July 14, 2022 Daily Headlines

Ithaca police arrested Michael J. Thomas early Tuesday morning in connection with multiple robberies over the past month. According to the Ithaca Voice, Thomas had been arrested last Thursday in connection with break-ins that occurred from June 20th-29th, and was subsequently released of his own recognizance. However, after a string of further burglaries this weekend, Thomas was sighted stealing items out of a boat, and was apprehended after a chase. Thomas is now being charged with five felonies, and is held without bail in Tompkins County Jail. 

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Last Wednesday the Ithaca Common Council voted 8-2 in favor of accepting the report of the Reimagining Public Safety Working Group. According to Ithaca.com, the next steps are implementing some of the recommendations given and putting the rest up for public comment and review. The elements set to be implemented are, the establishment of a civilian leadership position that oversees the city’s safety protocol, community-focused training for armed and unarmed first responders, and improved data collection and data dissemination relating to public safety metrics. In more Reimagining Public Safety news, the city will be hiring a lawyer to investigate potential ethics violations in the process raised by 1st ward Councilmember, Cynthia Brock.

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New York State is launching a $1 million COVID awareness campaign aimed at spreading information about treatment options for those who have tested positive. According to Spectrum News NY-1, the main focus of the campaign is publishing informational advertisements which will run in English and Spanish. The spots will run on TV, radio, and other digital media. The campaign comes at the same time as a new COVID-19 hotline.  For more information on treatment methods, you can visit health.ny.gov/CovidTreatment.

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