May 17th, 2022 Daily Headlines

Yesterday, “Special Master” Jonathan Cervas released a draft of the State’s new congressional districts. The map would create 21 districts where  President Biden won the popular vote in 2020, and 5 where former President Trump did. According to Politico the map is expected to be finalized by this Friday. The originally proposed map would have created 22 likely Democratic seats and 4 likely Republican seats. The new map is significantly more competitive. Voters in seven of the proposed districts decided the 2020 presidential race by less than 10 points. Ithaca would be placed into the new 19th congressional district, where voters voted for Biden by only 5 points. The original map placed Ithaca into what was then the proposed 22nd district with Syracuse. This district would have been much more safely Democratic. Congressional candidate Francis Conole has already announced his run in the new 22nd District and Josh Riley has announced he will run in the 19th district which now includes his native Broome County.

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This week the city of Ithaca is beginning sidewalk work on East State Street. The project will include new granite curbs, sidewalks and curb ramps. East State street will be reduced to one lane of traffic. The project is expected to last for 3 to 6 weeks depending on the weather. Drivers and bike riders should expect delays. 

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On Monday local Tompkins County Legislature Chair Shawna Black and Ithaca College President La Jerne Cornish announced Ithaca will host the 2022 New York State Special Olympics. According to Finger Lakes Daily News, the city will invite over 1,100 athletes and coaches to compete in 8 events on June 24th and 25th. Events will be held at Ithaca College, Ithaca High School, and at Midway lanes. The event is also seeking volunteers. More information can be found on the Special Olympics website at NYSO.org