Your Morning Edition for Thursday, August 1st presented by DiSanto Propane!

Finger Lakes counties see massive sales tax collection growth in Q2. Plus, Schuyler gets storm damage funding, Palmyra mayor says he won't seek re-election, and Canandaigua cracks down on cannabis.

Aug 01, 2024

Local sales tax collections in New York increased by 2.2% in the second quarter of 2024, totaling $5.83 billion, according to a report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. This growth, amounting to $127 million, was primarily driven by New York City, which saw a 3.3% increase.

HOW DID THE FINGER LAKES PERFORM IN Q2?

Cayuga County saw a 6.1% rise in sales tax revenue, bringing in $12.22 million.
Schuyler County experienced significant growth, with a 11.7% increase, totaling $4.23 million, marking it as one of the top performers in New York State.
Seneca and Wayne counties also reported increases, with Seneca at 5% and Wayne at 3%, totaling $8.23 million and $16.51 million, respectively.
Yates County faced a decline of 6.1%, bringing its total collections down to $5.13 million.

Full Report

FLX Forecast: What to expect today?

Extended Forecast

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

STORM RECOVERY CONTINUES: Schuyler County is among those in the Finger Lakes region who will be getting more funds to clean-up from July 15 storms, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul. The state is still waiting on federal help. [READ MORE]
NO RE-ELECTION: After 18 years of service, Palmyra Mayor David Husk will not seek a third term. Husk, 66, cited a desire to spend more time with his family as a primary reason for stepping down from his role leading the Wayne County village. [READ MORE]
BACK TO SCHOOL COOL: Auburn Junior High School will install new air conditioning systems before the new school year, addressing concerns raised by recent heat waves. The Auburn Enlarged City School District plans to complete this capital project by September, according to reporting by The Citizen. [READ MORE]
CANNABIS CRACKDOWN: Canandaigua officials are intensifying efforts to crack down on unlicensed cannabis sales with new legislation aimed at empowering local enforcement. The City Council will hold a public hearing Thursday on a proposed law to amend the cannabis section of the municipal code, with a vote expected the same day. [READ MORE]
FLX LOCATIONS WIN: New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement ending unfair labor practices at Valvoline, impacting nearly 150 current and former employees in New York. The settlement, part of a multistate effort, eliminates restrictive non-compete and non-solicitation agreements that limited job opportunities. [READ MORE]

Learn More About Today's Sponsor!

Yankees win and Mets lose: Ending July on a high note!

MORE LOCAL HEADLINES: What Else Is Happening?

Report: Litigation holds companies accountable for climate impacts

Over a three-decade span, 71 percent of industrial greenhouse gas emissions – that is, emissions from factories and manufacturing – were fueled by just 100 fossil fuel producers. Researchers documented the pollution from these so-called “Carbon Majors,” companies including Chevron, BP and Shell, in a database that came to inspire two dozen lawsuits. Now, climate activists are applying those same tactics to hold the meat and dairy industries accountable under the law. A new study by Yale Law School researchers traces this new trend, and finds that when lawmakers fail to hold corporations accountable, lawsuits can become a tool to create change.