WRFI Community Radio News: Recent Episodes
WRFI Community Radio
Original features and interviews originally aired on WRFI Community Radio News.
The show airs Monday-Friday at 6pm at 88.1 FM in Ithaca, 91.9 in Watkins Glen, and online around the world at http://www.wrfi.org/online-stream/
Thank you to everyone who joined the inaugural 'Patch Me Through Community' event on July 10th! Explore Upcoming Events Join us for a summer afternoon in community! Supported by a grant from the Downtown Ithaca Alliance we're gathered for an afternoon to evening celebration and community building. Event is free to attend for all ages!…
Learn More About Recent Grants WRFI has received it's first ever Community Empowerment Grant from the Ithaca Pride Alliance! WRFI Community Radio is the recipient of a micro-grant from the Ithaca Pride Alliance to record and broadcast a series of local history audio "mini-sodes" highlighting queer artists, musicians, and queer community spaces in Ithaca and…
Learn More About Recent Grants WRFI has received it's first ever Downtown Ithaca Activations & Events Grant! WRFI Community Radio and new downtown clothing shop and punk community hub Seed Bomb have received a micro grant to co-host a interactive DIY art, music, and community building event on the Ithaca Commons on Friday July 10th…
Join us for a special CREATIVES on WRFI episode with Ithaca DIY Poetry & Practice At Presents hosted by DJ Clara of Mind Meadow (Airs every Wednesday 6-7pm) Ithaca DIY Poetry and Practice At are joining forces for a massive Punk and Poetry Fest at Stone Bend Farm on May 23rd from noon to night. And just our luck, they’re…
FUNDS RAISED THROUGH OUR 2026 PARTNERS FOR CHANGE COLLABORATION: $630.94 Thank you to all our listeners, and to all the GreenStar shoppers who voted for WRFI throughout the spring, and chose to round up their shopping trips in May to support the station. Our station thrives through the support of our listeners. You can support…
Learn More About Underwriting WRFI is excited to join the Downtown Employee Appreciation Program stewarded by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance! WRFI is now offering a 10% discount on any underwriting package booked by a business within the downtown Business Improvement District (BID) and a 10% discount for any Event Blast underwriting packages promoting community events…
Explore CREATIVES on WRFI Get to know the organizers behind the 'Ithaca Is...' album project. Hosted by DJ Dija of The Strangest Feeling (alternating Saturday evenings 7-9pm). The Ithaca Is… project is organized by a team of MBA students at Ithaca College with backgrounds in music, marketing, and media. Cierra May, a musician originally from…
Get to know festival organizer Sylvie Froncek and discover the weird and mystical events on the the horizon. Hosted by DJ Gianni of Songbird.mp3 (alternating Sunday mornings from 10-11am). Old Greeny Fringe Fest is a week-long (April 27th-May 3rd), fringe festival in celebration of the weird, wacky, and whimsical, rooted in the legend of Old…
From Carnegie Hall to Karnataka, Grammy-nominated violinist Ariana Kim, Associate Professor of Music at Cornell, discusses her journey into Carnatic music during her semester studying violin in India in 2025. Hosted by Daniel Bass of Monsoon Radio (alternating Tuesday nights 7-9pm) "Noted by The New York Times for giving “the proceedings an invaluable central thread…
WE RAISED $12,900+ FOR COMMUNITY RADIO! Spring is SPRUNG - The sun is shining, the plants are waiting with bated chlorophyll for this last cold snap to end before unfurling their blooms - and the WRFI Spring Fund Drive kicks off Saturday April 11th! DONATE TODAY Explore our Gifts for Donors! Details on @wrficommunityradio, WRFI.org,…
DJ Felix of The Scenic Route(every Thursday 12-2) talks to the organizers of the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival (FLEFF) about the 29th annual fest held this week at Ithaca College and Cinemapolis. The 2026 edition of FLEFF runs from March 27 – April 12. This year's special theme is Migrations. Events and screenings will…
Explore CREATIVES on WRFI Tune into WRFI for an interview with Cornell Professor Sophie Pinkham about her new book, The Oak and the Larch: A Forest History of Russia! Learn about the rich, complex narrative woven through Russia’s beautiful forests and hear how it connects to the country’s complicated history. Pinkham’s interview will be broadcast from…
Lily Talmer IN-STUDIO PERFORMANCE on Saturday April 18th at 3pm on Lowlands Radio with Somer Lily Talmers writes of the innate divinity in humanity from a palpably Midwestern vantage. Her lyrics are spiritual and strange—vivid images that range from sludge-covered and dismal to childlike and wondrous. Every song on It Is Cyclical, Missing You was recorded…
Poet Quentin Lewis featured on WRFI's limited series The Undiscovered Country in March 2025 is the focus of a recent New York Times article. Quentin Lewis is fighting his conviction while locked up at Wende Correctional in Western New York. Hear his poems. And listen as he joins Michael in conversation about writing in prison, Quentin’s…
Airing live Thursday 2/26 at 5pm and again Wednesday 3/1 at 3pm at 88.1 FM Ithaca, 89.7 FM Southern Finger Lakes, and 91.9 FM Watkins Glen, or stream online at WRFI.org/Listen. Listen again at WRFI.org/archives, available for two weeks after broadcast, and at WRFI.org/creatives. DJ Cristina of Spinsters Rock (alternating Friday nights 7-9pm) talks to…
This special interview with air first Sunday 2/22 at 12pm and again Wednesday 2/25 at 5pm at 88.1 FM Ithaca, 89.7 FM Southern Finger Lakes, and 91.9 FM Watkins Glen, or stream online at WRFI.org/Listen. Hosted by DJ Rob of Lake Snake Radio. Listen again at WRFI.org/archives, available for two weeks after broadcast, and at…
This interview with Lúnasa is scheduled to air on Monday February 23rd at 5pm hosted by DJ Nina. Tune in at 88.1 FM Ithaca, 89.7 FM Southern Finger Lakes, 91.9 FM Watkins Glen or stream from anywhere at WRFI.org/listen Listen to more CREATIVES episodes Tune in for a interview with international Irish band Lúnasa hosted…
This live performance with Paper Wings is scheduled to air on Saturday February 21 from 3-5pm on Lowlands Radio with Somer. Tune in at 88.1 FM Ithaca, 89.7 FM Southern Finger Lakes, 91.9 FM Watkins Glen or stream from anywhere at WRFI.org/listen Paper Wings IN-STUDIO PERFORMANCE on Saturday February 21 from 3-5pm on Lowlands Radio…
We are excited to announce that WRFI Community Radio is a recipient of a Neighborhood Mini-Grant from Sustainable Finger Lakes! WRFI submitted a first-time application to Sustainable Finger Lakes this fall to expand our on-air Public Service Announcements to include a series on sustainable resources, programs, funding, and services offered across our listening area. Our…
THANK YOU!!! WE RAISED $14,233+ FROM OUR COMMUNITY! It's not just giving season, it's gratitude season. Kicking off our Winter Fund Drive on a very special Giving Tuesday, stay tuned 12/2-12/8 for daily specials and features (SCROLL DOWN) as our show hosts express their gratitude to YOU our listeners and our station supporters. PLUS we…
This special interview with Paige Bethmann is scheduled to air on Monday December 1st from 5-6pm and on Saturday December 6th from 10-11am hosted by Zoë Van Nostrand. Tune in at 88.1 Ithaca, 89.7 Southern Finger Lakes, 91.9 Watkins Glen or stream from anywhere at WRFI.org/listen Tune in for two special broadcasts of CREATIVES on…
This live performance with IDELYNE is scheduled to air on Thursday November 13 from 12-1pm on The Scenic Route with Felix. Tune in at 88.1 Ithaca, 89.7 Southern Finger Lakes, or stream from anywhere at WRFI.org/listen Airing live on Thursday November 13th from 12-1pm for a performance by IDELYNE on The Scenic Route with Felix…
Brendan Canty with Fugazi. Brendan Canty with The Messthetics in Seattle. (Cat Rose photo) Tune in Wednesday November 5th at 5pm or Sunday November 9 at 3pm for a new Creatives on WRFI interview with Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty on the Youth Radio Project Tune in for two November broadcasts of Creatives on WRFI,…
This Special interview with Dr Alice Rothchild is scheduled to air on Friday November 7 at 9am on the Human Rights & Social Justice Hour with host Ute Ritz-Deutch. Tune in at 88.1 Ithaca, 89.7 Southern Finger Lakes, or stream from anywhere at WRFI.org/listen Tune in Friday, November 7 at 9am for an interview with…
WRFI Presents a Square Dance Fundraiser at StoneBend Farm in Newfield on Friday October 24th from 6-9pm. No experience necessary! WRFI & FLX Squares welcomes experienced and beginner dancers. Experience the joy and laughter of a classic square dance, with delicious food from Stonebend, and music by the Mess-a-rounders. A can't miss community celebration in…
This live performance with Courtney Hartman is scheduled to air on Saturday October 4 from 3-5pm on Lowlands with Somer. Tune in at 88.1 Ithaca, 89.7 Southern Finger Lakes, or stream from anywhere at WRFI.org/listen Airing live on Saturday, October 4 from 3-5pm for a performance by Courtney Hartman on Lowlands with Somer. Courtney Hartman,…
This Special interview with Victor Pickard hosted by Roger Smith first aired on Friday October 3 at 12pm. Tune in at 88.1 Ithaca, 89.7 Southern Finger Lakes, or stream from anywhere at WRFI.org/listen Tune in for 'The Media Democracy Blues' hosted by Roger Smith during Crazy Words, Crazy Tune. This special two-hour interview with the…
Starting Monday 9/22, WRFI’s volunteer hosts are pulling out ALL the stops to help raise funds for free speech and free expression here on WRFI. Don’t miss this great special programming and don't forget to give early and often to support your LOCAL nonprofit community radio station. DONATE TODAY Civil society and democracy depend on…
Tune in for '20 Years after Katrina: New Orleans Second Line Music Before and After the Storm: Field Recordings and Interview with Musicologist Nelson Eubanks' hosted with Jacob. ABOUT NELSON EUBANKS Born in New York City, Nelson Eubanks grew up in New York and New Jersey. He received a B.A. from Columbia University in 1994,…
Host Michael Rhynes continues to explore the transformative role of poetry and literature in the lives of people affected by the carceral state. In this episode, scheduled to air Sunday August 10 and Wednesday August 13, hear Michael's interview with Ketu Oladuwa an octogenarian poet who was wrongfully locked up for 5 years on death…
This audio documentary with Larry Schnell aired on August 8th 2025 from 12-2pm EST, hosted by WRFI DJ Roger Smith during his regular 'Crazy Words, Crazy Tune' Friday show. The interview will be available on online after the first broadcast. A SAILOR’S SONG: LOST LOVE LETTERS OF WORLD WAR II FEATURED ON WRFI WRFI’s Roger…
The City of Ithaca is looking for input to plan its 2026 sidewalk improvement work. Walk your neighborhoods solo, with neighbors—or even with your Common Council Member—to help find the sidewalks in your neighborhood that need repair or replacement most. You know your neighborhood best. Which sidewalks are most heavily used? Which are used by…
WRFI talks to author and Cornell Associate Professor of Literature, Jeremy Braddock, about the history and culture of the 60’s-70’s era (and beyond) surrealist comedy troupe Firesign Theater. Jeremy recently published the book “Firesign: The Electromagnetic History of Everything as Told on Nine Comedy Albums” (University of California Press). Jeremy discusses Firesign Theater with Peter B (of…
About Open Country Purchase Tickets to the 7/14 Screening This interview originally aired on Wednesday July 9th 2025 at 5pm. WRFI talks to filmmakers Glenda Drew and Jesse Drew on their documentary 'Open Country'. Join WRFI for a screening of 'Open Country' on Monday July 14th at 6:30pm, with a Q&A with Glenda & Jesse…
UPDATE WINNERS HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AND NOTIFIED! Thank you to everyone who shared their GrassRoots stories with us this week! It's been a wonderful voyage down musical and community memory lane! WRFI is giving away TWO pairs of 4-day passes to the 33rd Annual GrassRoots Festival! Two lucky winners will EACH get a pair of…
WRFI Community Radio & PM Press present a screening of 'Open Country' at Cinemapolis on Monday July 14 at 6:30pm. Open Country is a journey into the roots of American Country music, reclaiming it as the creative musical expression of working people of all colors. Through archival clips, contemporary interviews, performances, and animated graphics, Open…
The Ithaca Pride Alliance (IPA) was formed in 2024 to serve as the first official group of organizers for LGBTQ+ focused events in Tompkins County. Andrew Scheldorf, local drag performer and current Chair of the IPA Board talked with WRFI in advance of their second annual "Pride in the Park" festival, which will take place…
"Neither Wolf Nor Dog" is a 2016 film directed by Steven Lewis Simpson based on the 1996 book "Neither Wolf Nor Dog" On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder" by Kent Nerburn. A free special screening of the film presented by the Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ Learning Project on June 1, 2:30 PM at Cinemapolis— After the screening,…
Jacob White of "Jamaican Clash" presents two important interviews examining the intersection of poetry, liberation, and reggae music. Kwame Dawes is the Poet Laureate of Jamaica as well as reggae scholar and the author of over 30 books. He's done award-winning reporting on AIDS in Haiti. Ishion Hutchinson is the author of three poetry books and has won the…
Here in Central New York we’re surrounded by people we rarely see or hear: people who are imprisoned. Hear the voices of poets who are transforming their lives from within prison walls on "The Undiscovered Country: Voices Over the Wall" with your host Michael Rhynes. Copies of a hand-bound chapbook featuring Quentin's poems can be purchased…
Julia Senzon the new Editor-in-Chief of the Cornell Daily Sun, sits down with WRFI’s Felix Teitelbaum for a quick welcome and “get to know you” followed by a look back at the week in news at the Sun.
What’s happening inside NY’s prisons? In December corrections officers beat Robert Brooks until he died in Marcy Correctional Facility where he was imprisoned. Just days ago another inmate, Messiah Nantwi, was allegedly also beaten to death at Midstate Facility. Prison guards across the state have striking since February 17 in violation of the Taylor Law.…
Gabe Levin, Editor-in-Chief of the Cornell Daily Sun, sits down with WRFI’s Felix Teitelbaum for a look back at the week in news at the Sun. The stories covered in this week’s episode include: Department of Education Orders Academic Institutions to End All Race-Based Programs Within Two Weeks Cornell, 11 Other Universities Sue NIH After…
In the first two weeks of the second Trump presidency, we’ve seen a rapid increase in federal intervention at the local level across the country and right here in Tompkins County. On the first episode of the FLX News Exchange on WRFI, Editor-in-Chief at the Cornell Daily Sun and Cornell junior Gabe Levin and Sun…
Carlos Gutierrez speaks with human and immigrant rights organizer Aly Wane of the Syracuse Peace Council and the Black Immigration Network.
