Your Morning Edition for Wednesday, April 9th presented by DiSanto Propane!

State budget talks remain stalled, authorities investigate Canandaigua murder-suicide, Cayuga Co. health staff relocated, Waterloo man returns home after shooting/standoff, and more!

Apr 09, 2025

New York State budget still in limbo: Discovery law changes, spending continue to be sticking points

New York’s budget talks remain stalled as lawmakers reject Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed changes to criminal discovery laws and her broader policy additions to the negotiations. The discovery law revisions, backed by prosecutors, have met strong opposition from key legislative caucuses who fear they would harm defendants. Hochul’s $252 billion budget plan — which includes a sharp Medicaid increase and more school aid — has also drawn concern amid economic uncertainty and declining revenues. With no resolution in sight, talks are expected to continue into next week despite the governor’s attempts to accelerate the process.

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Finger Lakes Forecast: Sunny skies today.

The Finger Lakes will see mostly sunny skies today before rain moves in Thursday morning and continues into Friday night, with gusty southeast winds and steady precipitation. Temperatures will remain cool, with highs in the 40s through Saturday and overnight lows in the 30s. Saturday brings a chance of lingering showers, but conditions will gradually improve by Sunday with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 51. Monday looks warmer and drier, with highs in the 60s before another chance of rain returns early next week.

FL1 Weather Center

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

Authorities in Ontario County are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after an elderly couple was found dead in their Canandaigua home. Deputies discovered 82-year-old Priscilla Herbik and 81-year-old Christian Herbik on April 3 after a package delivery driver noticed items outside the home had gone untouched. Investigators say both suffered gunshot wounds, with the medical examiner ruling Priscilla’s death a homicide and Christian’s a suicide. Officials believe the incident was isolated and poses no threat to the broader community.
A car crashed into the Chemung Canal Trust Co. branch on Grant Avenue in Auburn Tuesday evening, leaving a large hole in the building but causing no injuries. The bank was closed at the time, and no employees were inside. Authorities said the driver accidentally accelerated while backing out, and though unhurt, was advised to seek medical attention. The branch will remain closed Wednesday for repairs, with customers directed to nearby locations or the mobile app.
Ontario County supervisors approved a wide slate of environmental, health, and infrastructure measures at their latest meeting while hearing passionate pleas to protect youth and veterans' programs from looming federal cuts. Resolutions advanced included new recycling contracts, composting and reuse initiatives, and a home rule measure to extend county sales tax authority through 2027. The Board also launched a search for a new Public Works Commissioner and approved several health contracts, including a preschool billing software agreement and a strategic plan for aging services. All measures passed unanimously, and the county also celebrated a donation of 54 voting machines that will save $500,000 in replacement costs.
Cayuga County is relocating its Health and Human Services staff to a new office in downtown Auburn, replacing a facility compromised by asbestos. The upgraded space, costing $29,000 per month, will offer better working conditions for staff who have been scattered across temporary sites. Vice Chair Heidi Nightengale called the move a restoration of dignity for essential workers, including those in child welfare and protective services. The state is expected to cover nearly half the rental and utility costs, with operations set to begin this spring under private security.
Steven Lindon has returned home to Waterloo after surviving a violent attack in which he was beaten and shot at by a relative who broke into his house. The April 1 incident ended in a police standoff and left Lindon hospitalized with serious injuries. His daughter launched a GoFundMe campaign that quickly exceeded its goal, raising over $11,000 to help with medical costs and home repairs. With his house now restored and his recovery underway, Lindon and his family are sharing the remaining funds with others impacted by the incident.