Shows
WRFI Community Radio NewsThe Undiscovered Country: Ketu OladuwaHost Michael Rhynes continues to explore the role of poetry and literature in the lives of people affected by the carceral state.In this episode, we hear Michael's interview with Ketu Oladuwa an octogenarian poet who was wrongfully locked up for 5 years on death row in the 1960s.This program is funded by a 2025 Humanities New York grant and by WRFI's listeners. It's produced in collaboration with Civic Ensemble, Prisoner Express, and the Cornell Prison Education Program.
2025-08-1830 min
The Shadows Run PodcastEP 38: (WRFI Stories Two) Hiking The CDT In 1990, Embracing Complexity, And Founding The Wild Rockies Field Institute with Dave HavlickHello, and welcome back to the Shadows Run Podcast! Today’s episode is the second installment of the six-part WRFI Stories series rolling out on the podcast from July to December, where I am partnering with the Wild Rockies Field Institute to help tell some of the stories of WRFI’s history and impact on the world over time. The Wild Rockies Field Institute is a nonprofit organization that offers college level field courses accredited through the University of Montana, and their mission is to "offer academically rigorous, place-based field courses that develop engaged, informed citizens and stro...
2025-08-171h 17The Shadows Run PodcastEP 36: (WRFI Stories One) Lightbulb Moments, Environmental Education, and WRFI’s Future with Matt Baker-WhiteHello, and welcome back to the Shadows Run Podcast! I am your host, Eva Happy. Today’s episode is really exciting. In format and content it is really no different than what you are used to hearing on the show, but it marks the start of a new partnership on the podcast! Today’s guest is Matt Baker-White, who is the current Executive Director at the Wild Rockies Field Institute. The Wild Rockies Field Institute is a nonprofit organization that offers college level field courses accredited through the University of Montana. I took part in a 2 m...
2025-07-201h 25
WRFI Community Radio NewsCREATIVES: Glenda Drew & Jesse Drew on Open CountryWRFI talks to filmmakers Glenda Drew and Jesse Drew on their documentary 'Open Country'.Join WRFI for a screening of 'Open Country' on Monday July 14th at 6:30pm, with a Q&A with Glenda & Jesse following the screening.ABOUT THE INTERVIEWEESGlenda Drew is an interdisciplinary artist and filmmaker whose work lies at the intersection of visual culture and social change, with a strong emphasis on working-class narratives. Her multifaceted practice — spanning film, video, motion graphics, photography, interactivity, and audience participation — centers on subjects such as country musicians, waitresses, feminists, and precarious workers. Influ...
2025-07-1038 min
WRFI Community Radio NewsCREATIVES: ‘The Firesign Theatre’ with Jeremy BraddockWRFI talks to author and Cornell Associate Professor of Literature, Jeremy Braddock, about the history and culture of the 60’s-70’s era (and beyond) surrealist comedy troupe Firesign Theater. Jeremy recently published the book “Firesign: The Electromagnetic History of Everything as Told on Nine Comedy Albums” (University of California Press). Jeremy discusses Firesign Theater with Peter B (of WRFI’s Burning Airlines) about the background, methods, and connections to the troupe. Topics includes their use of the audio technology of the time, responses to historical events, and long standing cultural impact. Classic albums such as Don’t Crush That Dwarf, Hand Me t...
2025-06-2335 min
WRFI Community Radio NewsIthaca Pride Celebrating Queer Joy & Queer Power with 2025 Festival, June 13-15The Ithaca Pride Alliance (IPA) was formed in 2024 to serve as the first official group of organizers for LGBTQ+ focused events in Tompkins County. Andrew Scheldorf, local drag performer and current Chair of the IPA Board talked with WRFI in advance of their second annual "Pride in the Park" festival, which will take place Sunday June 15th in DeWitt Park. Supporting events and programming celebrating queer joy and LGBTQ+ community will occur across the community throughout the month of June.This interview with Andrew Scheldorf hosted by Executive Director Ben Coakley aired on WRFI...
