February 17th, 2022 Daily Headlines

Yesterday, Ithaca suffered a water main break that impacted West Hill and downtown residents. According to the Ithaca Voice, residents and businesses were struck with low water pressure, and discoloration. The break occurred at Taughannock Blvd. and West Buffalo Street. Repairs are expected to be completed by tomorrow. Until then, residents impacted by discoloration are advised to let their water run until it becomes clear. 

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On Tuesday, the Tompkins County Legislature approved an update to the county’s “Green Fleet Policy.” The update designates a “fleet manager” to oversee the county’s vehicles. The manager won’t be a new position, but will simply create a new responsibility that will most likely fall to the county’s Chief Sustainability Officer. The measure passed by a vote of 13-0.

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The federal government is giving a $7 Million grant to Cornell researchers and a startup. The funds will go towards “novel clean energy research” including wireless electric car charging, low carbon jet fuel, and construction material made from waste. The funds were announced by Senator Chuck Schumer on Wednesday, and were granted through the U.S. Department of Energy. 

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On Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul extended New York’s State of Emergency through March 16th. According to the Journal News, the declaration will allow the state government to keep emergency powers to combat COVID-19. As the state has seen a decline in COVID numbers, New York has eased some COVID rules and ended the state’s indoor masking requirement. However, the state has kept the masking requirement in schools.