App NEWS
New York reacts, as the Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade
|
“History shows us that when abortion is banned, abortion becomes unsafe for women.”
App NEWS
Effort underway to improve Skaneateles Lake water quality
|
“Hydroseeding, stream restoration, buffer establishment, septic education. These are all the kinds of programs that are going to help promote water quality.”
Food and Farms
$3 million food and farming competition hopes to reach minority-owned businesses
|
“Somebody working in energy storage and clean tech as it relates to agriculture, they might end up steering toward Binghamton.”
alderpersons
Ithaca Common Council urges Starbucks to reopen recently unionized store
|
The resolution passed committee on a four-to-one vote. The full council will vote on the resolution on July 6th.
App NEWS
New York governor promises quick response to U.S. Supreme Court’s concealed carry ruling
|
Governor Hochul will call the legislature back into session in the coming weeks to address the issue. “We are not powerless.”
"Arts In Depth" with WSKG Host Bill Snyder
The Homecoming Players are home again
|
The Homecoming Players have been planning performances of Samuel D. Hunter’s play A Great Wilderness for a long time.
Crime and Justice
Supreme Court strikes down New York law that restricts concealed carrying of guns
|
The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 opinion, ruled that New York’s restrictions on the concealed carry of firearms in public violates the Second Amendment.
Addiction
Schumer pushes for more federal help to fight addiction crisis
|
“I’m confident this is not one of these issues that will be in the partisan maw, we can get bipartisan support for it.”
News
Three Democrats in a competitive race for lieutenant governor
|
Twice in the past 15 years, a lieutenant governor in New York found themselves suddenly elevated to governor.
App NEWS
Republican gubernatorial candidates debate before next week’s New York primary
|
Andrew Giuliani was not on stage and had to take part virtually in the first two debates due to his vaccination status.
Economy
Legacy cannabis operators see roadblocks/opportunities in New York’s recreational market
|
The first 100 or more retail licenses will be offered to people who either had a past marijuana-related offense or have a family member who did.
Government
Signing voting rights expansion, Hochul, advocates contrast New York with nation
|
The new laws are intended to counter U.S. Supreme Court decisions of the past decade rolling back parts of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Economy
Nail salon workers face unhealthy conditions, wage theft and unstable hours. Some are speaking up
|
“Standards (at nail salons) just aren’t adequate. They’re not enough to support a living wage or to support the genuine health of workers.”
News
Stefanik’s Jan. 6 ‘counter programming’ recycles false, misleading claims
|
“If you tell a lie repeatedly enough and you embellish it with the veneer of telling a factual story, many people are going to believe it.”
App NEWS
Black birth workers draw on ancestral knowledge to support their communities
|
“Your clients are more than your clients, because you probably know them. They’re people in your community, and so they feel more like family.”
abortion
Poll finds overwhelming support for governor’s signature issues, gun safety and abortion rights
|
“No 18 year old can walk in on their birthday, and walk out again with an AR-15. Those days are over.”
Crime and Justice
Gun trafficking legislation pushed by Gillibrand included in senate framework
|
“It makes gun trafficking a federal crime. And it makes sure there are penalties for the kingpins and people who are running these trafficking rings.”
Crime and Justice
Read the new criminal complaint against the accused Buffalo shooter
|
The 18-year-old Conklin native is accused of killing 10 and injuring three others when he allegedly opened fire at a Tops Market in Buffalo.
Food and Farms
Amid rising costs, food banks face challenges
|
“Senior citizens…were making ends meet before, and right now, just with the increased cost of everything, they’re not able to do so.”
Government
Governor signs bills to preserve abortion rights in New York
|
Governor Hochul says the state budget includes $25 million dollars to support abortion care facilities in New York, and has $10 million dollars to beef up security.
"Arts In Depth" with WSKG Host Bill Snyder
The Youth Orchestra of the CCO offers its season finale in two concerts
|
The Youth Orchestra of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra gives two performances of its season finale, once in Watkins Glen, and again in Ithaca. We hear from the Music Director, Kirsten Marshall, then narrator Leslyn McBean-Clairborne joins us by phone.
Photo credit: CCO Youth Orchestra
App NEWS
New York senator hopes for a vote this week on help for vets exposed to toxic burn pits
|
“This creates a presumption that if you served in one of these places that had burn pits, and you get sick, you get covered.”
