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“I think it is starting to get back on track, and part of that, the fact that we can get specific, county-specific, data on our applications is really going to help us help people.”
“I’m honored that my peers in county government have elected me to serve this great organization at this critical time.”
Terrence McNally’s backstage comedy “It’s Only a Play” is performed at Cider Mill Stage. We hear from Kate Murray and Rob Egan of the production company BLAST about their new theatrical venture and this irreverent comedy about opening night jitters that opens the BLAST season.
Photo credit: BLAST Presents
“This is an attack on our country’s greatest freedom,” Williams said. “It’s an attack on our right to vote.”
“You’re not going to restore the trust of the people of New York if you keep playing the same games over and over.”
Instead of unveiling just one proposed set of maps, the commission released two versions.
“When you have such a highly vaccinated population, we do know the breakthrough cases are possible.”
“If you’re watching the national news, the scariest announcements coming out every morning are the number of children contracting Covid.”
“The Falling and the Rising” is a new opera formed from interviews with many soldiers. It is being performed at the Broome County Forum. Tri-Cities Opera General Director John Rozzoni and tenor SFC Ben Hilgert talk about the genesis of the opera and the many veterans services that will be available at the performance.
Photo credit: Tri-Cities Opera
Some physicians believe that since the disease is more prevalent in people of color, it’s historically received far less attention and research dollars.
“There’s clearly something going on in households where people still feel they can get by.”
Data suggests during that time, only a six percent chance existed that a person who was vaccinated fell ill with COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.
“There still is a digital divide, particularly in rural parts of the state, and for lower-income New Yorkers.”
“We believe this step will result in a flurry of attempts to circumvent the well-reasoned vaccination requirement.”
“Our very important caregivers, our essential caregivers, you called them heroes a year ago, and now you’re expecting them to take cuts to their vital benefits.”
“There still is a digital divide, particularly in rural parts of the state, and for lower-income New Yorkers, who don’t have access or can’t afford a home subscription.”
The process of passing a congressional map, which the state must do every decades, is essentially the same as passing a bill into law.
“I guarantee I did not know I was pregnant with my first child at six weeks. I actually went on a whitewater rafting trip.”
“And unfortunately, the vast majority of the changes have been for the worse, not for the better.”
“I feel confident that the College is poised for even greater success in the years to come.”
“98% of all farms in New York are family owned. I think in order to keep that number so high…the milk prices definitely need to go up.”
“The goal [of this hearing] is simply to stoke distrust and division. The most exasperating part of it all is that everyone on this panel knows that.”
Agriculture is one of biggest sectors of New York State’s economy. Yet people of color are largely left out of it.
“Last year, when everything really started way way back, there was this myth that kids can’t get it, and kids can’t spread it. And that’s obviously been proven way false.”
“On that day itself, every half hour or hour, someone would come in and say, ‘did you know so and so was killed? Did you know someone else was missing, or was in the tower?’ And you just had this momentary sense of incredible loss.”
Average daily attendance at this year’s State Fair was down by more than 50% from the 2019 fair, primarily because of the pandemic.
The Watertown base transformed from a peacetime installation of the 1990’s post-Cold War era, to a deployment hub on a war footing.
“I really feel in my heart pretty strongly that my exposure to… the pollution, the things going on after September 11th, have to do with that diagnosis.”
Wegmans said that by making the switch to fiber cartons, it will eliminate 625,000 pounds of foam from its stores every year.
20 years later, Mohawk ironworkers reflect on unique connection to 9/11
“Nobody wanted to have unilateral government, whether that be from the executive or from the legislature. What people voted for…was cooperative government.”
“The biggest challenge for our hospitals is not…the beds. Just like last year, it’s staffing. Staffing is now what we need.”
The DEC requested Greenidge specifically outline how its operation will meet the state’s emissions goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
“If those people can’t get tested and those people don’t get vaccinated, then they’re not going to be able to go to school and that is going to cause major problems for schools to be able to be reopened.”
“What’s happening in the watershed in terms of land use and these precipitation patterns means that these boundaries shift.”