“Living With Grief” explores the ways people navigate the journey of losing a loved one. The series is produced by WRFI’s JT Stone. In this episode Makayla Podufalski, a 22-year-old emergency dispatcher in Ithaca, opens up about how she copes with the death of her mother, Catherine, who died after a years-long struggle with substance…
Host Michael Rhynes interviews attorney Jason Hoge about the new legislation that will make a difference to men and women coming home from prison. The law holds a unique promise for 2.3 million New Yorkers with conviction records. The law will clear the path for them to access the employment, housing, education and other opportunities…
Host Michael Rhynes interviews Taili Mugambee Director or the Ultimate Re-Entry Opportunity about re-entry work underway in Tompkins County. The organization works to address housing, employment, safety, health, and wellness of those impacted by incarceration, and to make policy and systemic change. “The Undiscovered Country” is a radio program and podcast featuring the poetry, prose,…
Elections in our area’s newly defined districts have been decided by razor thin margins. Make sure you're registered to vote today. The deadline to register is October 26. Early voting in Tomkins County runs from October 26 through November 3. Any registered New York State voter in Tompkins County can vote early at either of…
How can we ensure access to healthy, sustainable food for everyone in our community? What can we do as individuals? What changes would you like to see to government policy? How did the pandemic affect the way you eat? Listen back to our WRFI’s September 12 food security and call-in show. Panelists, callers, and host Felix Teitelbaum…
María José Oviedo y Tim W. Shenk del equipo de Futuro en Ag del Cornell Small Farms Program comparten con Carlos Gutiérrez en el programa Alcance Latino. Invitan a conocer las oportunidades disponibles para productores y aspirantes a la producción agrícola que son de la comunidad latina o hispanohablante. De particular interés es el curso virtual…
María José Oviedo y Tim W. Shenk del equipo de Futuro en Ag del Cornell Small Farms Program comparten con Carlos Gutiérrez en el programa Alcance Latino. Invitan a conocer las oportunidades disponibles para productores y aspirantes a la producción agrícola que son de la comunidad latina o hispanohablante. De particular interés es el curso virtual…
Mildred Alvarado, María José Oviedo y Tim W. Shenk del equipo de Futuro en Ag del Cornell Small Farms Program vuelven al programa Alcance Latino con Carlos Gutiérrez. Comparten aprendizajes sobre las finanzas personales y empresariales, claves para desarrollar un negocio agrícola exitoso. Mildred Alvarado, María José Oviedo and Tim W. Shenk of Cornell Small…
“Living With Grief” explores the ways people navigate the journey of losing a loved one. The series is produced by WRFI’s JT Stone. In this episode Jessica Ryan, a teacher at Notre Dame High School in Elmira, opens up about how she copes with the death of her daughter, Rebecca Ryan, who was struck by…
The second annual Democracy Fest will be held in Ithaca on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Organizers Jeff Furman of Rejoice the Vote and the Ben and Jerry’s Foundation, and Rev. Ken Clarke of the Tompkins County Office of Human Rights join host Felix Teitelbaum to talk about this celebration and commemoration of the 1965 Voting Rights…
Mass Evictions and Rent Hikes at West Hill Apartments Residents at a West Hill apartment complex in Ithaca are facing eviction. According to the Ithaca Times, the Delaware-based new owners of Cayuga Gardens Apartments plan to raise the rent in all units by $600 a month. In February they served every resident in the complex…
Protests Interrupt Cornell Commencement Cornell’s class of 2024 graduated Saturday. Like commencement ceremonies at many universities this year, the event was disrupted by pro-Palestinian student protestors. According to WSKG, about 12 people chanted and then walked out. Others wore black and white keffiyehs but stayed seated throughout the proceedings. Kelly's Dockside for Sale A storied…
Monday, May 27, 2024 at 2:15 PM. Tune in to hear more about Juneteenth and Southside Community Center's Juneteenth Jubilee. Big Scoob welcomes Dr. Nia Nunn professor of education at Ithaca College and President of Southside Community Center.
In early May, pro-Palestinian activists at Cornell voluntarily took down their "Liberated Zone" solidarity encampment. In this series, we'll listen to some of them explain why they participated and what they learned. "The word of the day is "solidarity" not only with the encmapment here, but especially with the people in Gaza and in Rafah that are…
In early May, pro-Palestinian activists at Cornell voluntarily took down their "Liberated Zone" solidarity encampment. In this series, we'll listen to some of them explain why they participated and what they learned. Sivan is a graduate worker. "I came to the encampment because I was raised as a Jewish person to fight for what I believe in…
In early May, pro-Palestinian activists at Cornell voluntarily took down their "Liberated Zone" solidarity encampment. In this series, we'll listen to some of them explain why they participated and what they learned. Yomna is a PhD student: "I have been here since minute one. We were in October in front of..in Ho Plaza—a few of us, and…
Ithaca City School District Elections are TODAY, Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Polls are open until 9pm. Find your polling place here. Check out our roundup of ICSD election issues.
In early May, pro-Palestinian activists at Cornell voluntarily took down their "Liberated Zone" solidarity encampment. In this series, we'll listen to some of them explain why they participated and what they learned. Malak is a senior: "I came to the encampment because I'm Palestinian and I have family in Gaza. So it was really beautiful…
Each day this week (May 20-24, 2024) we'll add a comment from a Cornell activist from the Coalition of Mutual Liberation's "Liberated Zone" Palestinian solidarity encampment. The comments were recorded on Monday, May 13, 2024, the day the group voluntarily dismantled their tents and ended the occupation. Photo: CML Voices from the Cornell Encampment: Milay…
In early May, pro-Palestinian activists at Cornell voluntarily took down their "Liberated Zone" solidarity encampment. In this series, we'll listen to some of them explain why they participated and what they learned. Millay is a senior: "I'm a Buddhist. I believe in the mutual liberation of all beings. I think really the thing that I…
Protestors at Cornell’s Palestinian solidarity encampment took down tents and left the Arts Quad Monday. On April 25, the day the encampment was set up, Cornell’s administration told the group it had only hours to vacate. However, 18 days later, members of the Coalition for Mutual Liberation (or CML) voluntarily ended their occupation. As dusk…
Spanish Farm Field Day at West Haven Farm (Photo: Jamie Johnson) Carlos Gutiérrez habla con Mildred Alvarado, María José Oviedo y Tim Shenk, quienes forman parte del programa Futuro en Ag en Cornell. Hablan sobre oportunidades educativas para agricultores de habla hispana y aspirantes a agricultores en el estado de Nueva York. Carlos Gutierrez speaks…
The buy local movement isn’t new. But now, an initiative in Ithaca is offering a different kind of opportunity: to invest in local businesses. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe are nothing new and are donation based. The new Ithaca Exchange is investment crowdfunding. “Investment crowdfunding works with businesses to create actually SEC approved investment…
Sabotage Cuts Candidate Forum Short A forum for Ithaca City School Board candidates Thursday night was interrupted and then cut short. The event was hosted by the Ithaca Teachers Association (or ITA) via Zoom. Seven candidates were slated to participate, three of whom are endorsed by the ITA. According to the Ithaca Voice, the attack…
Cornell President Pollack to Retire After seven years as Cornell’s President, Martha Pollock will retire on June 30. According to the Cornell Sun, in her announcement Pollack stressed that the decision to leave was her own. She added that she had been considering retirement since last fall. But events at Cornell and other campuses lead…
Housing Market in Tompkins Remains Tight The housing market in Tompkins County continues to shrink. According to the Tompkins Weekly, housing stock is down 14% from last year’s already historic low. Brent Katzmann of the Ithaca Board of Realtors called the decline “disconcerting.” In addition to an overall decline in available houses for sale, he…
Ithaca Starts Clean Up of Homeless Encampment City workers have begun to clean up a former homeless encampment in Ithaca’s West End. The clean up was ordered by the Tompkins Environmental Health in early April. According to the Ithaca Voice, work began at the site last week. The small triangular parcel is bordered by train…
Ithaca City School District Election Roundup The district-wide Ithaca City School District election is coming up on May 21. Eligible voters in the district will vote on three ballot measures and for candidates for three seats on the school board. The first measure is a vote on the district’s proposed $169 million budget. It will…
Coalition Pushes for "Just Cause" Employment in Ithaca The campaign for “just cause” employment legislation in Ithaca continues. According to the Cornell Sun, the Ithaca Just Cause Coalition has been pushing Common Council to adopt their proposal and a working group on the matter is being formed. The coalition includes unions, nonprofits and businesses. The…
Ithaca Passes Short Term Rental Ordinance, Green New Deal Plan- Ithaca’s Common Council passed to major resolutions at its regular meeting Wednesday night. The first enacts a long-discussed short term rental ordinance. Under the new regulation, a permit is required to operate a short term rental. A “short term rental” is defined as one for…
Cornell Professors Condemn Student Suspensions On Tuesday, more than 325 Cornell professors signed an open letter condemning the University’s suspension of four students. The students were suspended for their role in the pro-Palestinian encampment on Cornell’s campus. The letter calls the suspensions “unwarranted and excessive.” Meanwhile suspended undergraduate protestor Nick Wilson rejected a deal from…
Chemung Sheriff's Office Gets Boost for Door Breach Training The Chemung County Sheriff’s office has a new training tool. WETM reports that the Elmira-based manufacturer the Hilliard Corporation donated a reinforced door to the Sheriff’s Special Services Unit. The door will be used in training deputies in breaching locked, reinforced doors. The technique is used…
More Suspensions for Cornell Protestors- The student encampment at Cornell remains in place. On Friday four students were temporarily suspended for their participation in the self-described “Liberation Zone.” According to the Ithaca Voice, Cornell administration announced Saturday that more students would be suspended and that referrals to human resources are being made for staff and…
Adjustments Expected to Ithaca Water Bills Ithaca property owners may face unexpected water bills starting this year. The city has relied on equipment to remotely read water meters since 2005. However, batteries in the equipment started to fail during the pandemic and were never replaced. This means that many bills have been based on estimated…
Student Protestors Occupy Cornell's Arts Quad— Activists at Cornell set up an encampment Thursday morning in the university’s arts quad. The Coalition for Mutual Liberation (or CML) called the encampment a “liberated zone” meant to further pressure Cornell to divest from what they call the university’s complicity in genocide in Gaza. Malak, a fourth year…
Pilot Program in Tompkins Adds Emergency Responders— Emergency response times in Tompkins County should be getting shorter. State Senator Lea Webb was in Ithaca Tuesday to announce additional state funding for the county’s Rapid Medical Response program. The two-year pilot program operates three emergency response vehicles and employs nine EMTs. According to Webb, emergency response…
Cornell Undergrad Vote Supports Gaza Ceasefire, Divestment— Last week Cornell undergraduate voted in a referendum polling their views on a ceasefire in Gaza and divestment from 10 military contractors supplying Israel. According to the Cornell Sun, nearly 50% of eligible students voted. And votes for a ceasefire and divestment outweighed those against by nearly two…
Public Hearing on ICSD Budget Announced— Ithaca City School District has announced a public hearing on its proposed 2024-2025 operating budget. The meeting will take place May 14 at 5:30 p.m. at York Hall at Ithaca High School. Last week we reported on a 5-hour meeting during which the board heard from taxpayers concerned with…
Case Against Day Hall Protestors Conditionally Dismissed A case against Cornell student and staff protestors will likely be dismissed. Twenty-four members of the Coalition for Mutual Liberation who staged a sit in at Day Hall in March appeared before Judge Seth Peacock Wednesday. The charges will be dropped provided the defendants don’t commit further violations…
ICSD Board Cuts Proposed Budget Ahead of May 21 Vote The Ithaca City School Board has made cuts to their proposed budget. According to the Ithaca Times, the adjustment was made after a 5-hour meeting with the public. Board members heard from a range of homeowners who spoke to the effect of rising taxes on…
Graduate students at Cornell are pushing the administration to act more quickly in negotiations with their union. According to the Ithaca Voice, last week about 200 graduate students rallied at Day Hall. Organizer Sadie Seddon-Stettler said that the university isn’t making contract negotiation a priority. The union maintains a dashboard showing the status of various…
Competing rallies were held at Cornell Sunday. One was billed as a "Jewish Unity" rally and featured speakers who decried what they say is a rise in antisemitism at Cornell and across the country. The other was organized by the Coalition for Mutual Liberation whose demands include that Cornell divest from what they call genocide…
This is the last of my three stories about freedom of expression at Cornell University this year. Here are links to the first and second stories. The academic theme at Cornell this year is “Freedom of Expression.” In earlier stories, we reported about the general mood at Cornell around free speech, and students' opinions about…
- Former Cornell student who threatened Jewish campus community pleads guilty - The former Cornell undergraduate who posted violent, antisemitic threats against the Jewish campus community pleaded guilty in the federal court in Syracuse on Wednesday. WRVO Public Radio reports Patrick Dai admitted to “posting threats to kill or injure another using interstate communications.” Under…
- Cornell Tech diversity program sued for alleged discrimination against men - Cornell is facing another allegation of discrimination. The Cornell Daily Sun reports that Cornell alumnus Justin Gaffney Samuels filed suit in March against Cornell Tech and the City University of New York (CUNY). He alleges the admission policy for their “Break Through Tech” program…
- Water shut off planned for Watkins Glen this week - Residents in Watkins Glen should expect the water to be temporarily shut off later this week. WETM-TV reports water will be cut on Thursday, April 11 starting at 4 AM. The shut-off is so work can be done on a high-pressure line. It should…
- Horsehead’s considers property tax increase in proposed budget - The Village of Horseheads in Chemung County is considering a 7.5% property tax increase. Village trustees accepted the proposal in last week’s meeting. WENY-TV reports a public hearing about the budget will be held April 18 at 6 PM. You can find more information about…
- Tompkins Whole Health issues eclipse safety reminders - Tompkins County isn’t in the “zone of totality” but a partial eclipse will be visible. Tompkins Whole Health says people should still be careful on April 8. Health officials say don’t look directly at the sun during the eclipse. Even a partial eclipse can cause temporary…
- Groton awarded $4.5 million from state for downtown revitalization - The village of Groton has been awarded $4.5 million from NY Forward. The state initiative is for downtown revitalization and economic development projects. The Ithaca Times reports Groton plans to use the funds to attract more businesses, renovate some housing, and build new trails.…
- TCAT to buy more diesel buses due to electric bus problems - The Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) plans to buy five more diesel buses. TCAT officials say they won’t be buying any more electric buses soon. The Ithaca Voice reports electric buses haven’t performed well in Ithaca’s cold winter weather and steep hills.…
- Ithaca seeks public comment about proposed short-term rental policy - The City of Ithaca wants feedback from residents about the proposed short-term rental ordinance. The law will regulate residential rentals of less than 30 days. Links to more details and how to submit a comment are on our website, WRFI dot org slash news.…
- Cornell issues comments about ongoing protests, Congress sends second letter - Cornell President Martha Pollack and Provost Michael Kotlikoff remain critical of ongoing protests on Cornell’s campus. In an op-ed in The Cornell Daily Sun, they say the protests are disrupting university activities. They say there should be “a robust campus discussion about what…
- Tompkins County may pay for a support specialist for tenants of a private developer - Tompkins County is considering hiring a specialist to help people transition from homelessness into properties owned by the Vecino Group. That’s the Missouri-based company that owns Ithaca ArtHaus and the soon-to-open Asteri on Green Street. The Ithaca Voice reports…
The academic theme at Cornell this year is “Freedom of Expression.” A few weeks ago we reported on the general mood around free speech at Cornell. Today, we’re sharing students' opinions about their free speech rights. WRFI asked to speak to someone in Cornell’s administration about free speech on campus. The request was denied. The…
- State DOT to hold info session about upcoming road work in Ithaca - Residents in Tompkins County learn about some upcoming state road repairs on April 3. The State Department of Transportation is holding an information and feedback session about work it will be doing on State Routes 13/34/96 in the City of Ithaca.…
- The Town of Caroline approves its first zoning law - The Caroline Town Board approved its first comprehensive zoning law by a vote of 3-1 during its meeting last Wednesday. WSKG Public Radio reports the decision comes after about four years of sometimes contentious community debate. The law was designed to limit development and…
- State Senate passes bill banning permits for new gas extraction method - The New York State Senate voted to ban permits for natural gas extraction using carbon dioxide. The bill was introduced by Senator Lea Webb of the 52nd district which includes Binghamton and Ithaca. It came after a Texas-based company, Southern Tier Solutions…
- Early voting for presidential primaries has begun - Early voting in New York’s presidential primaries began this past Saturday. Tompkins County has two early voting sites. They are in the Town of Ithaca town hall on Tioga Street in downtown Ithaca and the Finger Lakes Library System building on Dryden Road in Ithaca. To…
A new report says wage growth in Ithaca is the slowest among 30 similar college towns. Peter Meyers of the Tompkins County Workers Center told WHCU the report highlights what he called a “perfect storm of worker suffering.” Ithaca’s wage growth between 2017 and 2022 was just 16.9%. The top wage growth reported by the…
Overdose deaths and emergencies in Tompkins County continue to rise. According to data from Tompkins Whole Health the number of deaths has increased every year since 2019. The annual number of 911 calls related to overdose or poisoning has also trended upward. The ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and the increased presence of fentanyl and xylazine…
Ithaca Police are investigating a potential bias incident in Collegetown Monday. According to reports by Cornell Daily Sun and the Ithaca Voice, a Muslim woman was spat on by a man on College Ave. Cornell President Martha Pollack condemned the attack in an email Tuesday saying “We must be united and firm in our rejection…
A pro-Palestine group at Cornell is agitating for the university to divest from weapons manufacturers supplying Israel’s war efforts in Gaza. According to the Cornell Daily Sun, the Coalition for Mutual Liberation, or CML, held a campus-wide action Thursday. Members of the group said they would continue to violate Cornell’s controversial Interim Expressive Activity Policy…
Former acting Ithaca Police Chief John Joly is suing the city and alleging racial discrimination and other offenses. According to the Ithaca Voice, Joly, who is white, was passed over for promotion to the permanent role after a bungled appointment process in 2022. Then Mayor Laura Lewis selected Joly for the role without the backing…
- Ann Coulter to return to Cornell April 16 - Ann Coulter will speak at Cornell on April 16. Coulter is a controversial right-wing personality and Cornell graduate. The Cornell Daily Sun reports Coulter has “a long history of making bigoted remarks against minority groups including South Asians, Jews, Muslims and immigrants.” The paper reported…
- Ithaca Tompkins airport among projects getting part of over $18 million new federal funding - Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is getting $1.5 million of federal funding for a new facility. A joint statement from New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand says the new building will bring the airport’s fire, rescue and snow…
- State Assembly passes bill banning CO2 gas mining - The State Assembly banned permitting for a proposed new natural gas mining practice by a vote of 98-50. The bill was introduced after a Texas-based company, Southern Tier Solutions began approaching landowners about leasing their property using a new process. The company said it would…
- Cornell makes changes to controversial Interim Expressive Activity Policy, faculty hold rally calls for it to be scrapped - Cornell University has made changes to its controversial “Interim Expressive Activity Policy”. A statement issued on Monday addressed three aspects of the policy that have been widely criticized. Candles shorter than 6” will be permitted…
