Shows
WRFI Community Radio NewsCREATIVES: "Human Again" with Michael Rhynes and Leroy Barrett“Human Again” is an emotional and inspiring documentary focusing the Phoenix Players Theatre Group at Auburn Correctional maximum-security prison. Cinemapolis will host a free screening of “Human Again” Sunday April 27 at 2:30.The film follows the group as they prepare for an original play combining Shakespearean influences and the actors' own lived experiences.Michael Rhynes, host of “The Undiscovered Country” on WRFI was the group’s co-founder and is featured in the film.He will facilitate a discussion following the screening along with several since-released members of the Phoenix Players.Michael works with the Civic Ensemble's ReEntry Theatr...2025-04-2526 min
WRFI Community Radio NewsThe Undiscovered Country: Quentin Lewis, PoetIn this episode we meet Quentin Lewis who is fighting his conviction while locked up at Wende Correctional in Western New York. Hear his poems, and listen as he joins Michael in conversation about writing in prison, Quentin’s work as a jailhouse lawyer, and the burden of being imprisoned while maintaining one’s innocence."The Undiscovered Country" is a partnership between WRFI, Prisoner Express, the Cornell Prison Education Program and Civic Ensemble's Re-Entry Theatre project and supported by a grant from Humanities New York. To support the Undiscovered Country, please contact Felix Teitelbaum at WRFI.2025-03-2537 min
WRFI Community Radio NewsPROMO: The Undiscovered Country with Poet Quentin LewisThis episode will feature poet Quentin Lewis who is imprisoned at Wende Correctional Facility in Western New York.It will air Tuesday, March 25 at 2 and 5pm, and Friday, March 28 at 5pm on WRFI and will post to this feed following the debut.Hamlet calls death "the undiscovered country," a mysterious land from which no one returns. Host Michael Rhynes repurposes the concept to highlight the invisibility and disenfranchisement of prison populations. Although incarcerated people are all around us, they are largely invisible to us, their humanity erased....2025-03-2001 min
WRFI Community Radio NewsJulian Eagle: A Tribute to WRFI's Very First Youth Radio VolunteerAt fourteen, Julian Eagle started working at WRFI as the station's very first Youth Radio volunteer. This week would have been his 21st birthday and this month will be the one-year anniversary of his death from Fentanyl poisoning.
WRFI's JT Stone got his start in radio working with Julian. He filed a tribute to a young man who made big waves at a little station.2023-09-2906 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News Feature: Pulling Wild Water ChestnutWRFI News Feature: Pulling Wild Water Chestnut2023-08-0307 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Special: Jim Murphy RememberedWRFI Special: Jim Murphy Remembered2023-07-2806 minWRFI Community Radio NewsConversation with Ward 3 Common Council CandidatesWRFI Community Radio and The Ithaca Voice are bringing you conversations with candidates in the 4 contested Common Council primary races.
I’m Celia Clarke, news director at WRFI. It’s just me today. Ward 4 candidates are unopposed so tonight you’ll hear from the Ward 5 candidates: Michelle Song, Clyde Lederman, Jason Houghton, and Margaret Fabrizio.
The Ward includes Cornell Heights and parts of East Hill.
2023-06-1438 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 07/23/2021WRFI Community Radio News 07/23/2021
Starting the show, an Overdose Prevention Center is coming to Ithaca, or at least that was the plan.
Governor Cuomo is being called on to keep his 2018 campaign promise to establish an Overdose Prevention Center in Ithaca, as well as 4 others in New York City.
The firm reminder is coming from Assemblymember Anna Kelles, Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick, the Southern Tier Aids Program or, STAPs, and members of the NOODNY campaign. They gathered in front of STAPs’ downtown Ithaca office on Thursday for a media event. We speak with ST...2021-07-2430 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 07/16/2021WRFI Community Radio News 07/16/2021
On the show, we get to know a puppeteer. An uncommon profession that you may wish was a little more popular after meeting the Lily Silly Puppet Theater.
But to start things off, you’ll hear about The History Center in Tompkins County. They’re welcoming the public into their galleries to see a brand new exhibit that opened earlier this month.
It's called "Breaking Barriers: Women’s Lives and Livelihoods."
The exhibit explores the lives of women who have lived in Tompkins County, working in public and priv...2021-07-1729 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 07/02/2021WRFI Community Radio News 07/02/2021
Today, we’re starting with a conversation about solitary confinement in state prisons. We speak with local activist, Wayles Brown, who has been working for decades on the issue. During its last legislative session, the New York Legislature passed into law the 'HALT' Solitary Confinement ACT, which closely resembles a bill Wayles has been promoting for years.
Later in the show, we bring you an episode of a brand new podcast focused on the people in Ithaca. It’s called THIS is Ithaca, and it offers a brief glimpse into the live...2021-07-0333 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 06/25/2021WRFI Community Radio News 06/25/2021
On today's show, you’ll hear an interview with Tompkins County legislator Deborah Dawson. She talks to us about the funds Tompkins County has received through the American Rescue, nearly $ 20 million. Dawson and her colleagues want your input on how the money should be spent.