App NEWS
Special election set for NY-23 congressional seat previously held by Tom Reed
|
Whoever wins the special election for the 23rd Congressional District will serve out the remainder of Reed’s term, which ends in December.
Economy
Starbucks union says the coffee giant is closing Ithaca store to retaliate
|
A Starbucks spokesperson told Bloomberg that the closure was based on facilities, staffing and time and attendance issues.
App NEWS
Advocates call on governor to quickly sign cryptocurrency mining moratorium into law
|
“It’s unacceptable to re-fire up old fossil fuel plants in the middle of a climate crisis just to make fake money to make a few rich people richer.”
Government
New York Lawmakers Approve Voting Rights Protections
|
The measure would also create new legal protections against voter intimidation and deception, and allow voters to more easily sue.
Crime and Justice
Clean Slate Act passes New York state senate, fate unclear
|
“This is a restorative bill. It’s about rehabilitation, it’s about our communities. It’s about investing.”
Education
SUNY is too lenient with out-of-state tuition charges, audit finds
|
Buffalo, Binghamton, ESF and Geneseo made up the majority of the problem.
App NEWS
Gasoline prices should ease this week as tax cap goes into effect
|
“The suspension of New York State gas taxes will save New Yorkers about $600 million through the end of the year.”
The Diocese of Rochester proposes settlement of bankruptcy case; survivors of sexual abuse push back
|
“By offering such a low number the diocese has re-victimized clergy sexual abuse survivors.”
App NEWS
Busy weekend expected for Memorial Day travelers
|
“There’s this pent up demand for travel. People will use any excuse out there to take a bigger vacation.”
Government
New York Governor wants to raise the minimum age for gun purchases to 21
|
“How does an 18-year-old purchase an AR-15 in the state of New York, the state of Texas? That person’s not old enough to buy a legal drink.”
News
Why did the turtle cross the road? She has a good reason, so don’t move her!
|
Of course, a turtle in the middle of the road might need your help.
Crime and Justice
Citing Buffalo mass shooting, state education department cancels U.S. history Regents exam
|
“The tragedy in Buffalo has created an unexpected and unintended context for the planned assessment.”
Crime and Justice
Governor signs Adult Survivors Act, giving victims their day in court
|
“Today is a good day, today is a righteous day, because it is a victory for justice. And it is long overdue.”
News
Tenney drops bid for 23rd Congressional District, now running in new 24th district
|
The new 24th district, which includes most of Oswego County and stretches west through the Finger Lakes and into Niagara County in western New York.
App NEWS
Working parents seek relief from COVID-19 quarantine rules for daycare
|
I’m putting off things like going to the dentist because I’ve just been out from work so much already. I know a lot of families have it even worse than I do.”
Crime and Justice
Governor’s views on gun control have evolved
|
Among the proposals is one that would close a loophole, and outlaw a category of weapons designed to evade the New York’s gun control laws.
Government
Proposed constitutional amendment would ensure abortion rights in New York
|
In 1970, after New York became the first state to legalize abortion, an estimated 200,000 women came from other states to have the procedure here.
Health
Are your allergies particularly bad right now? You’re not alone
|
“We’ve had less time with things being frozen. So we’re having a longer growing season.”
Crime and Justice
Parts of the Buffalo shooter’s alleged screed were copied from other sources
|
Investigators say they are looking into a document published online filled with rants about race and the “replacement” theory.
Crime and Justice
Governor addresses twin crises of white nationalism and access to military grade weapons
|
“The hate has not just infected our society and how people think. It’s literally been weaponized.”
News
Proposed 22nd congressional district could lead to tight race
|
“That’s a tougher hill for (Claudia Tenney) to climb, but she’s got a lot of name recognition. She has money; she has incumbency.”
App NEWS
New York health commissioner: Coronavirus ‘doesn’t get tired’
|
“I can only speculate that people are tired of this, I’m tired of it, but the virus, unfortunately, doesn’t get tired.”
App NEWS
Last minute changes, errors plague Ithaca’s school board elections
|
Some voters said they were turned away from the polls because they followed an earlier, incorrect polling place assignment.
Government
North Country congress member denies embracing racist ‘replacement theory’
|
Replacement theory is the false idea that there’s a plot to outweigh white voters with non-white immigrants.
