March 3rd, 2022 Daily Headlines
Local Schools are updating mask guidelines after Tompkins County lifted its mask advisory on Monday. According to the Ithaca Voice, the Ithaca City School District will no longer require masks indoors. Ithaca College has also announced masks will no longer be required indoors effective tomorrow. The college will still require masks in the Hammond Health Center, the Emerson Residence Hall, and all health profession clinics. As of this recording Cornell University has not lifted their mask requirement. Provost Michael Kotlikoff said the school will reassess the masking rules in Mid-March.
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On Tuesday, the Tompkins County legislature passed a resolution calling on state lawmakers to pass the Birds and Bees Protection Act. The measure would prohibit the sale of certain pesticides known as Neonics. The resolution says that such pesticides are a leading cause of decline in the honeybee population and can harm birds, fish, and other parts of the ecosystem. Democratic legislator Deborah Dawson said “To me this is a no-brainer, no bees, no food, we starve.”
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Yesterday, a Manhattan judge dismissed an attempt by State Attorney General Letita James to dissolve the National Rifle Association. According to Reuters, Judge Joel Cohen ruled the Attorney General could seek “targeted, less intrusive relief.” The judge ruled the AG could still pursue claims against the NRA itself and its leaders including Chief Executive Wayne LaPierre. James has sued the NRA over allegations of diverting funds towards luxuries for officials along with other questionable expenses.
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State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has announced New York is prohibiting further investment in Russian companies, and is reviewing investments in the state’s retirement fund. According to ABC10, Governor Kathy Hochul declared New York State would no longer do business with any Russian owned entities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The State’s retirement fund finances retirement benefits for state and local workers. DiNapoli said that the fund shouldn’t be greatly impacted from divestment in Russian entities.