aids
How Response To COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts AIDS, Drug Epidemics
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Despite issues with the federal response to COVID, it was much faster than other medical emergencies.
WSKG (https://wskg.org/author/sgager/)
Despite issues with the federal response to COVID, it was much faster than other medical emergencies.
Although the trend is heading in the right direction, John Barry, Executive Director of the Southern Tier AIDS Program, said the state’s ballooning budget has impacted some harm reduction programs and resulted in new infections.
“The opening of Greater Good Grocery ends a 25-year void that left thousands of North Side residents struggling to access healthy, affordable food for their families.”
“It just replays in the back of my mind, like, ‘Hey, if I didn’t moved out I could have saved her.'”
The type of care they give is intimate—bathing, hand-holding, talking for hours, praying, painting nails, back rubs. The relationship can become close, but then, a few weeks or months later, the resident dies.
“I will need to incorporate my feelings of sadness and loss in my life moving forward, and that’s okay.”
Rachel Murat is a Social Studies teacher at Maine-Endwell.
Millions of absentee ballots were already returned nation-wide, but candidates are still campaigning. So, what if you change your mind?
County health officials announced in a press release the two—a woman in her 70s and a man in his 80s—were from the same household.
Mayor Rich David tweeted Monday he was out of quarantine and back at City Hall.
SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras also announced Barbara Jean Morris resigned.
Each candidate claims the other did not do enough while in office to limit Spectrum, while still accepting its money.
“There’s only one person for this crime, and so, there is nothing that a person says or does or anything that puts them to blame.”
“This is a policy that addresses housing placement, safety, access to medical care, name and pronoun use, search procedures.”
Tenney said Rep. Anthony Brindisi is not doing enough to fight Spectrum’s business practices, Brindisi’s campaign disagrees.
In the U.S., cremation has outpaced burials since 2015, and the gap continues to widen.
“The recent actions of the elected leadership of the Village of Endicott are not only racist but a dereliction of duty.’
“I am humbled to have the support of the Republican voters across NY-22.”
Georgia Verdier is the President of the Elmira-Corning NAACP.
“What we found is that most people who have loved ones incarcerated have lost the desire to vote.”
“I think we still need to keep our foot on the gas, fight for freedoms that we can’t just assume they are going to come.”
“It’s just you want some sort of closure already because, even now, I feel like we’ve been mean or something to dad.”
“Low-income renters, in particular, are more likely to have all of their income earned in at-risk occupation,”
Broome County’s Executive Jason Garnar said if the region continues to fulfill the reopening criteria set by the state, it could see Phase 2 on May 29th.
“They’re going to be flooded with evictions that happen all the time.”
“We’ve been fortunate in that none of our residents, to our knowledge, have been diagnosed with COVID, but that can change.”
County Executive Jason Garnar’s office said the Willow Point resident was moved to a negative pressure room in the facility.
Binghamton’s curfew, free garbage pick-up and free parking expire on May 16.
The funding can be used for a wide variety of purposes meant to prepare, prevent or respond to COVID-19 for housing authority employees and people living in public housing.
The types of apartments rented in Binghamton do not give tenants much opportunity to organize into a collective bargaining unit.
Broome health officials said non-fatal overdoses have increased, advocates said fatal overdoses did, too.
Most sections have put the start of the regular season on hold
As of Wednesday, 18 people have died of COVID-19 in Steuben County. Some at Hornell-area nursing homes.
Seward and his wife, Cindy, tested positive for the novel coronavirus in late March.
“The body has to get moved and we have to touch it”
“The federal government should be prioritizing areas of the country hardest hit right now and putting the national stockpile towards those regions.”
“In times of loss, people naturally, instinctively, gather to comfort each other and share the pain of loss and the reality of loss.”
Oneonta plans to hold its ceremony in August, Binghamton hasn’t set a date.
There’s also home-delivery where food pantries have closed.
The county is asking for unused personal protective equipment like N-95 and surgical masks, medical gowns, gloves, shoe covers, and plastic face shields. No other items will be accepted.
The move is meant to offer some financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Director of WSKG’s Education Department Jackie Stapleton shared some resources for learning at home and how families can maintain some normalcy.
