Headlines

– Despite lawsuit, New Yorkers can still have a say in congressional redistricting – New York residents can give their input about congressional redistricting even though the state Court of Appeals is set to hear arguments in a case about the redistricting commission. The public is invited to submit input by emailing submissions@nyirc.gov or by…

– Broome County gets $6.3 million grant for lead poisoning detection program – The Broome County Health Department has gotten a $6.3 million grant to eliminate lead poisoning hazards. WBNG-TV says the funding is from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to address lead paint and other hazards over the next four years.…

– Cornell professor faces backlash and support after comments about Hamas October 7 attack – There’s been a flurry of petitions, letters of support, and condemnation of Cornell history professor Russell Rickford since he spoke at a pro-Palestine rally on October 15. The rally took place on the Ithaca Commons. Supports say his statement was…

– Sludge fertilizer banned by Steuben County town – The town of Thurston in Steuben County has banned the use of sludge or biosolids as fertilizer. WSKG Public Radio reports the town board unanimously voted for the moratorium at its meeting last week. Town officials say they are concerned about the presence of PFAS or…

– Thirteen New York military installations among those that may be be contaminating groundwater – A recent report from the U.S. Department of Defense finds that 245 out of 275 installations are close to groundwater sources. They include 13 sites in New York State. Public News Service says that the water from military sites may…

– 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…

Tompkins County Legislature tabled resolution in support of Israel and to fly Israeli flag in chamber The Tompkins County legislature was set to vote on a resolution in support of Israel at its meeting on Tuesday night but Legislator Greg Mezey from Dryden withdrew the resolution when the meeting started. Mezey says he started the…

Cornell to test emergency alert system on Wednesday Another emergency test will be heard by residents around Ithaca on Wednesday. Cornell will be testing its emergency notification system on campus sometime in the morning. Text and social media alerts will be sent out. Sirens may be heard off campus. The system is to notify Cornell…