Local News for Monday, March 7, 2023

New York state is struggling to find a new chief judge for the Court of Appeals. After Senate Democrats rejected Governor Hochul's nomination of appellate Justice Hector LaSalle last month, the number of new submissions has been fewer than expected. According to the Times Union, the Commission on Judicial Nomination is mostly reconsidering 41 initial applicants. Lobbying efforts by conservative and liberal groups have also steadily increased to put pressure on the state lawmakers who confirm judicial nominees. Many Senate Democrats had criticized Hochul for LaSalle's nomination, arguing that his past judicial decisions on cases concerning unions and abortion rights were too conservative. 

The debate over zoning in the town of Caroline wages on. In late February, about 70 area residents attended a public meeting to air their opinions on the latest draft report from the town’s zoning commission. According to the Ithaca Voice, zoning opponents in attendance vastly outnumbered those in favor. Some said zoning would “push the rednecks out of town” or limit their ability to make profits by selling their properties. Two opponents who came forward, Bruno Schickel of Schickel Construction, and Dwayne Austin of Austin Construction, described commissioners as elitists with personal reasons to enact zoning —though neither provided evidence. Mary Alice Kobler spoke in favor of zoning saying, “Zoning will give us a chance to fight off extractive industry and those who want to capitalize on our town.” 

Members of the Grateful Dead, are returning to Cornell to mark the 46 year anniversary of their well-known 1977 performance. On May 8, Dead & Company will perform again at Barton Hall and this time the show will be a benefit. According to the Ithaca Voice, proceeds will be shared between the Cornell 2030 Project which fights climate change and MusiCares a non-profit dedicated to supporting musicians who need financial or medical support. Dead and Company features three members of the original band: Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart. Tickets are not yet available.