In a statement, Brindisi said he was in contact with Congressman Ben McAdams last week. McAdams and another congressperson have since tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Department of Social Services will soon start monitoring open day care spots in Broome County.
Sugar Maple is New York’s state tree and has one well-known, particularly sweet feature: syrup.
“Although we have a pandemic plan, this is changing so rapidly that every single day, every single hour almost, there’s a new piece of news that you have to adjust to.”
According to the Federal Election Commission, Delgado’s campaign had over $2 million in cash on hand for his reelection at the end of last year.
Kopko is running as a Democrat. Current D.A. Matt Van Houten is also a Democrat.
The High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system can defend American naval vessels against drones, small boats and cruise missiles.
The lower layer of the bark contains a compound that tastes and smells like wintergreen or rootbeer. Twigs from smaller trees can be snapped off and chewed up for a tasty treat on the hiking trail.
The World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus a global health emergency this week.
The idea for the blankets was inspired by a hospital in Florida, but, in the winter weather of Upstate New York, the group is making theirs thicker and the need is greater.
German is endorsing Ola Hawatmeh in the race.
George Korthauer, Oneonta City Manager, submitted his resignation effective February 7, 2020.
Starting in February, Broome County residents will be able to dispose of their unwanted medications safely in their own homes using warm water and a special pouch.
The county said this year’s flu season has come on quickly and aggressively.
The department will dissolve by March 1st. After that, Sheriff’s departments from Broome and Delaware Counties will service the area.
The Christmas fern gets that name because the leaflets’ shape is similar to a Christmas stocking hung over the fireplace.
Scott VanEtten was named as the new chairman of the Steuben County Legislature on Thursday.
Joe Hauryski was first elected to the county legislature in 2007 and has served as the chairman since 2010, a record nine years.
The goal is to keep the lights out of a landfill, but the school also plans to reclaim the copper wiring to raise a little money for a local charity.
Stress from shopping and debt, from social events or missing loved ones, the break from normal routine, less sleep and exercise, and excessive eating and drinking can all contribute.
Brindisi said he believes there is sufficient evidence to move forward with a trial in the Senate.
“Everybody gets a choice to whether they want to keep their department at a cost or go with the alternative which is the Broome County Sheriff’s Department.”
Nobel Laureate and Binghamton University Professor Dr. Stan Whittingham accepted his prize Tuesday in Stockholm, Sweden. At the same time, BU held a watch party in Vestal.
Witch Hazel is a small tree with multiple smooth trunks and flowers that look otherworldly, burgundy with yellow petals bursting out that look like crinkled yellow ribbons.
A county administrator oversees the government much like a county manager or executive.
According to Feeding America, the proposal stands to save the government $4.5 billion and would impact 7-million Americans.
The alternative is having sheriff departments from Broome and Delaware cover the area.
Even as the fire was still going on, emergency shelter was set up at Hornell high school, and donations began pouring in.
United Airlines cites a low demand for travel between Elmira and Washington D.C.
The Maidenhair fern is not as common as some other ferns, but it can still be found in damp, shady woods, especially down by ravines.
County officials say nearly 400 people voted early.
Five candidates vie to fill three open seats for New York Supreme Court.
Delgado met with people affected by opioids and medical professionals working to provide addiction recovery treatment. He represents New York’s 19th congressional district.
Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally funded program meant to help low-income households pay for heat during the winter.
Stan Whittingham is regarded as the man who laid the groundwork for the science.
According to NYSEG there are three ways to identify a leak: by smell, by sound, or by sight.
New York announced the largest decrease in HIV diagnoses since the state started the “Ending the Epidemic” initiative. Governor Cuomo’s goal is to end the epidemic by 2020.
“This legislative package will require more accurate data from internet service providers and ensure that new broadband service funded through the FCC will deliver internet at speeds required for the modern era.”
Last week, Congressman Antonio Delgado hosted a hearing in Columbia County where the public and some experts had the ear of the Federal Communications Commission, the agency responsible for broadband.
The flower blooms for about a month between September and October.
The hearing is expected to cover how internet access affects students, small businesses and rural hospitals.
Reed said Cuomo opted for a virtual pipeline with roughly the same route but less efficient, less safe and more expensive.