- Common council Wed meeting short-term rental policy - The Ithaca Common Council will hold a work session this week to hear about two special topics. The Council will get an update about the Reimagining Public Safety plan. They will also be hearing from staff about the draft short-term rental (STR) policy. The public agenda…
- Newfield to review mobile home park law in public meeting - The town of Newfield will review its mobile home park law at a public meeting on March 28. The law has not been updated since 1998. Tompkins Weekly reports residents say there are problems with severe potholes, frequent water main breaks and other…
- Ithaca Common Council approves permanent cease-fire resolution - The Ithaca Common Council approved a resolution calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza at its March 6 meeting. The Ithaca Times reports the vote came after over an hour of public comments and sometimes heated debate among the Council members. The resolution condemns the killing…
- A congressional committee subpoenas Cuomo in COVID-19 investigation - A congressional subcommittee investigating the coronavirus pandemic has subpoenaed former governor Andrew Cuomo. The Albany Times Union reports that a focus of the Republican-led committee’s inquiry is a 2020 order issued by Cuomo to nursing homes. It required facilities to allow residents with COVID-19 to…
- State law saving Ithaca Carshare goes into effect - The Ithaca Carshare bill became law on March 1. The new law resolves a technical insurance regulatory issue that resulted in Ithaca Carshare and other nonprofits losing insurance coverage for their vehicles. Ithaca Carshare stopped all operations last May. The carshare will reopen sometime this…
- Recent rise in overdose concerns Tompkins County officials - There have been five overdose deaths in Tompkins County since February 18. That brings the total this year to six. The Ithaca Voice reports that’s more than occurred over the same period last year. There’s been a steady increase in overdose deaths in the county…
Cornell’s academic theme this school year is freedom of expression. It was meant to be a year of celebration of one of the university’s core values. Instead how freedom of expression is practiced or protected on campus has become a divisive issue. The theme was announced last April months before war broke out between Israel…
- Tompkins County Alcohol and Drug Council will stop addiction treatment services -The Tompkins County Alcohol and Drug Council will end its patient services and lay off most of its staff. The Ithaca Voice reports the Council has struggled to hire qualified nurses to staff its new 40-bed detox center. The Council is gradually ending…
- Ithaca holds open house about redesign of part of Route 13 near waterfront development - The City of Ithaca wants feedback about the redesign of a portion of Route 13. The area stretches from Falls Creek to where the road splits near Purity Ice Cream. An open house will be on Wednesday, Feb. 28,…
- Tompkins County property values go up almost 20% - Tompkins County has started mailing out this year’s property assessment values. Property values in Tompkins County are up an average of almost 20%. The Ithaca Voice reports the increase is due to rising sales prices. Between 2020 and 2023 the average residential property prices in…
Cornell’s “interim expressive activity policy” has mostly been criticized in online comments and town hall meetings of students, faculty, and staff. Risa Lieberwitz is a professor in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, a member of the faculty senate and president of campus chapter of the American Association of University Professors. Here is some…
Cornell’s academic theme for the 2023-24 school year is freedom of expression. The outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas happened shortly after the school year began. The University’s support of student and faculty freedom of expression has been tested by on- and off-campus protests and in some cases, social media posts. One student is…
- New federal flood maps begin municipal review process - Municipalities in Tompkins County have until May 1 to appeal mistakes in the new FEMA flood maps. The Ithaca Voice reports appeals can only be made about errors in the maps and not disagreements about it. The maps indicate the risk of flooding for individual…
- Broome County reports overdose spike in 24-hour period - The Broome County Health Department reports there was a spike in overdoses. John Barry at the Southern Tier AIDS Project (STAP) says there were 4 overdoses in a short period between February 14 and 15th. County officials are urging anyone who uses drugs to not…
- A programming note - Yesterday we announced that a story about Cornell’s Year of Freedom of Expression would air tonight. We have postponed the broadcast of that story and will update you when it is rescheduled. - Several Cornell fraternities suspended on hazing allegations - Several Cornell fraternities are suspended while the university investigates allegations…
- Ithaca College to test sirens on Thursday - Residents near Ithaca College may hear sirens and loudspeaker announcements on Thursday. The College will be testing its Outdoor Warning System at noon, on February 15. There’s no need to take any action. Students, faculty, and staff may get voice, text, or email messages around the…
- Interlaken Under Mandatory Water Conservation Order - The Village of Interlaken is under a water conservation order until further notice. An order was issued on September 8 and renewed on September 10. The Finger Lakes Times reports residents using the Interlaken water system should limit water usage while maintenance of the village wells is…
The post Local News: September 13, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- NYSEG To Hold Pop-Up Service Center In Ithaca - NYSEG customers can speak directly with representatives from the power provider on September 13. Customer service representatives will be at Southside Community Center in Ithaca on Wednesday from 9 to noon. State Assemblyperson Anna Kelles says they will be there to help with billing, shut-off…
The post Local News: September 12, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Schuyler County owners can buy back foreclosed property - The deadline for Schuyler County property owners to buy back foreclosed properties is next week. The legislature voted in August to allow foreclosed owners to repurchase their land before the county’s annual property tax auction. Owners must submit an offer to the county treasurer by…
The post Local News: September 11, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Seneca Falls Town Board rejects draft host agreement for Seneca Meadows landfill The Seneca Falls town board voted 3-2 to table a proposed host agreement for the Seneca Meadows landfill. The deal is estimated to be worth $173 million for the town over the next two decades. The proposed expansion of the landfill has been…
The post Local News: September 8, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Ithaca artist known as Lost Cat died in April. His name was Gavin Mahoney and he was 55. Mahoney was best known for the many stick cat figures he painted around the city. Shortly after his death friends, admirers, and fellow artists put on a memorial art exhibition. And in July, a sculpture was installed downtown in his memory. I spoke with a few of his friends at both events. Here’s some of what they said about Mahoney’s life and how they will remember him.
The post LISTEN: Memories of Lost Cat, Gavin Mahoney appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Ithaca Negotiations For New Host Payments With Cornell Breakdown - Ithaca Mayor Laura Lewis issued a statement on September 7 saying that negotiations with Cornell University for a new voluntary payment agreement had failed. Lewis says negotiations ended on August 11. In her statement, Lewis says Cornell owns almost half of Ithaca’s assessed property…
The post Local News: September 7, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca Schools Cancel Outdoor After-School Activities Because of Heat After-school outdoor activities in the Ithaca City School District were canceled on September 6 because of the extreme heat. Wednesday marks the third day in a row that the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for the region. Temperatures reached the mid-90s in parts of…
The post Local News: September 6, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
New Heat Advisory Issues A second heat advisory has been issued for parts of the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier. The first advisory ends at 7 PM on September 4. The second advisory is for September 5 noon to 7 PM. The advisories cover ten counties including Tompkins, Schuyler, Broome, and Steuben. The National Weather…
The post Local News: September 4, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- A Fifth Ward Candidate Is Staying In Race For Ithaca Common Council - An Ithaca Common Council candidate is staying in the race as an Independent. Jason Houghton lost the Democratic primary to Clyde Lederman by ten votes in June. Houghton told The Ithaca Voice he’s still running for the 2-year seat in the…
The post Local News: September 1, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Tompkins County Legislator To Challenge Webb For State Senate Seat - Republican Tomkins County Legislator Mike Sigler plans to challenge Democratic State Senator Leah Webb in next year’s election. Webb represents the 52nd district which includes Tompkins, Cortland, and part of Broome County. Sigler is in his fourth term representing Lansing in the Tompkins…
The post Local News: August 31, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Ithaca Wastewater Facility To Get $6.2 M For Upgrades - The Ithaca Wastewater Treatment Facility will get funding for needed repairs. The Ithaca Times reports that the Common Council unanimously approved $6.2 million for the repairs. They include $2.7 million for a new boiler system. The facility serves the City and Town of Ithaca,…
The post Local News: August 30, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Twelve Cases and One Death Caused By Respiratory Infection in Tompkins County - Tompkins Whole Health reports that 12 people in the City and Town of Ithaca have contracted Legionellosis. The health department announced on August 28 that one person had died of the disease. It’s commonly called Legionnaire’s Disease, Pontiac Fever, or Extrapulmonary…
The post Local News: August 29, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Trumansburg Asks Public for Comment on Draft Short-Term Rental Law - Residents of Trumansburg can now review the village’s draft short-term rental law. The announcement from the Village’s Comprehensive Plan committee says the proposed law would require permits and registration of units as well as fire and building inspections. A public forum will be…
The post Local News: August 28, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Steuben County Residents Warned of Possible New Scam - Residents of Steuben County are being warned of a possible scam. The Sheriff’s Department says someone may be posing as a county Board of Elections employee. A person went to an Urbana area home, said they worked for the Board of Elections and asked for…
The post Local News: August 25, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Corning, Inc. Agrees To $150,000 Settlement In Federal Sex Discrimination Suit - Corning, Inc. will pay $150,000 and meet other conditions to settle a federal sex discrimination lawsuit. The suit was brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the EEOC. It alleged that the company failed to promote female machine operators in its…
The post Local News: August 24, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
NOTE: This first item is about suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis please call 988. - Ithaca College Announces Death of A Student - An Ithaca College senior died by suicide last week. Tyler Scerbo was 22. The Ithacan reports he was a member of the Track and Field team and…
The post Local News: August 23, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- TC3 Childcare Center Investigated By State After Complaints - The on-campus daycare center at Tompkins Cortland Community College was recently investigated by the state. CNY Central reports the state Office of Child and Family Services conducted the investigation after receiving several complaints. The agency was able to confirm three allegations. One was that a…
The post Local News: August 22, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
-New York Farmers Can Get Emergency Declaration for May Freeze- Farmers affected by this year’s May freeze can now get federal relief. The USDA is making emergency loans available to farmers in thirty-one counties in New York including in the Finger Lakes. The Albany Times Union reports that grapes, apples and some berries were most…
The post Local News: August 21, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Ithaca Draft Homeless Encampment Policy To Be Revised - Ithaca’s draft homeless encampment policy will be revised before being voted on by the Common Council’s Planning Committee. The Ithaca Voice reports that as it is, the policy lacks the votes to pass the committee. The policy would create new zones where camping would be…
The post Local News: August 18, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Cornell will not renew its agreement with Starbucks - Cornell University says it will not continue to carry Starbucks products after its current contract ends in 2025. The announcement was made in an email from the administration to the student body on August 16. Students, current and former Starbucks employees have been pressuring the…
The post Local News: August 17, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Ithaca Encampment Vote Postponed - The draft encampment policy in Ithaca will not be voted on during the August 16 of the planning committee. The agenda for the Planning Committee of the Ithaca Common Council was changed this afternoon. The draft policy is now in the discussion section of the meeting. Another change is…
The post Local News: August 16, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
COVID-19 Cases Are On The Rise In New York State, Tompkins County Cases of COVID-19 are increasing in Tompkins County. The county health department, Whole Health, has issued a community alert about the rise. In the past four weeks, Whole Health reports the average number of new cases daily has gone from 1 to 3…
The post Local News: August 15, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca Planning To Vote on Encampment Policy The Planning Committee of the Ithaca Common Council will vote on a homeless encampment policy at its August 16 meeting. Residents are welcome to attend and speak about the policy or other issues on the agenda. A link with more information go here. Attorney General and Education Commissioner…
The post Local News: August 14, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- [AUDIO POSTCARD] Whale Watching In Alaska - In today’s newscast, we have something special. Earlier this month our intern JT Stone went to Alaska with his family. During their trip, they went whale watching in Juneau. They got to see something incredibly rare and he brought back this audio postcard. Check out this video…
The post Local News Postcard: August 11, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- STAP To Hold Free MPox Clinic In Ithaca On Thursday - INTRO: The World Health Organization no longer considers MPox, formerly called “monkey pox” an international health emergency but it’s still a health threat. Tompkins County has the highest number of Mpox cases in the Southern Tier. To stop its spread the So. Tier…
The post Local News: August 10, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Brock Announces She’s Staying In Race For Common Council - Ithaca City Alderperson Cynthia Brock announced she’s staying in the race to keep her seat on the Common Council. Brock made the announcement on Tuesday evening at Steamboat Landing as it began to rain. She’s represented the First Ward for twelve years. Brock lost…
The post Local News: August 9, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Ithaca Carshare Demands Governor Hochul Sign Bill To Prevent Permanent Closure - Ithaca Carshare says it will permanently close unless Governor Kathy Hochul immediately signs a bill solving its insurance problems. The nonprofit paused its services on May 19th due to regulatory issues that made it unable to get insurance. The bill has been…
The post Local News: August 8, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Molinaro Supports New Food Supply Chain Bill - Congressman Marc Molinaro is part of a bipartisan group who’s introduced a bill to lower food costs. The House Republican represents the 19th Congressional district that includes Ithaca, Binghamton, and part of Catskills. The bill is called the Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resiliency Act. It…
The post Local News: August 4, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Invasive species continue to change our ecosystems. Recently I went to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge at the top of Cayuga Lake to help pull wild water chestnuts. It’s been in New York for a while but it just showed up in the Refuge this year. I’m going to share an audio postcard from that…
The post LISTEN: WRFI News Feature — Pulling Invasive Wild Water Chestnut in the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- A Celebration of Democracy in Ithaca This Weekend - The Federal Voting Rights Act was signed into law on August 6, 1965. It outlawed discriminatory practices in the South that made it impossible for many Black people to vote. This weekend, a coalition of groups in Tompkins County is hosting a democracy festival to…
The post Local News: August 3, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Seneca Meadows Landfill Community Agreement Could Be Worth $10 Million - The company that operates Seneca Meadows Landfill has proposed a new host community agreement or HCA. The agreement would be worth over $10 million for the Town of Seneca Falls if an expansion is approved by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. FingerLakes1.com…
The post Local News: August 2, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- NYS Police Warn Of Another Credit Card Skimming Scam - A card skimming device was found on a register at a Sav-A-Lot grocery store in Cortland County last week. Skimming is when devices are illegally installed on ATMs or registers to steal people’s credit or debit card information. New York State Police say it’s…
The post Local News: July 31, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Texting Scam Targets Tompkins County Residents - There’s a texting scam targeting Tompkins County residents. WENY-TV reports that the Sheriff’s department says that texts are falsely offering to pay people to participate in a county focus group. The messages come from a 423 area code. We’ve recently told you about Tompkins County’s new strategic…
The post Local News: July 28, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Jim Murphy died on June 29th. He was a big part of WRFI’s growth starting a decade ago. For many years he hosted the Ithaca-Watkins Glen Morning Show every weekday from 7-8 AM. It’s through Jim that many people got involved with the station. I’m one of those people. Jim’s generosity and encouragement were an…
The post WRFI Special: Jim Murphy Remembered [AUDIO] appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Term Limits On November’s Ballot In Chemung County - Chemung County voters get to decide on term limits for lawmakers this November. WSKG Public Radio reports the limits would be for all 15 county legislators and the county executive. The law would limit a candidate to three consecutive, four-year terms. They would be eligible…
The post Local News: July 27, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Schuyler County Administrator To Leave Position This Week - The Schuyler County Administrator, Fonda Chronis is resigning effective this Friday. The sudden announcement came from the county attorney’s office on Tuesday. It stated that the legislature and administrator “announce their mutual decision to conclude their working relationship”. No reason was given for the administrator’s…
The post Local News: July 26, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Severe Thunderstorms Cause Power Outages, Property Damage in Tompkins County - Thunderstorms and a powerful wind event caused serious damage in Tompkins County on Monday. But, the county’s Emergency Response Team says there were no reports of injuries. There were about 300 power outages according to NYSEG. Trees and power lines came down and…
The post Local News: July 25, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Wildlife Hunting Contests Ban Passes State Legislature - A bipartisan bill banning most wildlife hunting contests passed both houses of the state legislature last month. The proposed law prohibits competitions that hunt coyotes, squirrels, and other wildlife species. The Albany Times Union reports violators could face fines of $500 to $2,000. It includes exemptions…
The post Local News: July 24, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Molinaro Campaign Returns $2,000 After FEC Complaint Filed - Representative Marc Molinaro has returned $2,000 to a previous campaign account. The Albany Times Union reports the action was taken after a complaint was filed with the Federal Election Commission by a group called End Citizens United. The complaint alleges Molinaro illegally transferred money from…
The post Local News: July 21. 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Resolution To Oppose Landfill Expansion Fails In Tompkins County - A resolution opposing the expansion of the Seneca Meadows landfill failed to get support from the Tompkins County Legislature The landfill is located in Waterloo in Seneca County. Some of the legislators who oppose the resolution say landfills will continue to be necessary until…
The post Local News: July 20, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Tompkins IDA Approves Tax Break For Housing Project In Ithaca’s West End - Developers of a new mixed-use building in Ithaca’s West End have been given a $3.7 million tax abatement. The Ithaca Voice reports the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency voted unanimously for the 10-year tax break. Visum Development Group is constructing the…