Van De Water, a Republican, unsuccessfully challenged Democratic Congressman Antonio Delgado of New York’s 19th District in 2020.
They can cause a lot of different problems. One of the things we see with that is significant damage to the liver, a lot of times.”
“I want them to know that it’s personal for so many of us.”
“I think we’re having a good fair, it could be a little busier, but we’re having a good time, and we’re going to be okay.”
“(W)hen hurricanes occur the rainfall associated with them is more intense because of human-induced climate change and Ida will not be an exception.”
“There should be something in the legislation that allows for the public to comment remotely. This legislation doesn’t do that.”
“A lot of the older adult care facilities completely shut us out, just for safety purposes, and kind of not bringing outsiders into their communities.”
“These are people that wrote the bill. They should’ve had these people in mind when they wrote those statutes.”
The First Presbyterian Church of Gilbertsville, NY again hosts the annual Labor Day weekend concerts by the Millenium Strings, musicians from the Magic Mountain Music Farm. We hear from the founder, Burton Kaplan, violinist Marvin Suson, and hard-working pianist Cullan Bryant.
Photo credit: Magic Mountain Music Farm
This week marks ten years since flood waters from Tropical Storm Lee left residents in Owego displaced, without electricy, and scrambling to save their homes. WSKG is sharing some of their stories.
“Our soils aren’t that deep and are full of rocks and clay – if you try to dig around here, it’s pretty difficult. So our soils saturate rapidly.”
In the wake of the September floods in our region, WSKG organized a Flood Relief Telethon with commercial radio and television stations resulting in a monumental effort. Together, our community helped raise over $250,000 in a single day. We are grateful to everyone who helped during this tragedy.
“Just as the liberty bell is an enduring symbol of the American struggle for freedom, the justice bell is the struggle for women’s equality.”
“They’re the ones that live here. They’re the ones that have a voice.”
Reports that show all 50 senators’ spending for the month of July were posted to the Senate’s website Wednesday morning.
“Now, the landlord gets to have a hearing. I think that goes a long way, and the landlord has a say in court now.”
“Not fixing something that you know needs to be fixed now, because the money just doesn’t allow for it at this moment.”
“A policy that I don’t subscribe to is the idea that a local government would be getting tens of millions of dollars and providing what amounts to corporate welfare.”
The WFM Festival Orchestra presents a Labor Day weekend concert. Conductor Daniel Fabricius and orchestra member David Ripic join us to talk about the program, how this orchestra differs from most large ensembles, and some music of historical importance played for the first time in this century. And we finally find out what “WFM” stands for.
Photo credit: WFMFO
Now, we’re in a partisan era in which, for example, some lawmakers argued against public health measures during a pandemic.
In First COVID-19 Briefing, Hochul Talks Vaccines
“You Don’t Collapse Bagram (Air Base) First”
Not only is the Legislature expected to extend the moratorium, they’re also set to make changes to the law to comply with a recent Supreme Court ruling.
“They lost it once and they knew what it was like and they didn’t want to lose it again.”
“It’s going to be very, very difficult to provide the same level of healthcare if we are, all of a sudden, starting to see people walk off the job and leave the healthcare industry.”
Contributions from the Community
WSKG put a call out to the people of the region impacted by flooding in 2011. We’ve compiled those submissions of stories, pictures, and sound into a digital scrapbook. WSKG thanks all the contributors for sharing these experiences during the flood in 2011. Click here to view the Flood Stories of 2011
It is entirely up to Pope Francis regarding his acceptance of the resignation and when it will become effective.
“Our nurses have not had any input on safe staffing levels – we certainly have had our opinions, but we have never really been asked to share those.”
“Everything that we anticipated could happen is happening. I don’t think the president is in a position to be able to lead right now.”
“Open up this process further than you already have. Make it easy for the public to follow and participate.”
“I was like, ‘oh my gosh, oh my gosh, what do I do?'”
