Local News: October 30, 2023

- Cornell Jewish Center receives threats of violence online -

There's an increased police presence at Cornell’s Center for Jewish Life after threats against the Center and Jewish students were posted online Saturday and Sunday. The Cornell Daily Sun reports the posts included threats of a shooting and other violence against Jewish students. Cornell University president Martha Pollock, Ithaca Mayor Laura Lewis, Tompkins County legislature chair Shawna Black, and New York’s Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul have each issued statements condemning the posts. This morning Governor Hochul held a press conference at the Center and condemned the threats. The FBI was notified of the threats.

- TCAT cuts more routes due to driver and bus shortages -

TCAT, the Tompkins County public bus service, has made more service cuts. The latest changes went into effect on October 22 and will last until January 20. TCAT leaders say the reductions are because of a continuing shortage of drivers and buses. They hope in the next three months more staff will be hired and maintenance will put more buses on the road. This announcement follows an earlier reduction of service on some bus routes in September and October. TCAT says the latest changes will be across all service routes. 

- Community support saves funding for Ithaca’s historic Black community center -

A budget amendment that would have removed $200,000 for Ithaca’s Southside Community Center was withdrawn last week. The Ithaca Times reports that the Common Council chamber was filled with supporters of the historic Black community center at last week’s City Administration committee meeting. Alderperson Donna Fleming initiated the measure and then withdrew it. She and other alderpersons say as a matter of principle city money should support municipal departments providing necessary services. Southside supporters and staff say the center does provide services to the community that the city does not.

WRFI + The Ithaca Voice are bringing you a special election series. Tune in tonight at 6 PM to hear from Ithaca’s Ward 1 Common Council candidates Zach Winn, Phoebe Brown, Kayla Matos, and Cynthia Brock.