Government
Governor Hochul to propose closing loopholes in New York’s gun laws
|
“When there’s early warning signs that someone could do harm to themselves or others, there has to be an examination as to whether or not there are guns in the house.”
Crime and Justice
State Senate passes resolution condemning Buffalo shooting
|
“We’re trying to remember the 10 people who did not come out of that grocery store. The 10 people whose lives ended because they went grocery shopping.”
App NEWS
What top New York lawmakers want after Buffalo mass shooting
|
“This coward manifested white supremacy in a violent and tragic way.”
App NEWS
The Buffalo shooting shocks residents of the alleged gunman’s hometown
|
Residents of Conklin, New York, are surprised the teen accused of a mass shooting was a neighbor. People of color in Binghamton have a different view.
Politics and Elections
Doug Mastriano, leading in PA GOP governor polls, taunts ‘establishment’ at closed event
|
The congressional committee investigating the events of Jan. 6 has subpoenaed Mastriano, but he didn’t appear for a deposition in March.
News
Does New York really need to hold two separate primary dates? Voting advocates say no.
|
New York is set to hold a primary election on June 28 for statewide offices, but primaries for congressional and state Senate seats will be held on Aug. 23.
App NEWS
After Buffalo mass murders, governor calls for action from social media companies
|
“I want them to have … a system that would immediately alert individuals.”
App NEWS
In Conklin, residents shocked Buffalo suspect is from area: ‘It’s just not comprehensible’
|
The small, mostly white town is just outside of Binghamton. Conklin residents are trying to make sense of the shooting.
Health
Spring brings a renewed question: Is it allergies or COVID-19?
|
While some symptoms like sinus or upper respiratory issues can be the same with allergies and COVID-19, there are also some distinct differences.
Crime and Justice
Supporters of the Adult Survivors Act Frustrated with the New Assembly’s inaction
|
“How many times do survivors have to relive their trauma at a press conference or in front of legislators before you take action?”
Health
New York researchers call injury and death in the workplace ‘an epidemic hidden in plain sight’
|
The study shows an estimated 7,000 deaths a year due to occupational disease.
Government
Governor directs $35-million to aid New York’s abortion providers
|
The governor says $10 million dollars will also be available to increase security protections for clinics.
binghamton
Gasoline and diesel prices continue sharp rise
|
“To say we’re feeling pain at the pump is an understatement. Prices have literally doubled since last year.”
Government
Advocates for medical aid in dying seek momentum for bill
|
“We watched our daughter suffer. It was horrible. And she asked and asked and asked for medical aid in dying.”
App NEWS
Ithaca will require employers to disclose pay range in job postings
|
Alderperson Jorge Defendini said the law will help workers advocate for more equitable pay.
Crime and Justice
Governor warns abortion rights opponents: Don’t mess with New York
|
“You don’t want to mess with the state of New York. And I assure you that this is fight you will not win.”
Crime and Justice
Former New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin is now off the ballot after New York legislature acts
|
For this election cycle, the rule applies only to Benjamin, who was indicted April 12 on federal corruption charges and resigned later that day.
Energy
New York Climate Action Council holds hearings on greenhouse gas emissions
|
Among the goals is requiring 85% of homes and commercial buildings to be equipped with electrified heat pumps instead of fossil fuel-based furnaces.
News
What’s next for New York’s primaries?
|
The state Board of Elections says its staff is ready to “quickly develop a new Political Calendar for an August primary”.
Health
Babies who get antibiotics get less protection from common childhood vaccines
|
Vaccine protectiveness waned by 6% to 20% each time antibiotics were prescribed, resulting in vulnerability to diseases like whooping cough and pneumonia.
Crime and Justice
Schumer pushes for more funding in the fight against gun violence
|
“We’ll be paid back many times over with greater peace in our communities, less violence in our communities.”
App NEWS
Ithaca alderperson seeks ethics investigation into former Mayor Svante Myrick
|
Alderperson Cynthia Brock said she’s working with the Tompkins County Ethics Board to open an investigation into the former mayor.