There was another climate strike led by young people Friday at the Peacemaker’s Stage in Downtown Binghamton. Students from Binghamton University and Binghamton High School skipped school to attend the strike.
Congressman Antonio Delgado (NY-19) sponsored the bill, which requires some companies to report their usage of PFAS to the EPA.
Democrat represents a region that showed support for Trump in 2016.
“There is no doubt that the kids that are in school today are our future.”
Strikes are happening all over the world including in Delhi, Ithaca, Hamilton, Scranton, and Binghamton.
Martha Sauerbrey has been chair of Tioga Legislature since 2014
The measure defends Department of Defense, but also includes related measures.
The state is rewarding Broome County for cutting costs. The county enacted efficiencies that save taxpayers over three-million dollars.
They are the Sirens Women Motorcycle Club of New York City and they are leading the Milk Caravan.
The suit alleges Jena Faith was held in a facility that does not correspond with her gender identity.
State says Trump Administration is overstepping.
Abundant Solar said the chances are high that they will develop on the other sites.
Republican George Phillips spoke at a stop in Binghamton Tuesday
Beginning next April, residents with the older blue and white plates will have to turn them in for new plates. Mark J.F. Schroder believes that’s enough time to work with the legislature to explore alternatives.
This year’s 800-ound butter sculpture depicts a grandfather and child dunking cookies, and a young couple sharing a milkshake.
Toronto-based Abundant Solar Incorporated will install solar panels at the county’s landfill in Bath.
It was seen on 2nd and Cascadilla Streets before it was captured by Tompkins County Animal Control.
The DMV has a mobile office in the Center of Progress Building.
The Pathfinder Village will expand its school after receiving two anonymous gifts.
Comments come after Planned Parenthood’s rejects federal funding over abortion guidelines.
Clean-up requirements were met for the New York Superfund Site at the former Hidden Valley Electronics facility in Vestal.
Video inspections of 45 pipes in Binghamton’s floodwalls are underway.
City sanitation crews will not pick up residents’ recycling if the bin contains a plastic bag.
“Remember, if any deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
VESTAL, NY (WSKG) — Owego was awarded $10 million dollars as part of New York state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, or DRI. Owego is in Tioga County. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the various projects. They are meant to boost the local economy by attracting new businesses while strengthening existing ones, repair infrastructure, enhance recreational opportunities, and address the demand for affordable housing. The money will go toward 17 projects.
Whey Street Dairy received the 2019 State Agricultural Environmental Management Award.
Artists and architects from across can create a proposal for a memorial honoring the victims of Hurricane Maria.
More than half of respondents believe the governor has improved New York.
It’s expected to be up and running next year.
Voters in Otsego county will be able to cast their early ballots at the Meadows Office Complex in Cooperstown.
One of Brindisi’s bills would close a gap in federal animal cruelty laws. He said current law doesn’t go far enough.
Governor Cuomo said the new law will allow more women to run for public office.
Starting today, plastic bags aren’t an option when you check out at Wegman’s stores in Ithaca and Corning
The congress man said Mueller’s testimony seemed to just reiterate what Reed referred to as a thorough and extensive report.
“Washington got this right.”
The Congress Members are heading to the border Friday to see conditions at U.S. detention camps.
The group will head to the Rio Grande Valley
Sometimes music helps people communicate when they can’t use words. Jayne Demakos of Compassion Harp is a therapeutic harpist. Every weekend, she visits a nursing home to play for the people facing both physical or emotional challenges.
In this segment, we tag along on one of her visits.
In this bonus episode of ‘Hear Here!’ listen as WSKG’s Sam Goodyear talks about how music can be used to intrigue and build anticipation in an original piece he calls ‘Chocolate Music’.
This episode is all about sharing and listening. Moms, Dads and their kids share music they like. They talk about why they like it, and how it makes them feel. We also meet therapeutic harpist Jayne Demakos who plays for people living in a nursing home.
This episode was produced by Dan Davis. Sarah Gager is the Executive Producer.
How is voice used in jazz? We’ll learn about improvisations, other vocal techniques, and listen to some big band singing. We will also hear from Catherine Gale, an Ithaca, NY based jazz singer and teacher. Biddle De Bop was produced by Celia Clarke and edited by Gabe Altieri. Additional editing support comes from Monica Sandreczki.
