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Gov. Kathy Hochul leads Republican Bruce Blakeman 49% to 39% among likely voters with less than three months until Election Day, according to a new Siena University poll. But Hochul remains below 50%, her approval ratings are nearly evenly divided, and Blakeman has gained ground as more voters become familiar with him. Hochul holds a huge advantage in New York City, while Blakeman leads in the downstate suburbs and among independents, with the candidates essentially tied upstate. The poll surveyed 811 likely voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.2 percentage points on its core questions.
Friday and Saturday should stay mainly dry across the Finger Lakes and Central New York, with temperatures generally in the 70s to lower 80s and relatively comfortable humidity. The forecast graphic calls for highs around 81 Friday and 80 Saturday before rain chances increase sharply Sunday. Showers could begin before sunrise Sunday and continue in rounds through the day, with thunderstorms and heavier downpours also possible. Forecasters say isolated flash flooding or stronger storms can't be ruled out, but the exact risk will depend on the track and timing of the system.
Seneca County supervisors rejected a proposal allowing the next Finger Lakes Regional Airport manager to earn as much as $125,000, instead setting the maximum salary at $100,199. They also removed a proposed 3% raise for themselves and moved forward with a measure that would allow the county to exceed the state property tax cap if necessary while preparing its 2027 budget. Officials cautioned that a recent 16.46% jump in sales tax collections was largely caused by a one-time payment, with underlying growth closer to 2.25%. The county is also warning that federal SNAP changes could eventually add more than $570,000 a year to its costs.
Yates County residents pressed lawmakers for more answers about plans for a new jail and the proposed transformation of the Greenidge Generation site in Dresden into an AI data center. Residents questioned the size and cost of the proposed public safety facility, while others called for local action on data centers because of concerns about electricity use, noise, pollution and Seneca Lake. Lawmakers took no direct action on either issue but approved a $40.4 million five-year capital plan and requested another year to complete the county’s broadband expansion. Phase 3 of the broadband project, including Himrod, is expected to begin construction by the end of August and finish by the end of the year.
New York is changing how insurers and out-of-network healthcare providers settle payment disputes involving surprise medical bills. The new rules are designed to improve the independent dispute process while continuing to protect patients from being stuck with those costs. Changes include removing Medicaid managed care from the system, adding the Empire Plan and Student Employee Health Plan, and giving reviewers more time to make decisions. The law takes effect Aug. 26, while the state continues working through the formal regulatory process.
Cornell University will offer its AI Critical Literacy Program to all incoming students this fall after a pilot showed improvements in students’ understanding of generative artificial intelligence. The four-part program covers how generative AI works, ethical questions, its role in education and how students can develop their own policies for using the technology. The program will also be available to other students, faculty and staff, and instructors can adapt the material for first-year courses and advising programs. Cornell says the expansion comes as colleges continue deciding how AI should be used in education and what classroom rules are needed.
Tick-borne illnesses in Ontario County have climbed sharply, rising from 62 cases in 2017 to 337 in 2025. County health officials say cases so far this year are running about 40% higher than at the same point last year. Officials are seeing illnesses beyond Lyme disease, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and Powassan encephalitis. The county plans to continue public education, school outreach, identifying hotspots and collecting ticks with Finger Lakes Community College.
Aurelius officials are still deciding whether the proposed Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway should pass through the town. The planned scenic and historic route would stretch about 550 miles from New York City to Niagara Falls, and supporters say Aurelius is needed to connect two sections and eliminate a roughly 10-mile gap. The Town Board heard a proposal Thursday but stopped short of approving the expected resolution. A subcommittee was scheduled to meet with byway representatives Friday, with a decision possible next week.
New York Sea Grant launches statewide cormorant reporting tool
Tenney energy plan calls for more production, grid security and Finger Lakes conservation
Seneca Falls man charged after damaging items during domestic incident
Waterloo man charged with felony meth possession after bicycle stop
TC3, Family Health Network bringing weekly mobile medical care to Dryden campus
Latino Health Coalition to host free Rochester resource event Aug. 21
TEDx Watkins Glen community event to feature 16 speakers at Watkins Glen International
Seneca Falls museum plans free outdoor art festival Sept. 26
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