Morning Edition: Tuesday, April 19
Get caught up in under 60 seconds with the biggest stories, podcasts, and more from the FingerLakes1.com Team!
Biggest News: Major headlines from the last 24 hours!
All new school buses in New York will need to be ‘zero emission’ by 2027
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s $220 billion budget was signed into law last week, and clean-energy advocates say it includes a strong commitment to addressing climate change in the state. The budget requires all new school bus purchases to be ‘zero emission’ by 2027, and all school buses in use be ‘zero emission’ by 2035. New York is the first state in the country to enact this requirement.
New York’s gas tax suspension divides consumers, climate activists
Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to suspend state sales tax on gasoline through the rest of the year was approved with the passage of the FY 2023 state budget. Hochul has affirmed her commitment to covering the estimated $585 million in lost revenue with money from the general fund.
Lawyer for ex-Lt. Gov. Benjamin floats argument to challenge charges
An attorney for ex-New York Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin told a Manhattan judge that he plans to challenge the charges brought against his client on the grounds of the U.S. Supreme Court being hesitant to charge politicians in cases built only on political contributions.
Josh Riley leads fundraising among Democrats in race for NY’s 22nd district
Riley (D-Ithaca) has nearly $190,000 more cash on hand than the second highest fundraiser Francis Conole. The race for the 22nd district pits six Democrats against each other for the party’s June 28 primary.
Tom Reed hosts farewell town hall events across Finger Lakes
Congressman Tom Reed is closing out his 12-year stint representing New York’s 23rd Congressional District with town hall events in Chautauqua, Ontario and Steuben counties. Reed (R-Corning) announced in 2021 that he would not seek another term in the House of Representatives. His “farewell” tour includes town hall meetings in Geneva, Jamestown and his hometown of Corning.
Erie Canal cleanup events planned for Wayne County this weekend
The 17th annual Canal Clean Sweep will begin on Friday, April 22 and end on Sunday, April 24. Over 100 Clean Sweep events are planned along the Canalway Trail system. Friday’s volunteer event coincides with the celebration of Earth Day.
Seneca Nation members, supporters rally in Buffalo to protest Hochul decision
Roughly 200 people, most members of the Seneca Nation, gathered at Niagara Square in Buffalo last Friday to protest Governor Kathy Hochul’s handling of a gaming compact dispute with the Nation.
US mass transit mask mandate struck down by federal judge
U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled that the mandate exceeds the authority of US health officials in battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tampa, Florida judge also ruled that the Centers for Disease Control did not justify its decision and failed to follow proper rule-making procedures. In her decision, Mizelle said she had no choice but to void the rule completely, saying it would be impossible to end it only for the people who challenged it in court.
From the Studio: Here’s what you missed!
INSIDE THE FLX: Geneva Public Library Director Pauline Shostack
In this episode, we discuss why Pauline came to Geneva, the role of emerging technologies and the bright future she sees for the library.
Happening in Sports: Local athletes, colleges, and more!
MONDAY HS REPORT: Lyons baseball tops Clyde-Savannah; Wayne softball rolls past Newark
CONCRETE JUNGLE: Early Season and Going Different Direction
With the season still very young, it has been a story of two different teams across the board on Concrete Jungle. Paul Russo and Kyle Evans dive into the Yankees woes against the Orioles, particularly the offense not generating anything. The Mets continue their early season momentum, taking the series against the Diamondbacks behind a well-rounded attack of both pitching and power.