Politics
Local Social Justice Organizations Co-Sponsor “Defund the Ithaca Police Department” Car and Bike Rally [AUDIO]
David Foote, Chair of the Ithaca chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, talks about the upcoming car and bike rally, called, “Defund the Ithaca Police Department!” It is taking place Saturday, July 11th from 2 to 5 pm. The rally is co-sponsored by Ithaca Democratic Socialists of America, Ithaca Sciencenter Workers Union, Tompkins County…
Read MoreAnna Kelles Wins 125th Assembly District Democratic Primary Nomination [AUDIO]
In a crowded field in the race for the 125th District Assembly Seat to replace Barbara Lifton, who is retiring this year, Anna Kelles emerged as the victor for the Democratic nomination. Kelles, a Tompkins County legislator, won the primary by a margin of 2,000 votes over Seph Murtagh, Sujata Gibson, Jordan Lesser, Jason Leifer,…
Read MoreMatt van Houten Narrowly Wins NY Primary Election for Tompkins County DA Race [AUDIO]
On July 6, final tallies for the local political races were announced in the time since the Tompkins County Board of Elections finished counting thousands of ballots in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions. In the Tompkins County District Attorney Race, incumbent Matt van Houten has secured the position once again, winning the race over his…
Read MoreA Preview of Ithaca’s Juneteenth 2020 Rally: Decriminalize, Demilitarize, Decarcerate [AUDIO]
Local activists are observing Juneteenth with a rally taking place in downtown Ithaca at the Bernie Milton Pavillion on Friday, June 19th, 2020 at 12 pm. The theme of the rally is: Decriminalize, Demilitarize, Decarcerate. WRFI Community Radio News contributor Esther Racoosin speaks with Taili Mugambee and Savannah Gonzalez, two of the organizers of the…
Read MoreNew York Congressman Tom Reed (R) comments on proposed laws combating police brutality [AUDIO]
It’s been two weeks since George Floyd’s death at the hands of a Minneapolis policeman. Worldwide protests continue and federal and state governments are moving quickly to consider reform legislation. Congressman Tom Reed, who represents New York’s 23rd district, commented on the bills during a call with media. WRFI News Contributor Fred Balfour reports.
Read MoreTompkins Legislator Anna Kelles returns to WRFI to further discuss her bid for NY Assembly [AUDIO]
Tompkins Legislator Anna Kelles called into WRFI Community Radio News at 6 on Tuesday June 9. She spoke with WRFI News Director Michayla Savitt about how her campaign for Assemblyperson had adapted in the midst of social distancing, what she’d do in the assemblyperson position to address police brutality and pervasive racism in the U.S.,…
Read More2020 Tompkins County District Attorney Candidates’ Forum [AUDIO]
The Tompkins County District Attorney is Tompkins’ top law enforcement official and prosecutes violations of New York State law within the county. New York’s primary election is coming up on June 23 and WRFI is pleased to present a District Attorney Candidates Forum Monday, which aired June 8th from 6-7pm. Incumbent Matt Van Houten,…
Read MoreCongressman Tom Reed Speaks Out About Protests Surrounding Police Brutality [AUDIO]
In the last week countless protests have broken out over the world in response to the murder of George Floyd and other innocent black people lost to police brutality and racist violence. On a call with the media, Congressman Tom Reed, who represents Tompkins and Schuyler counties, provided comment on the recent protests. WRFI News…
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