“I’ve toured the plant, there’s a huge wall there and they say it’s ready for a thousand year flood. So I’m pretty confident. There’s redundant systems, things are behind concrete walls. So there may be minor destruction but nothing like happened on September 2011.”
“You have to be at a point where you have plans in place where you can adjust accordingly, and still maintain an education for our students.”
“(We need) a person that’s going to make a change. I don’t care what their sex is. If you have a heart to serve the people, and that’s what you do, I’m for you.”
Earlier research found oil and gas brines contain harmful material
“I am in talks with the Senate Majority Leader and Assembly Speaker to call a special session to address the impending eviction crisis.”
“That doesn’t exist. We don’t have a lot of affordable housing anywhere in Delaware County.”
“Because now they’re pushing community members out and renting their units out to students, and we have to have a plan for that.”
Students heading back to school may not hear about climate change in the classroom because of outdated science education standards.
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo may be out of office, but his legal troubles aren’t over just yet.
“We’re very limited on additional housing solutions in that region, so I’m not sure what the permanent solutions are going to be at this point.”
Last week, council moved to hold over several resolutions to next week’s meeting where they may receive a vote.
“I never in a million years would have imagined I would be standing here as the lt. governor of the state of New York. But God has bigger plans for me.”
“If we don’t make these jobs worthwhile for these caregivers, there isn’t going to be someone to care for us when we need care.”
“He super-glued his seat belt shut and drove his car into the Mohawk River….I lost my son because he missed a 20-dollar Medicaid payment.”
The new COVID-19 death toll numbers of about 55,400 people is in line with the death certificate data provided to the CDC.
State prisoners will be counted as residents of the districts where they originally lived.
Much of the focus of the hearing was the Joint Commission on Public Ethics, or JCOPE, the state’s current ethics agency.
“I think everybody is a little bit nervous about where we’re going from here.”
Both Gillibrand and Hochul have roots in Upstate New York, and they both face the challenge of pulling New York state out of a pandemic.
The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says climate change is front-and-center as it plans for the future of the Commonwealth’s parks. CLICK HERE.
Now, for the first time in state history, two women and one man will be in the room where major pieces of legislation are negotiated.
“I believe that we will need mask mandates for children to go back to schools. And that will have to be universal, it will be statewide.”
The Southern Tier as a whole saw an 11 percent decrease in its population under 18.
In the past, Hochul has been a supporter of gun rights, even earning a favorable rating from the National Rifle Association
“We have an unfortunate history here in New York state that continues, and we need to turn that around.”
Jake Corman maintains the Senate’s aim is not to turn Trump’s defeat into victory, but to “getting to the bottom of everything that went on.”
“The attorney general’s report was designed to be a political firecracker on an explosive topic.”
“The PCR testing is the gold standard, it is the most sensitive and accurate to run to determine the results. The antigen testing is a little bit less reliable.”
Henri’s lingering over the Northeast today — bringing even more rain and possible flooding to parts of New York and southern New England.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 10 years in control of the New York governor’s office comes to a close today.
The past few days averaged below 40,000 visitors compared to record numbers in 2019.
“It’s not been demonstrated that there’s a need for this audit, and other folks have rejected the notion that something needs to be done as well.”
“If you look at what’s happening in the school alone, you’re talking multi-million dollars worth of damages throughout our communities.”
“Some workers have worked like this for more than 20 years. They deserve time with their family. They deserve to rest. They deserve this extra time for them.”
“Do you think it would be good or bad for our democracy if the events that took place at the capitol on January sixth happened after every election?”
“I’ve lived here 45 years and never seen anything like it.”
I want to kind of let governor-to-be Hochul kind of get her sea legs and we’ll go from there.”
The National Weather Service estimated that flooding of Tuscarora Creek would exceed historic levels, potentially topping the levy.
The Senate Majority Leader said the most important thing now is to get all Americans and Afghans who worked with the U.S. out of the country.
“You can transmit to other people. The odds are you’re going to do fine if you’re vaccinated and infected, but the person you infect may not do fine.”
