WRFI Community Radio News
1,148 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 14 hours 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
FEATURE: A new call to address harmful algal blooms in Cayuga Lake and beyond
December 14, 2023 22:50This interview has been edited for clarity. Harmful algal blooms, HABS, occur in the summer months in waterbodies across the country. But winter is when researchers and activists review the data and assess the impact of the season’s blooms. The toxins are dangerous to human and animal life. More of them are showing up in…
Local News: December 14, 2023
December 14, 2023 22:00- Court orders New York’s congressional districts redrawn again - New York’s highest court ruled on Tuesday that the state's congressional districts must be re-drawn. The Albany Times Union reports the decision is a victory for Democrats and could tilt the balance of the House of Representatives in the 2024 elections. The state’s Independent Redistricting…
Local News: December 13, 2023
December 13, 2023 22:00- Cayuga Nation sues New York State for highway fees - The Cayuga Nation has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of New York. The Native American Nation is accusing the state has never gotten federal approval to operate part of the state Thruway that goes through Cayuga territory near the town of Montezuma.…
Local News: December 12, 2023
December 12, 2023 22:00- Steuben County and its sheriff headed to court over insurance coverage - A legal dispute between Steuben County Sheriff James Allard and the Steuben County legislature is scheduled for a court hearing on December 21. Allard filed a suit challenging the legislature's repeal of a local law. FingerLakes1.com reports the repealed law gave the…
Local News: December 11, 2023
December 11, 2023 22:00- Enfield to vote on fire commissioners but new voting restrictions have some residents concerned - Voters in Enfield will choose new fire commissioners on Tuesday. Last Monday, all except one of the interim commissioners voted to only allow voters to select one candidate on the ballot. But there are ten candidates and five open…
Local News: December 8, 2023
December 08, 2023 22:00Man accused of setting fire that killed 30 horses at Tioga Downs pleads not guilty The man charged with setting a fire that killed 30 racehorses in Tioga County was in court on Friday. Fenton Boyd is charged with arson, burglary, criminal mischief, and assault for the fire at Tioga Downs race track in November.…
Local News: December 7, 2023
December 07, 2023 22:00- Republican businessman announces challenge to Gillibrand in 2024 election - A Republican businessman announced he is challenging incumbent Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in 2024. WRVO Public Radio reports Josh Eisen previously ran for the House in 2020. He suspended his campaign after it was reported that he was sanctioned by judges twice for harassing… The post Local News: December 7, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: December 6, 2023
December 06, 2023 22:00- Cornell changes admissions application essays because of overturn of affirmative action - Cornell University’s undergraduate application has changed. The Cornell Daily Sun reports the change was made in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of affirmative action. But, Cornell officials did not give the paper a reason for the change. The application for… The post Local News: December 6, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: December 5, 2023
December 05, 2023 22:00- Residents of Ulysses to vote in special election on land purchase for recreational area - Voters in the Town of Ulysses will decide whether to buy 30 acres to become a recreational area in a special election on December 6. The town includes Trumansburg and is a few miles north of Ithaca. The town’s… The post Local News: December 5, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: December 4, 2023
December 04, 2023 22:00- New report says New York can’t reach climate goals by 2030 - A newly released report says that New York State won’t meet its 2030 climate goal. The legislature passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act in 2019. It requires the state to get 70% of its energy from renewable sources by 2023.… The post Local News: December 4, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: December 1, 2023
December 01, 2023 22:00- Two Ithaca residents arrested at United Nations protest - Eighteen people were arrested at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations on Thursday. They were protesting the U.S. government’s failure to sign on to the “Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.” Ithaca residents, Teresa and Ellen Grady were among those arrested. Both are… The post Local News: December 1, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 30, 2023
November 30, 2023 22:00- Sierra Club raises concerns about proposed waste facility in Steuben County - A proposed waste facility in Bath would accept sludge and industrial waste. The Painted Post company, Momentum wants to build a facility in Bath that could accept over 100 tons of materials including construction debris, non-hazardous sludges, and contaminated soils. The Sierra… The post Local News: November 30, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 29, 2023
November 29, 2023 22:00- Ithaca selects former Common Council member to become first City Manager - A former Ithaca Common Council member has been selected to become the city’s first City Manager. Deb Mohlenhoff was offered the position following a Common Council vote on November 16. She represented the Fifth Ward on the Common Council 2009-2021. Her appointment… The post Local News: November 29, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 28, 2023
