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– Air Quality Warning Stays In Effect – The state Department of Environmental Conservation has issued another air quality warning for today. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is causing hazy skies and poor air quality across most of New York state including the southern Finger Lakes. Joanne Labounty is with the Binghamton office of the National Weather Service. She says, “It’s probably going to be at least another day or two. And we’ll have to see what happens with fires and our northwest flow changing a bit over us as well.” Labounty says smoke is in the upper and lower atmosphere because it’s from fires in western Canada, as well as Quebec and Ontario. The DEC…
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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Local News for June 7, 2023
– Air Quality Warning Stays In Effect – The state Department of Environmental Conservation has issued another air quality warning for today. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is causing hazy skies and poor air quality across most of New York state including the southern Finger Lakes. Joanne Labounty is with the Binghamton office of the National…
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Local News for June 6, 2023
– Ithaca Police Expand Search For Missing Man – Ithaca Police expanded their search for a missing man to include part of Newfield on Friday. Police say Thomas Rath went missing on May 19 under suspicious circumstances. Rath was first reported missing from the encampment known as “The Jungle” along Ithaca’s inlet. He is 6…
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Local News for June 5, 2023
Tompkins County Announces $700,000 In Grant Funds For Nonprofits Tackling Opioid Crisis Tompkins County nonprofits can now apply for some of the opioid settlement funds. The County’s Opioid Task Force will distribute $700,000 in grants for work related to the opioid crisis. The money comes from settlements paid by drugmakers and distribution companies. Information about…
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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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