The post Local News, July 19, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Canadian Wildfires Continue to Affect Finger Lakes Air Quality - We are still experiencing the effects of Canadian wildfires. The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says air quality in Central New York today is a risk for sensitive people. That’s anyone with heart or breathing problems, young children, and the elderly. Fine particulate…
The post Local News, July 18, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Air Quality Warning In Effect For Monday - An air quality advisory is in effect for all of New York today. The state Department of Environmental Conservation says the air quality poses a risk to everyone. Air particles can lead to coughing, sneezing, runny nose, shortness of breath, and irritation to your eyes, nose,…
The post Local News, July 17, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca Wins Court Case To Restore Over 1600 Property Maintenance Violation Tickets The City of Ithaca has won a court case about the dismissal of over 1600 tickets issued for violations of the city’s External Property Maintenance Order. Violations include overgrown grass, garbage removal, and failing to clear snow or ice from sidewalks. In January…
The post Local News, July 14, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- State To Appeal Ruling In Housing Discrimination Case - A New York Supreme Court judge ruled in favor of Ithaca Renting and landlord Jason Fane last month. 14850.com reported that State Attorney General Letitia James took the company to court for refusing to rent to people using Section 8 housing vouchers. The AG alleged…
The post Local News, July 13, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- State Awards Tompkins County Over $9.5 Million For Bridge Repairs - Tompkins County will get over $9.5 million in state funding to repair six bridges. The Ithaca Voice reports the money is from BRIDGE NY, a $516 million state initiative to repair bridge infrastructure. The largest allocation is $2.34 [and a third] million to…
The post Local News, July 12, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Schuyler County Administrator on Administrative Leave The Schuyler County Administrator, Fonda Chronis, was placed on administrative leave Monday. The Odessa File reports that no public reason for the action has been given. Chronis was appointed by the legislature a year and a half ago. Microelectronics Company To Build $50 Million in Tompkins County Fabrication Facility…
The post Local News for July 12, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- NLRB Judge Orders Starbucks To Reopen Ithaca Collegetown Store - A National Labor Relations Board judge has ordered Starbucks to reopen its Ithaca Collegetown store after it closed last June. The judge says the company closed the coffee shop to discourage unionizing efforts. The judge issued the decision last Thursday. The Ithaca Voice reports…
The post Local News for July 11, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Ithaca and Danby primaries will be decided in manual recounts - Four Tompkins County Democratic primary elections are headed for manual recounts. This is because the difference in each race was less than 20 votes after absentee and affidavit ballots were counted. The Ithaca Voice reports that both Ward 5 races and the Ward…
The post Local News for July 10, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Correction - On Tuesday, in an item about a proposed gun storage ordinance in Ithaca. I stated that “Acting Police Chief Ted Schwartz had said owning a firearm in the City of Ithaca is illegal.” He did not say that. What he said was discharging firearms in the City is illegal. Owning firearms in…
The post Local News for July 6, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Seneca County Seeks Public Input On Fate Of Willard Psychiatric Center - A public meeting will be held next week about the fate of the Willard Psychiatric Center in Seneca County. The county’s Industrial Development Agency or IDA wants to get public input about what should become of the 475-acre facility. The open house…
The post Local News for July 5, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
First Harmful Algal Blooms of Season Spotted on Cayuga Lake Harmful Algal Blooms or HABs have been reported on Cayuga Lake. Tompkins Whole Health says HABs have been found in the northern parts of the lake. HABs are a blue-green algae. They are toxic to humans and animals. If you see one, avoid coming in…
The post Local News for July 4, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Close Tompkins County Primaries May Be Decided By Manual Recount Earlier this week, we reported the close margins in some Ithaca Common Council races. Some of them plus the Danby Town Clerk election may require manual recounts. The Ithaca Voice reports Ward 5 and Ward 3 in Ithaca had margins of less than 10 votes.…
The post Local News for July 3, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- New York To Get $670 Million Federal Funding To Expand Broadband Access - New York has received $670 million in federal funding to expand broadband access. The money comes from a $42 billion federal program that provides broadband funding nationwide. Senator Chuck Schumer says the money will help rural upstate communities and other underserved…
The post Local News for June 30, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
By now you may have heard about the contentious zoning debate in the town of Caroline south of Ithaca. But, you may not know that it almost led to criminal charges against one resident. In April, the Tompkins County Democratic Committee (TCDC) accused Peter Hoyt of violating state election law. There’s a video showing him…
The post Local News – Primary Day, June 27, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Cortland County Will Not Give Solar Projects Tax-Exemption - The Cortland County Legislature voted 12-5 to opt out of a state tax exemption for solar projects. Developers can still negotiate Payment In Lieu of Taxes or PILOT agreements with the county’s IDA, the Industrial Development Agency. The Cortland Voice reports the legislature made the…
The post Local News for June 26, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Town of Caroline Board Member Resigns - A member of the Caroline Town Board has resigned. Katherine Goldberg announced her departure earlier this month. She held a two-year seat that began in January. The town is looking for someone to temporarily fill her position until the end of the year. Goldberg’s resignation came too…
The post Local News for June 23, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Cortland School Budget Passes On Second Vote - The Cortland City School District budget was approved with 67% of votes on Tuesday. The Cortland Voice reports the first budget for $54 million was voted down in May making the revote necessary. The new budget is $53 million. It is unofficial until the school board…
The post Local News for June 22, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Tompkins County Board Of Elections Asks Residents To Choose 2023 “I Voted” Sticker - Tompkins County residents can now vote for the 2023 “I Voted” sticker. The county Board of Elections launched a contest for high school students to create new sticker earlier this year. The winning design will be available at this November’s…
The post Local News June 20, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Opposition to rate hikes proposed by New York State Electric & Gas, NYSEG, is growing. A group led by Assemblyperson Anna Kelles gathered in Ithaca last week to speak out against them. Kelles stood with local lawmakers and residents Thursday on the steps of the Tompkins County Legislature. She says the power company’s claims that…
The post June 19, 2023 – Opposition to NYSEG Rate Hikes Grows appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Tompkins County Businesses Don’t Create Promised Jobs After Getting Tax Deals - Half the Tompkins County businesses getting tax abatements haven’t created the jobs they promised last year. That’s according to a new report from the Tompkins County Industrial Development Authority, or TCIDA. The Ithaca Voice reports the IDA says the pandemic, low unemployment…
The post Local News for June 16, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
This is the last of our series with Common Council primary candidates. Ward 5 candidates are: Michelle Song, Clyde Lederman, Jason Houghton, and Margaret Fabrizio. The Ward includes Cornell Heights and parts of East Hill. Ward 4 candidates are unopposed. Early voting for the Democratic primary starts on Saturday. The series has been supported, in…
The post LISTEN – Conversation with Ward 5 Common Council Candidates appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- State Cannabis Regulators Raid Two Stores In Downtown Ithaca - State cannabis regulators raided two stores in downtown Ithaca. Both are accused of selling cannabis products without a license. The Ithaca Voice reports police seized products from Zaza’s Exotic Market and Black Leaf NY on Tuesday. The state’s Cannabis Management Office started enforcing new…
The post Local News for June 15, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
WRFI Community Radio and The Ithaca Voice are bringing you conversations with candidates in the 4 contested Common Council primary races. WRFI's Celia Clarke and Matt Butler Editor-in-Chief of The Ithaca Voice conducted the interview. Today, you’ll hear from Ward 3 candidates: Nathan Sitaraman, Dave Shapiro, and Pierre Saint-Perez. The Ward includes South Hill and…
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A Republican Joins Race for Ithaca Mayor Janis Kelly announced she is running for mayor of Ithaca during the public comment period of the June 7 Common Council meeting. The Republican said the Council has failed the citizens of Ithaca in three ways. She criticized the Reimagining Public Safety planning, the lack of a permanent…
The post Local News for June 14, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
WRFI Community Radio and The Ithaca Voice are bringing you conversations with candidates in the 4 contested Common Council primary races. Celia Clarke and Matt Butler Editor-in-Chief of The Ithaca Voice conducted the interviews. Today, you’ll hear from Ward 2 candidates: Kris Haines Sharp, Aryeal Jackson, and West Fox. The Ward includes Fall Creek and…
The post Conversation with Ward 2 Common Council Candidates appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca’s largest mural is completed. It’s on the Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services’ building on Plain Street between MLK, Jr. and Seneca Streets. Artists Betsy Casanas and Mauricio Mache designed it. Community members helped them paint it. The images shows people gardening, flowers blooming and a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. A few days before it was…
The post FLX Voices – Ithaca’s Newest Mural appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
WRFI Community Radio and The Ithaca Voice are bringing you conversations with candidates in the 4 contested Common Council primary races. Celia Clarke of WRFI and Matt Butler Editor-in-Chief of The Ithaca Voice interviewed the candidates. Today, you’ll hear from Ward 1 candidates: Kayla Matos and incumbent Cynthia Brock. The Ward includes Southside, Northside, and…
The post Conversations with Ward 1 Common Council Candidates appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Transcript coming soon!
The post LISTEN: Conversion with Ward 1 Common Council Candidates appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Legislation To Save Ithaca CarShare Passes State Assembly on Last Day of Session Late last Thursday, the state Assembly passed the legislation that would solve Ithaca Carshare’s regulatory problems. The nonprofit has been closed since last month because of a technical issue that left it unable to get insurance. The bill only needs Governor…
The post Local News for June 12, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
2023 Ithaca Common Council Election Coverage For the first time in 10 years, Voters in the City of Ithaca have the chance to elect a new mayor and the entire Common Council. WRFI and the Ithaca Voice have teamed up to bring you a week of interviews with Common Council candidates before the primary. Tune…
The post 2023 Ithaca Common Council Elections appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Air Quality Is Getting Better In The Southern Finger Lakes - For the first time this week, the state Department of Environmental Conservation or DEC did not issue an air quality warning for our area. The environmental agency issued advisories for most of the state every day this week so far. Smoke from Canadian…
The post Local News for June 9, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Air Quality Worsens Across The Finger Lakes As Canadian Wildfires Continue - The effects of Canadian wildfires are getting worse in our area. For a third day, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an air quality warning. And they now say the air is unhealthy for everyone. The state health department is…
The post Local News for June 8, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Air Quality Warning Stays In Effect - The state Department of Environmental Conservation has issued another air quality warning for today. Smoke from Canadian wildfires is causing hazy skies and poor air quality across most of New York state including the southern Finger Lakes. Joanne Labounty is with the Binghamton office of the National…
The post Local News for June 7, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Ithaca Police Expand Search For Missing Man - Ithaca Police expanded their search for a missing man to include part of Newfield on Friday. Police say Thomas Rath went missing on May 19 under suspicious circumstances. Rath was first reported missing from the encampment known as “The Jungle” along Ithaca’s inlet. He is 6…
The post Local News for June 6, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Tompkins County Announces $700,000 In Grant Funds For Nonprofits Tackling Opioid Crisis Tompkins County nonprofits can now apply for some of the opioid settlement funds. The County’s Opioid Task Force will distribute $700,000 in grants for work related to the opioid crisis. The money comes from settlements paid by drugmakers and distribution companies. Information about…
The post Local News for June 5, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Tompkins County Considering A 2 Percent Tax Levy Increase - Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes is proposing a 2 percent tax levy increase in the 2024 budget. She says it’s necessary to cover rising energy costs and emergency services. It would cost the average homeowner about $50 more. To pay for it the county…
The post Local News for June 2, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- State Regulators Vote To Settle Lawsuit Preventing Marijuana Retail Licenses In Finger Lakes - Retail marijuana licenses can now be issued in the Finger Lakes Region. The state’s Cannabis Control Board agreed to settle a lawsuit during their meeting on Tuesday. The Albany Times Union reports a Michigan resident sued New York because he…
The post Local News for June 1, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Ithaca Common Council Members Introduce Gun Storage Legislation - The Ithaca Common Council is considering a gun storage law. It would require gun owners to lock up or disable their firearms in their homes. The issue was discussed at last week’s City Administration Committee meeting. The Ithaca Voice reports the legislation would carry fines…
The post Local News for May 30, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
It’s been over a week since Ithaca CarShare temporarily closed. The nonprofit stopped operating on May 19 because of an insurance problem that can only be solved with new state legislation. I called Ithaca CarShare members – Ellie Santoro, Jayne Soulman, and Marybeth Michelson-Theiry to find out how not having access to the car share…
The post Local News for may 29, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
State Health Department Ending COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate For Healthcare Workers New York State is ending its COVID-19 vaccination mandate for healthcare workers. The state health department made the announcement on Wednesday. Officials say the mandate is no longer necessary because of the drop in cases of the virus and rise in vaccinations. The mandate faced…
The post Local News for May 26, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Former IPD Acting Chief Sues City For Racial Discrimination - Ithaca’s former acting police chief John Joly is suing the City for racial discrimination. The Ithaca Voice reports Joly says city officials didn’t appoint police chief because he’s white. The suit names Mayor Laura Lewis, five Common Council members and Human Resources Director Schelley…
The post Local News for May 25, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Republican State Senators Sponsor Bill Preventing SUNY From Housing Migrants Yesterday we told you that Governor Kathy Hochul is asking SUNY schools to consider housing asylum seekers and migrants from New York City. WRVO Public Radio is reporting Republican state senators are sponsoring a new bill to prevent SUNY campuses from housing migrants. It’s one…
The post Local News for May 23, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Governor Asks SUNY To Evaluate Dorms For Housing Asylum Seekers - Governor Kathy Hochul is asking SUNY to consider housing asylum seekers on it’s campuses this summer. The Albany Times Union reports all 64 SUNY schools are being asked to evaluate their dorms to help accommodate migrants coming from New York City. Hochul says…
The post Local News for May 23, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Ithaca Park Gets National Historic Recognition - Stewart Park has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The organization, Friends of Stewart Park says in a statement that the national designation will help protect the park’s 19th-century buildings. It will also makes the park eligible for state historic preservation matching funds. Earlier…
The post Local News for May 22, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca CarShare is closing down today. They intend for this to be a pause but they are facing insurance problems that can only be solved by the state legislature. I spoke with Executive Director Liz Field about the situation, how it’s affecting their members, and what comes next. We talked on the day before the…
The post INTERVIEW – Liz Field, Ithaca CarShare appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca CarShare Shuts Down Today. Here's What You Should Know Ithaca CarShare is temporarily closing today. The non-profit is unable to renew its insurance because of a state regulatory issue. Legislation that would resolve the problem was introduced in the state Assembly and Senate. Listen to our interview with Executive Director Liz Field today at…
The post Local News for May 19, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Ithaca Seeks To Fill Third Ward Vacancy On Common Council - The City of Ithaca is looking for someone to fill a vacancy on Common Council. Third Ward Alderperson Jeffery Barken announced he will resign from his seat in June. The city’s accepting applications from Third Ward residents who are interested in serving out…
The post Local news for May 17, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- State Inspector General Investigates $64M Spent On COVID-19 Vaccination App - Even though the COVID-19 state of emergency has ended, New York State is increasing spending for the Excelsior Pass. It’s the app that keeps track of your vaccination records. The Albany Times Union reports the State Inspector General is investigating a $200 million…
The post Local News for May 16 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Schuyler, Tompkins Officials Take Different Approaches to Migrant Surge County officials outside New York City are responding to the end of Title 42 by declaring states of emergency to stop asylum seekers from coming upstate. Title 42 is the name of a federal emergency health order. It allowed U.S. officials to prevent migrants and asylum…
The post Local News for May 15, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Hochul Declares State of Emergency Because of Rising Immigration - Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Tuesday because of the increasing number of “migrants seeking shelter” in New York State. The Albany Times Union reports Hochul made the move because New York City Mayor Eric Adams has started sending some migrants…
The post Local News for May 12, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- School Board Budgets: Groton, Trumansburg - This week, we’re sharing information about school district budgets. Next Tuesday voters will choose to accept or reject their district’s proposals. Here are links to the $25.8 million proposal for Groton, and Trumansburg’s $31 million proposal. - Working for Tompkins County Pays Well Compared to Similar Places -…
The post Local News for May 11, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
-Ithaca’s State Theater Gets Over $100,000 in New York Budget- The State Theater in Ithaca is getting $103,000 allocated in the newly-passed state budget. The Ithaca Voice reports the money is from a $5 million program for over thirteen historic upstate theaters. The State Theater’s attendance has dropped about 38% since the onset of the…
The post Local News for Wednesday, May 10, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
A hearing about Ithaca school district budget set for Tuesday A hearing about the Ithaca school district budget is set for today at 5:30 at Ithaca High School. Members of the public can attend in person or by Zoom. The Ithaca Times reports the school board adopted a $158.5 million budget last month. Residents can…
The post Local News for May 9, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Next Ithaca Police Chief Will A 13% Raise - Ithaca’s next police chief will earn $150,000 a year and get a $50,000 hiring bonus. WSKG reports the city’s Common Council voted 8-2 last week for the raise. The city has had an interim police chief for over 2 years. It’s now conducting a second…
The post Local News for May 8, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Republican Candidate for Ithaca Mayor Ends Campaign - The Republican running for mayor in Ithaca has withdrawn from the race. Daniel Medina told the Ithaca Voice he ended his campaign because he might not be living in Ithaca much longer. The home Medina rents was sold. He says given the cost of housing in…
