Local News: January 19, 2024

- Tompkins Emergency Response warns of arctic blast this weekend -

Tompkins County Emergency Response says arctic air blasts coming this weekend could push wind chill temperatures below zero. The agency says people should take extra precautions to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Signs of hypothermia include slurred speech, loss of hand dexterity, confusion, and memory loss. And frostbite symptoms include waxy-looking skin, lack of feeling in an affected area, or discoloration of the skin. County officials say to avoid problems limit your time outdoors, and dress in layers including gloves, a hat, and a scarf to protect your face. If you or someone with you experiences symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia get out of the cold and call 911.

- A Congressional committee is questioning Cornell’s tax-exempt status -

Members of Congress are questioning the tax-exempt status of Cornell and four other universities. The House Ways and Means Committee sent a letter to Cornell, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology warning them that their tax-exempt status could be revoked. The Ithaca Times reports that the Republican committee chairman said the reason was a “concern” of what he described as the schools’ “lack of an appropriate response” to the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas. He also stated that the schools have failed to “support Jewish people and students” as antisemitism has increased. Cornell president, Martha Pollock has issued several statements condeming antisemitism and the October 7 attacks. Pollock and Governor Kathy Hochul also spoke out when Cornell’s Jewish community received online violent threats. A Cornell student has been charged with federal crimes relating to allegedly posting the violent antisemitic threats.