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
Which Way Forward: What the Plan is Made of
April 10, 2021 00:06On April 1st, Ithaca and Tompkins County submitted their plans for reforming public safety. Although the Common Council and the County Legislature have committed to the points of their plans, they still have a long way to go before they're realized. The recommendations don't have the mechanics and power of policy behind them yet, and… The post Which Way Forward: What the Plan is Made of appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Golden Opportunity – Providing Equitable Education
April 09, 2021 22:00Since 2005, Golden Opportunity has been providing free professional tutoring to students in the Ithaca City School District who would not otherwise have access to this kind of help. Starting in second grade, students performing below grade level are paired with a tutor who will stay with them till eighth grade. Listen to learn more… The post Golden Opportunity – Providing Equitable Education appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Youth Voices Episode 5: Mental Health And Mental Illness (4/7/2021) [AUDIO]
April 07, 2021 21:34According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 American adults experience a mental disorder every year, as well as 1 in 6 American children. Despite its commonality, negative attitudes towards mental illness still persist, including the idea that people with mental health disorders are violent, unstable or dangerous. Although it’s not always easy,… The post Youth Voices Episode 5: Mental Health And Mental Illness (4/7/2021) [AUDIO] appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Enough is Enough, New Anti-Gun Collaborative Forming in Ithaca
April 07, 2021 19:11Ithaca has seen an increase in the number of shots-fired cases in the last few months, as well as other gun related incidents. One of the most concerning examples was a 12 year old boy finding a gun laying in a ditch “Enough is Enough” is forming as response to this. Travis Brooks is pushing… The post Enough is Enough, New Anti-Gun Collaborative Forming in Ithaca appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Redistricting New York State- An Introduction
April 02, 2021 22:00New York’s state senate and assembly districts are redrawn every 10 years, after the census. In 2014, New York joined two other states with a constitutional amendment to move redistricting to an independent committee but requiring legislative approval which opens the process to potential gerrymandering. To report on how this process is proceeding, WRFI news… The post Redistricting New York State- An Introduction appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Leslyn McBean-Clairborne Talks Reimagining Public Safety
April 02, 2021 21:54The post Leslyn McBean-Clairborne Talks Reimagining Public Safety appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Tompkins County Legislature Passes Reimagining Plan with some Amendments
March 31, 2021 18:48Access the full meeting here. The post Tompkins County Legislature Passes Reimagining Plan with some Amendments appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
03/31/2021 AM Newscast
March 31, 2021 05:53The post 03/31/2021 AM Newscast appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
03/29/21 PM Newscast
March 29, 2021 19:48The post 03/29/21 PM Newscast appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
03/29/2021 AM Newscast
March 29, 2021 11:00The post 03/29/2021 AM Newscast appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local AI Startup closes 1 million dollar deal with Investors
March 28, 2021 18:09Iterate labs, an Ithaca based AI startup secured a 1 million dollar deal with MonoZukuri and Tyson Ventures. From WRFI Intern Christian Maitre. The post Local AI Startup closes 1 million dollar deal with Investors appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Greenidge Generation, From Peaker Plant to Mining Bitcoin
March 27, 2021 02:48Greenidge Generation LLC operates a natural gas power plant near the shore of Seneca Lake, that has evolved into a bitcoin mining operation. Greenidge's parent company now boasts that it's the first bitcoin mining operation with it's own in-house energy supply being publicly traded on the stock market, but they have attracted the scrutiny of… The post Greenidge Generation, From Peaker Plant to Mining Bitcoin appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
03/25/2021 AM Newscast
March 25, 2021 13:37The post 03/25/2021 AM Newscast appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Youth Voices Episode 4: Mental Health And Mental Illness (3/24/2021) [AUDIO]
March 24, 2021 21:14According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 American adults experience a mental disorder every year, as well as 1 in 6 American children. Despite its commonality, negative attitudes towards mental illness still persist, including the idea that people with mental health disorders are violent, unstable or dangerous. Although it’s not always… The post Youth Voices Episode 4: Mental Health And Mental Illness (3/24/2021) [AUDIO] appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Youth Voices Episode 4: Mental Health And Mental Illness
March 24, 2021 21:14According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 American adults experience a mental disorder every year, as well as 1 in 6 American children. Despite its commonality, negative attitudes towards mental illness still persist, including the idea that people with mental health disorders are violent, unstable or dangerous. Although it’s not always… The post Youth Voices Episode 4: Mental Health And Mental Illness appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
03/24/2021 AM Newscast
March 24, 2021 11:00The post 03/24/2021 AM Newscast appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
03/24/2021 PM Newscast
March 24, 2021 07:00The post 03/24/2021 PM Newscast appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
03/23/2021 AM Newscast
March 23, 2021 13:22The post 03/23/2021 AM Newscast appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
03/23/2021 PM Newscast
