WRFI Community Radio News
1,158 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago -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/
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Episodes
March 23rd, 2022 Daily Headlines
March 22, 2022 10:00The Tompkins County Legislature has voted to increase pay for local election day poll workers. According to the Ithaca Voice, poll workers will now be paid $15.32 per hour, a $2.82 increase. A raise to $14.00 an hour was initially proposed but later raised. Legislator Greg Mezey voiced support for the measure saying it is… The post March 23rd, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
March 22nd, 2022 Daily Headlines
March 22, 2022 10:00Local Environmental groups are touting a new paper out of Columbia Law School saying New York Governor Kathy Hochul has the legal authority to enact a moratorium on proof-of-work Cryptocurrency mining. Seneca Lake Guardian, Sierra Club, and others have urged the state Department of Environmental Conservation to reject an air permit renewal for the Greenidge… The post March 22nd, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
March 21st, 2022 Daily Headlines
March 21, 2022 10:00Last Thursday, the Tompkins County Legislature appointed Lisa Holmes as the new County Administrator. Holmes had served as the Interim County Administrator since May of last year and has worked in the county government since 1998. She previously led the County Department of the Aging. The Administrator is responsible for overseeing the County’s budget and… The post March 21st, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
March 16th, 2022 Daily Headlines
March 16, 2022 10:00State Assemblymember Anna Kelles, has announced support for the New York State Assembly’s Budget Plan for the next fiscal year. In a statement Kelles called the proposal a “smart budget that takes a bold step away from the last decade of austerity just in time for our economic recovery after two years of this pandemic.” … The post March 16th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
March 15th, 2022 Daily Headlines
March 15, 2022 10:00The Tompkins County Legislature has been granted over $120,000 for distribution to local food and shelter programs. According to the Ithaca Voice, the funds were granted by the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA. The county is asking local organizations to apply for funds by April 8th. Most of the funds were allotted through the… The post March 15th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
March 14th, 2022 Daily Headlines
March 14, 2022 10:00Cornell University is easing its mask requirement effective today. Masks will no longer be required in a majority of university settings. However, masks will still be required in classrooms, laboratories, and other teaching settings. Masks will also be required in all COVID-19 testing facilities, and all university owned vehicles including buses. Tompkins county lifted it’s… The post March 14th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
March 11th, 2022 Daily Headlines
March 11, 2022 11:00The Tompkins County Human Services Coalition has named Cindy Wilcox as their new Executive Director. According to the Ithaca Voice, Wilcox was approved by the Coalition’s board of directors and will take the helm on April 11th. Wilcox is a graduate of Ithaca College, and has worked in the non-profit sector for over 30 years.… The post March 11th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
March 10th, 2022 Daily Headlines
March 10, 2022 11:00On Wednesday local environmentalists applauded President Biden’s executive order directing the Justice Department, Treasury Department and other federal agencies to investigate the legal, economic, and environmental impact of cryptocurrencies. Seneca Lake Guardian, said they were “thrilled” by President Biden’s decision, and went on to call on Governor Kathy Hochul to place a moratorium on crypto… The post March 10th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
March 9th, 2022 Daily Headlines
March 09, 2022 11:00Assemblymember Anna Kelles has introduced legislation to provide for stable funding of emergency services. The legislation would assist local municipalities that currently fund their own non-profit EMS. Kelles, who represents Tompkins and part of Cortland counties, said that the current funding model for these programs are unsustainable, and that rural communities in particular suffer from… The post March 9th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
March 4th, Daily Headlines
March 04, 2022 11:00On Wednesday, the Reimagining Public Safety Working Group published their report detailing their suggestions for the implementation of a new public safety agency in the city of Ithaca. The report suggests a new Department of Community Safety which would be led by a Commissioner of Community Safety. The Department would be split between two divisions,… The post March 4th, Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
March 3rd, 2022 Daily Headlines
March 03, 2022 11:00Local Schools are updating mask guidelines after Tompkins County lifted its mask advisory on Monday. According to the Ithaca Voice, the Ithaca City School District will no longer require masks indoors. Ithaca College has also announced masks will no longer be required indoors effective tomorrow. The college will still require masks in the Hammond Health… The post March 3rd, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
March 2nd, 2022 Daily Headlines
March 02, 2022 11:00The Ithaca Common Council will receive a report from the Reimagining Public Safety Working Group today. The report will provide suggestions to the council on how to implement the City’s new Department of Public Safety. All suggestions made in the report will still have to be approved by the council. The report will be delivered… The post March 2nd, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
March 1st, 2022 Daily Headlines