"Arts In Depth" with WSKG Host Bill Snyder
The Ithaca Community Orchestra performs in the Hangar Theatre
|
The Ithaca Community Orchestra presents “Homage”, a concert of music by Schubert, Ravel, and both Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn in the Hangar Theatre. Music Director Aaron Burgess joins us to talk about the program and the history of the Community Orchestra
Photo credit: Ithaca Community Orchestra
Government
Hochul seeks change in state law; hopes to remove indicted running mate from ballot
|
“I would like the Legislature to….(correct) what is really a strange part of our law that does not allow the removal of someone who is under indictment.”
App NEWS
High court hears testimony on New York’s new congressional lines
|
“We seriously disagree with the proposition that this was an egregious gerrymander. We don’t believe it was a gerrymander at all.”
"Arts In Depth" with WSKG Host Bill Snyder
“Snow White” returns to Ithaca Ballet
|
Composer and choreographer Lavinia Reid joins us to talk about her ballet version of the story of Snow White, a fan favorite that returns to Ithaca Ballet. She tells about creating a scenario that gives opportunities to the adult, as well as to the young dancers, and about creating movement while composing the music.
Photo credit: Ithaca Ballet
News
Syracuse’s Howie Hawkins launches campaign for governor
|
Hawkins and his running mate Gloria Mattera said their first order of business is to get the Green Party on the ballot.
Crime and Justice
With six weeks left in legislative session, poll finds governor’s job approval faltering
|
Voters increasingly disapprove of how the governor is handling a number of issues like crime and the economy.
Government
Governor begins first TV ad campaign; questions about disgraced former lieutenant follow Hochul
|
Questions About the Disgraced Former Lt. Gov. Continue to Follow Governor Hochul.
App NEWS
Some lawmakers argue $3 raise for home care workers is not enough
|
“What was being asked for wasn’t the moon. It was what was needed.”
Economy
Pay transparency: How ending the secrecy could erase inequities and change the workplace
|
New York could become the next state to require employers to disclose information about pay and benefits in job listings and to their current employees.
App NEWS
New York governor stands by lieutenant after he fails to tell her about subpoena
|
Brian Benjamin was a state senator when the Manhattan district attorney subpoenaed him last year about an alleged scheme run by a former campaign aide.
App NEWS
Ithaca Starbucks workers vote to unionize
|
“Today, we unionize a store that is not even four months old. That really shows that the unions are in the future for Starbucks.”
Crime and Justice
Governor on repeat arrestees: “There will be consequences”
|
Lawmakers on both sides of the issue said public safety changes were the biggest hurdle to clear in budget negotiations.
App NEWS
Tompkins County district attorney: Ithaca’s police reform working group refused his input
|
Van Houten said the Reimaging Public Safety working group lacked full understanding of Ithaca’s existing criminal justice system when it authored the report.
Abolish Police
Misconceptions, strong opinions abound in public discussion of Ithaca’s police reform proposals
|
“A number of comments and emails that we received recently made me feel like I was living in some alternate universe,” said Alderperson Ducson Nguyen.
Government
Advocates continue call for more funding for New York’s upstate hospitals
|
“The cost of labor and the fact we can’t find people continues to be a problem.”
binghamton
$70 million in grants available for child care programs in New York’s underserved areas
|
“Parents need to work in order to take care of their families, and when they don’t have anyone to take care of their kids, the kids are lacking.”
Health
Expect another bad tick season this year
|
Once the thermometer reaches about 45 degrees the ticks begin to emerge and latch on to humans or pets, anything that provides them a blood meal.
App NEWS
Watchdog groups say New York’s governor and Legislature dropping the ball on new ethics panel
|
“The Legislature and the governor have agreed to replace JCOPE, but unfortunately with something that has the same fatal flaw.”
App NEWS
Many New York renters choose to leave without reporting illegal evictions
|
Anyone in New York with a pending application for federal aid is protected from court-ordered eviction. But some landlords are trying to force tenants out illegally.
Government
Budget extender ensures a later New York spending plan
|
The budget’s been held up as Governor Hochul presses for changes to the 2019 criminal justice reforms, which ended cash bail for most crimes.
Government
New York governor provides eligibility details for 2nd COVID-19 booster shots
|
“Providers statewide, including at the state’s mass vaccination sites, are ready to administer second booster doses for eligible New Yorkers.”
