Your Morning Edition for Tuesday, April 15th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Hochul's discovery law fight heats up as budget remains in limbo. Plus, latest on two serious Ontario Co. crashes, a look ahead to several meetings tonight, and more!
Hochul Pushes Discovery Law Changes Amid Case Dismissal Surge
Governor Kathy Hochul is calling for urgent reforms to New York’s discovery laws after new state reports showed that 94% of domestic violence cases in New York City were dismissed in 2023 — a 26% increase since 2019. The reports highlight how procedural technicalities, such as late paperwork or missing evidence, are allowing violent offenders to evade prosecution and retraumatizing victims. Hochul’s proposal, backed by law enforcement and victim advocates, seeks to streamline the process, protect sensitive victim information, and prevent dismissals over minor errors.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Chilly mid-week, better days ahead.
The Finger Lakes will see a chilly, unsettled stretch of weather through midweek, with rain showers likely Tuesday afternoon and snow mixing in Tuesday night as temperatures dip into the 30s. Wednesday will stay cloudy and breezy with lingering snow and rain showers, before conditions gradually improve with sunshine returning Thursday and highs near 51. Warmer air arrives Friday and Saturday with highs in the 60s, but rain chances increase again before a cooler, drier Sunday.
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
The Village of Aurora is moving forward with its acquisition of the Wells College water plant, a transfer tied to the college’s 2024 closure that could significantly impact the village budget. Although the plant is being gifted for $10, officials say it may raise annual costs by over $200,000 and potentially triple water rates without state aid. The Village Board will meet Wednesday to vote on the 2025–2026 budget and review financial reports, department updates, and upcoming intermunicipal events.
Ontario County deputies will ride along school bus routes Thursday as part of Operation Safe Stop, a statewide effort to catch drivers who illegally pass buses with flashing red lights. The initiative aims to protect students during boarding and drop-off, which officials say are among the most dangerous parts of the school day. Sheriff David Cirencione emphasized the importance of the effort, noting it combines enforcement and education to keep children safe.
The Gorham Town Board will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. to hold a public hearing on a proposed moratorium targeting new or expanded farm market operations. The hearing will focus on Local Law 1-2025, with residents invited to share feedback. The board will also handle routine department reports, vote on a new water department appointment, and discuss litigation in executive session.
A serious two-car crash in Hopewell on Monday afternoon left one woman hospitalized and caused temporary traffic disruptions at the intersection of State Route 5&20 and County Road 47. Deputies say Lynn M. McLaughlin, 63, of Canandaigua, rear-ended another vehicle while the driver, Dawn M. Adams of Clifton Springs, was making a left turn. McLaughlin was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital with serious injuries, and investigators cited her for following too closely.
The Village of Newark Board will hold its regular meeting tonight at 6 p.m., beginning with the swearing-in of newly appointed Fire Chief Doug Velte. A public hearing at 6:10 p.m. will address a proposed law aimed at protecting the village water supply through cross-connection control and backflow prevention. The agenda also includes board approvals on fiscal matters, community event requests, department updates, and several training authorizations for police and wastewater personnel.
DWI Arrest Follows Early Morning Crash Into Manchester Restaurant
A woman was arrested for DWI after crashing into a restaurant in Manchester early Monday morning, according to New York State Police. Troopers responded to South Main Street around 5:18 a.m. and found a damaged telephone pole and a large hole in the wall of Jack’s Kitchen, though the vehicle had already fled the scene. Samantha I. Jones, 29, of Clyde, was later found nearby and arrested after an investigation; she faces DWI charges and is due in Manchester Town Court on May 14.