November 28, 2023 22:00- Some patients of Syracuse’s Crouse Health at risk of identity theft, here’s what you can do to protect yourself - Anyone who has been a patient of Northwell Health or Crouse Health need to take action to protect against identity threat. The state attorney general says about 4 million New Yorkers were affected by… The post Local News: November 28, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 27, 2023
November 27, 2023 22:00- New Ithaca police chief selected - A 23-year veteran of the Schenectady police department has been selected to be the new police chief in Ithaca. Thomas Kelly was selected after interviews with community members and a search committee. His appointment must be approved by the Common Council. They are set to vote on it… The post Local News: November 27, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 24, 2023
November 24, 2023 22:00- Thirteenth person indicted for kidnapping, murder of Ithaca’s Thomas Rath - A thirteenth person was indicted for the kidnapping and murder of Ithaca resident Thomas Rath. New York State Police announced on November 22 that Newfield resident, David Maycumber was indicted by a Tioga County Grand Jury on four charges. They include first-degree murder,… The post Local News: November 24, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 22, 2023
November 22, 2023 22:00- Hochul signs law that will seal criminal records for thousands - Governor Hochul has signed a new law into effect that will seal criminal records for thousands of people. The Clean Slate Law will seal the records of some people who have served their sentences and paid all fines. The Albany Times Union reports… The post Local News: November 22, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 21, 2023
November 21, 2023 22:00- Ithaca seeks public input for short-term rental regulations - The City of Ithaca held a public session about its proposed short-term rental policy last week. Residents were able to talk with the city officials who are drafting the regulations. The Ithaca Voice reports that officials explained three types of permits being considered. Two would… The post Local News: November 21, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 20, 2023
November 20, 2023 22:00- Smoke from Virginia wildfires reached Ithaca Southern Tier - Smoke from Virginia wildfires could be smelled in Ithaca and nearby communities on Friday. The Ithaca Voice reported the air quality was considered hazardous to people. But it wasn’t nearly as harmful as the Canadian wildfires earlier this year. Monday morning the National Weather Service… The post Local News: November 20, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 17, 2023
November 17, 2023 22:00- Write-in candidate wins seat on Ithaca Common Council - Cornell undergraduate Patrick Kuehl appears to have won a seat on Ithaca’s Common Council. The Ithaca Voice reports that Kuehl has defeated incumbent Jorge DeFendini after absentee and affidavit votes were counted on Thursday. He got 49 to DeFendini’s 40 votes. But because the margin… The post Local News: November 17, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 16, 2023
November 16, 2023 22:00- Horseheads man arrested triggered state, federal discovery of explosives - New York State Police held a press conference on Thursday about the investigation of a 43-year-old Horseheads man who is under arrest, charged with possessing explosive materials. Michael Hilliard was arrested last Saturday. Horseheads is about 7 miles north of Elmira. Residents in a… The post Local News: November 16, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 15, 2023
November 15, 2023 22:00- This year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is from Broome County - This year’s Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center is from Vestal outside Binghamton. It arrived in New York City this past Saturday. The tree is an 80-foot-tall Norway spruce that weighs 12 tons. It will be decorated with 50,000 lights and a 900-pound crystal… The post Local News: November 15, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
FEATURE: Conversation with Interfaith Leaders
November 15, 2023 17:37 - 55.5 MBSince the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in October there have been several separate rallies in Ithaca supporting Palestine or Israel. Public emotions ran high when the Tompkins County Legislature briefly considered a resolution in support of Israel and flying the Israeli flag in the legislative chamber. It was around that time,… The post FEATURE: Conversation with Interfaith Leaders appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 14, 2023
November 14, 2023 22:00- Ithaca write-in candidate has his affidavit ballot thrown out for wrong address - There’s more news about the Fourth Ward write-in candidacy of Cornell student Patrick Kuehl. His affidavit ballot was rejected by the Tompkins County Board of Elections. Kuehl launched a last-minute, write-in campaign for a Common Council seat in the Fourth Ward.… The post Local News: November 14, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 13, 2023
November 13, 2023 22:00- National milk carton shortage affects local schools - A nationwide milk carton shortage is changing the way area schools are giving milk to students. Milk is in ample supply but U.S. suppliers of half-pint milk cartons is having a supply chain problem. The reason for the shortage is unknown according to Fast Company and… The post Local News: November 13, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 10, 2023
November 10, 2023 22:00- WRFI Community Radio goes silent in Watkins Glen - We have some news about our station. Beginning Friday, November 10 WRFI will no longer be heard on our terrestrial frequency 91.9 in Watkins Glen. Felix Teitelbaum, the station’s Executive Director, explains the reason for the change. "What’s happening is that our transmitter site in… The post Local News: November 10, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 9, 2023
