News
Lake Ontario Regulators Ease Outflows Amid Favorable Conditions
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“The risk of flooding on Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River has declined from moderate in December 2020 to low.”
Health
COVID-19 Shakes Up The Fitness Industry, Perhaps For Good
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“We used to have 10-17 people in a class and now we still struggle to get 6-8 people in each class.”
abortion
Federal Lawsuit Challenges New York’s Abortion Law
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“The statement that the Biden-Harris administration released about Roe v. Wade shows that there is really no common ground.”
News
New York Women Celebrate First Female Vice President
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“There will be a generation that won’t know any different. It will be – this is not just something that’s a fluke. This is the standard. The next president is not going to be able to go back.”
Economy
New Paid Leave Law Could Help New York Slow Spread Of COVID-19
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“This is really a very important step forward in fighting COVID and in fighting any other kind of illness.’
Health
Holiday Traffic At Syracuse Airport Down Significantly
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“It’s nowhere near where we were last year at this time. We’re sitting roughly about 70% off where we were in 2019.”
Arts & Culture
New Fairgrounds Drive-Thru Display Turns Ice Into Art
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“They get out of the house, they get to see something unique. Hopefully, they’re just inspired and see some nice artwork, something different.”
ambulance
Pandemic is straining ambulance providers
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – The federal government is directing more than $1 billion worth of COVID relief funding passed earlier this year to offset losses incurred by ambulance providers. It’s welcome news in New York. “Emergency medical service providers across the U.S. have been struggling to stay afloat as the COVID-19 health crisis has raged on. Nowhere is that more true than here in New York, one of the hardest-hit states during the pandemic,” said Jeff Endler, a spokesperson for the United New York Ambulance Network. Lon Fricano, director of operations at TLC Emergency Medical Services that covers Auburn and Onondaga and Cortland counties, said every year in this business is tough, but COVID has doubled down on difficulties they face.
Government
Despite ‘Plan 2014’, Outflows From Lake Ontario Increase Next Month
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“I mean it’s huge for us. We have been trying to recover from the damage from 2017 and 2019 so to know that this will help alleviate the chances of flooding for 2021 means a great deal.”
Government
Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Regulatory Board Shrinks
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“We realized that it would be beneficial for the Board to be smaller so they can make decisions in a quicker fashion.”
Government
In Spite Of Challenges, New York Hospitals Recruit Retired Nurses
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Retired nurses could relieve some stress and handle any holiday-related increase in cases of the coronavirus and in distributing vaccines should they become available.
Government
Facing Large Water Supply, Lake Ontario Residents Want More Outflows This Winter
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“In January when the shipping season is over, do exactly what you did last winter – physically let out as much water as you can because you don’t know what’s going to happen next spring.”
Arts & Culture
Pandemic Prompts Salvation Army To Start Holiday Fundraiser Early
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“It’s definitely a perfect storm with the increased need, stores starting to close, and the donations potentially being fewer, which is why we’re really extending this campaign.”
Economy
Shifting Trump Tariffs On Aluminum Disrupt New York Businesses
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One of the reasons the Port of Oswego deals in so much aluminum is Novelis, a plant in Oswego County that prepares the metal for use in cars, cans, and other products.
Government
Revised Assisted Care Policy Could Reunite Many New York Families
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“It’s depressing because you know that the families and the residents are lonely.”
binghamton
Cuomo: Over 100 New York School Districts Have Not Filed Reopening Plans
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The school district plans must include procedures and protocols for instruction, health screenings, and social distancing measures.
Government
Pandemic Exposed Inequality In Access To Broadband, Officials Say
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“If we’re going to get serious about bridging the urban-rural divide and making sure that schoolchildren are not left behind then we have to work together to do a few things.”
Economy
Travel In Upstate New York On The Rise
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“We are seeing a lot of day- and long-weekend trips to the Finger Lakes, Thousand Islands, Adirondacks, and the Lake George area. State parks remain popular as the tourists enjoy hiking and being out in nature.”
Economy
Upstate Tourism May See Summer Spike
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New York City, which normally is the number-one tourism destination in the state, is still viewed by many to be unsafe – opening up new opportunities for upstate.
App NEWS
Cuomo: Malls Need Improved Air Filters Before They Can Reopen
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“We will make it mandatory that they have air filtration systems that can filter out the COVID virus.”
