Local News: October 19, 2023

- Twelfth arrest in kidnapping and murder of Thomas Rath -

A twelfth person has been charged in connection with the murder of Thomas Rath. A Tioga County Grand Jury has indicted Joseph Howell on four charges. They are first and second-degree murder, kidnapping, and intimidating a witness.  Rath was kidnapped from an Ithaca homeless encampment called “The Jungle” in May. His body was found in a shallow grave in Tioga County on August 3. State police say there will be more indictments. So far, three people have been indicted for first-degree murder.

- Ithaca short-term rental will have public input period -

The public will get to comment on Ithaca’s draft short-term rental (STRs) policy. The Ithaca Voice says the policy is intended to limit STRs in the city. People could only rent a residential property during the entire year if it’s their primary residence. Otherwise, it could only be a STR during the summer months. All short-term rental owners would need permits and regular inspections, must pay occupancy taxes, and there will be a complaint number for neighbors to report illegal ones or other problems.

- Former governor Cuomo’s legal fees have cost taxpayers about $20 million -

Former governor Andrew Cuomo’s legal troubles have cost New York taxpayers about $20 million dollars. The Albany Times Union says Cuomo is defending himself against two sexual harassment charges and in a legal battle over a book contract. Comptroller’s office records show that over $8.5 million has been paid to four law firms. The firms have contracts for over $13 million to defend Cuomo and members of his administration. The costs are expected to rise because state and federal cases are underway