Yates DA gives update on major sex abuse case.

Plus, exclusive look at Liberty Conference of Wayne County happening this weekend, as well as a concerning report on housing across New York. We've also got your daily top-10 to get you caught up fast

Each day we bring you the biggest headlines and the stories that matter from the heart of the Finger Lakes. Our newsroom is locally owned-and-operated — keeping you informed and up-to-date every day of the year.

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Yates DA Todd Casella gives update on sex abuse case involving 18 suspects, one victim.

Credit: 13WHAM-TV

Prosecutors in Yates County shed new light on the investigation that left 18 indicted in a case they called one of the most difficult of their collective careers. A total of 18 people were arrested on various sex offense charges committed against a single child. Yates County District Attorney Todd Casella addressed media on Monday about the case. “In my 10 years as a criminal prosecutor, I have not seen a case like this,” Casella said. “And if not for the hard work of the members of the New York State Police and others mentioned, that would still be true.”

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EXCLUSIVE: Liberty Conference of Wayne County focuses on getting parents engaged with local government, school boards.

Recently, Moms for Liberty Chair Jennifer Williams spoke about the upcoming event and longer-term goals. “Right now we’re 100% focused on trying to get people to participate in their local government, starting with school boards,” Williams explained. “If you want to know what’s going on in your school, then you should know who the decision makers are, and who makes up the governing body of your school.” She says its somewhat challenging work, given the vacuum many rural counties in Upstate New York find themselves. “There’s not a lot of fanfare, you know? These are official meetings. But you should know who’s working with your children, because you’re sending your kids to these schools everyday.”

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More seniors will be eligible for Medicare Savings Programs this year: How do you qualify?

More New York seniors will be eligible for Medicare Savings Programs starting this year. New guidelines increase the amount of income seniors can have to be eligible for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary or Qualified Individual Programs. Individuals and couples with up to 138% of the federal poverty level are eligible for a Medicare Savings Program.

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New York’s housing affordability crisis: Person making minimum wage would need to work 99 hours to afford one-bedroom apartment.

The National Low-Income Housing Coalition’s Out of Reach report found someone working at the current minimum wage would need to work 99 hours a week to afford a one-bedroom rental. Along with stagnant wages, rising inflation has also led to higher housing costs. Cea Weaver, campaign coordinator for the group Housing Justice for All, said legislative action must be taken, so people can afford to have a place to call home.

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Today’s Top-10: What’s new in the Finger Lakes?

1. Steuben supervisors fear DEC will let Casella import sludge from Long Island despite moratoriums

2. ‘ANOTHER STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION’: Newark selected as a Provisional Trail Town for 2023 Empire State Trail expansion

3. NYSEG, RG&E says customers owe $180M as late fees, service shutoffs resume: What repayment plans are available?

4. Another day, another budget extender: Lawmakers continue debating spending bill

5. Report says business activity is on the rise across New York: What does that mean?

6. Why does the health care sector want to see a Medicaid spending boost in NY?

7. CONCRETE JUNGLE: Cole Continues Blistering Start, Baty Gets the Call, Red Wings Get Hot (podcast)

8. Farmington parents left scrambling after Care-A-Lot Child Care forced to downsize due to staff shortages

9. SYRACUSE SPEAKS: The 2023 North Division Semifinals (podcast)

10. Mets outlast Dodgers in series opener

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