After that, you’ll hear a report about opening day at Watkins Glen International raceway.
At the end of today’s show, you’ll hear about the Open Doors English program in Ithaca.2021-06-2631 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 06/18/2021WRFI Community Radio News 06/18/2021
Juneteenth is now officially a federal holiday. The day celebrates the emancipation of black men and women from enslavement in the United States. But as a part of history, it is not so distant. It is still with us today.
On the show we hear about Bishop Cecil A. Malone, a figure of local Ithaca History who was freeing men and women from the oppression of the southern sharecropping system just two generations ago.
And, with COVID restrictions lifted, the stage is set for the theater to return.
2021-06-1927 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 06/11/2021WRFI Community Radio News 06/11/2021
Virtually All COVID restrictions will soon be lifted in New York State. That’s according to an announcement Governor Cuomo made on Monday this week. We have a COVID update interview with Tompkins County Public Health director Frank Kruppa coming up in the show.
After that, we hear from Investigative Reporter Tim Schwab. One of the winners of the 13th annual Izzy Awards. He hear Schwab’s acceptance speech, where he speaks about his reporting exploring the opaque operations of the Gates Foundation, and it’s influence in the field of Global...2021-06-1231 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 06/04/2021WRFI Community Radio News 06/04/2021
On today’s Show,
There’s a bill in the New York State Legislature calling for a moratorium on cryptocurrency mining.
Environmentalists say mining the digital currency puts New York on a collision course with the goals outlined in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
We speak with Water Front reporter Peter Mantius.
But first, as violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues, ralliers in Ithaca continue voicing support for Palestine.2021-06-0533 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 05/28/2021WRFI Community Radio News 05/28/2021
On this week's episode, we bring you another episode of the WRFI’s Which Way Forward series. This is the final story in this installment. While Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 203 required all local governments to review their police practices, the Public Safety and Police Departments on College Campuses were out of the order’s reach.
Next, Ithaca has lost one of it’s great musicians, Al Hartland. He was a talented percussionist and beloved personality who will be missed. We’re joined by his friend and fellow musician, Harry Aceto, to...2021-05-2830 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 05/21/2021WRFI Community Radio News 05/21/2021
On this week's episode, we bring you another installment of the Which Way Forward series. This episode is a reflection of a student activist, and professor on the last year of Black Lives Matters protests.
Then, a speech from the recent 2021 Izzy Awards for Independent Media. Ithaca College’s Park School for Independent Media honored Liliana Segura for her reporting on the executions carried out by the Trump administration in 2020, during the twilight of his presidency and the height of the pandemic.
After that we, take a look at Tra...2021-05-2226 min
Which Way Forward: Redefining Public SafetyEpisode 7: The Public's Opinion on Reimagining Public SafetyOn this episode of Which Way Forward, we explore many, many opinions and views on the Reimagining Public Safety process. All these comments and thoughts are from the public feedback period of the Reimagining Public Safety Draft Report. This ranged from early February 2021, to March 31st 2021. In that fast-moving span of time, community members offered their voices, and we tried to coordinate and conduct them into a choir.
This episode was written, voiced, and produced by Ithaca College Park Scholar, James Baratta, with some mixing and production help from WRFI Interim News Director, Jimmy Jordan.
2021-05-0808 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 05/07/2021WRFI Community Radio News 05/07/2021
On this episode of WRFI Community Radio news, we hear another installment of WRFI’s Which Way Forward Series, a public affairs project exploring the Reimagining Public Safety collaborate, and the plan it produced. This episode will explores the range of public opinion and reaction to the draft plan as it was shaped into its final form.
Then, we bring you a speech from the recent 13th annual Izzy Awards. Hosted by Ithaca’s Park School for Independent Media, this Izzy Award speech comes from the winners, Truthout.2021-05-0828 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 04/30/2021WRFI Community Radio News 04/30/2021
On this episode, we bring you interviews with candidates running for the Tompkins County Legislature in District 1, Travis Brooks and Nicole LaFave.
Then, the Spring Writes Literary Festival begins in Ithaca next week. Panels, performances, and readings -- we hear what’s in store.
2021-05-0133 minWRFI Community Radio NewsBONUS: Rev. Robert Jones Sr., Raconteur and Musician [FULL INTERVIEW]BONUS: Rev. Robert Jones Sr., Raconteur and Musician [FULL INTERVIEW]
Rev. Robert Jones Sr.: a storyteller, a musician, a font of American roots.
Rev. Jones will be bringing his talents to the virtual stage of the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts on Saturday, April 24th.
Tune in for the full interview that originally aired on WRFI Community Radio News 04/23/2021.
From WRFI Contributor Pamela Tan.2021-04-2427 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 04/16/2021WRFI Community Radio News 04/16/20212021-04-1732 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 04/02/2021On this episode, we hear from Tompkins County Legislature Chair, Leslyn McBean-Clairborne. She gives us her view of the Reimagining Public Safety Plan submitted to New York State.