The post Local News for May 5, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Earlier this week, Ithaca CarShare announced it will be suspending its operations on May 19. The reason is that they are losing their insurance because of a regulatory issue unique to New York State. Assemblyperson Anna Kelles introduced legislation to remedy the problem. She spoke with me about the situation, the legislation and possible fate…
The post INTERVIEW: Assemblyperson Anna Kelles discusses Ithaca CarShare problems and solutions appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- State Democrats Reform Bail Laws to Address Public Safety Concerns - Governor Kathy Hochul and the legislature have agreed on a $229 billion dollar budget. It includes changes to the bail reform laws that went into effect in 2019. The Albany Times Union says judges will have greater discretion when considering bail for repeat…
The post Local News for May 4, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Tompkins County COVID-19 Testing Site To Close - The COVID-19 testing site at the Shops at Ithaca mall will close this Friday. Tompkins County Whole Health and Cayuga Health say the site is no longer needed because of the steady decline COVID-19 cases over the past months. People can still get PCR tests from…
The post Local News for May 3, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Tompkins County Legislature May Change Funding For Local Arts and Culture Groups - The Tompkins County legislature postponed a vote on funding to local arts and cultural organizations. The money usually comes out of the Hotel Tax Fund but legislators couldn’t agree on a resolution that would lower the amount in the fund. The…
The post Local News for May 2, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Tompkins County 2024 Budget Planning Has Begun The Tompkins County legislature is beginning to plan the 2024 budget. County Administrator Lisa Holmes says the budget may see a $8.9 million increase next year. Half of it would come from increased state mandates to counties. She presented a preliminary overview to the legislature last week. She…
The post Local News for May 1, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- HOLT Architects Sued for Stealing Nude Imagery of Female Employees - The prominent Ithaca architecture firm HOLT Architects is being sued for $4 million. Two female former employees have filed a civil suit alleging a male colleague sexually harassed them by stealing personal intimate images and placing them on the company’s public servers. The…
The post Local News for April 28, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Ithaca Police Chief Steps Down Indefinitely, Plans to Sue City - Ithaca’s Acting Police Chief is on indefinite personal leave. John Joly cleared out his office last week. The Ithaca Voice reports Joly plans to sue the city for creating a “hostile working environment.” He’s been the acting chief since Dennis Nayor retired in…
The post Local News for April 27, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
- Ithaca Police Officers Cleared of Any Wrongdoing in Fraud Investigation- Three Ithaca police officers have been cleared of all wrongdoing following an investigation by the New York State Police. Now-Acting Chief John Joly, Lieutenants Jacob Young and David Amaro were accused of making fraudulent overtime claims between 2014 and 2019. The complaint was sent…
The post Local News for April 26, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for April 24, 2023 FEMA To Hold Flood Map Info Session Tompkins County residents have two chances this week to learn more about the proposed flood map changes. FEMA, state and county officials will have sessions on Wednesday and Thursday in Ithaca to help people understand the new maps, answer questions about flood…
The post Local news for April 24, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for April 21, 2023 Ithaca Planning Committee Endorses New Plan To End Homelessness On Wednesday, Ithaca’s Planning Committee unanimously endorsed a wide-ranging new plan to address homelessness. The Home Together: Tompkins plan. was developed by the county’s Continuum of Care coalition. It sets out a strategy to permanently end homelessness in the county.…
The post Local News for April 21, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for April 20, 2023 Schuyler County Hold Medication Collection On Saturday Schuyler County will be collecting unwanted medications on Saturday. Expired, or unused medications can be dropped off at the Hector Fire Department or the Beaver Dams Fire Department from 10 to 2. Ointments, sprays, pills, and tobacco products will be accepted. E-cigarettes…
The post Local News for April 20, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for April 19, 2023 Ithaca Is Considering A New Plan To End Homelessness A comprehensive new proposal to end homelessness in Ithaca is now public. The plan suggests among other things creating 100 new permanent housing units combined with supporting services, hiring more outreach staff, and establishing a special fund for landlords or…
The post Local News for April 19, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for April 18, 2023 Tompkins Ethics Board Finds City And County Violated Policies The Tompkins County ethics board has finished its investigation of Ithaca’s Re-Imagining Public Safety process. It reports that Ithaca and Tompkins County officials violated existing policies when selecting the consultants and advisors for the city’s public safety initiative. The County…
The post Local News for April 18, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for April 17, 2023 Virginia Officials Confirm Abducted Ithaca Woman’s Cause Of Death WRFI has confirmed that Tatiana David died of multiple gunshot wounds. The Virginia Medical Examiner’s office says her death was a homicide. Police say their investigation is ongoing. David was abducted in Ithaca on April 5 and died that night…
The post Local News for April 17, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for April 14, 2023 Cornell Student Found Dead In His Dorm Cornell student Matthew Friedman was found unresponsive in his residence hall on Wednesday. He was pronounced dead a while later. He was a first year student from Marlboro, New Jersey. The Cornell Daily Sun reports that Friedman planned to become a doctor.…
The post Local news for April 14, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for April 13, 2023 SUNY Ends COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate For Students SUNY students are no longer required to get the COVID-19 vaccine to attend classes. SUNY Chancellor John King announced the end to the mandate on Tuesday. SUNY will continue to encourage students, staff, and faculty to get the COVID-19 vaccine and…
The post Local News for April 13, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for April 12, 2023 Webb Staff Holding Community Office Hours In Lansing Today The constituent staff for State Senator Lea Webb is holding community office hours today in Lansing. Staff members will be at the Lansing Community Library from noon to 3 PM. The library is next to the town hall. Constituents can…
The post Local News for April 12, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for April 11, 2023 Cayuga Nation Gets Federal Approval To Create Land Trust The Cayuga Nation can now put over 100 acres of land in its territory into a land trust. The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs granted permission last week for the federally-recognized Cayuga government to create the trust. The Ithaca Voice…
The post appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for April 7, 2023 Environmental Advocates Call on Governor to Close Seneca Meadows by 2025 HOST: A group of environmental advocates and lawmakers are calling on Governor Hochul to close the Seneca Meadows landfill by 2025. It's located in Seneca County. The groups say in addition to closing the facility PFAS or “forever”…
The post Local News for April 7, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local news for April 6, 2023 State Police Search For Abducted Tompkins County Woman New York State Police are asking the public for help finding a vulnerable 34-year-old Tompkins County woman. Tatiana David was last seen Wednesday morning on West Hill Circle in Ithaca. She is 5’ 9” and weighs about 180 lbs. She has…
The post Local News for April 6, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for Wednesday, April 5, 2023 Watkins School Board Members Oppose Electric School Buses A member of the Watkins Glen school board says he’s opposed to the state’s plan to require all districts to have electric school buses. The Odessa File reports that Keith Caslin says he will never support the switch because he…
The post Local News for April 5, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Cash Sales Increase as Housing Prices Rise in Tompkins County A new housing market report from the Ithaca Board of Realtors says that the average price of a home in Tompkins County has gone up over 22 percent since 2021. The county’s average home price is now over $350,000. The report will be presented to…
The post Local News for Tuesday, April 4, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca Seeks Residents Input In Search For New Police Chief Ithaca residents can now contribute ideas about their preferences for a new police chief through an online survey. The survey is on the city’s website. The Ithaca Voice reports it’s available in four languages: English, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. The search was reopened after the…
The post Local News for Friday, March 31, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
New York Names Communities to be Targeted for Climate Efforts Over 1700 communities across New York State have been designated “disadvantaged” by the state’s Climate Justice Working Group. The list includes several in the Finger Lakes including the cities of Ithaca, Elmira, and Cortland. According to Gothamist, the communities are at the top of the…
The post Local News for Thursday, March 30, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Avian Flu Confirmed at Cornell Game Farm The outbreak of avian flu that was suspected at Cornell’s Reynolds Game Farm has been confirmed. According to WSYR, 500 pheasants had died from the H5N1 virus. The remaining 6000 birds were euthanized to prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus. The outbreak is the 14th to…
The post Local News for Wednesday, March 29, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The city of Ithaca will receive 1.7 million dollars in federal funding to improve its transportation systems. According to Senator Schumer’s office, the funding will be used to develop a traffic signal priority system for school buses, fire trucks, and transit systems. The developments are aimed at making the local systems’s arrival and departure times…
The post Local News for Tuesday, March 28, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Village Election Results are in for Tompkins and Schuyler Counties Area village elections were held on Tuesday. In the Tompkins County village of Dryden, Democratic incumbents won re-election in three positions. Michael Murphy was reelected mayor with 61% of the vote over his Republican opponent Thomas Corey who got 39%. Jason Dickinson and Thomas Sinclair…
The post Local News for Thursday, March 23, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Caroline Broadband Expansion Gets Boost The town of Caroline is taking steps to expand broadband access to its residents. The expansion effort was awarded more than $130,000 from the Tompkins Community Recovery Fund. Caroline is investing additional $330,000 of its American Recovery Act funds toward a feasibility study and partial buildout of broadband. At its…
The post Local News for Wednesday, March 22, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
New Proposal Filed to Expand Ithaca’s Learning Farm The Learning Farm in Ithaca is planning to expand. The organization filed documents with the town’s planning board for a kitchen facility, guest housing, parking areas, and walkways. A proposed second phase would include a welcome center and a juicing and bottling building. According to the Ithaca…
The post Local News for Tuesday, March 21, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Cornell Hosts Debate on Urgency of Climate Crisis Cornell hosted a debate Friday on the urgency of reducing climate warming pollution. Professor Robert Socolow of Princeton argued that “climate science compels us to make rapid and large reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.” Professor Steven Koonin of New York University argued that it doesn’t. Both are…
The post Local News for Monday, March 20, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
New Law Enforcement Pilot Program to Start in Tompkins County A new program to divert people away from incarceration will start in Tompkins County later this year. The pilot program is a partnership between the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department and Tompkins Whole Health. It will pair a licensed clinical therapist and a specially-trained sheriff’s deputy…
The post Local News for Thursday, March 16, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Seneca Lake Fish Contaminated Thanks to a Freedom of Information Act or FOIA filing, a 2020 report from the New York DEC has come to light showing that Seneca Lake fish are highly contaminated with PFAS chemicals. According to environmental reporter Peter Manius, the samples of lake trout and yellow perch contain hundreds of times…
The post Local News for Wednesday, March 15, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
New York Governor Declares Emergency for Storm Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for today’s winter storm. All five regions of New York State, including the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes, are expected to receive heavy snowfall and high winds. Utility companies are prepared for widespread power outages from possible downed trees…
The post Local News for Tuesday, March 14, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Officials from Ithaca and Tompkins County are working with the Downtown Ithaca Alliance to find a new location for an intercity bus hub. Since the bus depot in the West End shut down in 2018, intercity buses have regularly stopped at either the Seneca Street area outside Starbucks or Green Street near the Tompkins County…
The post Local News for Monday, March 13, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Few Attend Ithaca Public Hearing About Police Reform Draft A public hearing about the draft plan from Ithaca’s Reimagining Public Safety Committee was sparsely attended on Wednesday night. According to the Ithaca Voice most of the commenters approve of the plan, though one resident criticized the plan’s intention to hire more police officers. Alderperson George…
The post Local News for Friday, March 10, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
City of Ithaca Seeks Public Input for National Police Chief Search, Union Critical The city of Ithaca is pushing ahead with its second search for a permanent police chief. On Tuesday it announced two virtual meetings for members of the public to voice their priorities for the role. The two sessions will be Saturday March…
The post Local News for Thursday March 9, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
New York state is struggling to find a new chief judge for the Court of Appeals. After Senate Democrats rejected Governor Hochul's nomination of appellate Justice Hector LaSalle last month, the number of new submissions has been fewer than expected. According to the Times Union, the Commission on Judicial Nomination is mostly reconsidering 41 initial…
The post Local News for Monday, March 7, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The New York State Attorney’s Office is proposing a set of rules aimed at preventing price gouging. The rules define gouging as “any price increase over 10% during an abnormal disruption in the market.” According to the Times Union, New Jersey, California, and 8 other states already follow the 10 percent threshold definition. The office…
The post Local News for Monday, March 6th, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca Has a New Fire Chief Robert Covert II is the new Chief of the Ithaca Fire Department. The Common Council voted unanimously to approve his promotion during their meeting on Tuesday. Covert had been the Acting Chief since former chief Thomas Basher retired last August. He’s been a member of the department for 30…
The post Local News for Friday, March 3, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
State Awards Downtown Revitalization Grants The Village of Montour Falls in Schuyler County and Waverly in Tioga County will each get $4.5 million in state grants to help revitalize their downtown areas. The funding will be used for local infrastructure projects, to boost economic development, and to create jobs. The funding comes from NY Forward,…
The post Local News for Thursday, March 2, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Democratic PAC to Spend Big in NY’s 2024 Midterms A Democratic PAC will be spending big in New York next congressional races—including here in the 19th district. According to the Ithaca Voice, the House Majority PAC will spend some $45 million on races throughout the state. While the predicted “red wave” didn’t come to pass…
The post Local News for Wednesday, March 1, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Republicans Decry Increased Migration Into NY Migrants have been crossing into New York from Canada in increasing numbers, and the issue has become a rallying cry among some Republican lawmakers. They argue that the surge necessitates increased federal attention. Led by Representative Elise Stefanik, Republicans are launching a congressional caucus to focus exclusively on security…
The post Local News for Monday, February 27, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Thousands of NY Nurses Credentials Under Scrutiny Over 900 New York nurses are being asked by the state Education Department to provide proof of their credentials. The nurses studied at Florida-based nursing schools accused of selling fake diplomas. Seven nursing programs were shut down following a multi-state federal investigation. The Albany Times Union reports that…
The post Local News for Thursday, February 23, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Report Says Tax Abatements Hurt School Budgets A new report from a national research group says that tax abatement programs are hurting New York’s public school budgets. According to the Ithaca Voice, the group, Good Jobs First, estimates that in 2021 the state’s schools lost as much as $1.8 billion in revenue to tax abatements.…
The post Local Headlines for Wednesday, February 22, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
According to a report by AARP, New York’s elder care facilities are routinely going uninspected. the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is responsible for inspecting nursing homes and assisted living facilities to safeguard against abuse and neglect. The report says the oversight office has regularly failed to check on elderly residents in the state. The report…
The post Local News for Tuesday, February 21st, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Democratic state lawmakers questioned officials at a hearing about whether Governor Hochul’s proposed budget provides sufficient funding for workers who care for New York’s most vulnerable residents. According to the Times Union, Hochul’s state budget includes a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for workers in state-funded nonprofit programs providing human services to New Yorkers. The lawmakers highlighted…
The post Local News for Monday, February 20th, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Elmira Denies Info on Police Chief Dismissal The city of Elmira has denied a Freedom of Information Act request for disciplinary records of the city’s former police chief. Anthony Alvernaz, who served on the force for 27 years was suddenly dismissed in January without explanation. According to WETM the city responded to the station’s request…
The post Local News for Friday, February 17, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Brock to Run for 5th Term Ithaca First Ward Alderperson Cynthia Brock says she is running for re-election in November. New ward boundaries have been drawn and the new First Ward will include part of the current Second Ward represented by Phoebe Brown and Ducson Nguyen. The Ithaca Voice reports that Brock is being challenged…
The post Local News for Thursday, February 16, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Kitchen Theater Lays Off Staff The Kitchen Theater in Ithaca is laying off its entire administrative staff including the artistic and creative directors. The Ithaca Voice reports that Board chair Matt Carcella says the mid-season changes are necessary due to low ticket sales and donations. Board member and actor Karl Gregory will serve as the…
The post Local News for Wednesday, February 15, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Three Named to Prosecutorial Watchdog After two years of delays, Governor Hochul has named 3 of 4 potential nominees to the state’s Commission on Prosecutorial Conduct. The commission has been inactive since former Governor Cuomo resigned. He signed legislation creating the commission shortly before he left office. According to the Times Union, the commission is…
The post Local News for Tuesday, February 14th, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
At its meeting last week, the Tompkins County legislature approved a measure giving a tax break to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers who own real estate. According to the Ithaca Voice, the move is aimed to boost Ithaca's emergency service volunteer rates, which have dwindled over recent years as wages fail to keep pace with…
The post Local News for Monday, February 13, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Tompkins Gets $600K for Road Safety Planning Tompkins County is getting $600,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation to create a road safety plan. The money is part of the federal infrastructure bill passed last November. The Ithaca Voice reports that the grant will be matched by $150,000 from the 10 municipalities that are part…
The post Local News for Friday, February 10, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca Man Receives $5 Million Child Abuse Settlement An Ithaca man has received a $5 million judgment in a civil case filed under the Child Victims Act. The 2019 law allows victims of child sexual abuse to file civil suits against people or institutions responsible for the abuse. The Ithaca Voice didn’t identify the man…