November 09, 2023 22:00- Housing costs push Tompkins County living wage up 11% since last year - The living wage in Tompkins County is $18.45 per hour up from $16.61. That’s an 11% rise since last year. The Ithaca Voice reports that a recently released study concluded that housing costs are driving the increase. The 2024 Tompkins County… The post Local News: November 9, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: 2023 Election Results
November 08, 2023 22:00- Election Results: Ithaca, Broome, and Chemung County - Ithaca Democrat Robert Cantelmo will be the new mayor. Solidarity Slate candidate Kayla Matos has defeated 12-year Common Council incumbent Cynthia Brock. Matos got 53% of votes cast to Brock’s 46%. Matos first defeated Brock in the Democratic Party primary. Brock stayed in the race running… The post Local News: 2023 Election Results appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 7, 2023
November 07, 2023 22:00- Ithaca Common Council to interview city manager finalists - Ithaca’s Common Council will start interviewing the finalists for city manager this week. Interview meetings are scheduled for this Wednesday and Thursday and on November 13 at 9 AM in the Council chambers in City Hall. The city manager is a new position. The person… The post Local News: November 7, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 3, 2023
November 03, 2023 21:00 - 16.4 MB- Southern Tier voters will elect a new state Supreme Court judge for 14-year term - Voters in the Sixth Judicial District will elect a new state Supreme Court judge on Tuesday. The district covers ten counties including Tompkins, Schuyler, Broome, and Chemung. The court decides civil cases relating to things like election law, divorces,… The post Local News: November 3, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 2, 2023
November 02, 2023 21:00- Cornell will close on Friday for a day of recovery - Cornell University canceled classes for Friday, November 3. The Cornell Daily Sun reports only essential staff will work that day. Provost Michael Kolikoff says the “community day” will allow the university community time to recover from the “extraordinary stresses” of the past few… The post Local News: November 2, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: November 1, 2023
November 01, 2023 21:00- A Cornell student arrested for threats against the University’s Jewish community - A Cornell undergraduate student has been arrested for making the violent online threats against Jewish students at the University. U.S. Attorney Carla Freedman made the announcement on Tuesday. 21-year-old Patrick Dai from Pittsford, New York, is charged with the federal crime of… The post Local News: November 1, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
ELECTION FEATURE: Ithaca Common Council Ward 5 Candidate Jason Houghton
November 01, 2023 16:00WRFI Community Radio and The Ithaca Voice are bringing you conversations with candidates in the contested Ithaca Common Council races and the mayoral race. Tonight Matt Butler interviews Ward 5 candidate Jason Houghton. Houghton is running on the Ithacans for Progress ballot line. His opponent is Clyde Lederman, running on the Democratic Party and Working… The post ELECTION FEATURE: Ithaca Common Council Ward 5 Candidate Jason Houghton appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
ELECTION FEATURE: Ithaca Common Council Ward 3 Candidates
November 01, 2023 01:22WRFI Community Radio and The Ithaca Voice are bringing you conversations with candidates in the contested Ithaca Common Council races and the mayoral race. I’m Celia Clarke, with Matt Butler Editor-in-Chief of The Ithaca Voice. Today, Ward 3 candidates Pat Sewell and Pierre Saint-Perez. Saint-Perez is the Democratic Party candidate. Sewell is an Independent running… The post ELECTION FEATURE: Ithaca Common Council Ward 3 Candidates appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
ELECTION FEATURE: Ithaca Common Council Ward 1 Candidates
October 31, 2023 23:20WRFI Community Radio and The Ithaca Voice are bringing you conversations with candidates in the three contested Ithaca Common Council and the mayoral races. Matt Butler, Editor-in-Chief of The Ithaca Voice questions Ward 1 candidates. In the first half of the hour, you’ll hear from Phoebe Brown and Zach Winn who are running for a… The post ELECTION FEATURE: Ithaca Common Council Ward 1 Candidates appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: October 31, 2023
October 31, 2023 21:00- Police question “person-of-interest” about Cornell threats - Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State police are questioning a person of interest in connecting with the violent and antisemitic online threats made against Cornell University. The threats were made in a forum on the website Greekrant over the weekend. Hochul posted the statement Tuesday… The post Local News: October 31, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: October 30, 2023
October 30, 2023 21:00- Cornell Jewish Center receives threats of violence online - There's an increased police presence at Cornell’s Center for Jewish Life after threats against the Center and Jewish students were posted online Saturday and Sunday. The Cornell Daily Sun reports the posts included threats of a shooting and other violence against Jewish students. Cornell University… The post Local News: October 30, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: October 27, 2023
October 27, 2023 21:00- Early voting begins on Saturday, state Attorney General announces and election protection hotline - Early voting starts on Saturday, October 28. New York State Attorney General Letitia James has launched an election protection hotline for any voters experiencing problems. There is also a frequently asked questions guide is available to help voters with absentee… The post Local News: October 27, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: October 26, 2023