March 01, 2022 11:00Yesterday, the Tompkins County Health Department Suspended the county’s mask advisory. The CDC has reclassified Tompkins County as having “low” community levels of COVID-19. Tompkins County currently has 286 active cases of COVID-19 and 12 active hospitalizations. The change comes just one day after Governor Kathy Hochul announced an end to the state’s school mask… The post March 1st, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 28th, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 28, 2022 11:00The Ithaca Festival will be returning to the Ithaca Commons this June according to the Ithaca Voice. The festival has been on a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival is scheduled for June 2nd through the 5th. COVID cases have seen a sharp decline in Tompkins County following the winter surge. … The post February 28th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 25th, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 25, 2022 11:00Republican Tompkins County Legislator Mike Sigler has announced he’s running for congress in New York’s 22nd District. According to the Ithaca Voice, Sigler, who represents Lansing, has gained a reputation as a moderate Republican representing a heavily democratic district. The new 22nd district is deeply Democratic, and voted for President Joe Biden by over 18… The post February 25th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 24th, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 24, 2022 11:00Yesterday, crisis counselors at Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service of Tompkins County announced they have unionized through the Communication Workers of America. According to the Tompkins County Workers Center, the SPCS voluntarily recognized the union. This means a unionization vote, originally scheduled for next month, won’t be necessary. The workers will be represented through the… The post February 24th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 23rd, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 23, 2022 11:00Yesterday, Ithaca resident, and environmental activist Vanessa Fajans-Turner formally launched her campaign for congress in New York’s 22nd District. Fajans-Turner joins a crowded field of democrats with 7 candidates already launching their campaigns. Fajans-Turner is the first Ithaca resident to jump into the race, which has so far been dominated by Syracuse and Onondaga County… The post February 23rd, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 22nd, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 22, 2022 11:00Cornell is no longer requiring “surveillance testing” for fully vaccinated and boostered people. According to WHCU Radio, cases at Cornell have remained low. The university is also encouraging students to practice caution during the upcoming february break, and is encouraging testing before returning to campus. Students who aren’t vaccinated and boostered will still be required… The post February 22nd, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 21st, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 21, 2022 11:00Schuyler County Public Health will be hosting a COVID vaccine clinic this Friday at the Watkins Glen Community Center. The clinic will be open from 9:00 A.M. to noon and will offer the vaccine free of charge to all residents 12 and older. For more information visit the public health department website at Schuylercounty.us ——-… The post February 21st, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 17th, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 17, 2022 11:00Yesterday, Ithaca suffered a water main break that impacted West Hill and downtown residents. According to the Ithaca Voice, residents and businesses were struck with low water pressure, and discoloration. The break occurred at Taughannock Blvd. and West Buffalo Street. Repairs are expected to be completed by tomorrow. Until then, residents impacted by discoloration are… The post February 17th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 16th, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 16, 2022 11:00The yearly report from the Tompkins County Department of Assessments, says the county has seen a continued increase in housing prices over the last year. Median housing prices have increased by 64 percent in the last 10 years in the county. And, according to the Ithaca Voice, the median home price in 2021 was $295,000. … The post February 16th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 14th, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 14, 2022 11:00According to the Ithaca Voice, Ithaca’s Acting Mayor Laura Lewis has confirmed she will seek a full term as mayor this November. Lewis was appointed to the position by former Mayor Svante Myrick, who stepped down to lead People for the American Way, a progressive advocacy group. Ithaca will hold a Special Mayoral Election this… The post February 14th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 15th, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 14, 2022 11:00The Tompkins County Democratic Committee has elected Linda Hoffman as the party’s new county chair. Hoffman was elected unanimously at the committee’s general meeting last month. Hoffman is taking over from Acting Chair Stacy Dimas who took the position after Former Chair Jim Gustaffson stepped down due to ill health. Hoffman previously served as chair... The post February 15th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 11th, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 11, 2022 11:00The Ithaca Children’s Garden has announced Candice Meade will lead the organization and replace long time Executive Director Erin Marteal. The Children’s Garden leads environmental programs for local youth. According to the Ithaca Voice, Meade was a 2013 graduate of Cornell University, and previously worked at the Institute for Conservation Leadership and the Annapolis Maritime... The post February 11th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 10th, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 10, 2022 11:00Yesterday Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York State would lift its mask mandate. The state previously mandated indoor businesses to either require proof of vaccination or mask wearing. According to CNBC, New York has seen a steep drop in COVID numbers after the winter surge fueled by the Omicron variant. The governor