Then, a lengthy look at gerrymandering in New York state. Is Tompkins County split up to favor one parties control? And what can an independent redistricting commission do about it?2021-04-0329 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 03/19/2021WRFI Community Radio News 03/19/2021
Our first story for this the show comes from Pamela Tan and Jimmy Jordan. Pamela is both a member on WRFI’s news team, and also volunteers with her son’s youth hockey team. Everything from grocery shopping to the way we see our families has been affected by COVID. Hockey is no exception.
After that, we'll hear from County Administrator Jason Molino. He released a letter to coincide with the rough 1 year mark of when it became apparent that COVID-19 would be reshaping our lives. He sat down with Jimmy Jord...2021-03-2030 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 03/12/2021On this episode, we bring you a conversation with Kristi Taylor from the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County. We speak with her about Domestic violence during the age of COVID.
After that, we hear about the future of food in Tompkins County. Tompkins Food Future is a two-year project aiming to develop a comprehensive food system plan. We hear from the project coordinator, Katie Hallas.
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If you value what we do, and would like to contribute, we’d love your help! We are looking for new volunteers. There are opportunities for remote hos...2021-03-1329 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI Community Radio News 03/05/2021The Reimagining Public Safety Draft report has made waves in Ithaca and Tompkins County, and has even rippled into the National news.
Here, we track how the draft report was first released to the press, referred to in a GQ article, then presented to the Ithaca Common Council.
The draft report and supplemental materials can be found at this link: http://bit.ly/RPS-report-folder
Find the GQ article here.
To watch the Common Council be presented with the report and the questions they asked, you can go to the City of I...2021-03-0624 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News 02/19/202102/19/2021 WRFI Community Radio News
Ithaca is changing by the month with new housing developments breaking ground on a regular basis. These projects help address the housing shortages in Ithaca but how do they impact affordability?
Then, 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.2021-02-2028 minWhich Way Forward: Redefining Public SafetyEpisode 5: The road (so far) to reimagining law enforcementThis is the last episode of part one of the Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety series. WRFI News Contributor Fred Balfour lays out how Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order for every municipality with a police department to reimagine its public safety practices will play out in Tompkins County. Ithaca Voice intern James Baratta walks us through Tompkins’ efforts in the last several months to reimagine law enforcement practices that will foster a social future that is equitable for all.
Fred Balfour edited today’s episode, and sound design was by outgoing News Director Michayla Savitt. Music...2021-02-0626 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWhich Way Forward: The road (so far) to reimagining law enforcementThis is the last episode of part one of the Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety series. WRFI News Contributor Fred Balfour lays out how Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order for every municipality with a police department to reimagine its public safety practices will play out in Tompkins County. Ithaca Voice intern James Baratta walks us through Tompkins’ efforts in the last several months to reimagine law enforcement practices that will foster a social future that is equitable for all.
Fred Balfour edited today’s episode, and sound design was by outgoing News Director Michayla Savitt. Music...2021-02-0626 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWhich Way Forward: Examining community organizing and its impact on criminal justiceIn today’s episode of Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety, we switch gears to how some organizers both on the streets and behind the scenes are fighting for a more equitable future for local people of all ages - including changing public safety policies.
This episode of Which Way Forward was co-reported by outgoing WRFI News Director Michayla Savitt, and Ithaca College Park Scholars Hailey Aldrich, Emily Hung, Jess Moskowitz. Skylar Eagle edited today’s episode, and helped with script editing. Sound design was by Michayla. Music is by BlueDotSessions. The series is directed and executive prod...2021-02-0530 minWhich Way Forward: Redefining Public SafetyEpisode 4: Examining community organizing and its impact on criminal justiceIn today’s episode of Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety, we switch gears to how some organizers both on the streets and behind the scenes are fighting for a more equitable future for local people of all ages - including changing public safety policies.
This episode of Which Way Forward was co-reported by outgoing WRFI News Director Michayla Savitt, and Ithaca College Park Scholars Hailey Aldrich, Emily Hung, Jess Moskowitz. Skylar Eagle edited today’s episode, and helped with script editing. Sound design was by Michayla. Music is by BlueDotSessions. The series is directed and executive prod...2021-02-0530 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWhich Way Forward: Stopping crime while practicing restraintIn the third episode of Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety, Ithaca Voice senior reporter Anna Lamb reexamines the most recent case of police brutality in ithaca known as the “commons incident” - and how ithaca police officers’ excessive use of force could have been prevented.
As a note to listeners, this episode includes detailed descriptions of physical violence.
Jay Bradley edited today’s episode, and sound design was by outgoing News Director, Michayla Savitt. Additional sound by Ithaca Voice reporter Matt Butler. The series is directed and executive produced by Anna Lamb and Michayla Savitt.2021-02-0423 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWhich Way Forward: Preventing police violence before it occursIn the second episode of Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety, our team of reporters dive into law enforcement policies concerning excessive force - and how that’s played out on a local level in the protests for racial justice that have emerged since May 2020.
