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
Local News: August 16, 2023
August 16, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News: August 15, 2023
August 15, 2023 21:00COVID-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.
Local News: August 14, 2023
August 14, 2023 21:00Ithaca 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.
Local News Postcard: August 11, 2023
August 11, 2023 21:00- [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.
Local News: August 10, 2023
August 10, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News: August 9, 2023
August 09, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News: August 8, 2023
August 08, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News: August 4, 2023
August 04, 2023 21:00- 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.
LISTEN: WRFI News Feature — Pulling Invasive Wild Water Chestnut in the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
August 03, 2023 22:00Invasive 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.
Local News: August 3, 2023
August 03, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News: August 2, 2023
August 02, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News: July 31, 2023
July 31, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News: July 28, 2023
July 28, 2023 21:00- 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.
WRFI Special: Jim Murphy Remembered [AUDIO]
July 27, 2023 22:15Jim 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.
Local News: July 27, 2023
July 27, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News: July 26, 2023
July 26, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News: July 25, 2023
July 25, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News: July 24, 2023
July 24, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News: July 21. 2023
July 21, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News: July 20, 2023
July 20, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News, July 19, 2023
July 19, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News, July 18, 2023
July 18, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News, July 17, 2023
July 17, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News, July 14, 2023
July 14, 2023 21:00Ithaca 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.
Local News, July 13, 2023
July 13, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News, July 12, 2023
July 12, 2023 21:00- 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.
Local News for July 12, 2023
July 12, 2023 10:00Schuyler 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.
Local News for July 11, 2023
July 11, 2023 10:00- 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.
Local News for July 10, 2023
July 10, 2023 10:00- 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.
Local News for July 7, 2023
July 07, 2023 10:00- Concerns About Violent Crime In The Jungle - Crime in part of the homeless encampment known as The Jungle came up in the most recent meeting of Ithaca’s Community Police Board. Alderperson George McGonigal described one portion as “scary” and different from the rest of the Jungle. It’s on the east side of the… The post Local News for July 7, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for July 6, 2023
July 06, 2023 10:00- Cortland County Study Finds More Suicide Prevention Needed - NOTE: This next item is about suicide. Please take care. If you feel at risk you can call 9-8-8 at any time. Information about suicide warning signs is here. Cortland County residents under 19 years old made up the greatest number of emergency room visits… The post Local News for July 6, 2023 appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for July 5, 2023
July 05, 2023 10:00- 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.
Local News for July 4, 2023
July 04, 2023 10:00First 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.
Local News for July 3, 2023
July 03, 2023 10:00Close 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.
Local News for June 30, 2023
June 30, 2023 10:00- 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.
Local News – Primary Day, June 27, 2023
June 27, 2023 10:00By 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.
Local News for June 26, 2023
June 26, 2023 10:00- 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.
Local News for June 23, 2023
June 23, 2023 10:00- 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.
Local News for June 22, 2023
June 22, 2023 10:00- 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.
Local News June 20, 2023
June 20, 2023 10:00- 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.
June 19, 2023 – Opposition to NYSEG Rate Hikes Grows
June 19, 2023 10:00Opposition 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.
Local News for June 16, 2023
June 16, 2023 10:00- 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.
LISTEN – Conversation with Ward 5 Common Council Candidates
June 15, 2023 22:30This 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.
Local News for June 15, 2023
June 15, 2023 10:00- 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.
LISTEN: Conversation with Ward 3 Common Council Candidates
June 14, 2023 22:00WRFI 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. The Ward Three candidates are: Nathan Sitaraman, Dave Shapiro, and Pierre Saint-Perez. The Ward includes South Hill and Belle Sherman.… The post LISTEN: Conversation with Ward 3 Common Council Candidates appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for June 14, 2023
June 14, 2023 10:00A 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.
LISTEN: Conversation with Ward 2 Common Council Candidates
June 13, 2023 22:34WRFI 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. The Ward Two candidates are Kris Haines Sharp, Aryeal Jackson, and West Fox. The Ward includes Fall Creek and downtown. Transcipt… The post LISTEN: Conversation with Ward 2 Common Council Candidates appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
FLX Voices – Ithaca’s Newest Mural
June 13, 2023 10:00Ithaca’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 Casañas and Mauricio Pérez 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.
LISTEN: Conversation with Ward 1 Common Council Candidates
June 12, 2023 22:42WRFI 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. The Ward One candidates are: Kayla Matos and incumbent Cynthia Brock. The Ward includes Southside, Northside, and the West End.… The post LISTEN: Conversation with Ward 1 Common Council Candidates appeared first on WRFI Community Radio.
Local News for June 12, 2023
June 12, 2023 10:00- 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.