During a tech rehearsal of the theatre piece “Bitter Banquet” we will hear from Ithaca-based composer/performer Annie Lewandowski who is at home with both classical music and rock. We will learn about the journey from composition to performance, and how many people it takes to present a “one-woman” show. A One-Woman Show? was produced by Bill Snyder and edited by Monica Sandreczki. Additional support comes from Nancy Coddington.
Some people think that classical music is lifeless and boring. They might be in for some surprises during this episode of Hear Here! Classical music can be amusing, funny, or just plain wacky, like the soundtrack of a crazy cartoon. We will discover how music can actually make us laugh. LOL was produced by Sam Goodyear and edited by Gabe Altieri.
Come along as singer-songwriter Joe Crookston explores the world of music, sound and songwriting! What kind of sound do various instruments make? How do stories and sounds then turn into songs? Let’s find out together! Can’t Never Did Nothing was produced by Crystal Sarakas and edited by Gabe Altieri.
People are still displaced following recent flash floods in New York and Pennsylvania. The Red Cross of the Southern Tier said they sheltered nearly 140 people in several affected counties. The Red Cross is distributing recovery materials and food at Five Mile Point fire station in Kirkwood this weekend.
Volunteers from the American Red Cross will offer free flood relief services and supplies at the Five Mile Point Fire Department in Kirkwood on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10AM to 3PM.
VESTAL, NY (WSKG)— Recent heavy rains have led to flash flooding in parts of the Southern Tier and Northern Pennsylvania including in Seneca and Bradford counties.
New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Marc Molinaro blames the governor after the corruption convictions of a former Cuomo associate and three developers.
Students running around the track at Cornell University’s Charles F. Berman field might not realize that about five stories down there’s another track sending atoms circling – a particle accelerator. It was shut down this week for massive upgrades.
On Saturday morning, people can trade their guns for groceries. Between 9AM and noon, anyone can bring in unwanted, working firearms to Binghamton’s American Civic Association in exchange for a gift certificate.
More women than ever are running for Congress nationwide, according to a recent report from the Associated Press. That number is also staggering in Pennsylvania, a state with no female representatives in congress. In fact, the state has had few women in its congressional history. Adelina Lancianese reports.
Starting Friday morning, people seeking detox services in Broome County can go to the Syracuse Behavioral Health facility. The state funded facility will help patients with detox and stabilization.
There was a memorial service Tuesday night at the American Civic Association in Binghamton, NY, to remember the 13 victims of the shooting that happened there nine years ago.
“It’s one of the challenges of the human spirit – developing a positive outlook in the face of the fact that we’re all going to die and birth is a fatal disease,” said David Marsland, whose wife was killed in the attack. “It’s a question of how you live as opposed to how you die.
Students across the nation walked out of their classrooms Wednesday to, as organizers put it, ”protest Congress’ inaction to do more than tweet thoughts and prayers in response to the gun violence plaguing our schools and neighborhoods.” At Maine-Endwell High School, it was pretty quiet.
Traditional instruments are not necessary to make music! In this episode: an orchestra who plays vegetables, a professor who builds instruments using found objects, and a pioneer of early electronic music, Delia Derbyshire, who would record a seemingly simple sound and then manipulate that tape to create complex music. Plus, WSKG staffers compose a song, but their only instruments are things they can find on their desks! (Produced by Sarah Gager)
Feeling inspired? Check out these activities for at-home or classroom!
Hikari Oe is a contemporary Japanese composer, known for his charming short pieces for piano, flute, and violin. He was born with autism. It was the songs of birds that awakened him to the larger world and led to his development as a musician. Narrated by two young performers, Birdsong tells the story of Hikari Oe’s spiritual and professional triumph. (Produced by Sam Goodyear)
Classroom Discussion Prompts (Post-Listen)
~Where was Hikari Oe born?
Hear Here! is a music appreciation podcast for kids (K-5)! In this 5 episode season, we’ll explore different genres of music and the various ways music affects our lives.
Every third Monday of January, the nation celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth and service of racial and economic equality. This year, the holiday falls on what would have been King’s 89th birthday. MLK Day was first observed in 1986, and, in 1994, Senator and civil rights leader John Lewis of Georgia sponsored the King Holiday and Service Act, making the holiday one to encourage people to volunteer in their communities. The Corporation for National and Community Service says the holiday : “[…] calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems. The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, creates solutions to social problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a ‘Beloved Community.'”