Government
New York begins the week without a state budget
|
With paychecks for 62,000 state employees due on Wednesday, there’s talk of the Senate and Assembly passing a short term spending extender.
Government
Nursing home minimum staffing law takes effect in New York
|
The law creates minimum staffing ratios and requires that nursing home residents get at least 3.5 hours per day of direct nursing care.
Government
Tax specialist and journalist calls Bills’ stadium deal a loser for taxpayers
|
“Why are we giving welfare to billionaires?”
Government
New York lawmakers adjourn for a long weekend as budget deadline is missed
|
The Senate and Assembly adjourned until Monday, when they say they will try again to reach an accord.
Food and Farms
Ship loaded with grain leaves New York for Europe ahead of schedule due to war in Ukraine
|
“That was all because of product demand, and I don’t think product demand is going to subside this year.”
"Arts In Depth" with WSKG Host Bill Snyder
The Cayuga Vocal Ensemble goes on the road
|
The Cayuga Vocal Ensemble presents “The Spirit Sings” in two performances, one in Ithaca and another in Seneca Falls. Artistic Director Sean Linfors joins us to talk about the themes of the concert, the long break the ensemble had during the shut-down, and the excitement accompanying the premiere of a new work.
Photo credit: Cayuga Vocal Ensemble
Education
Cornell study shines light on COVID-19 population shifts
|
More than half of New York’s counties lost population due to more people moving out than moving in since that last census.
Government
Government watchdog groups push for ethics reform in New York’s state budget
|
“We don’t want the deck chairs on the Titanic being rearranged. We want the real independent ethics commission that the public’s been promised.”
App NEWS
Bail reform changes remain a factor in New York budget talks
|
Marvin Mayfield with the Center for Community Alternatives blamed law enforcement and some politicians, who he said deliberately spread misinformation.
"Arts In Depth" with WSKG Host Bill Snyder
Beethoven and Mozart on the weekend menu in Elmira
|
Cellist Eric Johnson explains how this special instrumentation originated, and contrasts the ways in which the two composers wrote for the piano trio.
App NEWS
Governor’s memo fails to ease tensions over bail reform laws
|
A 10-point memo written by Hochul would make changes to the state’s bail reform laws has done nothing to ease agitation over rising crime rates.
Health
Pennsylvania Medical marijuana director says retail prices are not decreasing with wholesale prices
|
Outgoing director John Collins says prices are a ‘red flag’
Government
Senate, Assembly may increase spending over governor’s budget
|
The Senate is proposing over $4 billion in additional funds for child care, saying the goal is to provide “universal” access.
Government
State comptroller shares cautiously optimistic outlook for New York’s finances
|
“The health of the economy is good and it’s strong, but the recovery is not where we want it to be. It’s uneven.”
Government
Lawmakers seek to double governor’s proposed wage hike for human services providers
|
The State Assembly, in its one-house budget resolution, is proposing an 11% cost of living adjustment for those workers in the upcoming fiscal year.
Crime and Justice
Judge says city of Syracuse can’t remove Columbus statue
|
The judge also ruled that the city must “preserve and maintain” the statue for the rest of its useful life.
News
GOP gubernatorial candidate Harry Wilson unveils “Turnaround New York” plan
|
“Whether it’s rising crime, sky high taxes, rising cost of living… All of those are an outgrowth of a broken system.”
As gas prices rise, officials consider cutting or capping gasoline taxes
|
Gas in New York averages over $4.46 a gallon according to AAA, and it’s unclear when this surge, spurred by inflation and the war in Ukraine, will ease.
Government
Why Governor Hochul is not expecting a late state budget
|
New York is also flush with cash for this year’s state budget, thanks to federal aid during the pandemic and stronger-than-expected tax receipts.
Education
Advocates demand more funding for New York’s indigenous schools
|
“Here we are today with people who are really trying to rebuild their culture.I believe that we have a debt that we owe them, and this is a great opportunity to step up.”
Cornish
La Jerne Terry Cornish named Ithaca College president
|
Cornish served as interim president since last summer after Dr. Shirley Collado stepped down.
News
Cuomo teases return to public life, blames ‘Cancel Culture’
|
The New York Attorney General’s Office frames it as a misleading attempt by Cuomo to save face after the barrage of controversies.
