Local News: January 29, 2024

- Newfield school district among over a dozen state classifies in some fiscal stress -

The Newfield Central School District is among sixteen the state has labeled in some form of financial stress. The state comptroller’s office issued its report based on information from the fiscal year ending in June of last year. Districts on the list were put in one of three levels of fiscal stress: significant, moderate, or susceptible to fiscal stress. Newfield is in the lowest category, “susceptible to financial stress”. The Comptroller says the fiscal scores is based on “districts year-end fund balance, operating deficits and surpluses, cash position, and reliance on short-term debt for cashflow.

- NY cannabis regulators sued again over licensing process -

New York’s Cannabis regulators face another federal lawsuit alleging discrimination in their retail licensing process. The Albany Times Union says the owners of Valencia Ag have filed a lawsuit saying the Cannabis Control Board discriminated against them because of their race and gender. Both owners are white males. New York’s adult-use cannabis law says 50% of retail licenses should go to “individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of cannabis prohibition,” distressed farmers, service-disabled veterans, minority-owned businesses, and women-owned businesses. Licensing resumed last month after being halted for several months because of a different lawsuit. 

- Iconic Ithaca bar across from Commons is to be sold -

An Ithaca landmark is up for sale. Chanticleer, the bar restaurant across from the Commons in downtown Ithaca is recognizable for its neon rooster sign above the door. 14850.com reports the business and 3-story building are listed for $1.15 million. The bar has been owned and run by members of the Leonardo family since 1946. 

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