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– 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 would have to make cuts like a temporary hiring freeze. The legislature’s in the early planning stages for next year’s budget. – Ithaca College Artificial Turf Field Faces Some Opposition After Getting Planning Approval – The Town of Ithaca approved renovation plans for Ithaca College’s Butterfield Stadium last month. The plan includes installing an artificial turf. Some students…
Earlier this week, Ithaca CarShare announced it will be suspending its operations on May 19. The reason is that they are losing their insurance because of a regulatory issue unique to New York State. Assemblyperson Anna Kelles introduced legislation to remedy the problem. She spoke with me about the situation, the legislation and possible fate…
Read MoreProfessor Robert Hockett of Cornell Law School discusses the Federal Deposit Insurance Completion Act of 2023, which contains his proposal for preventing future occurrences of the bank-run fueled collapse that led to the demise of Silicon Valley Bank and others. Listen to the episode: Bob Hockett Find about more about Bob Hockett’s policy proposals: Back…
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Felix Teitelbaum interviews Taili Mugambee about the upcoming community book read of “My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Menakem. The read begins on April 20, 2023 and will be hosted by the Ultimate Reentry Opportunity program. All are welcome to participate. Books will be available at Buffalo Street Books in Ithaca. To learn more and get…
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Daily features and interviews from our community
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…
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Local 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…
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Local 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…
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Voices: 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…
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Local 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…
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Local 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…
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