Today’s episode was co-reported by Ithaca College Park scholars Maia Noah and Matilde Bechet. Jay Bradley edited today’s episode, and sound design was by outgoing News Director, Michayla Savitt. Music is by BlueDotSessions, additional sound thanks to Matt Butler. Skylar Eagle helped with script editing. The series is directed and execut...2021-02-0318 minWhich Way Forward: Redefining Public SafetyEpisode 1: The officer’s “catch-all” task & alternatives to policingThe first episode of the series explores what local agencies are best suited to be called for helping people in distress. Our team of reporters speak to several local social service organizations to better understand how, and if, those agencies could take on more of a role in maintaining public safety. We also speak to Ithaca Police Chief Dennis Nayor about the current state of policing in ithaca, and what needs to change.
Today’s episode was co-reported by Ithaca Voice reporter Matt Butler, and Ithaca College Park scholars Lauren Leone, Malick Mercier, and Aidan Glendon. Jay Br...2021-02-0223 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWhich Way Forward: The officer’s “catch-all” task & alternatives to policingThe first episode of the series explores what local agencies are best suited to be called for helping people in distress. Our team of reporters speak to several local social service organizations to better understand how, and if, those agencies could take on more of a role in maintaining public safety. We also speak to Ithaca Police Chief Dennis Nayor about the current state of policing in ithaca, and what needs to change.
Today’s episode was co-reported by Ithaca Voice reporter Matt Butler, and Ithaca College Park scholars Lauren Leone, Malick Mercier, and Aidan Glendon. Jay Br...2021-02-0223 minWRFI Community Radio NewsComing soon: Which Way Forward: Redefining Public SafetyTune in every weekday starting next Monday, February 1, to listen to our special series Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety. You can also listen to each episode on WRFI live at 6 PM, and anywhere you get your podcasts.
Around the nation, protesters have called for police departments to be defunded or reformed following the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless other Black and Brown people at the hands of law enforcement.
But here in Tompkins County, what’s the best solution to reimagining public safety policies that will foster fairness and trust within ea...2021-01-2600 minWRFI Community Radio NewsAnnouncement: WRFI's nightly news on hiatusDear listeners — Our nightly news broadcast is on hiatus while we re-think and re-plan the service we provide to you. For now, tune into headlines throughout each weekday on WRFI.org, 88.1 Ithaca, 91.9 Watkins Glen, and tune into our new weekly show anywhere you get your podcasts, starting February 5th. Also, listen to our special series Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety, starting next week at 6 PM Monday through Friday.2021-01-2600 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 1/22/2021Happy Friday! After the headline news, you'll hear a live interview with Cherry Artspace Artistic Director Sam Buggeln about the company's next livestream play, "Hotel Good Luck" streaming live from the State Theatre of Ithaca February 12 - 22.2021-01-2331 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 1/21/2021It is post-Inauguration Thursday. After today's headline news, you'll hear an interview about a new virtual musical theatre production that will be available for streaming from February 12th to February 20th, 2021.
WRFI News Contributor Pamela Tan speaks to Walking on Water's Theatre Producer Priscilla Hummel about the tasty production, written by Rachel Lampert and Larry Pressgrove. "Comfort Food" is a three-part musical performance featuring three different chefs. The various performances will be paired with food offerings from local restaurants.
For more information, go to walkingonwaterproductions.org.
2021-01-2229 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 1/20/21Happy Wednesday! After the headlines, you'll hear poet Amanda Gorman's reading of her poem, "The Hill We Climb" from today's inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Then, we're joined by Fingerlakes1.com National News Editor, Gabe Pietrorazio, who speaks about reporting on the historic event just two weeks after the insurrection on the Capitol. To finish out our show, educator Laurie Rubin gives listeners advice on observing the natural world.2021-01-2129 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 1/19/2021Happy Tuesday! After tonight's headline news, you’ll hear an interview of local physician Dr. Jamie Loehr about the FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines. More at wrfi.org/news.2021-01-2028 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 1/18/21Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day! in recognition of the holiday, Greater Ithaca Activities Center held its annual MLK breakfast over the weekend - in a virtual setting. WRFI News Contributor Peter Champelli caught up with GIAC Executive Director Leslyn McBean-Clairborne about the event, and what MLK day means this year in particular.2021-01-1926 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 1/15/2021After tonight's headline news, WRFI Contributor Fred Balfour joined us to discuss his experience receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. More local news and community stories at wrfi.org/news.2021-01-1617 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News 01/14/2021Happy Thursday! After the headline news, you’ll hear another tale from a Trampoline story slam competition. Today’s story is from WRFI Volunteer Peter Bakija who participated in Trampoline’s 2016 event “Seven Deadly Sins”2021-01-1533 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 1/13/2021After tonight's headline news, you’ll hear a report about the Cayuga Bird Club’s 2021 Christmas Bird Count. More on WRFI.org/news.2021-01-1427 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 1/12/2021Today is Tuesday! After the headline news, you'll hear a speech by Carla Minet, Executive Director of the Center for Investigative Journalism in Puerto Rico. Minet's speech is from the 2020 Izzy Awards, hosted by the Park Center for Independent Media at Ithaca College.
