time following a 2019 conviction for similar crimes. In addition to his prison term, he must serve 15 years of supervised release, forfeit his cellphone, and remain a registered sex offender.
