Local News: July 25, 2023

- Severe Thunderstorms Cause Power Outages, Property Damage in Tompkins County -

Thunderstorms and a powerful wind event caused serious damage in Tompkins County on Monday. But, the county’s Emergency Response Team says there were no reports of injuries. There were about 300 power outages according to NYSEG. Trees and power lines came down and there was some flooding in the City of Ithaca. There is also damage in Ellis Hollow, Varna, Enfield, and Danby. 

- THC sodas, drinks just became illegal in New York State -

If you’ve been enjoying seltzers and sodas that contain THC you won’t be able to anymore in New York State. That’s because last Wednesday the state Cannabis Control Board passed an emergency regulation making it illegal to sell the products in New York. WRVO Public Radio reports drinks with more than 1 milligram of THC per serving are now outlawed. The board says they consider the products “unsafe” because they didn’t go through the state’s cannabis regulatory process. Producers say their products are safe and clearly labelled. The new limitation makes the state’s regulations more strict than federal ones which allow hemp products to have up to .3% of THC by dry weight.

- Elmira Corning Airport gets over $4 million federal funding for renovations -

The Elmira Corning Regional Airport is getting over $4 million to reconstruct an apron, an area with hangars and services for private planes. The Elmira Star-Gazette reports the apron hasn’t been upgraded for 30 years. The money is part of $27 million in federal funding coming to New York for airport improvements. It’s the latest funding for the Elmira airport. The work will be done next year.