clarified that local... The post February 10th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 9th, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 09, 2022 11:00The city of Ithaca will receive over $24,500 from the pharmaceutical company Allergan, as part of a settlement with New York State. According to the Ithaca Voice, the city announced the funds during last week’s Common Council meeting. New York state came to a settlement with Allergan over its contribution to the opioid epidemic late... The post February 9th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 8th, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 07, 2022 11:00Cornell University is beginning in person classes this week after spending the first two weeks of the semester online. According to WHCU Radio, the university will be requiring all Undergraduate, Law and MBA students to be tested for COVID-19 once a week. Campus officials also reported lower than expected positivity rates since students returned to… The post February 8th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 7th, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 07, 2022 11:00On Saturday, Former Democratic State Assembly Member Sam Roberts, announced he was running for Congress in New York’s new 22nd district. Roberts' announcement came just 2 days after Governor Kathy Hochul approved the state's new congressional map for the next 10 years. The new 22nd district is deeply Democratic running from Ithaca all the way… The post February 7th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 3rd, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 03, 2022 11:00On Tuesday, New York City Public Advocate and Candidate for Governor Jumaane Williams appeared in Ithaca. According to the Ithaca Voice, Williams appeared alongside Common Councilors Jorge Defendini and Phoebe Brown. Williams voiced support for “Good Cause Eviction” legislation and recent unionization efforts at Ithaca’s three Starbucks locations. Williams is challenging incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul… The post February 3rd, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 2nd, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 02, 2022 11:00New York State Democrats have unveiled their proposal for the state’s new state legislature maps. In the state Assembly, the proposal would keep all of Tompkins and part of Cortland county in a single, deeply Democratic district, currently represented by Assemblymember Anna Kelles. In the State Senate, Tompkins would join with Binghamton to form… The post February 2nd, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
February 1st, 2022 Daily Headlines
February 01, 2022 11:00On Sunday, New York Democrats unveiled the state’s proposed congressional maps for the next 10 years. According to the Cook Political Report’s Dave Wasserman, the map would create 22 heavily democratic seats and 4 heavily republican seats. New York is currently represented by 19 Democrats and 8 Republicans. Ithaca and Syracuse will be placed in… The post February 1st, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 31st, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 31, 2022 11:00Schuyler County Public Health will host a COVID vaccine clinic this Friday from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Watkins Glen Community Center. The clinic is open to all residents 5 and older. Walk-ins are available till 5:30, but registration is required for 5-11 year olds. For more information visit the county website at… The post January 31st, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 28, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 28, 2022 11:00Yesterday, the Tompkins County Health Department announced changes to its COVID-19 data reporting. The county will no longer report the number of “active cases” in the county, or the number of patients released from isolation. In a statement to the media the county explained this was because the state government is now leading case investigations.… The post January 28, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 27, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 27, 2022 11:00The Tompkins County Public Library will be distributing free COVID self test kits next Tuesday and Thursday outside the library’s front entrance on Green Street. Distributions will be open from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. and again from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M both days. The library will offer up to 6 test kits per… The post January 27, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 26th, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 26, 2022 11:00On Monday, a New York judge struck down the state’s indoor mask mandate, saying the Governor and Department of Health did not have the authority to enact the mandate without the approval of the state legislature. According to CNN the decision was handed down by Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Thomas Rademaker. Attorney General Letitia… The post January 26th, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 25, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 25, 2022 11:00Yesterday, New York’s Independent Redistricting Commission announced it would not be able to come to a consensus on a new congressional map. The commission had until today to submit a new proposal to the state legislature, which rejected two proposals two weeks ago. According to the Troy Record, the process will now move to the… The post January 25, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 24, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 24, 2022 11:00Schuyler County Public Health will host two COVID vaccine clinics this Friday at the Watkins Glen Community Center. The first clinic will be from 9:00 A.M. to Noon and will offer vaccines to all those 12 and older. The second clinic will be from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. and will offer the Pfizer vaccine… The post January 24, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 21, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 21, 2022 11:00On Wednesday the Ithaca Planning and Economic Development Committee