The Izzy Awards honor outstanding achievements in independent media. In its 12th year, the Izzy Awards ceremonies took place online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
WRFI Contributor Jimmy Jordan edited Minet's speech for radio.2021-01-1329 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 1/11/21Happy Monday! After the headlines, you’ll hear a conversation with Helen Chang, a New York Sea Grant Coastal Resilience Specialist with Jamaica Bay. Chang speaks about New York City and climate change, and how coastal cities are threatened. Locally Sourced Science Contributor Aidan Mahoney produced this interview which first aired on the January 5th edition of Locally Sourced Science. 2021-01-1229 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 1/8/20Happy Friday! On tonight's program, you'll hear an interview with Ithaca Voice reporters Anna Lamb and Matt Butler. WRFI News Director Michayla Savitt talks with them about the biggest local stories of 2020, and what topics they're keeping an eye on in the new year. Plus, the latest headlines impacting Tompkins and Schuyler counties.2021-01-0931 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News 1/07/2021Happy Thursday! On this edition of WRFI Community Radio News, we hear audio of Leslyn McBean-Clairborne delivering her acceptance speech after being reelected as Tompkins County Legislature Chair for the second row. We also hear a bear-y entertaining story from Audrey Baker, from her Fall 2020 performance in Trampoline’s “4 and 20 Blackbirds” virtual storytelling competition.2021-01-0828 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 1/6/2021This is headlines only edition of the program as we cut away for WPFW's coverage of the pro-Trump coup attempt.2021-01-0706 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 1/5/21Happy Tuesday to you! On tonight's show, WRFI Guest Contributor Josh Durso (Fingerlakes1.com News Director) speaks with Brad Walworth with Cayuga Addiction Recovery Services about its continued programming amid the pandemic. That and the latest headlines impacting our communities.2021-01-0628 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 1/4/2021It's the first Monday of 2021! Today on our show, you'll hear how one college student is managing a pain disorder during COVID-19 and an unusual school year. WRFI Contributor Tessie Devlin produced this story about Madolyn Laurine, and their shared experiences with invisible disabilities. This piece first aired in October 2020.2021-01-0530 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News 12/30/2020Happy Wednesday, the last Wednesday of 2020! After the headline news, you’ll hear excerpts of the Ithaca Southside Community Center virtual Kwanzaa celebration. WRFI News Director Michayla Savitt excerpted the pieces for radio. You can find a link to those videos at our website, wrfi.org, under the archives.2020-12-3130 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 12/29/2020Liz Moran, Environmental Policy Director of the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) discusses her group’s concerns that some New York State municipalities have been granted permits to use liquid waste from fracking, for deicing of roads. Plus headlines, weather, COVD updates, and more.2020-12-3028 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 12/28/2020Its the last Monday of 2020! During tonight's news, you'll hear an episode from the podcast, "Audio Interference", from the Interference Archive, based in Brooklyn, NY. Today's podcast is from the "Archiving Abolition" series, made in collaboration with Survived and Punished New York. This group works to eradicate the criminalization of survivors of domestic and sexual violence and the culture of violence that contributes to it.
You will hear the voice of an incarcerated survivor of domestic violence.
For more information about this podcast, visit interferencearchive.org.
2020-12-2930 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 12/23/2020Its Wonderful Wednesday! On today's show, you'll hear Candice Limper's interview of Dr. Alison Stout, a Veterinarian and Graduate Student at Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine. During this segment, Dr. Stout discusses her research on feline coronaviruses and how pet owners can avoid passing SARS-CoV-2 to their cat companions. She also talks about the concept of "one health", and how the health of animals is intimately connected to human health. This interview initially aired on the November 24th edition of WRFI's science radio show, Locally Sourced Science. Find archived shows at www.locallysourcedscience.org.2020-12-2430 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 12/22/2020Its Tuesday! Tonight's news features a report on the Social Justice Intensive, an afterschool program hosted at the Youth Farm Project in Ithaca, New York. The program makes social justice education a collaborative effort between the program's leaders and the youths who participate. WRFI Contributor Jimmy Jordan produced this piece, that aired initially in November 2020.2020-12-2330 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 12/21/2020WRFI Intern Tessie Devlin reports on grassroots efforts to have Cornell University better support Indigenous students and acknowledge the university’s founding on native land. Plus an episode of the podcast "Audio Interference", all that and more after today's headlines.2020-12-2230 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 12/18/20Happy Friday! After the headline news, you'll hear 2020 Izzy Award winner Lawrence Bartley talk about his publication, "News Inside". Bartley's print publication is supported by The Marshall Project and is distributed in hundreds of prisons and jails around the country. Izzy Awards are presented by the Park Center for Independent Media. To learn more, visit www.parkindymedia.org.