2025-06-1319 min
WRFI Community Radio NewsCREATIVES: Kent Nerburn on "Neither Wolf Nor Dog"The Gayogo̲hó:nǫˀ Learning Project is inviting the community to a FREE screening of the acclaimed film "Neither Wolf Nor Dog" on Sunday, June 1st, 2025, at 2:30 PM at Cinemapolis in Ithaca.The film is based on the award-winning novel by Kent Nerburn, "Neither Wolf Nor Dog", and offers a rare exploration of a complex relationship between a 95 year-old Lakota elder and the white writer he’s invited to help him write a book about his people.Hear Nerburn’s interview with WRFI’s Felix Teitelbaum Thursday May 22 and Thursday May 29 at 5pm on WRFI.Kent...
2025-05-2025 min
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 NewsCREATIVES: Mike Baggetta of MSSVGuitarist Mike Baggetta calls his band MSSV a post-genre power trio—and this band does pack a punch. Baggetta is joined in the band by Mike Watt of the Minutemen and Firehose, and Stephen Hodges who played with Tom Waits on several albums, as well as with Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson, and Jonathan Richman.Baggetta spoke with WRFI's Felix Teitelbaum from the road about their new album "On and On," the meaninglessness of genre, and more!
2025-04-1111 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 NewsFLX News Exchange: New Sun Editor-in-Chief; CU Researchers React to Sen. Cruz Scrutiny of NSF Grants; Dept. of Ed Warns CU Over Antisemitism Concerns; Assembly Adopts Res Protecting ImmigrantsJulia Senzon the new Editor-in-Chief of the Cornell Daily Sun, sits down with WRFI's Felix Teitelbaum for a quick welcome and "get to know you" followed by a look back at the week in news at the Sun.
2025-03-1416 minWRFI Community Radio NewsRobert Brooks and the State of New York's PrisonsWhat’s happening inside NY’s prisons? In December corrections officers beat Robert Brooks until he died in Marcy Correctional Facility where he was imprisoned. Just days ago another inmate, Messiah Nantwi, was allegedly also beaten to death at Midstate Facility. Prison guards across the state have striking since February 17 in violation of the Taylor Law.On Thursday, March 6 WRFI’s Michael Rhynes and Felix Teitelbaum spoke with Phoebe Brown of the Alliance of Families for Justice and Donald Curtis of the Unified Black Caucus about criminal justice in New York and about a town hall m...
2025-03-0850 min
WRFI Community Radio NewsFLX News Exchange: Feds Target Cornell, Higher Ed; CTA, Anabel's Grocery Lose Funding; Shapiro Accused of Workplace BullyingGabe Levin, Editor-in-Chief of the Cornell Daily Sun, sits down with WRFI's Felix Teitelbaum for a look back at the week in news at the Sun. The stories covered in this week's episode include:Department of Education Orders Academic Institutions to End All Race-Based Programs Within Two WeeksCornell, 11 Other Universities Sue NIH After Multi-Million Dollar Grant Cuts AnnouncedSen. Cruz-Led Investigation Labels $18.7M in Cornell Research Grants as Promoting DEI, ‘Neo-Marxist Class Warfare Propaganda’University to Cut Off Over $100K in Annual Funding for Center for Transformative Action, Home...
2025-02-2115 minWRFI Community Radio NewsSun Stories - February 5, 2025 | FLX News ExchangeGabe Levin and Maryam Ismail of the Cornell Daily Sun sit down with WRFI's Felix Teitelbaum to discuss the Sun's coverage of the reverberations of Trump's 2025 executive orders on Cornell and Ithaca communities.
2025-02-0713 min
WRFI Community Radio NewsLiving with Grief: Makayla Podufalski“Living With Grief” explores the ways people navigate the journey of losing a loved one. The series is produced by WRFI’s JT Stone.
In this episode Makayla Podufalski, a 22-year-old emergency dispatcher in Ithaca, opens up about how she copes with the death of her mother, Catherine, who died after a years-long struggle with substance abuse.
The Tompkins County Whole Health provides resources that can help those experiencing substance abuse. The Finger Lakes chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness can also provide information about grief support services.