Crime and Justice
Ithaca police reform report proposes 5 new unarmed responders, but little change to current force
|
The proposed Department of Community Safety would oversee the current police force, as well as a new division of five unarmed responders.
"Arts In Depth" with WSKG Host Bill Snyder
A new opera in Ithaca is both a love story and a clash between cultures and values
|
Opera Ithaca is presenting the premiere of a new opera, We Wear the Sea Like a Coat. We hear from the composer, Sally Lamb McCune, and Artistic Director, Ben Robinson. They tell us about the gestation of the opera which began with a chance meeting in the Orkney Islands and grew into a poetic, but dramatic story.
Photo credit: Opera Ithaca
App NEWS
Jumaane Williams picks progressive activist as running mate in New York governor’s race
|
“After four years of Trump…we still have a Governor and Lieutenant Governor who serve the interests of the billionaires and big corporations.”
News
Republicans pick party nominees for New York’s statewide offices
|
At least one of the designated nominees could still face a primary challenge for the official nomination in June.
Energy
Record-breaking offshore wind leases top $4 billion for coastal New York
|
Biden Administration touts job-creating potential of wind industry
App NEWS
New York Comptroller’s office unhappy with placement of EV charging stations
|
This strategy is said to ease what’s called “range anxiety” or the fear of running out of “fuel” in an area with no charging station.
News
A snowy, icy, sleety morning in our neck of the woods
|
The winter storm continues to bring heavy snow to portions of Central New York with a wintry mix for the Southern Tier and south.
App NEWS
Zeldin picks police veteran as running mate in race for New York governor
|
“Lawmakers have shackled the hands of law enforcement with irresponsible restrictions, while simultaneously allowing violent criminals to operate with impunity.”
News
Winter Storm Looms in Southern Tier, Finger Lakes
|
Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning and evening commutes Friday.
News
Republican field for New York governor widens, businessman Harry Wilson now running
|
The Conservative Party of New York State didn’t take kindly to Wilson’s announcement Tuesday, saying they’d continue to back Zeldin in the race for governor.
Education
Poll finds New Yorkers divided over mask mandates
|
When you look at just the opinions of parents who have children in kindergarten through high school, they are more closely divided.
Government
New York preps for cyber attacks amid Russia-Ukraine crisis
|
“Shame on us if we’re not anticipating and watching what’s happening across the globe, and the possible impact in any city.”
Government
New legislation meant to cut the cost of insulin for New Yorkers
|
Senator Schumer said The Affordable Insulin Now Act is being met with bipartisan support and he anticipates it will pass within the next several months.
Health
Effort underway to get health coverage for New York immigrants
|
“When everyone in our community is healthy, our state will be healthy, and our nation will be healthy.”
News
Hochul’s primary opponents make pitch for more diverse voices
|
“I spoke with our keynote speaker today, Hillary Clinton, a few months ago. She tried to persuade me not to run,”
App NEWS
Convention officially chooses Hochul as Democratic Party’s designated nominee for governor
|
“There are those who actually believe Democrats are vulnerable this November. I flatly reject that notion right here.”
App NEWS
Hochul set to receive Democratic Party’s nomination for governor
|
“We are going to continue speaking to New Yorkers. That is basically the strategy. And let them know what our administration is accomplishing.”
Government
Rep. Tom Suozzi picks Diana Reyna as running mate in campaign for New York governor
|
“When I heard he was running for governor, I wanted in. I wanted to be part of that campaign — to shake things up and get something done in Albany.”
Health
Diabetes cases, especially in children, up significantly since the pandemic began
|
“I’m a nurse and I didn’t see it. I didn’t see diabetes, because we don’t have it in our family and that’s what you automatically think.”
Economy
Governor undecided on lower overtime threshold for New York’s farm workers
|
“We (should) take care of our workers, give them what they need, but give the farmers, perhaps tax relief, to ameliorate the impacts.”
Crime and Justice
Governor supports concept of Adult Survivors Act, and will work with New York lawmakers
|
The bill was modeled after the Child Victims Act, which created a temporary look back window for victims of child sex abuse to bring civil claims against abusers.
App NEWS
Health board hears pleas for metrics behind school mask mandate
|
“If you vote yes and extend the emergency order and keep our kids in masks, you can go to bed at night considering yourselves child abusers.”
