Local News: May 7, 2024

Ithaca Starts Clean Up of Homeless Encampment

City workers have begun to clean up a former homeless encampment in Ithaca’s West End. The clean up was ordered by the Tompkins Environmental Health in early April. According to the Ithaca Voice, work began at the site last week. The small triangular parcel is bordered by train tracks and by Six Mile Creek and is visible from the Taber St bridge. In December, Common Countil adopted a one-year pilot program aimed at providing basic services for unhoused people living in a prescribed encampment zone. The area being clieaned up is not part of that sanctioned zone. Until the cleanup, ten people had been living in the area. 

Meeting for Women on Healthcare Bias

The Tomkins County Human Rights Commission is holding a meeting for women to share their experiences of bias in the local healthcare system. The meeting will be help remotely this coming Monday, May 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 on YouTube. The group say the meeting will provide tools to protect the right to unbiased treatment for yourself and your loved ones. 

Local Teen Going to Albany

Trumansburg High School Senior, and WRFI Youth Radio host Greta Garrison has been chosen to attend the Students Inside Albany program this year. The program provides 60 students from across the state an opportunity to learn about the workings of state government. They’ll get an up close look at the budgeting process, the role of lobbyists, as well as citizen rights and responsibilities.

Cornell Protestors to Stage Walk Out

The Coaltion for Mutual Liberation at Cornell announced a walkout protest scheduled for 3:30 Tuesday. The group called for Cornell faculty, staff, graduate workers, and students to meet at the group’s “Liberated Zone.” Their demands include divestment from companies supporting Israel’s war on Gaza and reinstatement of the 6 students suspended for their protest activities. In a press release they said the assembled protestors would make their way to Cornell’s administrative offices at Day Hall.