App NEWS
Oneida Nation Casinos Reopen With New Health Measures
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“The machine itself will tell you when and if it has been sanitized since it last was played and at what time.”
Government
Churches Now Allowed Up To 25% Capacity For Services, Funerals
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“People need to have those doors opened and have their faith fulfilled and to be nourished.”
Environment
With Lake Ontario Below 2019 Levels, IJC Resumes Adherence To “Plan 2014”
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By lowering the outflows from Lake Ontario, the Board hopes to make navigation in the St. Lawrence River safer and raise the water levels in Lake St. Louis.
Education
New York Universities Start To Address Fall Semesters
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Binghamton University’s president said that students will return to campus this fall as well, but more details are forthcoming.
Government
Governor Orders Shift Of Unused Medical Equipment Downstate, If Needed
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The New York State Department of Health “may shift any such items not currently needed, or needed in the short term future by a health care facility.”
Environment
After Delay Over Water Levels, Shipping Season Opens On Lake Ontario
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“We were able to contribute to lake levels being fairly stable through the month of March compared with historic records.”
Government
Richard Hanna Remembered Not Just For What He Did, But How He Did It
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“Richard fit the profile of the Republican Party as it existed in the 60s, 70s, and somewhat into the 80s in New York, which was a much more moderate party than it presently is.”
Health
Catholic Masses Cancelled In Central New York; Churches Open For Private Prayer
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“The bishop recognizes how very hard this is for people and people will be very upset who really turn to mass for their peace, their solace, and being fulfilled spiritually.”
Government
Survey Shows Scale Of Flood Damage To Lake Ontario Homeowners
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“This is our dream home, this is our house forever, but if you have to put up with this every year, every other year, it’s not a whole lot of fun living here.”
App NEWS
Gillibrand Town Hall Focuses On Her Efforts To Counter President Trump
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“They (Republicans) are absolutely silent in the face of his crimes, in the face of his terrible behavior toward so many Americans, and his terrible deicsions and they just don’t hold him accountable.”
Health
Telemedicine Increasingly Used For Behavioral Health Services
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According to health insurer Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, about a third of all the telemedicine visits from its patients in upstate New York last year were used for behavioral health services, up from 25% in 2018.
News
Record Outflows From Lake Ontario Aren’t Lowering Water Levels Enough
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The international body that helps regulate water levels on Lake Ontario and in the St. Lawrence River is forecasting a return to flood-level heights this summer.
Government
New York Lawmakers Try To Help Flood-Weary Mohawk Valley
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“I’m not sure what they looked at and what they saw over the time they were here and I continually ask how much more does it take for an area that has been inundated to receive its due from the federal government.”
Government
Bill Would Help Lake Ontario Homeowners ‘Harden’ Shorelines
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After Lake Ontario reached new heights in 2017, the state and many homeowners invested substantial amounts of money rebuilding the break walls and other barriers along their shorelines – only to see much of it washed away again in 2019.
News
New Tool Could Help Lake Ontario Communities Prepare For Flooding
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The index was designed after a similar tool created to help communities in the Gulf Coast region of the United States following Hurricane Katrina.
Government
New York Lawmakers Hope To Address Doctor Shortage Through Legislation
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“You’re seeing more shortages in many areas, primarily in primary care but also in the specialties too, and that is a concern and will be a challenge.”
Education
Upstate, Rural Schools In Fiscal Stress
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The New York State Comptroller’s office says the number of school districts in the state that are in fiscal stress has increased from 26 to 33.
App NEWS
New Food Stamp Rule Could Increase Demand On Local Food Pantries
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“Many of them are already accessing the emergency food network, so they’re turning to their local food pantry or soup kitchen just to make ends meet.”
App NEWS
US-Canada Study Lake Ontario Water Management Plan
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Critics say Plan 2014 is to blame for the unprecedented water levels while others say it’s a scapegoat for the excessive rainfall in recent years, which could be related to climate change.
Government
Animal Welfare Groups Welcome New Federal Anti-Cruelty Law
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A new bill recently signed into law by President Donald Trump addresses a loophole.
