WRFI Community Radio News
Local News for June 2, 2023
– Tompkins County Considering A 2 Percent Tax Levy Increase – Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes is proposing a 2 percent tax levy increase in the 2024 budget. She says it’s necessary to cover rising energy costs and emergency services. It would cost the average homeowner about $50 more. To pay for it the county…
Read MoreLocal News for June 1, 2023
– State Regulators Vote To Settle Lawsuit Preventing Marijuana Retail Licenses In Finger Lakes – Retail marijuana licenses can now be issued in the Finger Lakes Region. The state’s Cannabis Control Board agreed to settle a lawsuit during their meeting on Tuesday. The Albany Times Union reports a Michigan resident sued New York because he…
Read MoreLocal News for May 30, 2023
– Ithaca Common Council Members Introduce Gun Storage Legislation – The Ithaca Common Council is considering a gun storage law. It would require gun owners to lock up or disable their firearms in their homes. The issue was discussed at last week’s City Administration Committee meeting. The Ithaca Voice reports the legislation would carry fines…
Read MoreVoices: Ithaca CarShare Members on Life with Car Access
It’s been over a week since Ithaca CarShare temporarily closed. The nonprofit stopped operating on May 19 because of an insurance problem that can only be solved with new state legislation. I called Ithaca CarShare members – Ellie Santoro, Jayne Soulman, and Marybeth Michelson-Theiry to find out how not having access to the car share…
Read MoreLocal News for May 26, 2023
State Health Department Ending COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate For Healthcare Workers New York State is ending its COVID-19 vaccination mandate for healthcare workers. The state health department made the announcement on Wednesday. Officials say the mandate is no longer necessary because of the drop in cases of the virus and rise in vaccinations. The mandate faced…
Read MoreLocal News for May 25, 2023
– Former IPD Acting Chief Sues City For Racial Discrimination – Ithaca’s former acting police chief John Joly is suing the City for racial discrimination. The Ithaca Voice reports Joly says city officials didn’t appoint police chief because he’s white. The suit names Mayor Laura Lewis, five Common Council members and Human Resources Director Schelley…
Read MoreLocal News for May 23, 2023
Republican State Senators Sponsor Bill Preventing SUNY From Housing Migrants Yesterday we told you that Governor Kathy Hochul is asking SUNY schools to consider housing asylum seekers and migrants from New York City. WRVO Public Radio is reporting Republican state senators are sponsoring a new bill to prevent SUNY campuses from housing migrants. It’s one…
Read MoreLocal News for May 23, 2023
– Governor Asks SUNY To Evaluate Dorms For Housing Asylum Seekers – Governor Kathy Hochul is asking SUNY to consider housing asylum seekers on it’s campuses this summer. The Albany Times Union reports all 64 SUNY schools are being asked to evaluate their dorms to help accommodate migrants coming from New York City. Hochul says…
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