Local News for January 3, 2023

"Go Ithaca" Goes Further

Ithaca’s Go Ithaca program received an $800,000 grant New York State’s Climate Smart Communities initiative to expand its service across Ithaca and Lansing. The pilot program, originally conceived to promote alternative transportation methods, had all but run out of its original $460,000 pilot funds granted three years ago. According to the Ithaca Voice, the renewed investment indicates New York State’s satisfaction with the program’s success. As of August, the program already had nearly 600 members. Membership in the program includes several transportation benefits, including bikeshare access, 40 free TCAT rides, and discounts on monthly bus passes. 

Kathy Hochul Sworn In for First Full Term

Kathy Hochul was sworn in to her first full term as  New York’s Governor on Sunday. In her 30-minute inaugural address, Hochul outlined the core priorities of her administration. Combating the state’s rising crime rates and affordability crisis remained at the forefront of her concerns—especially as those issues have been linked to record population loss in the state. According to the Times Union, the inauguration remained “a largely symbolic” assumption of the governorship, as Hochul finished the last 16 months of former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's third term. However, her recent defeat of Representative Lee Zeldin further cemented her role as New York’s 57th Governor—and the state’s first female governor. Hochul made clear that her history-making inauguration would not be the defining feature of her governorship: "I didn't come here to make history. I came here to make a difference," she said.

Welcome to CNC's First Baby of New Year

The first baby born at Cayuga Medical in the new year was born on Sunday, January 1 at 6:44am. According to 14850.com, Gemma Elizabeth Anderson was born to Julie Smith and Joshua Anderson of Ithaca weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces. Belated happy birthday wishes to Gemma and her family and happy new year to you!