Your Morning Edition for Wednesday, Mar. 19th presented by DiSanto Propane!
Cayuga Co. leader talks challenges and plans for future. Plus, Lyons native on groundbreaking track at UB, Odessa has a new mayor, and Hochul talks 'redoing' state prison system.
Cayuga County Legislature chair outlines challenges, plans for government offices and economic growth
Cayuga County Legislature Chair Jonathan Anna is tackling major challenges, including a $5.3 million budget deficit, government relocations, and the fate of the county office building, which has been closed due to contamination concerns. Despite financial strain, Anna remains optimistic about the countyâs economic future, pointing to new housing developments and business growth opportunities between Syracuse and Rochester. His priorities include finalizing plans for the office building, fostering economic development, and ensuring long-term fiscal stability, with more details expected in his upcoming State of the County address.
Finger Lakes Forecast: Cooling off after today, but get outside while you can!
The Finger Lakes region will see a mix of mild temperatures and unsettled weather over the next few days. After a warm Wednesday with increasing clouds and highs near 72, rain moves in Thursday, bringing breezy conditions and a sharp temperature drop, with overnight snow showers possible as lows fall to 28. The weekend will be cooler, with highs in the 40s, scattered showers, and occasional snow flurries, followed by a cold but mostly sunny Sunday before another round of rain and snow arrives early next week.
Fast 5: Whatâs happening in the Finger Lakes?
At just 18 years old, Lyons native Emery Taylor has made history as the youngest student admitted to the University at Buffaloâs law school through its prestigious 3+3 Accelerated BA/JD program. Taylorâs early success stems from her determination, which saw her fast-track high school, win a contentious student government race, and maintain a 4.0 GPA while balancing work and leadership roles at UB. Despite facing health challenges, she remains focused on her future in law, embracing new opportunities with the same resilience that has defined her journey.
Dustin Carnes has been elected mayor of Odessa, winning with 52 votes in a race against three other candidates. He will take office on April 1, succeeding retiring Mayor Gerry Messmer, alongside newly elected trustees Cindy Emerson and write-in candidate William Horner. With 123 ballots cast, about a third of the villageâs registered voters participated in the election.
Gov. Kathy Hochul defended her decision to temporarily suspend parts of the HALT Act amid a widespread correction officer strike, citing the need to address staffing shortages while reexamining the prison system. While officers pushed for HALTâs repeal, advocates and Democratic lawmakers criticized the move as a rollback of crucial prison reforms. Hochul has proposed broader changes, including facility closures and expanded rehabilitative programs, but Republican lawmakers argue her policies unfairly target corrections staff.
Schuyler County officials are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to reverse an executive order that bars former corrections officers from government employment, calling it unfair and harmful to civil service protections. In a letter sent March 18, county legislators and Sheriff Kevin Rumsey argued that the order worsens staffing shortages and contradicts the Clean Slate Act, which promotes second chances for those with criminal records. They have called for an immediate reversal, vowing to support corrections officers they believe have been unjustly impacted.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is advocating for a 75-day waiting period before hedge funds can purchase single-family homes, while State Sen. Liz Kruegerâs proposed legislation takes a tougher stance with a 50% tax and gradual sell-off requirements. Kruegerâs bill aims to curb investor-driven housing costs, particularly in Black and low-income communities, as hedge fund ownership nears 600,000 homes nationwide. If enacted, the measure could generate $50 million in tax revenue to support homebuyers and is currently under committee review.
DEBRIEF: Whatâs the role of local government?
Lake Friendly Living program promotes Canandaigua Lake protection
The Lake Friendly Living program encourages Canandaigua Lake residents to adopt eco-friendly habits to prevent pollution and harmful algal blooms. Participants pledge to reduce chemical use, maintain septic systems, and minimize runoff to improve water quality. With rising concerns over lake contamination, interest in the program has surged. The Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association aims to educate homeowners on simple, impactful changes, like using native plants and reducing lawn chemicals. Over 250 residents, businesses, and organizations have taken the pledge.
The Black Keys join CMAC summer concert lineup
The Black Keys will bring their No Rain, No Flowers Tour to Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center on August 30, with special guest Gary Clark Jr. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 21, at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster. The Grammy-winning rock duo, known for hits like Lonely Boy and Wild Child, recently released their album Ohio Player, paying tribute to 1970s funk. Their CMAC performance adds to an exciting summer lineup featuring artists like Kane Brown, The Killers, James Taylor, and Bonnie Raitt.