Get Local: Your morning newsletter for Thursday, May 8th!
An exclusive with Judy Hart, who played a vital role in creating the Women's Rights National Historical Park. Plus, your daily headlines - including a local park that will be staying closed.
Judy Hart reflects on the creation of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park
Judy Hart, the founding superintendent of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, reflected on the park’s creation and its legacy during an appearance on FLX Weekly. She shared how her efforts in the late 1970s, along with community support, led to the park’s establishment in Seneca Falls in 1982 as the first “Idea Park” in the National Park Service. Hart emphasized the park’s ongoing importance in preserving women’s rights history and discussed her book documenting the challenges and triumphs of its founding.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Cool and cloudy
The Finger Lakes will see cool, mostly cloudy weather through Friday, with scattered showers and highs in the low 50s. Conditions will improve over the weekend, turning sunny Saturday afternoon with highs climbing into the mid-60s and reaching near 79 degrees by Monday. Another round of showers is possible by Tuesday and Wednesday, though temperatures will remain mild in the mid-70s.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
A new analysis found 189 New York water systems have PFAS levels exceeding federal standards, putting some residents at higher risk of exposure to harmful "forever chemicals." Long Island faces particularly high vulnerability due to its single-source aquifer, while more than 3,400 state waterways also contain PFAS. Although compliance costs are a concern, experts argue federal rules could save billions in healthcare costs by reducing PFAS-related illnesses.
Former Geneva police officer Michael Tapscott was arrested this week after allegedly selling a controlled substance while in uniform and driving a marked patrol vehicle. Investigators say Tapscott, a 13-year department veteran, provided Dextroamphetamine to an employee at a local business, leading to felony drug and misconduct charges. Sheriff David Cirencione emphasized that the investigation remains active and pledged full accountability for all involved.
Wayne County Community Schools received the 2025 "What's Great in Our State" Community/Organization Award for its efforts to expand youth mental health services in rural Finger Lakes schools. During a ceremony in Albany, state officials praised the nonprofit’s work integrating mental health support, family engagement initiatives, and peer mentorship programs into local districts. Leaders credited the organization’s innovation and community-driven approach with creating safer, more supportive environments for students.
Kanakadea Park will stay closed through the weekend after heavy flooding and debris from the Almond Dam made the area unsafe, Steuben County officials announced. Nearby Route 21 was also closed due to water covering a bridge, with widespread road damage reported across southwestern Steuben and eastern Allegany counties. Officials are monitoring conditions and promised updates as cleanup efforts continue.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has been granted the authority to close up to three state prisons under the 2025-26 budget agreement, requiring 90 days’ notice with details on affected staff and inmates. The move follows staffing shortages intensified by a correction officer strike and mass firings, as the state continues efforts to reduce costs. Specific facilities slated for closure have not yet been named.
Wayne-Finger Lakes high school sports: May 8th scoreboard
Victor girls’ lacrosse edged Penfield in a thriller, while Palmyra-Macedon cruised past Geneva behind an eight-point night from Jenna Santelli. In softball, Bloomfield continued its dominant run with big performances from Calla McCombs and Ashlyn Wright, and Dundee/Bradford swept a doubleheader against Naples with strong pitching and hitting. On the baseball field, Wayne secured a key 1-0 victory over Honeoye Falls-Lima thanks to a standout pitching effort.