2020-12-1932 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 12/17/20Happy Thursday! After the headline news, you’ll hear a tale from last week’s “Trampoline” end of year storytelling competition. Then, you’ll hear WRFI Contributor Peter Bakija's interview with the winner of that event, Marissa Slocum.2020-12-1829 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI 12/16/2020Happy Wednesday! After the headline news, you’ll hear a conversation with a researcher on a grant from the National Science Foundation to study how urbanization may affect the evolution of coat color in the Eastern Gray Squirrel.2020-12-1729 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News 12/15/2020Happy Tuesday! After the headlines, WRFI contributor Fred Balfour talks with the rabbi and two members of Ithaca’s Temple Beth-El about the eight days of events currently underway.2020-12-1630 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 12/14/20Happy Monday, comrades. After the headlines, you’ll hear an episode of the podcast Audio Interference, which explores the relationship between cultural production and social movements. Today’s selection features part of their “Archiving Abolition” series, made in collaboration with Survived and Punished New York. Then you’ll hear an interview about tenants’ rights in the Southern Tier.2020-12-1529 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 12/11/20Happy Friday! After the headline news, we’re joined by Tracy Mitrano, the 2018 and 2020 Democratic challenger to incumbent Congressman Tom Reed. This year Reed secured another term. Mitrano speaks with us about her campaign, and thoughts on improving the 23rd Congressional district going forward.2020-12-1229 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 12/10/20Happy Thursday! After tonight's headline news, you’ll hear about some of the holiday festivals past and present in Downtown Ithaca. Then we feature another community storyteller from the Trampoline storytelling competition.2020-12-1127 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News 12/09/2020Happy Wednesday! On this episode, after the headline news you'll hear an interview with Dr. Matt DeLisa, a local researcher working on a vaccine for SARS -CoV-2, or Coronavirus. This interview was conducted and produced by WRFI contributor Esther Racoosin, and aired originally on the December 8th edition of Locally Sourced Science. 2020-12-1029 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News 12/08/2020Happy Tuesday! On this edition of WRFI Community Radio News, you'll hear a a selection of the WRFI and Durland Alternatives Library series “Alternatives in Action” which explore how we, as consumers, can be just a little more innovative in our day to day lives.
2020-12-0930 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 12/07/20Happy Monday! After the headline news, you’ll hear an episode of the podcast Audio Interference, which explores the relationship between cultural production and social movements. Today’s selection features part of the “Archiving Abolition” series, made in collaboration with Survived and Punished New York. Other episodes in the collaborative series can be heard in the coming weeks on Mondays, and at interferencearchive.org.2020-12-0829 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 12/04/20Happy Friday! After tonight's headline news, listen to our live interview with Leslie Danks Burke. She was the democratic challenger to incumbent State Senator Tom O’Mara in the 58th district. O’Mara secured a win for the race, and you’ll hear from Danks Burke about her reflections on the campaign and thoughts on improving the district going forward.2020-12-0528 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI 12/03/2020The happiest of Thursdays to you all! After the headline news, you’ll hear a conversation with a Cornell scientist who speaks about his research Inspired by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Then, you’ll hear a tale by local Author Bob Proehl from a Trampoline story slam competition.2020-12-0430 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News 12/02/2020Happy Wednesday! After the headline news, you’ll hear a segment from the podcast, WORK! Exploring the future of work, labor and employment. Today's selection features a conversation with Eduardo Porter, economics reporter at The New York Times.2020-12-0330 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 12/01/20Happy Tuesday! After tonight's headline news, listen to our interview with Public News Service reporter Laura Rosbrow-Telem, who joined us live on the air. She recently co-produced a story for WNYC’s show Radiolab about the process of developing COVID-19 vaccines. Rosbrow-Telem is also a former WRFI News Director.2020-12-0225 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 11/30/20Happy Monday! After the headline news, we feature an episode of one of WRFI’s public affairs series, “The Inquiring Socialist”. Contributor Wayles Brown speaks with Raza Rumi, Director of the Park Center for Independent Media about the role of independent Media as a contrast to mainstream media.2020-12-0129 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News 11/27/2020Happy Friday! After the headline news, you’ll hear an interview of Radical performers Reverend Billy Talen and the Church of Stop Shopping. They blend activism, music, and humor to trace the connections between consumerist culture, climate crisis, and the coming "shopacalypse."2020-11-2830 