The post Local News for Thursday, February 9, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local Developer Seeks Tax Abatement for Market-rate Apartments Ithaca-based developer Visum is seeking a tax abatement for its proposed Breeze apartments project at the site of the former Ithaca Gun factory. According to the Ithaca Voice, if the project, moves forward, Visum will be on the hook for completing lead abatement work to clean up…
The post Local News for Wednesday, February 8, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Zeldin Hints at Potential Senate Run Against Senator Gillibrand On Monday, Republican Lee Zeldin, declined to rule out a potential senate seat bid against Senator Kristin Gillibrand. Zeldin, a former New York State Senator and Congressman, narrowly lost the New York’s gubernatorial race to Kathy Hochul in November. According to the Times Union, he appeared…
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Governor Hochul Faces New Obstacles for Proposed State Bail Reforms Governor Hochul is facing pushback from progressives and public defenders against her proposed reforms to state bail laws. At the same time, she’s contending with pressure from Republicans and prosecutors over perceived increases in crime. According to the Times Union, Hochul’s proposed changes would remove…
The post Local News for Monday, February 6, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca Fifth Ward Gets New Alderperson Residents of Ithaca’s Fifth Ward have a new representative on the Common Council. Kris Haines-Sharp was unanimously approved by the Council during a Wednesday meeting. She fills the position left vacant when Mayor Laura Lewis officially took office last December. The Ithaca Voice reports that seven candidates applied to…
The post Local News for Friday, February 3, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Newfield Board Chair Asked to Resign The chair of the Newfield school board was asked to resign during a January 19th meeting. The Ithaca Times reports that board member Melissa Rynone accused board chair Christina Ward of violating policies on communication outside of board meetings. The accusation involves emails and other communications from the chair…
The post Local News for Thursday, February 2, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca Rents Ninth Highest in Country According to the rental real estate listing service Dwellsy, Ithaca has the highest rent of any small city in the US. The study shows that the average price to rent a one bedroom in Ithaca was $1908 per month in 2022 up 4.5% over 2021. Only eight cities in…
The post Local News for Wednesday, February 1, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Tompkins County Hiring Homeless Services Coordinator In its effort to address homelessness, Tompkins County is hiring a Homeless Services Coordinator. A 2022 study reported that the county has the third highest rate of homelessness in the state. It also pointed to slow progress toward the county’s goal of adding 100 beds of supportive housing. The…
The post Local News for Tuesday, January 31, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Gillibrand Anticipates Challenge from Zeldin Senator Kristin Gillibrand of New York is expecting a challenge from Lee Zeldin in 2024 who ran a competitive race for New York Governor in November. According to the Times Union, the two-term Democratic incumbent sent fundraising emails cautioning her supporters that “Zeldin very nearly won the New York governorship.”…
The post Local News for Monday January 30, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
BorgWarner Manufacturing Facility On Warren Road To Close BorgWarner announced it is closing one of its facilities in Lansing. The automotive parts manufacturer told the Ithaca Voice the company will close a valve part production site on Warren Road by the end of 2024.It is also closing a technical center at the same location. It’s…
The post Local News for Thursday, January 26, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
New York Says More Must be Done to Protect Bees A state audit of the 2016 Pollination Protection Plan found that more action is needed to protect bees and other pollinators from disease, parasites, and pesticides. The plan, created in 2016 by the joint efforts of the Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the DEC,…
The post Local News for Tuesday, January 24, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
State Senate Democrats Push Funding for New York’s Climate Plan Progressive lawmakers and environmentalists have called on Governor Hochul to divert $10 billion—or about 4%— of her state budget proposal to help ensure New York meets its ambitious climate plans. According to the Times Union, the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act committed the…
The post Local News for January 23, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Council searches for fifth ward Alderperson The Ithaca Common Council is conducting its search for a new fifth ward alderperson. The seat was left vacant after Laura Lewis was elected mayor in November. The council has formed a Vacancy Committee made up of Lewis, the 5th ward’s other alderperson Robert Cantelmo, and Alderperson Robert Gearhart…
The post Local News for Friday, January 20th, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Tompkins County Legislature to Make Housing Priority Shawna Black, chair of the Tompkins County Legislature, says it’s time to do something about the County’s growing housing needs. Black made the statement during her annual state of the County address on Tuesday. She said housing and economic development are her top priorities this year,and according to…
The post Local News for Thursday, January 19, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Lavine, Myrick Say County Ethics Chair Should Step Down Disputes between the Tompkins County Ethics Board and the City of Ithaca continue. According to the Ithaca Voice, in December former Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick and current City Attorney Ari Lavine called for the County ethics committee chair Rich John to resign. The committee is currently…
The post Local News for Wednesday, January 18, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca’s 2023 Elections Could Mark Real Change Significant changes could be coming to Ithaca’s city government. This year, all Common Council seats and Ithaca’s mayor office will be up for election. The new Mayor will also appoint the city’s first ever City Manager. The Manager will replace the current Chief of Staff role and hold…
The post Local News for Tuesday, January 16, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Early Morning Blaze Stifled by IPD The Ithaca Fire Department battled a home fire yesterday on Aurora St at around 7:45 AM. Fire Department spokesperson Jim Wheal reported that there was “a significant amount of fire,” and several walls and ceiling had to be broken through to open space within the home and control the…
The post Local News for Monday, January 16, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Nguyen Running for Reelection; Won't run again. The Ithaca Voice reports that second ward Common Councilor Ducson Nguyen will seek re-election to another four year term on Common Council, but, if elected, the term will be his last. Nguyen’s district will change along with the rest of the common council following last year’s redistricting process.…
The post Local News for Friday, January 13, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Rural Broadband Feedback Due Friday Tomorrow is the deadline to let the FCC know if your access to broadband internet is as good as the agency thinks it is. According to the Ithaca Voice, Senate Majority leader Schumer was in Dryden on Wednesday to urge residents to give the FCC feedback on its broadband map.…
The post Local News for Thursday, January 12, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Early Voting Begins for Tompkins County District Three Special Election Early voting begins Saturday in the special election to fill the seat for Tompkins County Legislature’s third district. The vacancy was created when former third district rep Henry Granison resigned and later passed away. Democrat Susan Currie—the former director of Tompkins County Library—is the sole…
The post Local News for Wednesday, January 11, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Hochul to Address Housing in State of State Today Governor Hochul’s first State of the State Address is planned for 1pm today. According to the Times Union she’s expected to highlight her vision for solving New York’s recent exodus of residents. Hochul is aiming to develop 1 million new living units throughout the state over…
The post Local News for for January 10, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Tompkins County Departments of Physical Health and Mental Health have merged under one Department of Whole Health. The merger was finalized last Tuesday, capping off a five-year process that had suffered various delays due to the Covid-19. According to the Ithaca Times, incorporating mental, physical, and environmental health into holistic patient evaluation can vastly improve…
The post Headlines for January 9, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Lewis won't Run for Reelection in 2023 On Wednesday, Ithaca Mayor Laura Lewis announced she would not seek reelection in 2023. According to the Ithaca Voice, Lewis’ announcement came during Lewis’ state of the city address at the Common Council’s first meeting of the year. Lewis was elected to fill the final year of Svante…
The post Headlines for January 6th, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Reimagining Public Safety Work Underway Work on Ithaca and Tompkins County’s Reimagining Public Safety initiative is underway. In December Monalita Smiley was named director of the Community Justice Center which will be responsible for implementing parts of the new public safety plan in both the City and throughout the County. Also in December the center’s…
The post Local News for Thursday January 5, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On December 19th, two Ithaca residents were evicted from their Aurora Street home. For months, the Ithaca Tenants’ Union had fought the eviction effort but finally, the structure’s new owner Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins and Cortland County prevailed. According to the Ithaca Times, Residents Kathy Majors and Jim Lukasavage had lived in the building…
The post Headlines for January 4, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
"Go Ithaca" Goes Further Ithaca’s Go Ithaca program received an $800,000 grant New York State’s Climate Smart Communities initiative to expand its service across Ithaca and Lansing. The pilot program, originally conceived to promote alternative transportation methods, had all but run out of its original $460,000 pilot funds granted three years ago. According to the…
The post Local News for January 3, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
New York Leads Country in Population Loss According to the U.S. census bureau, New York State recently suffered the steepest one-year population decline of any state in the country. The Times Union is reporting that the wave of departures began during the pandemic, as many migrated to other states to avoid contracting Covid-19 or to…
The post Headlines for January 2, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
City says Reimagining Process wasn't Transparent, but not Unethical The city of Ithaca has concluded its investigation into ethics concerns regarding the reimaging public safety process. According to the Ithaca Times, the report found no clear ethical violations but did say the process suffered from a lack of transparency. Ethics complaints were raised by Common…
The post Headlines for December 30th, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Advocates Say Fish Protection at Greenidge Still Inadequate Greenidge Power Generation on Seneca Lake is installing long-awaited screens to protect aquatic life. According to Seneca Lake Guardian (or SLG), the financially troubled bitcoin mining operation has used 139 million gallons of lake water daily to cool their equipment—all without protection for the lake’s fish. While…
The post Local Headlines for December 29, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Free Holiday Tree Disposal Holiday trees can be dropped off free of charge at Tompkins County Recycling and Solid Waste through January 31. Trees must be free of all decorations and synthetic trees are not accepted. The solid waste center is open from 7am until 3:30pm Monday through Saturday. Coal Tar Cleanup in Elmira The…
The post Local Headlines for December 28, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca Considering Labor Liaison Role Ithaca is considering a plan to create a “labor liaison” to observe negotiations between the city and its employees’ various bargaining units. The resolution says the liaison would provide Common Council with an understanding of the most pressing issues facing city employees. Under the proposal the mayor would nominate an…
The post Headlines for December 27, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca Project Wins Restore NY Grant for Renovations New York State has awarded $1.5 million to a project in the City of Ithaca to rehabilitate two century old buildings on South Cayuga Street. According to the Ithaca Voice, the renovation plans call for the 115-121 and 123 buildings at South Cayuga street to be refurbished…
The post Headlines for December 23rd, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
County Awards Community Recovery Fund Grants Yesterday Tompkins County announced the local organizations who will receive Community Recovery Fund Grants totaling over $6.5 million. Grants were awarded to 53 different projects with one more pending a State Environmental Quality Review. The largest single grant was $1.5 million given to the Cayuga Medical Center for an…
The post Headlines for December 22, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
New York has approved its long-awaited plan to move the state to a fully carbon-free economy. On Monday, the state's appointed Climate Action Council approved the 300 page plan 19 to 3. The climate roadmap now moves to Governor Hochul and the state legislature who will implement the ideas through various laws and regulations. According…
The post Headlines for December 21, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca Charity to Help Ukrainian Students The Ithaca Rotary Club has started a campaign to help maintain an underground bomb shelter in Ukraine. Located at a high school with more than 1,000 students in Liev, the fundraiser will cover the costs of electric heaters, benches, windows, toilet, and a medical office. As of now, students…
The post Headlines for December 19, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Winter Storm Warning Today and Tomorrow Winter storm Diaz is expected to start dumping snow and rain on the listening area this morning and continue through tonight and tomorrow. The National Weather Service says to expect 4 to 7 inches of snow. Fluctuating temperatures, ice build up and high winds could all contribute to dangerous…
The post Headlines for December 15, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Caroline Releases New Zoning Draft The town of Caroline has released a draft of its hotly debated zoning law. The town has some laws governing site plan review and subdivision but currently has no overall zoning. If adopted the law would designate various districts including agricultural and commercial zones, and eight hamlets. Certain uses would…
The post Headlines for December 14, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
“Table Talks” Build Financial Stability for Local Women The Women’s Opportunity Center of Ithaca is inviting people to their two upcoming “table talks.” The non-profit focuses on helping economically-disadvantaged women in reaching their career goals, and fostering economic stability and financial freedom for local women. The two table talks focus on building financial independence and…
The post Headlines for December 13, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Grassroots Festival Fined for Health Violations The Tompkins County Board of Health has fined the Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance after discovering that the festival violated several standard event regulations and health codes before, during, and after its event in July. The Department found a total of 12 violations, including water systems issues, improperly…
The post Headlines for December 12, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
City Approves Reimaging Plans The City of Ithaca has approved the 2022 and 2023 work plans for the Reimagining Public Safety initiative. The plans include aspects of implementing alternative law enforcement responses, a community healing initiative, standardized data entry, a repurposing and review of SWAT teams, and many others. The plans were initially expected to…
The post Headlines for December 9th, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca Public Employees Continue Pressure on City Hall According to the Ithaca Times at a meeting of the City Administration Committee, Ithaca public sector union leaders condemned what they called an “unproductive” and “disrespectful” relationship with City Hall. While they praised the decision to remove City Attorney Ari Levine from contract negotiations, they seemed to…
The post Headlines for December 8, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Police Chief's Nomination Recinded After nominating Acting Police Chief John Joly for the Police chief last week, yesterday, Mayor-elect Laura Lewis rescinded the nomination. She said the decision was a difficult one but that her choice had little support among her colleagues on Common Council. Council’s support is needed to appoint a new chief. Joly…
The post Headlines for December 7, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Cornell University has received national recognition for being one of the most engaged campuses when it comes to college student voting. According to the Cornell Chronicle, the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge recognizes higher education facilities for their efforts to increase student voter participation. Cornell joins 394 other colleges and universities recognized by the challenge.…
The post Headlines for December 6, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The State Comptroller’s Office is seeking to return $20 million of unclaimed money to people in Tompkins County. According to the Ithaca Voice, the funds consist of remaining cash from old bank accounts, misplaced paychecks, and unused insurance claims. Statewide, the owed money has racked up to $17.5 billion. Just last year, the state returned…
The post Headlines for December 5, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca City Attorney Ari Lavine is stepping away from the city’s negotiation team. According to the Ithaca Voice, Lavine announced his intention to withdraw from the negotiation team in a letter to the city administration committee. Lavine had been at the center of controversy after a November meeting where workers and labor leaders accused Lavine…
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According to the Ithaca Times, Cayuga Medical Center is the latest Tompkins County organization to offer free Narcan, or naloxone, to patients on site. The change was prompted as part of the county’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Program, designed to prevent fatal overdoses from drug use. The program also helps to remove common obstacles that have…
The post Headlines for Tuesday, November 29, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Governor Hochul has signed a law that instates a two year pause on planned fossil fuel related crypto-mining operations, and mandates a study by the DEC on the practices’ impact on the environment. The ruling will affect crypto-mining across the state, including the controversial Greenidge Generation facility on Seneca Lake. According to NBC News, the…
The post Headlines for Monday, November 28, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
A State Supreme Court Judge is questioning Ithaca school’s preparedness to handle potential school shootings. According to the Ithaca Voice, Superintendent Louvelle Brown is expected to be subpoenaed in proceedings against a student who allegedly made terroristic threats on a school bus in late October. Local police weren’t notified of the incident for more than…
The post Headlines for Wednesday, November 23, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Ithaca Times reports that Ithaca’s Community Police Board met last week to discuss increasingly urgent staffing issues in the city’s police department. Officers have been recently stretched thin and recent officer injuries have forced remaining workers to cover longer than usual shifts—including on designated off days. Acting Chief John Joly noted how requiring officers…
The post Headlines for November 22, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
According to the Ithaca Voice, Ithaca’s Planning and Economic and Development Committee is moving forward with plans to build a new Public Safety Facility at a new location. Construction of the new police facility is estimated to cost around $20-30 million dollars, according to city planning staff. Plans have been in motion since early 2017,…
The post Headlines for November 21, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Yesterday, workers at the Starbucks on the Ithaca Commons joined other Starbucks workers in a nationwide strike. According to CNY Central, the strike was called to urge Starbucks to return to the bargaining table with union representatives. The strike, dubbed the “Red Cup Rebellion,” included around 2,000 workers at 113 stores around the country. Workers…
The post Headlines for Friday November 18th, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Unions representing Ithaca city workers and City Attorney Ari Levine continue to trade blows. According to the Ithaca Voice, a new letter from union leaders representing city police, firefighters, and administrative workers claimed the city has an “anti-worker agenda,” and pointed to the many vacancies in city positions. The letter follows a tumultuous meeting last…
