Local News: May 1, 2024

Cornell Professors Condemn Student Suspensions

On Tuesday, more than 325 Cornell professors signed an open letter condemning the University’s suspension of four students. The students were suspended for their role in the pro-Palestinian encampment on Cornell’s campus. The letter calls the suspensions “unwarranted and excessive.” 

Meanwhile suspended undergraduate protestor Nick Wilson rejected a deal from Cornell’s ​​office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. The arrangement would have allowed him to receive credit for his coursework this semester provided he refrain from all involvement with the  encampment. In a statement he said the offer was an “attempt to silence me and intimidate [his] peers.”

Federal Dollars to Bring High Tech Jobs to Central New York

Tompkins County will likely see benefits from federal investment in Syracuse-based microchip manufacturer Micron Technologies. According to Tompkins Weekly, President Biden was in Syracuse last week to announce more than $6 billion in grants to the facility from the Commerce Department. The CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity estimates that the facility will employ 9,000 people. Senator Schumer estimated that the project would bring 50,000 jobs across the region. Cornell’s NanoScale Facility trains engineers in microchip design and manufacturing. The group is also working with TC3 and BOCES to provide workforce development opportunities for area students looking to work in the microprocessor industry.

Wednesday and Sunday Farmers Markets Open in Ithaca for the Season

The warm weather is here and the Ithaca Farmers Market has reopened its Wednesday and Sunday markets. The Wednesday market started May 1 and runs from 3-6pm. Sunday markets start May 5 at Steamboat Landing.