March 23, 2021 06:58The post 03/23/2021 PM Newscast appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
03/22/2021 PM Newscast
March 22, 2021 19:44The post 03/22/2021 PM Newscast appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
County Administrator, Jason Molino, Talks One Year of COVID-19
March 20, 2021 01:01Jason Molino, Tompkins County’s Administrator, released a letter to the community to mark a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect life in Tompkins County. He sat down with WRFI News Director Jimmy Jordan to talk about that letter The post County Administrator, Jason Molino, Talks One Year of COVID-19 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Q: How can a Youth Ice Hockey League Play During a Pandemic? (A: Their Parents)
March 20, 2021 00:48Pamela Tan is both a member on WRFI’s news team, and also volunteers with her son’s youth hockey team. Everything from grocery shopping to the way we see our families has been affected by COVID. Hockey is no exception. The post Q: How can a Youth Ice Hockey League Play During a Pandemic? (A: Their Parents) appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Back the Blue Rally Calls for Rejection of Police Reform Plan, Met with Counter-Protests
March 15, 2021 18:50A “Back the Blue” rally held on Sunday, on the Ithaca Commons. Ralliers were there criticizing in full the Reimagining Public Safety Draft Report from the City of Ithaca, and Tompkins County. But the afternoon’s affair was met with anti-racist counter-protestors. The Back the Blue rally was organized by Rocco Lucente Jr.. He stood on… The post Back the Blue Rally Calls for Rejection of Police Reform Plan, Met with Counter-Protests appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Domestic Violence During COVID-19
March 12, 2021 22:00While domestic violence has always been a serious societal issue, the challenges survivors face in seeking help have changed, and in many ways increased, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations such as the Tompkins County Advocacy Center have adapted in how they offer services to survivors and have gained new approaches in how… The post Domestic Violence During COVID-19 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Tompkins Food Future: Development of a Food Systems Plan in Tompkins County
March 12, 2021 10:15Katie Hallas, the Coordinator of the Community Food System Plan, discusses Tompkins Food Future. This project will create a local food system whereby sustainable, equitable healthy and affordable food is available for all members of our community. For more information, visit http://www.tompkinsfoodfuture.org (photo: Compost SDIM0891 by Stefan Szczelkun, courtesy of Creative Commons) The post Tompkins Food Future: Development of a Food Systems Plan in Tompkins County appeared first on WR...
Common Council May Push Back on Deciding to Replace Ithaca Police Department and Focus on Other Recommendations Instead
March 11, 2021 14:00Ithaca City and Tompkins County Officials have made changes to the recommendations in the Reimagining Public Safety Draft Report. Mayor Svante Myrick and County Administrator presented the updates to the document at a special Common Council meeting on Wednesday night. The report now specifies that if the Common Council approves the recommendation to replace the… The post Common Council May Push Back on Deciding to Replace Ithaca Police Department and Focus on Other Recommendations Instead a...
Ithaca Black Town Hall Responds to Reimagining Public Safety Draft Report
March 08, 2021 20:59Southside Community Center hosted a Black Town Hall to talk about the Reimagining Public Safety draft report. It was held on Thursday, March 4th, and titled, “The Future of Public Safety?” Mayor Svante Myrick, and County administrator Jason Molino attended the meeting, presenting the recommendations of the report, and gathering input from members of… The post Ithaca Black Town Hall Responds to Reimagining Public Safety Draft Report appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Reimagining Public Safety Draft Report, From Release to Now
March 05, 2021 23:07The Reimagining Public Safety Draft report has made waves in Ithaca and Tompkins County, and has even rippled into the National news. Here, we track how the draft report was first released to the press, referred to in a GQ article, then presented to the Ithaca Common Council. The draft report and supplemental materials can… The post Reimagining Public Safety Draft Report, From Release to Now appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Coronavirus Update, March 4, 2021
March 04, 2021 17:17The Tompkins County Health Department is announcing new groups of people who are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine locally. Public-facing hotel workers and people who are homebound are encouraged to sign up for the Tompkins County Vaccine Registry. You can access the registry here, and the Health Department will reach out when appointments become… The post Coronavirus Update, March 4, 2021 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
COVID Cases are Dropping, Tompkins County Officials Say There’s Still a Chance for Another Spike
March 03, 2021 20:09Active cases of COVID-19 have been on a downward trend in Tompkins County. According to the County’s local coronavirus data, the weekly average for new positive cases is 9 a day. 9 new positive cases a day -- the last time this was the average was in Early November, before the well predicted holiday spike… The post COVID Cases are Dropping, Tompkins County Officials Say There’s Still a Chance for Another Spike appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Hyper-Local Weather Forecasting System Could be a Boon to New York
March 02, 2021 08:50Cornell University has begun work developing a hyperlocal weather forecasting system for New York state’s rural communities. They've partnered with community stakeholders to design and implement a forecasting system aimed at improving winter-storm emergency response and coordination around natural disasters. It’s a part of a competition hosted by the National Science Foundation, or NSF. For… The post Hyper-Local Weather Forecasting System Could be a Boon to New York appeared first on WRFI ...
