Your Morning Edition for Saturday, August 3rd presented by DiSanto Propane!

New York stares down fiscal cliff. Plus, distracted driving issues in Canandaigua, preview of Filmore Days, Cayuga County's new economic development plan, and Wayne County business grows!

New York faces fiscal challenges with $16 billion budget gap projected by 2028

New York’s fiscal experts warned state leaders of a looming $16 billion budget gap by 2028, urging savings and strategic planning in Governor Kathy Hochul’s upcoming executive budget. The state’s budget for fiscal year 2025, approved at $239 billion, marked a 7.8% spending increase but left significant out-year gaps, including more than $4 billion next year.

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FLX Forecast: What to expect today?

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Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?

1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Cayuga County is restructuring its economic development strategy by replacing the Cayuga Economic Development Agency with the Cayuga County Development Corporation. [READ MORE]

2. CIVIL SUIT FILED: An Auburn woman is seeking $50 million in damages from Cayuga County, claiming her civil rights were violated in a 2022 welfare fraud arrest. [READ MORE]

3. COMPANY GROWTH: Optimax, a Wayne County tech company, has launched a new venture called Starris: Optimax Space Systems, aimed at accelerating the deployment of space-qualified optical payloads. [READ MORE]

4. SOLUTIONS SOUGHT: Two recent incidents in Canandaigua, where a 12-year-old bicyclist and a pedestrian were struck by vehicles, underscore the dangers of distracted driving. Both accidents, which resulted in minor injuries, occurred in crosswalks on Main Street and Lakeshore Drive. [READ MORE]

5. FESTIVAL PREVIEW: Fillmore Glen State Park will host the lively Fillmore Days from August 8 to 10, featuring races, games, and entertainment. [READ MORE]

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Proposal to expand 8-man football tournament rejected

A proposal to expand New York’s 8-man football state tournament was rejected by the NYSPHSAA executive committee this week. The vote was 27-20 against adding more teams to the tournament format.

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MORE LOCAL HEADLINES: What Else Is Happening?

• Small business hiring steady amid tight labor market, Paychex reports

• State law changes for businesses: What’s coming through early-2025?

• University of Rochester expands homeownership incentive to boost city revitalization: How does it work for employees?

• Geneva receives $1.5M grant for downtown renovation project

• Several beaches closed in Ontario County due to HABs

• Dundee man dies in single-car crash on Lakemont Himrod Rd.

• Auburn City Council will vote on new traffic safety change near school

• Sheriff Schenck: Fatal crash claims two lives in Cayuga County

• Contractor airlifted after pickup truck plummets into Seneca Lake

• Former Addison official sentenced for million-dollar theft, loses pension

• REPORT: Romulus contractor accused of defrauding customers in Ontario County continues eluding justice

• Bath police warn of potential threat from convicted resident

• Tompkins County considers arming probation officers amid rising risks

• Woman charged with shoplifting from Marion Dollar General

• Galen woman arrested for reckless endangerment after domestic incident

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FLX WEEKLY: Brook Hosmer of Hosmer Estates Winery

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AROUND THE US & WORLD: Beyond the Finger Lakes

• How to Improve Lending Decisions with Digital Footprint Analysis

• Biden celebrates major US-Russia prisoner swap, 24 freed in landmark deal

• Poll: VP contenders remain unknown as Harris prepares announcement

• Public confidence in Secret Service crumbles after Trump assassination attempt

• Senate blocks Child Tax Credit expansion amidst election-year tensions

• US recognizes Venezuelan opposition victory amid controversy

• Turkey blocks Instagram over Hamas condolences dispute

• How to Help Someone with Bipolar Disorder who Refuses Help