2025-01-1415 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 Chestnut
2023-08-0307 min2023-07-2806 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 min
WRFI Community Radio News6-16-2022 HeadlinesLocal Finger Lakes headlines from your community radio station, WRFI.
2022-06-1602 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 min
Which Way Forward: Redefining Public SafetyEpisode 10: Police Reform Skips SchoolWhile the most ambitions Reimagination of Public Safety in New York might be happening in Ithaca, the surrounding college’s police and safety departments will be continuing as they were.
This Episode of Which Way Forward is all about that dynamic.
This story comes to us from Ithaca Park Scholars Maia Noah and Lauren Leone.
The music in this piece is from BlueDotSessions.
Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety is a production of WRFI News, The Ithaca Voice, and the Ithaca College Park Scholars, with funding from Engaged Cornell
2021-05-2912 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 minWhich Way Forward: Redefining Public SafetyEpisode 9: ReflectionsEpisode 9: Reflections
In this Episode of Which Way Forward, we hear from a student activist and professor from Ithaca College reflect on a year since Black Lives Matter protests swept across the United States.
This piece comes to us from Ithaca College Park Scholars Jess Moskowitz and Syd Pierre.
Music is from BlueDotSession.
Which Way Forward: Redefining Public Safety is a production of WRFI News, The Ithaca Voice, and the Ithaca College Park Scholars, with funding from Engaged Cornell.
2021-05-2205 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 minWhich Way Forward: Redefining Public SafetyEpisode 8: The Executive OrderEpisode 8: The Executive Order
The summer of 2020 saw mass protests across the United States, demanding that governments defund the police. One of the big administrative responses to these uprising was in New York State Governor, from Governor Andrew Cuomo in the form of Executive Order 203.
The order offered serious affirmation to what many in America were saying: police departments across the country serve to oppress marginalized communities of Americans, especially black Americans.
Every village, town, and city were required to reassess their police department’s trainings, use of force policies, and consult with th...
2021-05-1520 minWhich 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 04/23/2021On today's show we first hear about a new fleet of electric busses coming to the TCAT.
Then, a look at Code Blue, a New York state mandate requiring that county organizations provide a safe and free place for unhoused people to escape the elements. The County gets reimbursed for the work it puts in, but is this working to eradicate homelessness?
Then, a conversation with 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 Fi...
2021-04-2430 min2021-04-1732 min2021-04-1602 min2021-04-1602 min2021-04-1502 min2021-04-1502 min2021-04-1402 min2021-04-1302 min2021-04-1302 min2021-04-1202 min2021-04-1202 minWhich Way Forward: Redefining Public SafetyWhich Way Forward: What the Plan is Made ofOn April 1st, Ithaca and Tompkins County submitted their plans for reforming public safety. Although the Common Council and the County Legislature have committed to the points of their plans, they still have a long way to go before they're realized.
The recommendations don't have the mechanics and power of policy behind them yet, and so still have to be prove. This episode, we look at some of the recommendations that have the most promise for changing public safety to be more equitable.
This episode of Which Way Forward was co-reported by Ithaca...
2021-04-1013 min2021-04-0901 min2021-04-0902 min2021-04-0802 min2021-04-0703 min2021-04-0702 min2021-04-0602 min2021-04-0501 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 min2021-04-0202 min2021-04-0202 min2021-04-0102 min2021-04-0102 min2021-04-0101 min2021-03-3102 min2021-03-3102 min2021-03-3002 min2021-03-2901 min2021-03-2902 min2021-03-2601 min2021-03-2602 min2021-03-2602 min2021-03-2502 min2021-03-2501 min2021-03-2402 min2021-03-2402 min2021-03-2302 min2021-03-2302 min2021-03-2202 min2021-03-2202 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 min2021-03-1902 min2021-03-1902 min2021-03-1803 min2021-03-1802 min2021-03-1701 min2021-03-1702 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.
-----
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 minWhich Way Forward: Redefining Public SafetyEpisode 3: 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: 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 2: 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 min