Crime and Justice
Cuomo to file complaint against New York’s Attorney General
|
Cuomo’s personal attorney said the former governor will personally file the complaint against James with one of the state’s Attorney Grievance Committees.
"Arts In Depth" with WSKG Host Bill Snyder
Rachael Sage joins Howard Jones at the Hangar Theatre
|
DSP Shows is presenting the Howard Jones Trio with guest artist singer/songwriter Rachael Sage in the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca. Rachael Sage joins us to talk about her many albums, as well as her many collaboration with other musicians. She also talks about her Poetica project and the different aspects of writing poetry versus writing songs.
Photo credit: Rachael Sage
Government
New York health commissioner says no decision yet on ending school mask mandate
|
“There has been no decision made on a date on which the mask mandate in schools will end.”
Government
HIV/AIDS Providers ask New York’s governor to reverse Cuomo-era change
|
“This could force the shuttering of food pantries and the closure of AIDS clinics statewide.”
Education
Professors at New York’s public colleges ask for more money
|
Members of the faculty unions from the state and city university systems, along with their allies in the Legislature, testified Monday at a budget hearing.
News
Experts weigh in on Tenney’s candidacy for new 23rd Congressional District
|
“I think her decision to declare immediately after the boundaries were proposed, reflects an effort to try to deter other potential Republicans…from running.”
Government
Governor hints mask mandate may end soon
|
“I’m going to continue to head in that direction. We are hoping to get to that. That is our goal. But I am going to continue looking at the metrics.”
Government
GOP wants new health commissioner to Review COVID-19 in nursing homes
|
“Those families never received an apology. No one’s ever been held accountable. They were told ‘who cares’ by the last governor.”
Affordable Housing
Svante Myrick reflects on 10 years as Ithaca’s mayor
|
Former Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick gained a reputation as a rising star in progressive politics since he was elected at age 24. He stepped down as mayor this past weekend.
App NEWS
GOP lawmakers sue over NY district maps
|
“The real question is whether courts are going to be willing to wade into that.”
"Arts In Depth" with WSKG Host Bill Snyder
A re-purposed factory is now a magnet for artists
|
The old National Cash Register building on South Hill in Ithaca, across from Ithaca College is now a multi-purpose facility that includes space for artists, and the Gallery at South Hill. We hear from curator Michael Sampson and the artist whose work is now on display, Marc Reed.
Photo credit: Gallery at South Hill
Economy
New tax law: Venmo, Cash App to report business transactions over $600
|
“When you do it, just remember you owe not just income tax, but if you do it for any length of time, you’re also going to owe self-employment tax.”
Government
Soldiers with New York’s National Guard train to become EMTs
|
“The graduates will be able to assist anywhere we need them in a medical capacity will be available starting in early February.”
binghamton
New York Democrats get blow back for congressional and state legislative district lines
|
“There should be regret for not recognizing and respecting the will of the people.”
Government
How New York’s proposed district lines could be challenged in court
|
“As we unravel the gerrymanders of the past, it doesn’t make it a gerrymander of today. These are districts drawn fairly.”
Featured in Category
Rather than demolish buildings, Cornell researchers propose ‘deconstruction’ in Ithaca
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A local coalition is working to salvage materials from some of the older houses being torn down in Ithaca.
News
What’s next for new redistricting maps?
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“(Tenney) is a particularly conservative Republican. She’s very much of a firebrand type and style, like former President Trump in some ways.”
Crime and Justice
New York Conservatives Propose Severe Penalty for ‘Cop Killers’
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The Proposal Comes After the Deaths of NYPD Officers Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera.
Education
Lawmakers Push for $5 Billion Toward Universal Child Care Access in New York
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“This is not a strong start, and does not come close to universal child care.”
Newly released New York congressional maps could result in major changes
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If approved, the new districts would result in some major changes across central and northern New York.
Government
Gillibrand pushes legislation that would address maternal mortality among Black women
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“One of these bills has the resources for these emergency baby bundles in every emergency room where deliveries are being done.”
News
Central New York’s wicked weather blamed on climate change
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In Central New York, warmer temperatures could lead to more lake effect snow.
Crime and Justice
New York’s mask mandate is still in effect after another legal decision
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The request will be reconsidered Friday by a panel of judges from the court, and could ultimately be reversed.