“Sometimes people are more ready to hear about different services, or they hear about it, it doesn’t work out the first time, but at least they know it’s out there.”
“I believe that the benefit, risk ratio is an order of magnitude better for IM3 than it was for SungEel.”
“I’m sure we stand to lose some staff, and we’d hate to see that happen.”
“We had a lot of big storms, a lot of rain during July and so that could have caused nutrients to essentially enter the lake and help facilitate these blooms.”
The Munson-Williams-Proctor Art Institute Museum is presenting two complementary art exhibits. One is a traveling exhibit of work by African-American artist Emma Amos and the other is work from the permanent collection reflecting on Amos’ work. Curator Mary Murray talks about these interrelated exhibits.
Photo credit: Munson-Williams-Proctor Art Institute
“When mom gets the vaccine, she develops antibodies that do cross the placenta and provide a degree of protection to the newborn.”
“We literally created a vaccine within a year, and that’s like unheard of. The fact that it’s new, played a role in me not wanting to get the vaccine.”
Pa. adopted rules intended to protect people from market volatility like what Texas saw last winter
Both proposals would encompass more than 1,700 square miles and cover dozens of known shipwrecks.
“It’s clear that everyone wants to keep kids in the classroom and keep extra curricular activities going.”
The Assembly dropped the probe on Friday after advice from attorneys that it wouldn’t be legal to impeach Cuomo after he’s left office
“I want to go to a place where, you know, I feel like at home.”
The new requirement applies to all health care workers in New York, regardless of employer.
Luticha Doucette of Rochester explains why President Biden’s $400 billion plant to boost home health care funding is crucial for people with disabilities.
The Dept. of Financial Services says that as in prior years, the continued increase in health care costs is the main driver of premium rates.
As of July 23, 2021, 1,242 new business certificates were filed with the Onondaga County Clerk this year. That’s over two times as many as this time last year.
“We have been advised by Chair Lavine — with the assistance of counsel – of the belief that the constitution does not authorize the legislature to impeach and remove an elected official who is no longer in office.”
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to partially lift a ban on evictions for renters in New York state, which was set to expire this month.
“We’re hopeful that we can get through this process, but the census information coming at such a late time has really put us behind schedule.”
“People are gonna take a bed or a floor, kind of wherever they can get it. Usually it’s going to be in an unsafe environment.”
“I’m the most prepared person to assume this responsibility, and I am going to ask the voters at some point for their faith in me again.”
Syracuse will require masks regardless of vaccination status and require proof of vaccination for all employees or regular testing.
A Republican-majority county board in rural northern Pennsylvania on Tuesday accused a state senator of creating “unnecessary chaos.”
“I’ve been in this business long enough to know that it’s not in the purview of the New York State governor to dictate to the New York State Assembly.”
“At the end of my term, whenever it is, no one will ever describe my administration as a toxic work environment.”
The investigation brought down the governor less than a year after he won an Emmy Award for his famous coronavirus briefings.
“At the current rate, things have the potential to get out of control. And the last thing anybody wants to see is another shutdown.”
“There is a lot there. You know, we didn’t just investigate sexual misconduct allegations like the Attorney General. We have investigations in several other areas that are pending.”
Nine states, including New York, have implemented new mandates aimed at curbing the spread of the more contagious variant indoors.
“I loved my job, but the hours were crazy. We literally pulled all-nighters when they were in session. You have a child, there’s nobody to watch the kids.”
“She’s a quick study, very smart, very energetic, and has her experience. I think she will step in and not miss a beat.”
“I’m certain that we would be open to it if that’s their decision.”
Current Sheriff David Harder announced he plans to retire at the end of this term.
“I think that given the circumstances the best way I can help now is if I step side and let government get back to government.”
“It was a shock at first, then it went from shock to being flat, to a little anger, but now I’m at, ‘Let’s just get this over with.’”
To better understand the concerns of Black, Hispanic and rural residents, the group conducted a series of interviews and focus groups.
While Canada has taken a major step in reopening its border, the U.S. has not yet offered the same welcome to Canadian travelers.
