Your Morning Edition for Wednesday, Nov. 30th!
Closer look at NY's cryptomining moratorium, questions swirl around Tompkins deputy, Thruway toll increase, Chipotle opening, recount in Cayuga County, audit critical of Canandaigua schools, and DOT.
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What’s News Today? Get Caught Up Fast!
New York’s cryptomining law spotlights industry’s massive energy use, greenhouse gas emissions
The state’s new cryptocurrency law won’t impede either of New York’s two fossil fuel-powered Bitcoin mining operations, but it is expected to shine a light on how severely the industry’s power usage undercuts the state’s climate goals. And national environmental advocates tout it as a model for other states as they address greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental problems stemming from cryptomining. Peter Mantius joins Josh Durso to discuss the moratorium and what's next in New York.
What did Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office know about officer charged with criminal sex act, official misconduct?
What did the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office know about an investigation into former deputy Kevin O’Rourke? O’Rourke was arrested on November 28th in Livingston County by New York State Police for alleged crimes he committed while employed with the Geneseo Police Department. The accusations against him include coercing a woman who was arrested for aggravated DWI into completing sexual acts in exchange for not being taken to jail. While the exact details of that arrest have not been publicized, the accusation itself has created a lot of questions. Most center around the officer's lateral transfer from GPD to the sheriff's office.
Thruway tolls could increase dramatically if rate hike approved: Non E-ZPass holders would see biggest spike
The New York State Thruway Authority could be considering a toll hike. A meeting slated for Monday, December 5th includes a 5% rate hike for E-ZPass customers, and a larger hike for non- E-ZPass drivers. Those drivers already pay 15% more than people with the travel pass. If the proposal is approved, drivers without an E-ZPass would pay 75% more. The price change wouldn't take effect until 2024, and would include several public hearings for the public to weigh-in on the change.
Chipotle will open first location near Auburn
Cayuga County will soon have its first Chipotle. Construction is underway on the soon-to-be open Sennett location. It will be just outside the city of Auburn, near Staples and Panera Bread off Grant Avenue. It will be the third southwest, Mexican inspired grill in the area with Moe's and Mesa Grande Taqueria already operating.
Michaels grand opening happening this weekend in Auburn
Michaels in Auburn will host a grand opening ceremony this weekend. The event takes place roughly two weeks after the store officially opened to the public. It will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony with officials at 9 a.m., as well as demonstrations, giveaways, local food, and more. The store is located in the former Bed Bath and Beyond.
Recount confirms Cayuga County Legislature will be downsized from 15 to 11 reps
The manual recount required to determine if the Cayuga County Legislature would be downsized in 2024 is complete. Voters narrowly approved the proposition on the ballot with the margin being less than 100 total votes. The legislature will now be downsized from 15 to 11 seats. New legislative districts will be formed to create the 11-member body. Four of the districts will be within the city of Auburn, while the rest are outside. The legislature was mostly supportive of downsizing. Another change will be the end of ‘weighted’ voting.
State audit critical of Canandaigua school’s purchasing processes: Officials agree to make corrections
An audit by the State Comptroller’s Office revealed the Canandaigua Central School District failed to ensure its facilities and transportation department’s goods and services were competitively paid for. Both facilities and transportation departments are overseen by directors, who are ultimately responsible for purchasing, budgeting, and other financial aspects of operation. Auditors found that between July 1st, 2020 and August 2nd, 2022 officials failed to adequately seek competitive bids for purchases totaling $172,760. For its part, the Canandaigua Central School District generally agreed with the assessment and planned to correct.
DOT still recruiting ahead of winter: Less than 100 jobs filled, 543 remain open
And finally, the state Department of Transportation is still recruiting! While winter got off to a fast start in Western New York a couple weeks ago, DOT officials say they’re still short-handed. They typically employ around 3,800 supervisors and operators during the winter months across New York. Right now there are nearly 550 openings, which is down less than 100 from an October 12th plea for prospects to apply. DOT offers in-house commercial driver training and road tests to get licenses. Visit ny.gov/dotjobs to see what's available.