met for the first time in 2022. According to the Ithaca Voice, the committee discussed a proposal to require landlords to provide 180 day notice before lease renewal, showing a rental unit to a new client, or entering a rental agreement with a new client. The… The post January 21, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 20, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 20, 2022 11:00The Tompkins County Health Department has announced an additional COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Clinic for youth ages 12 to 17. The department will offer the Pfizer booster from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. this Saturday at the Ithaca Mall Vaccine Site. Residents are eligible for the booster if they received their second dose of the Pfizer… The post January 20, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 19, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 19, 2022 11:00The Tompkins County Health Department is hosting a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Clinic for those 18 and older. The clinic will offer the Moderna Booster from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Ithaca Mall vaccine site. The vaccine is available to all residents who received their 2nd dose of either the Moderna or the Pfizer… The post January 19, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 18, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 18, 2022 11:00The Tompkins County Health Department has released updated COVID guidelines. The county is telling residents who test positive for the virus to remain in isolation for five days, and wear a well fitting mask for an additional five days after leaving isolation. Since the county has suspended contact tracing, it is recommending that people who… The post January 18, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 17, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 17, 2022 11:00City of Ithaca and Tompkins County tax bills should be delivered this week more than two weeks later than usual. According to the City Chamberlain’s office, the department began mailing out physical tax bills on Friday. The city had seen a delay in mailing due to a software issue. Tax bill and payment information is… The post January 17, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 14, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 14, 2022 11:00The Tompkins County Health Department has announced a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Clinic for youth ages 12-17. The clinic will provide the Pfizer booster, and will be open from 2:30 to 6:00 P.M. on Saturday at the Ithaca Mall vaccine site. Residents are eligible for the booster if they received their second dose of the Pfizer… The post January 14, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 13, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 13, 2022 11:00The Environmental Protection Agency has rejected a request from the Greenidge Generation facility to keep its Coal Ash Pond open. Greenidge had requested the EPA allow them to continue accepting waste past an April 2021 deadline. Seneca Lake Guardian, a local environmental group, commended the EPA’s decision saying the pond was contaminating Seneca Lake and… The post January 13, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 12, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 12, 2022 11:00Soon to be Acting Ithaca Mayor Laura Lewis has released a statement in support of the Reimagining Public Safety Initiative. Lewis will take over as acting Mayor on February 7th after the resignation of Mayor Svante Myrick. The reimagining public safety plan was one of Mayor Myrick’s most notable actions and received national attention. Lewis… The post January 12, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 11, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 11, 2022 11:00On Saturday, New York reported 154 COVID deaths, the highest since February of last year. According to the Albany Times Union, the state reported nearly 80,000 new cases on Sunday. Despite the death toll, the state has seen fewer deaths relative to the amount of COVID cases. This is because the Omicron variant is believed… The post January 11, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 10, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 10, 2022 11:00Schuyler County Public Health will host a COVID vaccine clinic this Friday for all those 5 and older. The clinic will be from open 3:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at the Bradford Central School District. Registration is required for kids from the age of 5 to 11. For those 12 and older walks in will… The post January 10, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 7, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 07, 2022 11:00On Thursday, Cornell announced it was moving to remote learning for the first two weeks of the spring semester. According to 14850.com, the University is also expanding its move-in period and staggering move-in schedules. Cornell will require students to take a COVID test both before and after arriving on campus and is requiring all students… The post January 7, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January, 6 2022 Daily Headlines
January 06, 2022 11:00Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick, has announced he will be stepping down after a decade in office. Myrick made his announcement last night over social media, saying he was accepting a position as Executive Director of People for the American Way, a Progressive advocacy group. Mayor Myrick called his time as mayor the "honor of my… The post January, 6 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
January 5, 2022 Daily Headlines
January 05, 2022 11:00The Tompkins County Health Department will be hosting a COVID vaccine booster clinic this Saturday. The county will offer the Moderna booster from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Ithaca Mall vaccine site. To get the booster on Saturday, patients must be 18 or older. Patients must also have received their second dose of… The post January 5, 2022 Daily Headlines appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.