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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 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…

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Voices: Ithaca CarShare Members on Life with Car Access

By Celia Clarke

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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INTERVIEW – Liz Field, Ithaca CarShare

By Celia Clarke

Ithaca CarShare is closing down today. They intend for this to be a pause but they are facing insurance problems that can only be solved by the state legislature. I spoke with Executive Director Liz Field about the situation, how it’s affecting their members, and what comes next. We talked on the day before the…

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This Week on The Scene: Dan Torop on the Science, Technology, and Art of Images

By Chantal Thomas

In this week’s episode of The Scene, photographer and art professor Dan Torop discusses his recent work in the exhibitions Falling Water and Three Rainbows; the science and technology that he has used in rendering images of the physical world; and the social and cultural histories that accompany and shape tools of photography and other forms of visual rendering.

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Latest from the WRFI News Team

Daily features and interviews from our community

Local News for May 23, 2023

By Celia Clarke | May 24, 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…

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Local News for May 23, 2023

By Celia Clarke | 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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Local News for May 22, 2023

By Celia Clarke | May 22, 2023

– Ithaca Park Gets National Historic Recognition – Stewart Park has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The organization, Friends of Stewart Park says in a statement that the national designation will help protect the park’s 19th-century buildings. It will also makes the park eligible for state historic preservation matching funds. Earlier…

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INTERVIEW – Liz Field, Ithaca CarShare

By Celia Clarke | May 19, 2023

Ithaca CarShare is closing down today. They intend for this to be a pause but they are facing insurance problems that can only be solved by the state legislature. I spoke with Executive Director Liz Field about the situation, how it’s affecting their members, and what comes next. We talked on the day before the…

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Local News for May 19, 2023

By Celia Clarke | May 19, 2023

Ithaca CarShare Shuts Down Today. Here’s What You Should Know Ithaca CarShare is temporarily closing today. The non-profit is unable to renew its insurance because of a state regulatory issue. Legislation that would resolve the problem was introduced in the state Assembly and Senate. Listen to our interview with Executive Director Liz Field today at…

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Local news for May 17, 2023

By Celia Clarke | May 17, 2023

– Ithaca Seeks To Fill Third Ward Vacancy On Common Council – The City of Ithaca is looking for someone to fill a vacancy on Common Council. Third Ward Alderperson Jeffery Barken announced he will resign from his seat in June. The city’s accepting applications from Third Ward residents who are interested in serving out…

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