Education
To Combat Hate, Syracuse University Holds Peace Vigil
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“Today and together we have an opportunity to send a clear and powerful message through our words and our deeds that we are better together.”
Government
Lake Ontario Outflows To Remain Above Plan 2014 Guidelines
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Lake Ontario hovers 16 inches above its long-term average, with a bleak forecast from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
App NEWS
Oneida Indian Nation Uses Drones For Land Management
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“When you’re looking down on something rather than at ground level, you certainly get to see more of what’s going on.”
Education
Rural New York Schools Join Education Initiative
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Several school districts located in rural areas of central and northern New York are participating in a nationally funded program to address and potentially overcome some of the biggest obstacles facing their students.
News
The Legacy Of “Safe Haven” Is Its Lessons
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Oswego was the only place in America to serve as a camp for mostly Jewish European refugees during the Holocaust.
Addiction
Opioid Crisis Strains Resources At Child Protective Services
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“In the last decade – five years, things have really gotten scarier as far as just how toxic these drugs are.”
Government
New Law Allowing Licenses For Undocumented Drivers Confuses Some County Clerks, Angers Others
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“Predominantly, these are folks that are not legally in the country and that brings up a whole bunch of other questions. I have some concerns about that.”
Economy
Sports Betting Now Legal At Upstate Casinos
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The gambling is restricted to in-person bets at a casino’s designated sports lounge, as opposed to online or through mobile devices.
App NEWS
‘Absolute Disappointment’ In New York Over Delay On $20 Bill Featuring Harriet Tubman
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“There’s no question that Tubman being on the $20 bill is a huge boost not only to the park in Auburn, New York, but also to central New York.”
App NEWS
Landowners Threaten Lawsuit Over Lake Ontario Flooding
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“We’re here today because our government representatives and public administrators promised after 2017 that this would never happen again failed to provide oversight and monitor – they need to do their jobs,”
binghamton
Lake Ontario’s Shoreline Communities Welcome Proposed Marine Sanctuary
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All week long, New Yorkers have been weighing in on a proposed project that would help preserve some of the oldest shipwrecks in the Great Lakes.
Economy
Tariff On Canadian Aluminum Took Toll In Oswego
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The Trump Administration’s decision to end the tariffs it had imposed on aluminum shipments from Canada is welcome news in Oswego, where the tax took a toll on two of the city’s largest businesses.
Food and Farms
Workers Center Of Central New York Wins Lawsuit Allowing Farm Workers To Organize
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“To all the workers – this is a tool for you that you can use this to have a voice, to improve your working conditions, to fight against wage theft, bad housing, discrimination in the workplace. This is something you can use to change that.”
Government
New York Mayors Call For More Transportation Funding
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“With flat-line funding we’re reactive instead of proactive, fixing roads that are breaking rather than trying to fix them before they deteriorate.”
App NEWS
New York Officials Worry IJC Vacancies Could Affect Lake Ontario
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Right now the IJC has only two members – two short of the quorum needed to make decisions.
Government
Lake Ontario Shoreline Communities Ask For Help As Water Levels Rise
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With Lake Ontario’s water levels about a foot above average, communities along its shoreline are trying to get help in preventing floods.
News
Federal Government Shutdown Affects Central New York’s National Parks
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The stalemate in Washington, D.C., that has created the nation’s longest federal government shutdown has shuttered national parks across the country, including several in upstate New York.
Government
Progressives Plan To Keep Pressure On Democratic-Controlled New York Legislature
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Now that Democrats control the New York State Senate and Assembly, party leaders and Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo have promised to push forward a progressive agenda. And the progressive groups that helped elect that majority say they are going to ensure that promise was more than just campaign rhetoric.
binghamton
GOP Congressman Calls For Compromise, Wants Trump To End Federal Shutdown
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Central New York Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus) says there are no clean hands in the fight that has caused the federal government to shut down. President Donald Trump has been in a political standoff with the Republican-controlled Congress for about a week over his demand for $5.7 billion in funding for a proposed wall along the country’s southern border.
News
Brindisi, Tenney Fight For Populist Mantle In NY-22
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – When Mohawk Valley Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-New Hartford) held an expensive fundraiser with President Donald Trump in Utica last week, her Democratic opponent Anthony Brindisi threw a rival fundraiser across town. But his goal was more about message than money.
