March 29th, 2022 Daily Headlines
The City of Ithaca Redistricting Group has released a draft of the city’s new ward maps. According to the Ithaca Voice, the maps were announced on Thursday. The maps would maintain 5 heavily Democratic seats where Joe Biden took at least 87 percent of the vote. Under the new maps 2nd Ward Councilor Phoebe Brown would be re-drawn into the new 1st ward. This could set up a 2023 primary battle between Brown and one of the ward’s two democratic councilors Cynthia Brock and George McGonigal. These maps are not yet final.
——-
According to the Ithaca Times, while cases of COVID have increased, the number of hospitalizations and severe illness have continued to fall. Yesterday, the Tompkins County Health Department released information about the new BA.2 variant of COVID-19. The county has not changed their guidance, continuing to urge residents to wear masks when around those who are ill, may not be vaccinated, or are at risk for severe illness. Masks are still required in select settings such as nursing homes, adult care facilities, or on public transit. The County is also making high quality KN95 masks available free of charge. For more information on how to get masks visit the department website at tompkinscountyny.gov/health or dial 2-1-1
——-
A new poll out of Siena College shows former Governor Andrew Cuomo competitive in a hypothetical race against incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul. The poll found 38 percent of state Democrats supporting Governor Hochul and 30 percent supporting former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The poll also found Congressman Tom Suozzi pulling 10 percent of the vote and New York City Public Advocate Juamaane Williams at 7 percent. Rumors of a comeback have circulated around Cuomo after the former Governor began an ad blitz in the state and made appearances at two New York City churches in as many weeks. In his appearances, the former Governor denounced “cancel culture” as the reason for his resignation. Cuomo resigned last August after an investigation found he’d sexually harrassed 11 women.
——-
New York State and Erie County have come to an agreement with the Buffalo Bills to build a new stadium. According to NBC Sports, together the state and county will pay $850 Million towards the $1.4 Billion project. The state will provide 600 Million while the county will provide 250 Million. The team's owners will contribute 350,000 Million plus an additional 50 Million paid to the league as a part of a loan.