The post Headlines for Thursday, November 17, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Last week, workers at Bangs Ambulance in Ithaca narrowly voted to unionize and form Bangs Ambulance Workers United. According to the Cornell Sun the election results will be certified by November 19 unless Bangs management mounts a challenge. Twenty two of Bang’s 42 employees voted to organize. They now face the tasks of engaging all…
The post Headlines for Wednesday, November 16, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca Police have announced that a cyclist struck by a car while riding down Floral Avenue last Monday has succumbed to his injuries. According to the Ithaca voice, the victim was Carlette Crowe, a 59 year old Ithaca native. The police have not identified the driver of the car, and neither tickets nor arrests have…
The post Headlines for November 15, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
According to the Ithaca Times, Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is looking to expand its services and bring more flights into the city. The airport recently announced that Delta Airlines will begin a new service from Ithaca to JFK International Airport in early January. Now, Ithaca Airport Director Roxane Noble says that the airport is discussing…
The post Headlines for November 14, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Wednesday, the Ithaca common council approved the city’s budget for 2023. According to the Ithaca Times, the budget outlines $90 million in spending for the next year, a six million dollar increase over the previous budget. The budget was approved during a meeting without public comment. During the meeting city attorney Ari Lavine responded…
The post Daily Headlines for November 11th, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
After a close race for the 52nd State Senate seat, Democrat Lea Webb announced her victory midday Wednesday. Rich David, the Republican candidate and former Mayor of Binghamton, released a statement Wednesday afternoon congratulating Webb who took the race by about 1500 votes. Webb, a former Binghamton Councilwoman, says her campaign has been a people-powered…
The post Headlines for Thursday, November 10, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Yesterday was election day and unofficial results are in. Voters in Ithaca have chosen Acting Mayor Laura Lewis to serve a one year term. The seat was left open when former Mayor Svante Myrick left the role early. Lewis appears to have won with about 68 percent of votes, Progressive Katie Sims won 23 percent.…
The post Headlines for Wednesday, November 9, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Today is election day. New York representatives from both parties are hoping to secure votes based on core issues including abortion, crime, economic uncertainty, and threats to democracy. Polls are open today from 6 am to 9 pm across the state. There are tightly competitive races in the 17th, 18th, and 19th Congressional districts as…
The post Headlines for Tuesday, November 9, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has sided with Starbucks workers saying the company should reopen its Collegetown location. The NLRB is also seeking an order from a judge mandating that the store reopens. According to the Ithaca Voice, the collegetown location was the most popular Starbucks of the three in the city. Despite that,…
The post Headlines for Friday November 4th, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Newfield Central School District has been awarded $200,000 in state funds for badly needed school bus radios and new Chromebooks for students. State Assembly member Anna Kelles was instrumental in delivering the funds to the district. She highlighted the need for communications technologies like the bus radios in rural areas that lack high quality…
The post Headlines for Thursday, November 3, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Attorney General Letitia James, is suing long-time Ithaca landlord Jason Fane and his Ithaca Renting Company. According to the Ithaca Voice the filing in New York’s Supreme Court alleges that Fane violated income protection law by not accepting Section 8 vouchers. In the course of the investigation, Fane–who operates more than 500 local housing units—acknowledged…
The post Headlines for Wednesday, November 2, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca’s Streets and Facilities Division is requesting that residents not pile their leaves in the street. The city municipal code forbids leaf piling, since leaves can act as slipping hazards, cover potholes, and cause floods by clogging storm sewers. Leaves should instead be placed in bags or waste bins, and labeled with yard waste tags…
The post Headlines for November 1, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Tuesday, The Tompkins County Board of Health sanctioned Dream Vape and Smoke more than $70,000 for violating state laws. On Thursday the department issued a warning to local retailers against increased illegal sales of flavored vape and nicotine products. The Department warned local businesses of potential fines for violating the New York State laws,…
The post Headlines for October 31, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca’s Department of Public Works is facing staffing shortfalls and is considering using private companies to pick up the slack. According to the Ithaca Voice, Superintendent of Public Works Mike Thorne spoke at Common Council saying the department has lost 30 employees and briefed the Council on projects the department’s workers will be covering in…
The post Headlines for Friday October 28th, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The City of Ithaca’s budget process is moving ahead. Acting Mayor Laura Lewis’ $29 million 2023 budget is about $2.5 million more than the 2022 budget but would keep the city’s property tax rate the same at $11.89 per thousand. According to the Ithaca Voice at public hearings week, city department heads and leaders from…
The post Headlines for Wednesday, October 26, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Republican Lee Zeldin’s campaign for New York Governor is drawing more criticism for potentially violating state election laws. The campaign continues to rake in large sums of “outside” political spending totalling $11.8 million including nearly $9 million from conservative billionaire Ronald Lauder. According to a recording obtained by the Times Union, during a conference call,…
The post Headlines for Thursday, October 27, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Coalition for Snow-free Sidewalks and Crosswalks has banded together with Bike Walk Tompkins, Finger Lakes Independence Center, Tompkins County Office for the Aging, and some city residents. They’re pressuring the local government to take pedestrian snow removal more seriously. In the city of Ithaca, property owners are responsible for clearing snow from adjoining sidewalks.…
The post Headlines for October 25, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
There will probably be no debates in the Ithaca special Mayoral election. The development follows two failed efforts to schedule a debate between the candidates, Democratic incumbent Acting Mayor Laura Lewis, Republican challenger Zachary Winn, and independent Katie Sims. According to the Ithaca Voice, This included a proposed three person debate hosted by the Ithaca…
The post Headlines for October 24, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Ithaca Planning and Economic Development Committee has advanced a memorandum to allow a new bike share program in the city. According to the Ithaca Voice, the program will be run by the Center for Community Transportation and will allow Ithacans to access bicycles through an app. The city is also making a move to…
The post Headlines for Friday, October 21st appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Monday, at the first of three public forums featuring candidates for Ithaca’s next Chief of Police,, Acting Chief John Joly made his case. The Ithaca Times reports that Joly highlighted his 17 year career in “nearly every position within the department.” He also said the seven years he was elected as PBA president showed…
The post Headlines for Thursday, October 20, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Tompkins County third ward legislator Henry Granison will be stepping down from his post to focus on treatment for cancer. Granison has served on the Public Safety Committee where he worked on the Reimagining Public Safety initiative and as the chairman of the County’s Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Legislature chair Shawna Black said “his…
The post Headlines for Wednesday, October 19 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Ithaca Voice reports that tense negotiations have begun between United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2300, which represents TCAT bus operators, and the TCAT organization, which operates buses for Ithaca, Tompkins County, and Cornell. The union is attempting to address the discontentment many of TCAT’s drivers feel with their terms of employment. Drivers’ grievances include…
The post Headlines for October 18, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Tompkins County Legislator Mike Sigler has been re-elected as chairman of the Tompkins County Republican party. The Ithaca Voice reports that Sigler's immediate focus would be on the upcoming elections, where he says Republican victories could “[change] the direction of the state.” The Tompkins County Republicans have so far endorsed Republican Lee Zeldin for Governor,…
The post Headlines for October 17, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca alderpersons Jorge DeFendini and Phoebe Brown are calling for reparations to be included in the City’s 2023 budget. According to the Ithaca Voice, the two, who represent Ithaca’s 4th and 2nd Wards respectively, want $2 million set aside for direct cash payments, funding for Black institutions, and the creation of a committee on reparations.…
The post Headlines for October 14th, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Union members and activists will be gathering today to rally and pressure Governor Hochul to raise the state’s minimum wage. The gathering will take place at 2:30 pm at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Building, 701 W State Street in Ithaca. A press release from the Tompkins County Worker’s Center says that the minimum wage needs…
The post Headlines for Thursday, October 13, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Friday is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming November 8 election. Residents of Tompkins County will be voting for NY Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Comptroller. Races are also being held for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, New York State Senate and Assembly, Tompkins County Sheriff and Clerk. Residents in…
The post Headlines for Tuesday, October 12, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The shrinking market for office space in Downtown Ithaca has prompted numerous Ithaca office buildings to convert to residential sites. The Gateway Center on East State Street is the second property in two months to submit plans for conversion. The Ithaca Voice reports that trends towards remote work and the post-Covid economy have contributed to…
The post Headlines for October 11, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Tompkins County Legislature has proposed 2.7 million dollars in funding for the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport. According to the Ithaca Voice, the funding would be in addition to tens of millions provided to the airport in 2019 for renovations as well as installation of a U.S. customs facility. The move was meant to increase…
The post Headlines for October 10, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The median price for a home in Tompkins County is now $319,475 down from the median last week which was little over $333,700. According to the Ithaca Journal, median price was down month-over-month, but up year-over-year. Median price has risen by a little under 16 percent since September, 2021. Homes also spent a median of…
The post Headlines for Friday, October 7th 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Assemblymember Anna Kelles, Seneca Lake winemakers, and activists are crying foul on the DEC’s handling of a permit granted to Greenidge Generation’s proof-of-work cryptocurrency mining operation in Dresden. The original permit expired on September 30 and contained certain requirements for screens to be attached to the plant’s cool water intake pipes. According to Seneca Lake…
The post Headlines for Thursday, October 6, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The City of Ithaca is looking to shut down a case against four of its police officers. According to the Ithaca Voice, the city filed a motion in federal court to dismiss a case against the officers involved in the controversial arrests of Cadji Ferguson and Rose DeGroat in 2019. The filing says the officers…
The post Headlines for Wednesday, October 5, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Tompkins County Office for Aging is updating its list of workers who are willing to plow or shovel snow for older adults in the coming winter months. The community service helps older residents who are unable to remove snow or ice from their sidewalks without assistance. Volunteers are especially needed in rural areas outside…
The post Headlines for October 4, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Asphalt repair work will continue on Hector Street. The work was originally scheduled to be complete by September 30th. The city now says the street will remain as one lane until October 14. The Department of Labor announced that the minimum wage in upstate New York will increase to $14.20 dollars per hour in January.…
The post Headlines for October 3, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Wednesday, local politicians toured the homeless encampment behind Wal-Mart. According to the Ithaca Voice, the group included Ithaca Common Council member Cynthia Brock, Republican Congressional candidate Marc Molinaro, and Tompkins County legislator Mike Sigler. The group spoke with several residents of the encampments who said theft and drug abuse were their primary concerns. Alderperson…
The post Headlines for September 30th, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Ithaca Voice’s exhaustive coverage of Tuesday’s Ithaca Planning and Development Board meeting details plans reviewed for five new apartment projects, a new fire house, a car wash, and a new building on the Cornell campus. The housing projects would construct some 423 new housing units. The housing projects reviewed include four proposed by the…
The post Headlines for Thursday, September 29, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Ithaca Planning and Economic Development Committee is reviewing two policy proposals dealing with the short term rental (or STR) market in the city. The STR market includes dwellings rented through Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms. According to the Ithaca Voice the main goals of the draft policies are to help ensure that STRs don’t…
The post Headlines for Wednesday, September 28 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca’s Health and Human Services Committee has begun discussing policies to combat the growing opioid crisis including the creation of a special task force. Other forms of assistance discussed include providing addiction services and fentanyl testing strips. According to the Ithaca Voice, the committee intends on asking the Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature about…
The post Headlines for September 27, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca’s Planning and Economic Development Committee voted unanimously last week to endorse an application for state funds to revitalize two downtown properties. According to the Ithaca Voice, developer Urban Encore LLC led by local John Guttridge will apply for up to $2 million to renovate two buildings on the 100 block of South Cayuga St.…
The post Headlines for Monday, September 26, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Tompkins County Legislature has approved a new transportation agreement between TCAT and its three underwriters, the county, the city of Ithaca, and Cornell University. According to the Ithaca Times, the previous agreement was set to expire in early October which would’ve left TCAT unfunded. The new contract will also allow TCAT’s three underwriters to…
The post Headlines for September 23 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Advocates of a moratorium on proof-of-work cryptocurrency mining in New York are celebrating one currency’s transition to a greener process. Etherium, the world’s second largest cryptocurrency, transitioned last week to a proof-of-stake blockchain which uses less than one percent of the energy of the more common proof-of-work. Yvonne Taylor, vice president of Seneca Lake Guardian…
The post Headlines for September 22, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Recidivism has continued to fall in Tompkins County. Researchers say the steady fall in people being locked up more than once a year is directly correlated with investments the County has made in alternatives to incarceration and other supportive measures for court involved people. At their meeting Monday, the County Health and Human Services Committee…
The post Headlines for September 21, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Ithaca Democratic Socialists has outlined its plans to make TCAT free and fund the potential loss in revenue. The campaign, called FreeCAT, argues that free mass transit would help address issues of “systemic marginalization and racism, systemic classism, [and] the climate catastrophe.” According to the Ithacan, the campaign further argues that Cornell should fund…
The post Headlines for September 20, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is looking to expand the number of daily flights in the coming years. According to WHCU, the airport’s goal is to triple the number of daily flights, and double the number of destinations served. Currently the airport offers daily flights to Newark, New Jersey through United Airlines and Detroit through…
The post Headlines for September 19, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
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…
The post Headlines for September 16th, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
By Friday, the Tompkins County Ethics Board will be releasing responses to its inquiry into the Reimagining Public Safety process. The Ithaca Voice is reporting that the board has not yet received a response from the Yale-based Center for Policing Equity which collaborated in the public safety review. However, the board will release what it…
The post Headlines for September 15, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
New York and Tompkins County health departments are tracking a continued high rate of opioid overdoses in the area. The Ithaca Voice is reporting that the number of overdoses in Tompkins County is typical of the state and lower than several surrounding counties. But, as of June, there have been 12 drug related deaths in…
The post Headlines for September 14, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Cliff Street Retreat Proposal—planned for 407 Cliff Street in Ithaca—is seeking financial support from the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency. According to the Ithaca Voice the plan seeks to redevelop the former Incodema industrial facility into a mix of smaller retail, residential, office, and hospitality spaces. Because the project is intended to serve as…
The post Headlines for Tuesday September 13th, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Governor Hochul announced on Thursday that qualified New Yorkers would receive tax relief checks in the coming weeks. According to the Ithaca Times, those who claimed the Empire State Child Credit or the Earned Income Credit on their 2021 tax returns are eligible. The spending was approved as a way to help New Yorkers with…
The post Headlines for September 12th, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
New York state’s mask mandate on public transportation has been lifted. According to the Ithaca Voice, the announcement was made by Governor Hochul on Wednesday via Twitter. TCAT General Manager Mike Smith celebrated the county’s drivers for their work in mask compliance over the past two years saying it “hasn’t always been easy.” Since COVID…
The post Headlines for September, 9th 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
At its meeting Tuesday, the Ithaca City School District re-committed itself to work rewriting the district’s code of conduct. According to the Ithaca Times the process has been underway since 2018 but was shelved for a period due to the pandemic. Board President Sean Eversley Bradwell said the current code was inflexible and compared it…
The post Headlines for September 8, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced on Thursday that it would add Josh Riley to its “Red to Blue” program. Riley—who recently moved to Ithaca and grew up in Endicott—won the Democratic nomination for New York’s new 19th Congressional District. According to the Times Union, the announcement indicates that the DCCC will invest heavily in…
The post Headlines for September 6, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Nine members of the Tompkins County Legislature released a strongly-worded letter on Friday calling on President Biden and others to heed the traditional chiefs and clanmothers of Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ or Cayuga nation in a leadership dispute. The chiefs and clanmothers, have been calling for the removal of the federally recognized leader of the Cayuga Nation, Clint…
The post Headlines for September 5, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
TCAT is facing a $3.7 million budget deficit. The bus operator is funded in part by three local underwriters: the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County, and Cornell. TCAT has had an agreement with the underwriters that if it were to face a budget shortfall, they would step in and provide additional funds. However, according to…
The post Headlines for September 1, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Following an election in May, the Ithaca City School Board was left one member short of their usual nine members. School board member Rob Ainslie was controversially voted out and replaced by new member Karen Yearwood and Kelly Evans vacated her seat and was replaced by Jill Tripp. However, member Nicole LaFave, who was not…
The post Headlines for August 31, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