News
Hundreds Greet Trump In Utica With Cheers, Jeers
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After signing the National Defense Authorization Act into law at the Fort Drum Military Base in Watertown Monday, President Donald Trump visited Utica – the first sitting president to do so in 70 years.
binghamton
22nd Congressional District Candidates Spar Over Health Care Votes
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – The rising cost of health care has become a major point of contention in this year’s race for the 22nd Congressional District, including how the candidates have voted on the issue in the past.
Energy
Environmental Groups, New York Politicians Want To Opt Out Of Nuclear Subsidy Program
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – After U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry came to Oswego County last week to praise the state’s support of nuclear power plants, several environmental groups and New York politicians sent a letter to state leaders saying the opposite.
binghamton
New York Cities Part Of New Federal Program Encouraging Private Investment
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – In addition to tax cuts, the recently passed federal tax overhaul includes a measure to encourage the private industry to invest in low-wealth areas. The program offers tax discounts and other incentives for people to put their profits from stocks and other holdings to work in so-called Opportunity Zones.
Food and Farms
Dairy Crisis Taking A Toll On New York’s Rural Economy
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – The Trump Administration’s plans to provide direct support to dairy farms as part of a $12 billion package to offset the impacts of its trade policies is welcome news to many in New York, which is the third-highest milk producing state in the country.
News
Brindisi Pushes Independent Message In Town Hall Meetings
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – Democratic candidate for Congress, Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica), finished his town hall tour of the 22nd District over the weekend. During Brindisi’s hour-long Q&A with a crowd of about 25 in Oswego County Sunday, he pledged to work for his district rather than his party, saying Congress needs independent thinkers to achieve progress.
binghamton
As Election Approaches, Tenney Stays Her Controversial Course
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Election analysts consider Mohawk Valley Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-New Hartford) one of the most vulnerable incumbents in the nation, and her opponent is raising more money than she is. Some think the Republican’s sometimes divisive rhetoric may be a determining factor in her reelection bid.
Government
Gillibrand: Prescription Drug Price Gouging Costing Lives
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – Rising prescription drug costs continue to plague Americans, an issue that the Trump Administration is now trying to address. As the nation’s top lawmakers discuss potential solutions, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is once again pushing her own legislation that would attempt to fix the problem by cracking down on pharmaceutical companies.
binghamton
What Killed A Bill To Stop The Finger Lakes Trash Incinerator Project?
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – In the waning days of the New York State Legislature’s session, a bill meant to stop a trash incinerator from being built in the Finger Lakes sailed through the Senate and an Assembly committee with unanimous support. But when it reached the Assembly floor, it sat untouched as the session came to a close.
News
A Dozen New York Democrats Face Off In Upstate Primaries
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – Midterm election year primaries typically do not generate a lot of voter turnout, but this year could be different.
Education
First In The Nation: New York Requires Mental Health Information In Curriculum
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – For teens facing depression, stress and other mental health problems, suicide can seem like way out.
Environment
Fight Over Finger Lakes Trash Incinerator Going To Court
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – A controversial trash incinerator project in the Finger Lakes is headed to court. The company trying to build the $365 million facility, Rochester-based Circular enerG, is asking a judge to void a decision by the town of Romulus’ zoning board that would stop its construction.
Government
Central New York Drone Corridor Left Out Of National Project
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – The 50-mile drone corridor that the state is building in central New York will not be part of a new federal pilot program meant to accelerate drone integration into national airspace.
Economy
Remington Arms Exiting Bankruptcy Proceedings
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – Remington Arms, a firearms manufacturer that employs roughly 900 people in the Mohawk Valley, has emerged from bankruptcy proceedings.
Environment
Governor, Other New York Leaders Join Opposition To Finger Lakes Trash Incinerator
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – A group of Finger Lakes residents took a bus to Albany Tuesday to continue their fight against a proposed 48-acre trash incinerator facility that would burn solid municipal waste brought in by truck and or rail.
News
Lake Ontario Levels Above Average, But Below 2017 Record Highs
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – A year ago, Lake Ontario began an unprecedented climb that resulted in record water levels and catastrophic flooding for those on its shoreline. The lake’s levels are currently 16 inches below where they were in May of 2017, but still eight inches above the long-term average.