WRFI and the Ithaca Voice talk about the Reimagining Public Safety Draft Report and Townhall
February 27, 2021 00:35The City of Ithaca and Tompkins County legislator held a joint town hall on February, 25th to field questions from the public on the draft report. WRFI News Director, Jimmy Jordan, speaks with Anna Lamb, and Matt Butler of the Ithaca Voice about that meeting, parts of the report, the public's questions, and the challenges… The post WRFI and the Ithaca Voice talk about the Reimagining Public Safety Draft Report and Townhall appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
WRFI and Ithaca Voice reporters talk about the Reimagining Public Safety Draft Report and Townhall
February 27, 2021 00:35The City of Ithaca and Tompkins County legislator held a joint town hall on February, 25th to field questions from the public on the draft report. WRFI News Director, Jimmy Jordan, speaks with Anna Lamb, and Matt Butler of the Ithaca Voice about that meeting, parts of the report, the public's questions, and the challenges… The post WRFI and Ithaca Voice reporters talk about the Reimagining Public Safety Draft Report and Townhall appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca College Finalizes Faculty Cuts, Faculty Critical of the Administration’s Process
February 27, 2021 00:22The Ithaca College Administration finalized a strategic plan that calls for making dramatic cuts to it’s faculty. But the process that led the college administration to make this decision, as well as the other associated with it, are being criticized by faculty and students. The post Ithaca College Finalizes Faculty Cuts, Faculty Critical of the Administration’s Process appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Shifting Immigration Policy and its Impact on the Ithaca Community
February 26, 2021 23:00With the shift in presidential administrations, how immigration policy will change is one topic of concern not only on a national level, but also in local communities like Ithaca. In the past week, the Biden administration has taken some initial steps in changing immigration policy. WRFI News Team Intern Maia Noah has the story. The post Shifting Immigration Policy and its Impact on the Ithaca Community appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Ithaca and Tompkins County Release Ambitious Public Safety Reform Draft
February 23, 2021 11:14Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca have released a draft of their Public Safety Reimagined report. The report comes in response to Governor Cuomo’s executive Order 203, mandating municipalities review their public safety systems. The draft report was produced under the advisement of the Center for Policing Equity. It includes 19 detailed recommendations for… The post Ithaca and Tompkins County Release Ambitious Public Safety Reform Draft appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Meet Tompkins County Poet Laureate, Christine Kitano
February 19, 2021 23:46Settle into a conversation with Tompkins County Poet Laureate, Dr. Christine Kitano. She shares her thoughts on the meaning of the position, how she teaches the craft and, of course, we hear some of her poetry. WRFI Contributor Pamela Tan brings us that conversation. The post Meet Tompkins County Poet Laureate, Christine Kitano appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
How Recent Development Proposals Address the Housing Affordability and Need in Ithaca
February 19, 2021 23:00It is no secret that housing in Ithaca is a contentious issue. Prices are high and there doesn’t seem to be enough supply to meet the growing demand. While a new apartment complex seems to be going up every few months, the question becomes why is the cost of housing so high and are these… The post How Recent Development Proposals Address the Housing Affordability and Need in Ithaca appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
The Lingering Impacts of Vaping
February 12, 2021 23:00Flavored vaping products were made illegal in April 2020, but College students are still able to get their hands on flavored vape products in Ithaca. Stories about vaping burned through the media in late 2019 and 2020. Cases of teenage death, long term impacts to users health, and rising nicotine addition sent concern through the… The post The Lingering Impacts of Vaping appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
How a Cornell Student Earned Big on GameStop Stock
February 12, 2021 22:20Hunter Kahn is a sophomore at Cornell, and calls investing a hobby, but he had a lot more to say about the recent GameStop stock market rollercoaster than someone with a passing interest. The post How a Cornell Student Earned Big on GameStop Stock appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Board of Ed. Doesn’t Explain How They Reviewed Allegations Against Superintendent
February 11, 2021 21:27LBrown-Allegations-ICSD-Avgar Ithaca City School District Superintendent, Dr. Luvelle Brown has been accused of professional misconduct. The allegations against Dr. Luvelle Brown come from his ex-wife, Anjanette Brown. She has accused him of abusing his power as Superintendent to benefit himself in a custody battle over their children The Board of Education Board said they have… The post Board of Ed. Doesn’t Explain How They Reviewed Allegations Against Superintendent appeared first on WRF...