The All for Good website has a list of volunteer opportunities.
Education groups in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes will share $400,000 to use for farm-to-school projects. Among the awardees: Broome-Tioga BOCES, Sidney Central School District and the Cornell Cooperative Extensions serving Steuben and Seneca counties. The Farm-to-School program, funded through the FY 2017-2018 state budget and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Program, is meant to connect kindergarten through grade 12 schools with local farms.
The governor proposed an expansion to this program in his 2018 State of the State Address and announced the awards last week.
As part of his 2018 State of the State address, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is proposing to double the funding for a program that connects schools with local farmers, Farm-to-School. The state currently spends $750,000 on the program, and Cuomo wants to increase that to $1.5 million. The money can go toward capital costs for transporting and storing food, supporting training, and to hiring farm-to-school coordinators. One incentive under the proposal: The state will reimburse districts a quarter per meal if they get 30 percent of the ingredients from New York farms. That’s compared to the six cents they get now. “It really helps [farmers] diversify their business.
In front of a standing room only crowd, the Broome County Legislature voted to accept New York state funding for an addiction treatment center on Wednesday. The nearly $2.7 million comes through the state’s Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, or OASAS. The facility will be located at the former Broome County Developmental Center in Binghamton. It’s expected to be hold 50 beds for supervised withdrawal and stabilization. Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare will provide services.
Listen to the excerpt on sexual assault policy from the Q&A. At a Q&A with reporters Wednesday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo criticized public radio reporter, Karen DeWitt, saying she’s minimizing the issue of sexual assault by asking him what he’d do to address it in state government. Back in November, a woman accused the former head of the state’s economic development agency – Sam Hoyt – of sexually assaulting her. She also said the Cuomo administration knew about it, but didn’t do anything. Cuomo’s lawyer says they investigated it.
It’s Halloween and pet owners are making sure their cats and dogs stay safe. Sheryl and her owner Katie Kanazawich live on Binghamton’s West Side. Sheryl is a Plott Hound mix who is excitable and sweet, and loves to dress up. “When you bring [her clothes] out, she knows they’re hers, she wags her tail and gets excited to wear it,” Katie said. Sheryl has holiday themed shirts and an airplane costume.
Manufacturing will return to the vacant IBM site in Endicott. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that lithium ion batteries will be made on the Huron Campus. Joining in the consortium of three companies locating in Endicott is C4V. When New York held its first ever 76West Clean Energy Competition, C4V’s new battery storage technology earned a $500,000 prize. Within five years, Dr. Shalilesh Upreti, president of C4V, said they will hire and train 232 employees. “Because there is no manufacturing as high scale like this today in the US, we have been bringing folks from overseas—especially from Japan and Korea—for the training purpose,” Upreti said.
Consultants have recommended closing Willow Point Nursing Home in Vestal, New York, but now it’s close to having another permanent director. Broome County Executive Jason Garner appointed Ryan LaClair on Tuesday. LaClair was most recently at the Country Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Carthage. In his time at that facility, he improved the quality to a five-star rating based on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Quality Measures. Willow Point has been without a permanent leader for four months now. The county-run nursing home had a budget in the red for years.
The Binghamton area is often associated with the letters “IBM” but what about “KKK”? In the 1920s, Binghamton was the New York State headquarters for the Ku Klux Klan. While a student at Binghamton University, Jay Rubin began researching the topic. He wrote the book The Forgotten Kapital: The KKK in Binghamton 1923-1928. He spoke with WSKG’s Sarah Gager. Interview highlights
On the 1920s version of the Ku Klux Klan:
Jay Rubin: The Klan of the 1920s sought to be a national organization.
The carcass of a deer being tested for disease at the necropsy lab Cornell University. Dr. Elizabeth Buckles can tell by looking at this deer that it did not die from Chronic Wasting Disease. Deer infected become emaciated. Credit Sarah Gager / WSKG News At the Cornell University diagnostics lab, a brain sample is being taken from the corpse of a deer. This is where deer are tested for Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD. This deer was acting dazed, walking in circles in a resident’s backyard.