Government
DeFrancisco’s NYS Senate Seat Open After 25 Years
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – Syracuse-area State Sen. John DeFrancisco does not plan to seek reelection this year, even if his bid for governor is unsuccessful. The Republican, who represents most of Onondaga County and parts of Cayuga County, has served in the senate for 25 years.
News
Security At Air Force’s Rome Lab Under Scrutiny
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – Members of New York’s Congressional delegation are trying to secure funding to build a fence around the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome. Without the proper security, they fear the “Rome Lab” is potentially vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
Elections
Special New York Senate Elections Could Have Implications For Upstate
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – Democrats are favored to win the two Senate seats up for grabs today, which would bring the party’s total to 32. That would give Democrats enough seats to take control of the chamber from Republicans for the first time in about eight years.
Featured in Category
Algal Bloom Battle Gets Funding In New State Budget
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – New York’s new budget sets aside money to combat harmful algal blooms that have closed some of the state’s lakes and threatened the municipalities that use them for drinking water. The funding would be a welcome relief for several communities in central New York that have been battling the blooms for years.
Education
Debate Over Arming Teachers Should Focus On Mental Health, Educators Say
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The response to arming teachers as a way to combat school shootings sounds like any other debate about guns. Proponents say it’s a practical way to stop shooters, while opponents argue that it will actually increase the risk of danger. But among some educators, the debate doesn’t fall along those same lines. On a cold Saturday afternoon on top of the Mercy Mountain property in Lafayette, Matt Mallory, an army veteran and owner of a firearms training company, is teaching a concealed carry course. “When I say threat you’re going to press out,” Mallory instructs.
News
Choppers From Fort Drum Fill The Skies Over Northern New York
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – The North Country will experience additional helicopter traffic over the next week. It’s part of a first-of-its kind training exercise that Fort Drum says will better prepare their soldiers for the fight of the future.
Government
Some Division Between New York Republicans Over Trump Tariffs
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Willsboro) says she is extremely concerned about President Donald Trump’s position on tariffs, expressing fears about trade war.
Government
New York’s Budget Includes More Money For Lake Ontario Flood Victims
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – New York state lawmakers have included $40 million dollars in this year’s budget to help property owners who are still cleaning up from last year’s flooding along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
Government
Schumer Urges Federal Government To Release Budget’s Opioid Funding
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) is calling on the federal government to release the funding that was included in Congress’ recently passed budget to battle the opioid epidemic.
Food and Farms
With New Dairy Policies, Federal Lawmakers Hope To Save Farms, Farmers
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – Members of New York’s Congressional delegation are working to provide some financial relief to dairy farmers who continue to suffer from depressed milk prices.
Economy
Historic Remington Arms Files For Bankruptcy
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – Remington Arms, a firearms manufacturer that was founded in the Mohawk Valley, is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, raising concerns about what will become of the company’s Herkimer County plant.
Education
New York Education Commissioner Supports Planned Walkouts
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia says she supports students who plan to demonstrate today against gun violence. School walkouts are planned across the nation at 10 a.m., including in New York state.
Economy
Aluminum Tariff Receives Varied Response In New York
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SYRACUSE (WRVO) – The Trump administration’s proposed aluminum tariff could have a major impact on a couple of central and northern New York’s largest employers.
Elections
Tenney Launches Reelection Bid
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-New Hartford) announced her reelection bid at the same restaurant in New Hartford where she found out in 2016 that she would be headed to Washington, D.C. She reminisced with her an enthusiastic crowd of supporters Saturday, saying that was a turning point for the entire country.
News
Democrat Promises Primary Challenge To Dana Balter
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – Two Democrats running in the 24th Congressional District are dropping out after Syracuse University professor Dana Balter secured endorsements from all four of the district’s county Democratic committees, but one candidate is pledging to stay in the race.
Featured in Category
Equal Rights Center To Open In Auburn
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – Construction is underway on a $10 million Equal Rights Heritage Center in Auburn. The goal of the facility is to highlight New York’s history of promoting social and equal rights.
Elections
Brindisi Gains Ground On Tenney, But ‘Emailgate’ Could Hurt Campaign
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SYRACUSE (WRVO) – An election forecaster says the race for the 22nd Congressional District may be more competitive than earlier thought.