“I mean, they’re adorable, but unfortunately… these two tiny birds [could] cause the livelihoods and the property values of a lot of people.”
Nearly 64% of Pennsylvania adults are fully vaccinated, a small increase compared to July
“You want to make sure things are right, but also done in an expeditious manner. And, you know, I believe that this is going to be dealt with in weeks.”
The public will have the opportunity to comment on the draft maps before they are delivered to the legislature.
“When those lines are crossed people must be held accountable.”
The Cooperstown Summer Music Festival presents the Imani Winds. We hear from Artistic Director Linda Chesis about this concert, with a preview of the remainder of the Festival….Due to rising COVID cases in Otsego County, this concert has been postponed indefinitely.
Photo credit: Cooperstown Music Festival
“There has been no open-minded fact-finding in this case.”
“It was the right thing to do. The governor needs to be held accountable.”
“What we need to do the soonest is to get Cuomo out of power because of the way he uses it, like a weapon.”
Despite warnings from good-government advocates and even some inside the Capitol that the state’s reimbursement systems are ripe for abuse.
“We will cooperate fully with the Albany sheriff and turn over all evidence related to this complainant.”
Organizers say the governor’s executive order to reform police last year didn’t go far enough in curbing discriminatory policing against Black New Yorkers.
“We’re talking about one to two new cases, daily, sometimes zero cases daily, to about 30 new cases per day.”
“There is an urgent need for timely advice and supervision flowing from the State Department of Health to local and school officials.”
The fair reserves its right to pivot, if increasing numbers force new regulations to avoid spread of the coronavirus.
“We can’t avoid those difficult subjects. We have to be able to talk about them, and the only way that we’re going to create good policy is to better understand it.”
“I think it’s extremely realistic for the committee to be considering articles of impeachment by early September. And then the Assembly would have a vote.”
The Ithaca Housing Authority will use private funds to rehabilitate its buildings, including to reconstruct its largest affordable housing development.
Municipalities face a choice: take the funds, and agree to drop their lawsuits, or fight the drug companies in court.
“I will not be distracted from that job. We have a lot do to. We still have to manage the Covid beast. It is not dead yet. It is not over.”
Natural gas still leads as the nation’s top source of electricity, generating 1,617 kWh last year, or about 40% of U.S. power generation.
“The Governor’s conduct in this regard is unremarkable: Democratic and Republican politicians, male and female alike, use handshakes, hugs, and kisses to connect with others.”
“No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign.”
Democrats will decide whether to move forward with impeachment charges against the governor. They’ve been building their own report to determine whether that’s the right move.
“These interviews and pieces of evidence reveal a deeply disturbing yet clear picture.”
“We should be both expeditious and thorough. The state deserves that. The people of New York deserve that.”
It’s unclear if the attorney general’s report will be a catalyst for the Assembly’s investigation, prompting impeachment, or not.
Federal officials said turning over things like ballots or hard drives to anyone who isn’t an election official could violate the Civil Rights Act.
Residents eligible for the city’s rental assistance program must have experienced a COVID-19-related hardship, such as a loss of income or employment since March 2020 and earn either equal to or less than 50 percent of the Area Median Income.
“We want to be responsive and we want to stay on top of things, but I would not want it to be way out in front of this before more information comes.”
Tompkins and Chenango Counties had “substantial” levels of transmission.
Only some of the region’s private colleges have implemented vaccine requirements for both employees and students.
“I wore a mask for year, it’s not the biggest deal in the world. I could get this delta variant, and I could spread the delta variant. So, better safe than sorry, I’m going to wear a mask.”
“They want to have safety in their workforce, they want to provide a safe environment for their customers, but they also want to be adequately staffed.”
“Students who are parents prioritize feeding their children over getting their own meal in order to make their tuition payments.”
Survivors say it’s not too late to file a claim, but some would like another legal window sometime in the near future.
One big question: How hard should mapmakers try to match up district lines with county and municipal borders?
“We cannot stress enough the importance of eligible Pennsylvanians getting vaccinated to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
