Local News: July 28, 2023

- Texting Scam Targets Tompkins County Residents -

There’s a texting scam targeting Tompkins County residents. WENY-TV reports that the Sheriff’s department says that texts are falsely offering to pay people to participate in a county focus group. The messages come from a 423 area code. We’ve recently told you about Tompkins County’s new strategic plan process that residents can participate in. The Sheriff says the scam texts are not related to that effort.

- Syracuse Catholic Diocese To Pay Over $100 Million Abuse Settlement -

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse will pay over $100 million to survivors of sexual abuse by its clergy. WRVO Public Radio reports the money will come from parishes and church-affiliated groups like Catholic Charities. Insurance companies will provide the majority of the money that will be put into a trust fund. As part of the settlement, the diocese is also expected to strengthen procedures to prevent any abuse in the future. The Syracuse Diocese includes Cortland, Chenango, and Broome counties.

- Weitsman To Pay Over $400,000 Fine To EPA -

An Owego-based scrap metal company will pay a $400,000 settlement to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Upstate Shredding was accused of not properly managing harmful pollutants. The company is owned by Adam Weitsman. The Ithaca Voice reports the Weitsman family used to own two facilities in Ithaca. They are now closed.