WRFI Community Radio News
COVID Cases are Dropping, Tompkins County Officials Say There’s Still a Chance for Another Spike
Active cases of COVID-19 have been on a downward trend in Tompkins County. According to the County’s local coronavirus data, the weekly average for new positive cases is 9 a day. 9 new positive cases a day — the last time this was the average was in Early November, before the well predicted holiday spike…
Read MoreHyper-Local Weather Forecasting System Could be a Boon to New York
Cornell University has begun work developing a hyperlocal weather forecasting system for New York state’s rural communities. They’ve partnered with community stakeholders to design and implement a forecasting system aimed at improving winter-storm emergency response and coordination around natural disasters. It’s a part of a competition hosted by the National Science Foundation, or NSF. For…
Read MoreWRFI and Ithaca Voice reporters talk about the Reimagining Public Safety Draft Report and Townhall
The City of Ithaca and Tompkins County legislator held a joint town hall on February, 25th to field questions from the public on the draft report. WRFI News Director, Jimmy Jordan, speaks with Anna Lamb, and Matt Butler of the Ithaca Voice about that meeting, parts of the report, the public’s questions, and the challenges…
Read MoreIthaca College Finalizes Faculty Cuts, Faculty Critical of the Administration’s Process
The Ithaca College Administration finalized a strategic plan that calls for making dramatic cuts to it’s faculty. But the process that led the college administration to make this decision, as well as the other associated with it, are being criticized by faculty and students.
Read MoreShifting Immigration Policy and its Impact on the Ithaca Community
With the shift in presidential administrations, how immigration policy will change is one topic of concern not only on a national level, but also in local communities like Ithaca. In the past week, the Biden administration has taken some initial steps in changing immigration policy. WRFI News Team Intern Maia Noah has the story.
Read MoreIthaca and Tompkins County Release Ambitious Public Safety Reform Draft
Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca have released a draft of their Public Safety Reimagined report. The report comes in response to Governor Cuomo’s executive Order 203, mandating municipalities review their public safety systems. The draft report was produced under the advisement of the Center for Policing Equity. It includes 19 detailed recommendations for…
Read MoreMeet Tompkins County Poet Laureate, Christine Kitano
Settle into a conversation with Tompkins County Poet Laureate, Dr. Christine Kitano. She shares her thoughts on the meaning of the position, how she teaches the craft and, of course, we hear some of her poetry. WRFI Contributor Pamela Tan brings us that conversation.
Read MoreHow Recent Development Proposals Address the Housing Affordability and Need in Ithaca
It is no secret that housing in Ithaca is a contentious issue. Prices are high and there doesn’t seem to be enough supply to meet the growing demand. While a new apartment complex seems to be going up every few months, the question becomes why is the cost of housing so high and are these…
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