Government
No consensus on reasons for exodus from New York
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“That’s the steepest population drop of any state in the nation,” said Hochul, who called it “an alarm bell that cannot be ignored.”
Crime and Justice
Assembly Speaker: Bail Reform Used as ‘Scapegoat’ for Rise in Crime, Data Has No Context
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“Part of my frustration is that when anything bad that happens, it’s got to be bail reform’s fault.”
App NEWS
Ithaca Starbucks workers begin unionization effort
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Inspired by a successful effort to unionize a location in Buffalo in December, Starbucks workers at three locations in Ithaca said they want to follow suit.
App NEWS
New York judge overturns governor’s mask mandate
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The mandate “is a law that was promulgated and enacted unlawfully by an executive branch state agency, and therefore void and unenforceable.”
binghamton
New York families often unaware of child care assistance funds
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A lot of state money hasn’t been spent, because many families don’t know it’s out there.
Health
Poison Center says keep at-home COVID tests away from kids
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“If they were to take a taste of it accidentally, not a problem, could be a little bit irritating, but not a real big issue.
App NEWS
State bills designed to provide better mental health care for New York mothers
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“Our maternal mental health conditions are largely underreported, and symptoms often go unaddressed.”
alcohol
Beer and wine can join popcorn and soda on movie theater menus
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Movie theaters have long lobbied for a change in the rules, but word of the development came as a surprise to many theater owners.
Economy
Upstate New York lags in pandemic economic recovery
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Small metro areas in upstate New York like Ithaca and Utica are also still struggling to recover with Ithaca only recovering so far by roughly .3%.
Government
Poll: New Yorkers doubt future of the American republic
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According to the Siena poll, three in 10 New Yorkers think it’s very likely that the U.S. will remain the world’s oldest continuing democracy.
News
Siena College poll shows many New Yorkers still feel minorities experience discrimination
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A majority of Republicans, independents, Latinos, white voters and men feel minority New Yorkers do have the same opportunities.
App NEWS
Analysis: congressman’s retirement leaves big hole in upstate politics
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Already, conservatives including former President Trump are applauding the news.
Health
Holidays plus omicron result in largest blood shortage in a decade
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“Blood donor turnout has really plummeted because of the variant that has affected this region and across the country.”
Government
State surplus will ease New York governor’s first budget address
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WSKG Radio will broadcast Gov. Hochul’s budget address at 11 a.m. Tuesday.
News
Fatal virus that affects rabbits detected in New York state, sparks innovative vaccine initiative
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A highly infectious disease that has spread internationally was detected in New York state late last year, and it has ignited a movement for widespread vaccination — of rabbits.
App NEWS
Court hearing held over Syracuse’s Columbus statue
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“The litigation has absolutely complicated matters, slowed things down, and I think kind of dragged out the division in the community and the hurt.”
Government
Ahead of eviction moratorium deadline, New York governor asks White House for more rent relief funds
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So far, neither the Biden administration nor leaders in Congress have said that they plan to send more rent relief funding to New York.
App NEWS
Republican state lawmakers rally for criminal justice changes in New York
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“I would argue that the victims of all of these crimes we’re talking about, they are victims of color and minorities in many, many cases.”
Government
Competing district maps rejected by New York’s legislature
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If the commission fails to agree on a new set of maps to send to the Legislature for consideration, lawmakers will then take over the process.
Government
New York announces new nursing home visitation rules
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“Ideally, every visitor would be vaccinated and boosted, but we don’t have the authority to create that restriction.”
Crime and Justice
Governor’s plan to overhaul ethics commission wins praise — and some questions
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“This would be such a vast improvement over the disaster that is JCOPE.”
Uncategorized
Svante Myrick to step down as Ithaca mayor
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“Being the 44th mayor of the City of Ithaca has been the honor of my lifetime.”
App NEWS
SUNY campuses to open COVID testing sites this week
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Campuses across New York state will begin hosting free COVID testing for the general public this week.
Southern Tier advocates, elected officials react to supervised drug-injection sites in New York City
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Some people in the Southern Tier say supervised drug-injection sites can save lives. Others say it enables drug use.
Education
Pandemic prompts cancellation of January high school Regents exams
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“Once again, the January Regents exams cannot be safely, equitably and fairly administered across the state.”