Headlines for September 16th, 2022

Applications are now available for the Tompkins Community Recovery Fund offering grants to local organizations, small businesses and government entities totaling $6.5 million. According to the Ithaca Voice, the program was announced by the Tompkins County Legislature last week to support groups impacted by the pandemic. The program is funded by the  American Rescue Plan which President Biden signed into law  in March of 2021. Groups can apply for grants of $10,000 or more towards projects which enhance the community’s “resiliency” going forward.

The New York Times is reporting that Attorney General Letitia James’s office has rejected a settlement offer from former President Donald Trump’s lawyers. The proposal would have settled a civil investigation into the former President and his real estate company. This could set the stage for James to bring a lawsuit against Trump. James is reportedly also considering suits against one of Trump’s children. Donald Jr. Eric, and Ivanka have all held senior positions in the Trump organization. 

A lawsuit has been filed against former Governor Andrew Cuomo by former aide Charlotte Bennett. According to the Albany Times Union, this is the second lawsuit filed against Cuomo alleging sexual harrassment. Cuomo also faces a separate lawsuit from a female state police investigator who alleges Cuomo harassed and inappropriately touched her including kissing her on the cheek. The Governor has sought to repel the accusations recently filing an ethics complaint against Attorney General Letitia James claiming her investigation ignored evidence in his favor including claims that Bennett was accused of making a false harassment allegation against a male student while at Hamilton College. Those accusations were revealed in a federal lawsuit by the student against the college. James’ investigation found that Cuomo had harassed 11 women.