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 11/23/20Happy Monday! After tonight's headline news, WRFI News Director Michayla Savitt speaks with Tompkins County Legislator Anna Kelles, newly elected Assemblywoman for New York’s 125th District.2020-11-2428 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 11/20/20Happy Friday! After tonight's headline news, we’ll bring you a piece about Area Congregations Together, a multi faith not for profit, that does an annual Thanksgiving Service. WRFI News Contributor Esther Racoosin will bring us last year’s service at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ithaca.2020-11-2131 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 11/19/20Happy Thursday! After tonight's headline news, you’ll hear our report of Ithaca’s 2019 Streets Alive event, and after that, a tale from one of Trampoline’s storytelling competitions.2020-11-2030 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 11/18/20Happy Wednedsday! On this edition of the WRFI Community Radio News, you’ll hear a report about a new, virtual cabaret being performed this weekend by members of a local theatre company. “A Virtual Cabaret – Celebrating the Past, Present, and Future” a production by Walking on Water, opens this weekend. WRFI news contributor Fred Balfour interviews founder and producing artistic director Priscilla Hummel on musical theater in general and on their upcoming production.2020-11-1931 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 11/17/20Happy Tuesday! On this edition of the news, WRFI Contributor Esther Racoosin talks with Jen Tennant, the artistic director of the Spring Writes festival, and Robin Schwartz of the Community Arts Partnership in Tompkins County, to learn more about the new virtual version of the festival. 2020-11-1828 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 11/16/20Fred Balfour reports on the downsizing of faculty and staff at Ithaca College, plus local headlines, election news, and more.2020-11-1727 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 11/13/20Happy Friday! After this episode's headline news, you’ll hear a recap of the Kings Bay Plowshares 7 trial, and after that, an interview with Cornell Scientist Dr. Katie Fiorella about Algal Blooms.2020-11-1430 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 11/05/20Happy Thursday! This edition of WRFI News was hosted by Ed von Aderkas and Fred Balfour. On today's feature, WRFI News Contributor Esther Racoosin speaks with Cornell Professor David Bateman, a scholar who studies the history of the development of political and voting rights in America. They discuss about different subjects pertaining to the history of the expansion of the electorate and how and why attempts at disenfranchisement continue today.2020-11-0627 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 11/02/20Happy Monday! On this edition of the news, WRFI News contributor Fred Balfour interviews three people across the country about their experiences voting, and we listen to a bonus episode of Which Way Forward, our upcoming documentary about Police Reform, where our volunteers ask local candidates about their takes on police reform. 2020-11-0330 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/30/20Happy (almost) Halloween! On today's show, WRFI News Director Michayla Savitt and WRFI Contributor Anna Lamb talk about the health department's tips on how to have a safe and spooky holiday this year. Then Anna brings you story about the case of Edward Rulloff, an Ithaca murderer in the 1800s. To round out our show, WRFI Contributor Fred Balfour chats with his fourth grade grandson about Halloween in a pandemic. Plus, we bring you the latest headline news in and around Tompkins and Schuyler Counties.2020-10-3032 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/29/20Thursday arts beat time! WRFI News Contributor Fred Balfour reports on how Channel 13, one of the public TV channels in Tompkins County, has been off the air for over a month now. Then, you'll hear a tale from Trampoline, Ithaca’s premiere storytelling competition, now online due to COVID-19. This event's winning storyteller was Marissa Slocum, who tells her story "live" from the Zoom video conferencing “stage”.
Plus, we bring you the latest headline news in and around Tompkins and Schuyler Counties.2020-10-2928 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/28/20WRFI Contributors & Ithaca College Park Scholars Skylar Eagle, Maia Noah, and Hailey Aldrich bring you a report that delves into some local candidates’ stances on police reform. Editorial supervision and sound design was by WRFI News Director Michayla Savitt. This is a bonus piece that’s part of our Fall collaborative radio project Which Way Forward: Reforming Public Safety. We have been cooking up this audio documentary with a team of over 15 reporters from WRFI, the Ithaca Voice, and the Ithaca College park Scholars. Stay tuned: the full documentary will air in December!
Plus, we bring you the l...2020-10-2933 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/27/20The Civic Ensemble, which calls itself Ithaca's civic-minded theater company, had a change in leadership at the end of the summer. WRFI Community News contributor Pamela Tan spoke with the Civic's new Executive Director and members of the newly created Artistic Ensemble in August, when this piece first aired.
Plus, we bring you the latest headline news in and around Tompkins and Schuyler Counties.
