Local News for June 9, 2023

- Air Quality Is Getting Better In The Southern Finger Lakes -

For the first time this week, the state Department of Environmental Conservation or DEC did not issue an air quality warning for our area. The environmental agency issued advisories for most of the state every day this week so far. Smoke from Canadian wildfires was drifting into our region. The hazy skies contained particles they considered dangerous to everyone’s health. Today ozone levels should be good but the federal EPA recommends that anyone unusually sensitive to particle pollution should limit their time outdoors.

- State Senate Passes Bill That Would Help Reopen Ithaca Carshare -

The State Senate passed a bill Monday that would resolve regulatory problems that caused Ithaca Carshare to lose its insurance. The nonprofit paused its operations last month. The Ithaca Voice reports the Assembly still needs to pass the bill and Governor Hochul would need to sign it to help the car share. But, the legislative session was scheduled to end yesterday. We’ll keep you updated on the issue at WRFI dot org.

- New York City Sues 30 Counties For Immigration Emergency Orders -

New York City is suing 30 of the state’s 57 counties for issuing emergency orders to stop migrants and asylum seekers from being housed in their communities. They include Cortland, Chemung, Tioga, and Schuyler counties. Spectrum News reports the City says the county orders are unconstitutional.