Giant Hogweed is an invasive plant that can be dangerous to your health and the environment. New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation has a hotline to call if you think you see the plant. The state even has a Giant Hogweed Control Crew. Alexander Wyatt is on the crew. On a recent trip to Candor, NY, he and a partner cleared younger, smaller plants from a residence.
Ride-hailing apps are authorized to operate in upstate New York starting today. Apps like Lyft and Uber had been bound to the New York City area until now. James Pontez in Ithaca said he thinks it will be a popular job among college students. It gives them another option for temporary work. “I mean, I’m sure some people don’t always want to deliver pizza,” he explained, “Sometimes they’d rather pick up a person.”
The House of Representatives passed a bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act Thursday. The count was 217 to 213. As for the local Congressional delegation, here’s how they voted: Yes Republican Tom Reed (NY-23rd) Republican Claudia Tenney (NY-22nd) Republican John Faso (NY-19) No Republican John Katko (NY-24).Interview highlights: On Congressman Reed: Bret Jaspers: He voted ‘Yes’ to this bill. That wasn’t much of a surprise because he’s close to the leadership of the House, he’s close to President Trump. Here’s what he told reporters earlier this week. Tom Reed: I do believe the language is protective of the pre-existing condition especially coming from New York State. And knowing what New York State will do when it comes to the ability to have health care regulations in place for our residents.
New Yorkers making less than $64,000 a year can receive free help filing taxes electronically. The state tax department is holding some day-long events where trained assistants help people file online. James Gazzale, a spokesperson for the New York State Tax Department, said 92 percent of residents file electronically, and this program offers help navigating the state’s website. “The tax department program allows the [taxpayers] themselves to input all their information and educate themselves on how to file a return,” Gazzale explained, “so they’re more comfortable doing it in the future.” The state’s filing software, and a list of where and when you can get free help, is on their website.
A year ago, Mercy House in Endicott opened its doors to terminally ill patients of the Southern Tier. Since the former St. Casimir’s Church was converted into Mercy House, over a hundred people have called it home. Linda Cerra is the executive director of Mercy House. She said their services are free and the operation is successful because of donations from the community. “We learned there’s a need for Mercy House in the community,” she explained.
The latest internet sensation, April the Giraffe, is expecting a calf. It will be her fourth. The 15-year old giraffe is drawing a lot of attention to the Animal Adventure Zoo in Harpursville, NY. The Stream
A video stream from her pen at the zoo went live on Wednesday, and as of this writing, has over 75,000 current viewers. Vice even wrote about the stream saying, “You can watch one of the world’s goofiest mammals pop out a baby and be distracted briefly from the growing hellscape that is our current world.”
WSKG Public Media will again present the New York Metropolitan Opera’s 87th consecutive Saturday Matinee Radio Broadcast season. These live broadcasts commonly begin in early afternoon on WSKG Radio. It kicks off on December 2, 2017 with a live broadcast of Verdi’s Requiem and continues through the May 5 matinee of Roméo et Juliette. The broadcast season will once again be heard live over the Toll Brothers-Metropolitan Opera International Radio Network. Mary Jo Heath returns for her third season as host and Ira Siff returns for his 11th season as commentator for the broadcasts, which feature a range of dynamic intermission features, live backstage interviews with artists, and the ever-popular Opera Quiz. The Metropolitan Opera’s full 2017-18 season will feature 220 performances of 26 works, including two Met premieres.
Letters to the Next President is a nationwide, non-partisan writing project which allows us a little insight into what’s on the minds of America’s young people. 8th and 9th graders at Tiger Ventures school in Endicott recorded their letters. These are some of their questions and concerns for the next president. Read more letters from the students at Tiger Ventures here.
Hundreds of thousands of people are headed to D.C. for the inauguration and for the Women’s March on Washington. WSKG caught up with one group in the Southern Tier and Northern Pennsylvania as they prepared for the voyage. Twin Tiers to D.C. is what the group is calling themselves. Last weekend, they got ready for the march by making posters with phrases like “We’ll show you nasty.”
Angela Button’s poster says, “Feminism: back by popular demand.” She’s a student in Corning and was at President Obama’s inauguration in 2012. “That was really inspiring at that point,” she said, “so this is a cool experience to go back to D.C. kind of in a different light to say, “No, we’re not going to stop.
