Local News for June 15, 2023

- State Cannabis Regulators Raid Two Stores In Downtown Ithaca -

State cannabis regulators raided two stores in downtown Ithaca. Both are accused of selling cannabis products without a license. The Ithaca Voice reports police seized products from Zaza’s Exotic Market and Black Leaf NY on Tuesday. The state’s Cannabis Management Office started enforcing new laws on unlicensed cannabis sales earlier this month. Both Ithaca stores remain open. It’s not known if owners will face any charges. 

- Tompkins County Attorney Announces Bid For State Supreme Court -

A Tompkins County attorney Deirdre Hay announced last week that she’s running for the New York State Supreme Court in the 6th Judicial District. She’s the only Democrat in the race. The district includes Tompkins and Schuyler counties. Current justice Jeffrey Tait is retiring this year. Hay’s opponent is Republican Binghamton attorney Cheryl Insinga.

- Ithaca Public Workers Coalition Is Supporting Starbucks Workers -

The Ithaca Public Workers Coalition is supporting Starbucks workers. The coalition includes City and Bangs Ambulance employees. Starbucks closed all of its Ithaca shops after workers began unionizing efforts but it still has a contract with Cornell. The coalition’s spokesperson Thomas Condzella called the coffee company’s treatment of its Ithaca workers disgusting. The coalition is supporting student demands the university sever ties with Starbucks.