A Trumansburg committee has released a draft of its Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Revision for public comment. The village adopted its Comprehensive Plan at the end of 2021 and is taking a staged approach to revising zoning to encourage feedback from residents and adapt to changes in the community. The proposed revision is based on…
The post Headlines for August 30, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
A years-long movement to require all employers in Tompkins County to pay a living wage took a small step forward last week. The Ithaca Voice is reporting that a working group exploring the feasibility of a county-wide increase to the minimum wage made a presentation to the Tompkins County Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Though…
The post Headlines for August 29, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Tompkins County Mental Health Department is promoting the new 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. People can dial 988 to speak with crisis counselors 24/7. Deputy Mental Health Commissioner Harmony Ayers Friedlander called the launch a “game changer for our community.” The 988 number is also available for someone with a family member or friend…
The post Headlines for August 26th, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Ithaca Voice is reporting that, for now, the spotted lantern fly isn’t posing as big a risk to area vineyards as had been expected. So far the invasive pest hasn’t spread to Finger Lakes vineyards at the same destructive level seen in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Brian Eshenaur of the New York State Integrated…
The post Headlines for August 25, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Unofficial election results are in for yesterday’s primaries and special elections. Former Binghamton councilperson Lea Webb will be the Democratic nominee in November’s race in the new 52nd State Senate district. As of last night, she had taken 61% of the vote with more than 95% of districts reporting. She’s favored to win over Republican…
The post Headlines for August 24, 2022 (Election Results) appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Today is election day. According to the Ithaca Voice, as of late July, Leslie Danks Burke had outraised Lea Webb by more than 2-1. However, Webb has garnered an impressive list of endorsements including the Civil Service Employee Association of NY, Service Employees International Union, the Working Families Party as well as a host of…
The post Headlines for August 23, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Early voting ended Sunday and tomorrow is election day. Voters will be headed to polls to vote in Democratic primaries for the new 52nd State Senate district and the new 19th Congressional district as well as a special election to fill the seat in the old 23rd Congressional district vacated by Tom Reed who resigned…
The post Headlines for August 22, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Wednesday Tompkins Area Consolidated Transit or TCAT confirmed the details of it’s cuts to service which will go into effect on Sunday. Routes affected by the cuts include 82, 11, 13, and 20 which will see some reduction in frequency. More details on the changes to TCAT's service at their website. The City of…
The post Headlines for August 19, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Tompkins County continues to bring in more funds than it spends. At its meeting Tuesday the County Legislature heard from Finance Director Rick Snyder that unspent funds have reached $62 million, an increase of $44 million over the past nine years. Much of the increase is due to higher than expected sales tax revenue. In…
The post Headlines for August 18, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Tompkins Area Consolidated Transit or TCAT will receive more that $8.5 million from the Federal Transit Administration. The funds will be used to expand the operator’s electric vehicle fleet which, since April of 2021, has included seven fully electric buses. The new funds will be used to purchase six more full-sized electric buses and 4…
The post Headlines for August 17, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
New York prisons will no longer allow people to send care packages directly to incarcerated loved ones. According to the Associated Press, the change is part of an effort to keep contraband materials out of prisons. While the new rule will mean prisoners can no longer receive things like homemade cookies, deliveries can still be…
The post Headlines for August 16, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Ithaca Farmers Market is now offering online shopping. Orders can be made at ithacamarket.com and pickup can be arranged at Steamboat Landing or at Press Bay Alley. Qualified low-income shoppers can apply for a 60% discount. Early voting in NY started on Saturday. Votes may be cast in the primary races for State Assembly…
The post Headlines for August 15, 2022 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Early Wednesday night, the Cayuga Nation Police Department demolished several buildings in Seneca Falls under the direction of Cayuga Nation representative Clint Halftown. Halftown is the federally recognized leader of the Nation, despite having been removed from his position multiple times by the Gayogoho:no Council of Chiefs, the traditionally recognized leadership of the Cayuga Nation.…
The post August 5th, 2022 Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Monday, it was announced that the Ithaca Housing Authority would be awarded $58 million from the state to develop affordable housing in the city. According to Finger Lakes Daily News, the money will go towards the development of 118 affordable and modern housing units. Overlook Terrace on Hector St. and Southview Gardens on S…
The post August 4th, 2022 Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Former Northeast Elementary principal Liddy Coyle has secured a new position as Principal on Special Assignment for the Ithaca City School District. According to WHCU, Coyle’s new position will involve researching and securing grants for the district. Coyle’s departure from the Principal position several months ago was met with anger and confusion from parents, students,…
The post August 3, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Wednesday August 10th, the Tompkins County Health Department will be hosting a free Moderna booster clinic. Those 18 and older seeking their first booster dose are eligible to attend this clinic. For those seeking a second dose, the requirements are a little bit tighter: those 50 and older who received their first dose at…
The post August 2, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Wednesday, The Tompkins County Workers' Center and the Alternatives Federal Credit Union announced a new living wage for Tompkins County. The Workers’ Center Coordinator Pete Meyers said they’re feeling quite excited because “the living wage gets updated every two years. This is the first time ever since 2006 that we decided to do it…
The post July 29, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Independent candidate for Ithaca mayor Katie Sims has received the endorsement of the Working Families Party. Sims, who is running to the left of both incumbent Laura Lewis and Republican candidate Zachary Winn, is focusing her platform on housing justice and combating climate change. According to the Ithaca Voice, the Working Families Party has endorsed…
The post July 28, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Monday, Governor Hochul announced that $70 million in funding was awarded to child care programs in areas without enough child care capacity, known as child care deserts. The funds are part of the $100 million Child Care Desert Initiative, which will help child care providers that are newly licensed, registered, or permitted. The funds…
The post July 27, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Early Saturday the Ithaca Fire Department responded to a fire in Cornell’s Vet Research Tower and successfully suppressed the fire. According to the Ithaca Voice, the fire may have compromised hazardous materials and the crew was decontaminated. There were no injuries. The NYS office of fire prevention and the IFD are currently investigating possible causes…
The post July 26, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Sunday, the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a global health emergency. The classification is the highest alert the WHO can declare. According to the BBC, the WHO declared an emergency due to the outbreak and rapid spreading worldwide. As of Saturday, 16,000 positive cases and 5 deaths have been reported from 75 countries. Symptoms…
The post July 25, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Construction is complete on the replacement of the Route 34B bridge in Lansing. According to the Governor’s website, the new bridge replaces the old structure which was built in 1930. The $18.4 million project includes a new steel frame and expanded eight-foot shoulders to better accommodate stopped vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. State Route 34B follows…
The post July 22, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Tompkins County yesterday morning. The advisory was in effect on Wednesday from 11 am to 8 pm. With the anticipated temperature increase throughout the state, the Department of Health has provided a list of free cooling centers, including multiple areas in Ithaca. The Appel Commons Community…
The post July 21, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Monday, the Town of Ithaca launched its new OpenGov portal. According to the Ithaca Voice, the portal allows for residents to initiate and track different types of requests to various departments, like zoning and public works. The website also lets applicants interact with these departments outside of normal business hours. ——- The Tompkins County…
The post July 20, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
TCAT is reducing its bus services due to labor and equipment shortages. The company is proposing reducing services by 20% from August 21st through January 21st. Routes proposed to be reduced include routes 11, 13, 20, 82, 90, and 92. On Monday, August 15th, a virtual public hearing will be held for public input from…
The post July 19, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Katie Sims is now the third candidate running in the Ithaca mayoral election. Sims, who is running to the left of incumbent Laura Lewis and Republican Zachary Winn, will be on the ballot as an independent aligned with Ithaca’s Solidarity Slate. According to the Ithaca Voice, Sims was considered for appointment to the 4th Ward…
The post July 18, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Wednesday, Governor Hochul announced that $10 million was awarded in the first round of the Abortion Provider Support Fund. The money goes towards 13 programs covering 63 sites, including Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, which covers Ithaca. Applications for the second round of funds open next week. In the second round, $15 million…
The post July 15, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca police arrested Michael J. Thomas early Tuesday morning in connection with multiple robberies over the past month. According to the Ithaca Voice, Thomas had been arrested last Thursday in connection with break-ins that occurred from June 20th-29th, and was subsequently released of his own recognizance. However, after a string of further burglaries this weekend,…
The post July 14, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Monday, New York State announced a new 24-hour COVID-19 hotline. According to Spectrum News, the hotline provides telemedicine services to state residents who do not have access to a health care provider and need COVID-related treatments. Governor Hochul’s office announced that the hotline was created due to a recent increase of Covid cases, specifically…
The post July 13, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca police are investigating a string of burglaries that occurred on Saturday. There were break-ins at Safelite Auto Glass, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, On the Street Pitas, ABC Oriental Rugs, and Warehouse Carpet Outlet. The police are requesting that anyone with information contact the department as soon as possible at (607)330-0000 or www.cityofithaca.org/ipdtips. According…
The post July 12, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) is asking community members to fill out a health survey available for all residents over the age of 18. TCHD, Cayuga Health System, and other local partners produced the survey which includes questions about, access to care, food security, physical and mental health, chronic conditions, COVID-19, and what makes…
The post July 11th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The June 28th gubernatorial primary saw a steep decline in voter turnout numbers for Tompkins County. According to the Ithaca Voice, only around 5,700 people voted in the 2022 primary compared to 2018 when nearly 11,300 voted, a dropoff of almost 50%. In Ithaca’s Fourth Ward which encompasses Collegetown and parts of East Hill, only…
The post July 8, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Tompkins County Health Department is warning the community about monkeypox. Monkeypox spreads through skin-to-skin contact or prolonged close contact with an infected person. Though there are no cases in the county, 86 cases have occurred across the state. In a press release, county Public Health Director, Frank Kruppa said the agency is working “to…
The post July 7, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Eight Artists in conjunction with the Community Unity Music Education Project have received a major grant from Creatives Rebuild New York’s Artist Employment Program. The artists are, Fe Nunn, Resana Malone, Harry Smith, Cyepress Rite, Nicole Bethany Onwuka, Annemarie Zwack, Maryam Adib, and Daraisi Marte. The grant totals more than 1 million dollars over two…
The post July 6, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Friday, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation refused to renew the air permits of Greenidge Generation, a power plant and major crypto mining facility. According to the Ithaca Voice, the DEC found that the Seneca Lake plant was directing most of its resources to cryptomining that utilizes proof-of-work authentication, which is highly…
The post July 4, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca Police are looking for information about a robbery that took place at the K&H Redemption Center on Tuesday. According to the Ithaca Voice, someone saw a man wearing a mask fleeing the scene after the break-in. If anyone witnessed anything or has any information, they are encouraged to contact the IPD by calling (607)…
The post July 1, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Schuyler County has received over $22,000 from the Federal Government’s ‘Payments in Lieu of Taxes’ program (PILT) to spend on vital county services. According to Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman in a press release, “PILT seeks to compensate local governments for the inability to collect property taxes on federally owned land.” This was the highest…
The post June 30, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Community Health Services Immunizations Clinic returns to Ithaca on July 8th. The program provides all immunizations recommended by the CDC for uninsured and underinsured adults and children. The clinic will be open on Fridays, and an appointment is required. To schedule an appointment, call 607-274-6604. To determine whether you or your child qualify for…
The post June 29, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Wegmans announced Monday that it would be recalling Vidalia onions sold at certain locations due to potential listeria. The Ithaca Wegmans is one of three locations in New York affected by the recall. According to My Twin Tiers, the potentially impacted products were sold between June 23rd and June 24th with the 4-digit PLU codes…
The post June 28, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The New York State Police department is warning the public not to share personal information with callers claiming to be state troopers. According to police, the scammers are telling New Yorkers that there is a legal case against them, and asking for personal information. The phone number used for the calls appears as a New…
The post June 27, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Supreme Court overturned New York’s concealed carry law in a six to three vote yesterday morning. ABC 7 said the justices ruled that requiring people to demonstrate a need to carry a gun in public violated the Second Amendment. The ruling will have implications for gun restrictions across the country. Here in New York,…
The post June 24, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Tompkins County Health Department says local pediatricians are preparing to administer COVID vaccines to children at least six months old, now that they have been approved by the FDA The Pfizer vaccine is available for children ages six months to four years old, and the Moderna vaccine is available for children ages six months…
The post June 23, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Construction finished yesterday on a new affordable and supportive housing building in Ithaca. According to the Governor’s website, the building — West End Heights — is part of her plan to "make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable.” The project includes 60 new units, 38 of which are reserved for those who need supportive care.…
The post June 22, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Progressive activist and New York Lt. Governor candidate Ana Maria Archila made a stop in Ithaca on Friday to drum up support for her campaign. According to the Ithaca Voice, Archila had success in picking up endorsements from Ithaca’s Solidarity Slate, a key grouping of progressive Common Council members. The New York Lt. Governor is…
The post June 20, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
In observance of Juneteenth, the TCAT will run on a reduced service on Monday, June 20th. Though Juneteenth is on the 19th, most employers also observe the holiday on the 20th. Instead of operating on a typical weekday schedule on Monday, TCAT will operate on Sunday’s schedule, which ends earlier in the day and has…
The post June 17, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
From June 26th to July 3rd, Ithaca is hosting its first ever PRIDE Week. According to Tompkins Weekly, community members and visitors are welcome to join the festivities, which will include LQBTQIA+ performances, vendors, drag shows, HIV testing, a walking tour, and more. The Downtown Ithaca Alliance is organizing the event, and it’s the city’s…
The post June 16, 2022 Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Last Saturday, activists formed a picket line at the Starbucks located off of the Commons to draw attention to their frustration with the company and its decision to close the College Avenue location. According to The Ithaca Voice, supporters marched in front of the cafe for several hours in response to Starbucks management not guaranteeing…
The post June 15, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Tompkins County Health Department will be hosting a COVID-19 Moderna booster clinic in collaboration with Southside Community Center’s Juneteenth Celebration. The clinic will be held this Sunday, June 19th at the Bernie Milton Pavilion on the Commons from 2-4pm. . The booster is available to those who have not been boosted yet and those…
The post June 14, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Last Thursday, parents, students, and staff at Ithaca High School were alerted by Principle Jason Trumble that the school was safe after a student made a threat during second period. According to 14850.com, Trumble told the community that the situation was handled immediately, and the school informed authorities. The incident took place just a week…
The post June 13, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Tuesday, two students were arrested at Lansing High School after allegedly creating a “kill list.” According to the Ithaca Voice, multiple students heard and saw the two students discussing and creating the “kill list.” Police were alerted by students and staff about the incident and detained the students charging them with making a terroristic…
The post June 10, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Last Friday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at The Black Diamond Trail to celebrate the arrival of a new kiosk. Cayuga Ski and Cyclery donated a new bike repair station at the trailhead, and Friends of Stewart Park donated bike racks, signs, and benches. The kiosk was created to mark the trailhead at the Ithaca…
The post June 9, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Last Friday, GO Ithaca, a transportation benefit program, started its GO Ithaca Summer Tours. The benefit program provides a range of environmentally- friendly transportation options for Ithacans. The new program provides car-free tours of outdoor destinations around Tompkins County and was made possible with an $8,000 Tompkins County Outdoor Recreation Grant. GO Ithaca was created…
The post June 8, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
On Monday, Congressional candidate Josh Riley received endorsements from Tompkins County Democratic mainstays Martha Robertson and Irene Stein. Robertson was a Democratic nominee in the former 23rd, and Stein has chaired both the Democratic Rural Conference and the Tompkins County Democratic Committee. According to the Ithaca Voice, both are confident that Riley will work to…
The post June 7, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Starbucks is closing its College Ave location in a move that Starbucks union organizers are calling a “union bust”. According to NPR, the store was given one week's notice of the shut down.The store will close June 10th. The Collegetown store was one of three Starbucks locations in Ithaca to vote to unionize this spring.…
The post June 6, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The ballot for Ithaca's special mayoral election this November has been finalized. There are three candidates in the running: Democrat incumbent Laura Lewis, Republican Zachary Winn, and independent Katie Sims. According to the Ithaca Voice, the winner will serve the remainder of former Mayor Svante Myrick’s term, due to his early resignation in January. There…
The post June 3, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.