Binghamton City School District’s superintendent was dismissed last March. There have been a couple of interim superintendents since then, but now the district is searching for a more permanent leader. David Hawley is the president of the Binghamton School Board. He spoke with WSKG’s Sarah Gager about the search, which he says will conclude with a selection in the Spring. Interview highlights:
What is the new superintendent stepping into?
Lawmakers returned to Albany for the 2017 legislative session. Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo represents the 123rd district, which includes the city of Binghamton and the towns of Vestal and Union. She joined us to discuss the session and her new role as Chair of the Committee on Aging. Interview highlights:
What do you want to get done in your new role? Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo: Being someone who is over 60 myself and having gone throw the death of my parents, I’m sensitive to a couple of big things: making sure that those individuals who need services and programs have those available, but also, as people are living longer and healthier lives and want to stay more active, that we’re paying attention to that, too.
Memories come back to us through emotional experiences. That’s how Christina Muscatello, founder of the Memory Maker Project, thinks of it. She explained it like this: you hear a song and it makes you feel something. Then, you think back to your middle school dance, and the first time you slow danced. “You would have never had a moment to access that memory without having that emotional tie,” Muscatello said.
For decades, free and reduced priced school meals have been a source of healthy food for low-income kids. Last school year, over a million New York children qualified for free or reduced meals. WSKG’s Sarah Gager and Gabe Altieri discuss a bill currently in Congress that could change how schools feed students. It’s a bill that reauthorizes the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. Interview Highlights
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act has been up for reauthorization since last year. Currently, it’s running in the format that passed in 2012 while lawmakers work out an updated version. There are two different versions in the House and Senate.
Broome County has a new executive. Democrat Jason Garnar beat incumbent Republican Debbie Preston by almost a thousand votes, but Republicans still won a majority of the county’s legislative seats. Garnar said party collaboration is key in addressing the issues affecting the county. “If we’re going to move Broome County in the right direction, we’re going to need to work together and end this partisan bickering,” he said. “This is the local level.
This election cycle has revealed America’s discontent with government, and, increasingly, winning primary elections means candidates must creep further away from center, appealing to voters on the extremes. For Binghamton University’s TIER Talks: Our Political System on Life Support, we explore the health of our political system through a series of lectures. David Schultz, professor of political science at Hamline University, discusses polarization in politics. Matthew Kerbel, professor and chair of political science at Villanova University, shows us how traditional and online media are used in politics today. Dr. Jean W. Harris, professor of political science and women’s studies at University of Scranton, gives her talk on career politicians.
Troubles with water quality have raised concerns over contamination across the country. Just last month, nine drinking sources in Ithaca came back with high lead levels. There are a couple of reasons there is lead still present in some of our faucets. Lead was an inexpensive resource often used to build houses for cheap in the mid 1900s. It became less acceptable over time because of its harmful health effects, but even with restrictions on new construction, old pipes weren’t always changed out.
Twenty years ago, Lin and Brian Sean Perry took their wedding photo in front of their family’s comic book store in Johnson City. Both the Perrys and the store marked their anniversaries last week. In a celebration at the store on Saturday, the Perrys showed off the photo. In it, the whole wedding party is in dresses and tuxedos, posed below bold print that reads Fat Cat Comics. “We’ve been married half as long as the store’s been around,” Sean said (Perry goes by his middle name). On Saturday, he came to the store to celebrate the it’s 40th anniversary.
Many books and movies have been written about Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Chamberlain and his valiant success at Little Roundtop, but very little has been said about the right end the line where Colonel Ireland was with his regiment. Today, they’re getting a little time in the sun. The 137th New York and their leader Colonel David Ireland held down the right side of the line on Culp’s Hill. Culp’s Hill is actually two hills sloping down into a ditch or a swale. On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, General Lee and the Confederate army attempted to get around the Union line.
Sometimes a thing’s value is in its story rather than the thing itself. That might be the case for a remarkable painting now at Binghamton University. On a recent visit to a storage room behind the museum, called “The Vault,” paintings both large and small covered the walls. There were shelves and cabinets obscuring the other side of the room, so the exact size of the room wasn’t clear. To the left was what looked like a big black window.