Your Morning Edition for Wednesday, August 21st presented by Canandaigua Dentistry!
Lyons voters approve $1.7M ladder truck, costs to fix Cayuga Co. Office Building keep surging, disaster loans made available for severe weather in FLX, and state considers implications of nuclear.
Lyons Voters Approve $1.7M Ladder Truck Purchase Despite Community Divide
The Lyons Fire District residents have voted to approve a $1.7 million bond for a new ladder truck, with 227 in favor and 93 opposed. The purchase, aimed at replacing aging equipment, had sparked intense debate within the community. Supporters argued it was necessary to meet growing standards, while opponents said the cost and limited public outreach were problems with the process.
More fall in August: A rebound is coming
Fast 5: What’s happening in the Finger Lakes?
GOING NUCLEAR: The Hochul administration is considering a return to nuclear power as New York faces potential setbacks in achieving its climate goals. Recent talks with a small nuclear reactor developer mark a shift in the state’s energy strategy, which has so far focused on wind, solar, and hydropower. This could have major local implications as nuclear energy is produced presently in Wayne County.
CLOSURE & COST: The closure of the Cayuga County office building, shuttered since May due to asbestos contamination, has already cost the county $400,000 in repairs and relocations. The building, damaged by a windstorm in January, was found to contain hazardous vermiculite asbestos, prompting an ongoing investigation into its spread. Around 300 employees have been temporarily relocated as the total costs to overhaul the building continues to rise.
DISASTER LOANS: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) for small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and private non-profit organizations in several New York counties affected by severe weather. The severe weather included tornadoes, hurricanes, high winds, flash floods, excessive rain, and hail, impacting several counties. Most in the Finger Lakes are eligible.
CHALLENGE DEFEATED: New York’s highest court has ruled that the state’s law permitting early voting by mail is constitutional. In a 6-1 decision on Tuesday, the Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling, affirming that lawmakers had the authority to expand mail-in voting to all registered voters. The state’s Republican Party led the opposition charge.
HATE CRIME INVESTIGATION: The Ithaca Police Department is investigating a reported assault as a hate crime after a man was attacked on Saturday afternoon in the 100 block of Cascadilla Street. The suspect, described as a white male in his mid-20s to early 30s with black curly hair, allegedly made derogatory comments about the victim’s gender identity during the assault.
Out of Bounds: Breaking down Week #1 of the FedEx Cup Playoffs
MORE LOCAL HEADLINES: What Else Is Happening?
New York officials warn seniors of financial scams ahead of National Senior Citizens Day
Cayuga County Sheriff’s July Report: 64 Cases, 1,600+ Calls, Community Engagement
Frost Damage Spurs Emergency Relief for New York Grape Growers
Cornell Researchers Identify DNA Markers as Keys to Aging Prediction
AROUND THE US & WORLD: Beyond the Finger Lakes
Rep. Byron Donalds Pressures GOP Leaders for Biden Impeachment Vote After ‘Bombshell’ Report
Wells Fargo to Sell Commercial Mortgage Servicing Unit to Trimont
FAA Orders Inspections of Boeing 787s After Mid-Air Dive Incident
WHO Official Urges Action Against Mpox, Rejects Comparisons to COVID-19
Appeals Court Revives Google Privacy Lawsuit Over Chrome Data Collection
Kamala Harris Raises Record-Breaking $500 Million in Just One Month
UPS Driver Crashes in Texas After Passing Out from Heat, Union Blames Company
RFK Jr.’s Running Mate Considers Dropping Out to Back Trump, Citing Harris ‘Risk’