2020-10-2730 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/26/20WRFI News Director Michayla Savitt is joined live by WRFI General Manager Felix Teitelbaum, and WRFI’s first-ever Assistant General Manager, Peter Champelli to hear about the "State of the Station". We delve into the latest station improvements, none of which couldn't have happened without all the volunteers and staff that make up the WRFI Community. Plus, we bring you the latest headline news in and around Tompkins and Schuyler Counties.2020-10-2629 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/23/20A protest held last night outside Ithaca Police Department resulted in half a dozen arrests. Ithaca Voice reporter Matt butler was on the scene, and gives a rundown of how the nights’ events unfolded, and WRFI news Director Michayla Savitt speaks with community organizer Genevieve Rand, one of the people arrested outside of IPD. Plus, we bring you the latest headline news in and around Tompkins and Schuyler Counties.2020-10-2432 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/22/20WRFI News Intern Tessie Devlin brings you the story about how one college student is managing a pain disorder during COVID-19 and an unusual school year. Plus, we bring you the latest headline news in and around Tompkins and Schuyler Counties.*
Note: a previous version of this podcast mistakenly did not include the headlines for 10/22. It has since been updated to include the full show.2020-10-2331 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/21/20WRFI contributor Esther Racoosin speaks with Yael Saar and Margaret Royall, organizers of Parents2Polls Tompkins, a non-partisan get out the vote initiative that aims to make it easier for busy families to make a plan to get to early voting sites. Plus, we bring you the latest headline news in and around Tompkins and Schuyler Counties.2020-10-2228 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/20/20WRFI News Contributor Pamela Tan brings you a report about a socially distanced book launch held over the summer at the Aurora drive-in theater, where local author Melanie Conroy-Goldman premiered her new novel, The Likely World. Pamela attended the event with her family, and produced this feature which first aired on our program on August 12, 2020. Plus, we bring you the latest headline news in and around Tompkins and Schuyler Counties.2020-10-2130 minWRFI Community Radio NewsSPECIAL BROADCAST! COVID-19 Town Hall: Public Health in the PandemicWRFI Community Radio hosted* a discussion and call-in show about public health concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus pandemic. WRFI's 11th COVID-19 Town Hall featured YOUR QUESTIONS, Frank Kruppa, Public Health Director at the Tompkins County Health Department, and Gen Meredith, Associate Director of the Cornell University Masters of Public Health program. WRFI News Director Michayla Savitt hosted the program remotely, and produced the show with help from the News Team.
*note, due to technical difficulties we had to start our program late, stay tuned for more town halls about public health in the near future!2020-10-2044 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/16/20During the headlines, WRFI Contributor and Ithaca Voice reporter Anna Lamb calls in with an update on a pro-Trump rally taking place Friday afternoon in Ithaca that shut down a portion of South Meadow street. Later on in the program, WRFI News Contributor Fred Balfour brings you his healthcare report comparing the costs of the same medical visit in Stonybrook, New York vs. Paris, France. Then, we send you off with a recorded tale from one of Ithaca’s Trampoline story competitions, themed “Seven Deadly Sins” during their “Year in Hell” season. WRFI’s very own Peter Bakija tells the story ab...2020-10-1731 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/15/20WRFI News Director Michayla Savitt is joined via telephone by Ithaca Voice contributing writer Brian Crandall, who reports on development projects happening in and around Tompkins County. Brian delves into the latest news about the Ithaca Green Street Garage redevelopment, and he confirms the news of a long-awaited Trader Joe’s coming to Ithaca. Plus, we bring you the latest headline news in and around Tompkins and Schuyler Counties.2020-10-1627 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/14/20Today on our program, we spotlight WRFI’s all-things science show, Locally Sourced Science. LSS Contributor Esther Racoosin speaks with Dr. Taryn Bauerle, an Associate Professor at Cornell in their school of integrative plant science. Dr. Bauerle studies plant responses to water deficits, and offers her take on how the region’s recent moderate drought is affecting trees and other plants. Plus, we bring you the latest headline news in and around Tompkins and Schuyler Counties.2020-10-1530 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/12/20Today on our program, we dig into the WRFI archives with an episode of “Ear to Earth” a special WRFI News series produced in collaboration with the Park Scholars Program at Ithaca College. First aired in May 2019, this four-part series tackles how climate change is impacting Tompkins County. This episode features two interviews about environmental racism. WRFI Contributor Skylar Eagle speaks with Ithaca College Professor Pranietha Mudliar how resource policies affect communities of color. Then, WRFI Contributor John Turner delves into climate issues facing the Cayuga Nation with guest Margaret Ann Bowers, also known as Poco.
Plus, the l...2020-10-1330 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/9/20In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness week, WRFI News Director Michayla Savitt delves into her mom's experience getting proper care for bipolar 1 disorder after being misdiagnosed for almost her entire life, and managing a mental illness every day and, especially in a pandemic. Plus, we bring you the latest headline news in and around Tompkins and Schuyler Counties.2020-10-1031 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/8/20WRFI News Contributor Jon Donville recounts an unexpected obstacle that came between him and his girlfriend amid the COVID-19 shutdown: the United States and Canada border. Plus, the latest headline news in and around Tompkins and Schuyler Counties.2020-10-0929 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/7/20WRFI News Contributor Esther Racoosin speaks with Robin Schwartz, program and grant director for the Community Arts Partnership in Tompkins County. They discuss the virtual and in-person events on the Greater Ithaca Art Trail happening October 10-11 and 17-18. Plus, the latest headline news in and around Tompkins and Schuyler Counties.2020-10-0828 minWRFI Community Radio NewsWRFI News: 10/6/20The latest headline news in and around Tompkins and Schuyler Counties. Plus, Ithaca Voice reporters Anna Lamb and Matt Butler join WRFI News Director Michayla Savitt live via telephone to discuss a local rally held on October 3 in support of President Trump. Anna and Matt also discuss the defacement of a downtown Black Lives Matter mural in the early hours of October 4.2020-10-0727 min