October 26, 2023 21:00- Despite lawsuit, New Yorkers can still have a say in congressional redistricting - New York residents can give their input about congressional redistricting even though the state Court of Appeals is set to hear arguments in a case about the redistricting commission. The public is invited to submit input by emailing [email protected] or by… The post Local News: October 26, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: October 25, 2023
October 25, 2023 21:00- Broome County gets $6.3 million grant for lead poisoning detection program - The Broome County Health Department has gotten a $6.3 million grant to eliminate lead poisoning hazards. WBNG-TV says the funding is from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to address lead paint and other hazards over the next four years.… The post Local News: October 25, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: October 24, 2023
October 24, 2023 21:00- Cornell professor faces backlash and support after comments about Hamas October 7 attack - There’s been a flurry of petitions, letters of support, and condemnation of Cornell history professor Russell Rickford since he spoke at a pro-Palestine rally on October 15. The rally took place on the Ithaca Commons. Supports say his statement was… The post Local News: October 24, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: October 23, 2023
October 23, 2023 21:00- Sludge fertilizer banned by Steuben County town - The town of Thurston in Steuben County has banned the use of sludge or biosolids as fertilizer. WSKG Public Radio reports the town board unanimously voted for the moratorium at its meeting last week. Town officials say they are concerned about the presence of PFAS or… The post Local News: October 23, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: October 20, 2023
October 20, 2023 21:00- Thirteen New York military installations among those that may be be contaminating groundwater - A recent report from the U.S. Department of Defense finds that 245 out of 275 installations are close to groundwater sources. They include 13 sites in New York State. Public News Service says that the water from military sites may… The post Local News: October 20, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: October 19, 2023
October 19, 2023 21:00- Twelfth arrest in kidnapping and murder of Thomas Rath - A twelfth person has been charged in connection with the murder of Thomas Rath. A Tioga County Grand Jury has indicted Joseph Howell on four charges. They are first and second-degree murder, kidnapping, and intimidating a witness. Rath was kidnapped from an Ithaca homeless… The post Local News: October 19, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: October 18, 2023
October 18, 2023 21:00Tompkins County Legislature tabled resolution in support of Israel and to fly Israeli flag in chamber The Tompkins County legislature was set to vote on a resolution in support of Israel at its meeting on Tuesday night but Legislator Greg Mezey from Dryden withdrew the resolution when the meeting started. Mezey says he started the… The post Local News: October 18, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: October 17, 2023
October 17, 2023 21:00Cornell to test emergency alert system on Wednesday Another emergency test will be heard by residents around Ithaca on Wednesday. Cornell will be testing its emergency notification system on campus sometime in the morning. Text and social media alerts will be sent out. Sirens may be heard off campus. The system is to notify Cornell… The post Local News: October 17, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: October 16, 2023
October 16, 2023 21:00- Cornell Trustees approve payment deal with City of Ithaca - The payment agreement between Cornell University and the City of Ithaca has gotten it’s final approval. The Executive Committee of the University’s Board of Trustees approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last Friday. The agreement took effect immediately which means the city will get… The post Local News: October 16, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: October 13, 2023
October 13, 2023 21:00- Two more cases of Legionellosis found in Tompkins County in August, September - Two more cases of Legionellosis were diagnosed in Tompkins County in August and September. Tompkins Whole Health says that brings the total number of cases to 14 since June. One person has died. Whole Health says the last reported case was… The post Local News: October 13, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: Ithaca Common Council approves pay deal with Cornell
October 12, 2023 21:00- Ithaca Common Council approves payment agreement with Cornell University - The Ithaca Common Council voted 9 to 1 on Wednesday night to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cornell University. Cornell has tax-exempt status. The MOU sets out what the Ivy League university will pay the city in place of property taxes. The… The post Local News: Ithaca Common Council approves pay deal with Cornell appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News: Ithaca Common Council to vote on Cornell MOU tonight
October 11, 2023 21:00The Ithaca Common Council is set to vote on a negotiated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cornell University in a special meeting tonight. I’ll have a report on the results of the vote tomorrow morning. This is a brief recap of what’s at stake. Cornell has tax-exempt status so it doesn’t have to pay property… The post Local News: Ithaca Common Council to vote on Cornell MOU tonight appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.