Picket Line Protests Ithaca College’s Faculty and Department Cuts
February 08, 2021 20:59Ithaca College is planning to make major cuts to its faculty and curriculum. Students, faculty, and community members have criticized the College’s process. On February 8th, they formed a picket line at the entrance of Ithaca College. The cuts are a part of Ithaca Forever Strategic Plan, which was formed due to the shaky financial… The post Picket Line Protests Ithaca College’s Faculty and Department Cuts appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Which Way Forward: The road (so far) to reimagining law enforcement
February 05, 2021 23:30Click here to listen to every episode of Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety. This is the last episode of part one of the Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety series. WRFI News Contributor Fred Balfour lays out how Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order for every municipality with a police department to reimagine its public… The post Which Way Forward: The road (so far) to reimagining law enforcement appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Which Way Forward: Examining community organizing and its impact on criminal justice
February 04, 2021 23:30Click here to listen to every episode of Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety. In the fourth episode of Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety, we switch gears to how some organizers both on the streets and behind the scenes are fighting for a more equitable future for local people of all ages - including… The post Which Way Forward: Examining community organizing and its impact on criminal justice appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Which Way Forward: Stopping crime while practicing restraint
February 03, 2021 23:38Click here to listen to every episode of Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety. In the third episode of Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety, Ithaca Voice senior reporter Anna Lamb reexamines the most recent case of police brutality in ithaca known as the “commons incident” - and how ithaca police officers’ excessive use of… The post Which Way Forward: Stopping crime while practicing restraint appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Which Way Forward: Preventing police violence before it occurs
February 02, 2021 23:30Listen to the first episode, The officer’s “catch-all” task & alternatives to policing, here. In the second episode of Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety, our team of reporters dive into law enforcement policies concerning excessive force - and how that’s played out on a local level in the protests for racial justice that have… The post Which Way Forward: Preventing police violence before it occurs appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Which Way Forward: The Officer’s “Catch-all” Task and Alternatives to Policing
February 02, 2021 00:04The first episode of the series explores what local agencies are best suited to be called for helping people in distress. Our team of reporters speak to several local social service organizations to better understand how, and if, those agencies could take on more of a role in maintaining public safety. We also speak to… The post Which Way Forward: The Officer’s “Catch-all” Task and Alternatives to Policing appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Coronavirus Update, January 27, 2021
January 28, 2021 01:47On Friday, Governor Cuomo announced he would allow higher risk sports to resume on February 1st, subject to local health department approval. Tompkins Public Health Director, Frank Kruppa, DID approve sports locally with additional requirements and precautions. Approved high risk sports for Tompkins County include; football, wrestling, ice hockey, rugby, and basketball. In addition to… The post Coronavirus Update, January 27, 2021 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Coronavirus Update, January 22, 2021
January 23, 2021 00:49The Tompkins County Health Department is reporting a number of potential public exposures to COVID-19. Our first one to report is at Five Below, at 744 S. Meadow St., in Ithaca. The date of the exposure to COVID was on Saturday, January 16, 11:30am–8:30pm. The other reported exposure to COVID-19 is at the Ithaca Walmart,… The post Coronavirus Update, January 22, 2021 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Editorial: So long, farewell, Ithaca [AUDIO]
January 22, 2021 20:00Dear listeners, friends, & comrades, January 22, 2021 was last day as WRFI News Director. As we continue to face this global pandemic I’ve decided to move to a city (NYC) so I can be closer to family and loved ones in these tough times. It has been an absolute honor to work alongside this… The post Editorial: So long, farewell, Ithaca [AUDIO] appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.