Welcome to Get Local: Your daily connection to what's happening in the Finger Lakes!
Your Morning Edition newsletter is now Get Local. A refined look at everything happening across the Finger Lakes with a simple focus on connecting you to your community.
If you’re one of the 10,000+ people who read this newsletter every day, you might be wondering: What’s changing? The short answer is—not much, at least to start. Aside from the name change from Morning Edition to Get Local, everything you know and expect will stay the same.
That said, this change matters. The #1 piece of feedback we’ve heard over the last three years—as this newsletter has grown from a few hundred loyal readers to more than 10,000 daily—is the importance of connection. Get Local better reflects what it accomplishes for those readers: Connect you to the communities we all call home across the Finger Lakes.
You might already recognize Get Local from FingerLakes1.com, where it’s been the gateway from major headlines to county-by-county news. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be rolling out some exciting new features—but the core of what you love about this newsletter isn’t going anywhere.
So sit back, relax, and let’s Get Local.
Finger Lakes sales tax collection grew in Q1
Ontario County leaders are calling for renewed action to address housing affordability and discrimination following Fair Housing Month. Rising home prices, restrictive zoning, and a shortage of affordable options have made it harder for residents to find stable housing. Officials emphasized that creating diverse housing opportunities is critical for retaining young people and strengthening communities. Residents who experience housing discrimination are encouraged to contact the county's Planning Department for support and resources.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Showers and storms.
Showers and thunderstorms are likely through midweek in the Finger Lakes, with highs in the 60s and 70s and the heaviest rain expected Tuesday. Cooler, mostly cloudy conditions will settle in Thursday and Friday, with highs in the mid-50s. Sunshine and milder temperatures return for the weekend, with highs near 67 degrees.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The Appellate Division, Fourth Department upheld the convictions of former Auburn High School resource officer William Morrissey III, who pled guilty to sexually abusing a student and sending explicit messages. Morrissey was sentenced to two years in prison and ten years of post-release supervision earlier this year. The appellate court rejected all of his legal challenges, affirming both his conviction and sentence.
State Sen. Pam Helming has introduced the "PROTECT Act," which would require New York judges to consider public safety risks when making pretrial custody decisions. The bill would mandate standardized risk assessments and allow courts to order mental health treatment when appropriate. It is now awaiting review in a Senate committee, where further debate is anticipated.
Mike Northrup, former Republican election commissioner for Ontario County, was honored by Hobart and William Smith Colleges for his work supporting student civic engagement. He received the 2025 Standout Local Election Official Award for helping boost voter participation and maintaining fair election practices. Northrup served from 2000 to 2024, earning praise for his professionalism and dedication to democracy.
The Auburn City Council advanced budget planning, property sales, and infrastructure initiatives during its May 1 meeting, while also issuing proclamations recognizing local achievements. Councilors discussed fiscal sustainability, adjustments to water and landfill fund fees, and the possibility of exceeding the state property tax cap. Several resolutions were passed, including land sales and grant approvals, as the city prepares for major projects and community events.
The Geneva City Council will meet Tuesday evening, starting with an executive session on real estate matters before opening the regular session to the public. The agenda includes proclamations, discussions on the MAP Grant Selection Committee, board appointments, and approval of previous meeting minutes. Residents will have an opportunity to speak during public comment, and the meeting will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel.
INSIDE GOVERNMENT: Dygert, Leeson talk Auburn’s budget gap
US Dept. of Justice sues NYS over climate change superfund law
The U.S. Department of Justice is suing New York over its Climate Change Superfund Act, which fines major polluters to fund climate adaptation efforts. The DOJ argues the law violates the Constitution and the Clean Air Act, while state leaders and environmental advocates say it defends New York’s right to protect residents. Similar lawsuits have been filed against Vermont, Michigan, and Hawaii, as states brace for escalating climate-related costs.