Catherine Loper

The Centers for Disease Control is encouraging everyone to make sure they are vaccinated against pertussis -- commonly known as whooping cough. The CDC says New Yorkers in particular need to be protected against the disease.

A Syracuse University graduate was among those injured in a Colorado movie theater shooting.

A little-publicized bill affecting special education was passed at the end of the New York state legislative session. While supporters feel it would benefit these students, school officials are worried about the precedent it might set.

New York Senator Charles Schumer called on the House of Representatives to pass a provision of the farm bill that he says would allow more grants and loans for more than 60 rural upstate New York communities.

Not many New Yorkers likely know that three women are running for U.S. Senate in November.

Colia Clark is a veteran of the civil rights movement, and a former Democrat. Now she is a Green Party candidate running for Senate against incumbent Democrat Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Republican Wendy Long.

The Supreme Court's decision on the Affordable Care Act of course comes in an election year, and politicians around the country are trying to read the tea leaves about the political fallout.

After the Supreme Court ruled on the Affordable Care Act, Republicans and Democrats alike have been trying to figure how to move forward in the fight over health care policy, including this regions's members of Congress.

Tomorrow is Congressional primary day in New York. In the newly redrawn 22nd district, which runs from the Mohawk Valley, south through Cortland to Binghamton, Republican incumbent Richard Hanna is running for re-election. He's facing a primary opponent, fellow Republican Michael Kicinski.

June 26 is Congressional primary day in New York. Congressman Richard Hanna was elected in 2010 and is running for re-election in the newly redrawn 22nd district.  Hanna spoke with WRVO's Catherine Loper.

June 26 is Congressional primary day in New York. In the newly redrawn 21st district in Northern New York,  Republican Kellie Greene is running against Matt Doheny. The winner of that race will face incumbent Democrat Congressman Bill Owens in November. Doheny lost a close race to Owens two years ago. This year Greene hopes to get the chance to take on Owens.  Greene spoke with WRVO's Catherine Loper.

June 26  is Congressional primary day in New York.  In the newly redrawn 21st district in northern New York.  Republican Matt Doheny is running against Kellie Greene. The winner of that race will face incumbent Democrat Bill Owens in November. Doheny lost a close race to Owens two years ago, and he's back for another run this year. Doheny recently he spoke with WRVO's Catherine Loper.

Three community health centers in central and northern New York are receiving grants from the federal government as part of the federal health care law.

New York state lawmakers have approved legislation requiring doctors to issue drug prescriptions electronically within three years.

New York state's overall high school graduation rate continues to rise slowly over time. But one-quarter of students statewide don’t graduate high school after four years. These statistics are according to the New York State Education Department’s release of high school graduation rates for 2011.

 Residents and local officials are gathering for Memorial Day celebrations all across Central and Northern New York. The holiday to remember Americans who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces got under way Sunday evening at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is pushing for the U.S. Senate to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act.

The proposed legislation would hold employers accountable for pay inequity among women employees. It would also make it easier for workers to pursue back pay and help women negotiate for higher salaries.

The New York Racing Association is defending its authority to name its officers and operate freely in what they believe is the best interests of thoroughbred racing.

NYRA promoted two executives while the state is investigating allegations the association intentionally held back roughly $8.5 million in winnings from bettors. State government officials have threatened to replace NYRA, which operates the Belmont, Aqueduct and Saratoga thoroughbred tracks under a state franchise.

Governor Andrew Cuomo came to Syracuse today to promote his legislation for protecting people with special needs and disabilities.

The legislation creates a center which would have primary responsibility for investigating allegations of abuse and neglect of disabled people in state operated or licensed facilities. Last year there were 10,000 such allegations.

Around 300 anti-fracking protestors rallied inside the capitol building in Albany Tuesday.

It was part of a day-long effort to convince the state to continue its ban against the controversial process of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, for gas in New York.

Voters across New York state will go to the polls today to vote for or against their local school budgets. This is the first vote since the state imposed a cap on how much local districts can raise the tax levy.

On Tuesday, May 15, voters across New York state will vote on their local school district budgets, and the property tax levies needed to pay for them. WRVO's Catherine Loper spoke with Rick Timbs, executive director of the Statewide School Finance Consortium about the effect this year's budget cycle will have on schools and the future of education funding in New York.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says he didn't discuss the effort to legalize gay marriage during his private conversations with President Barack Obama Monday, and doesn't intent to push the issue.

Many school budgets across New York state have been hit hard by the recession. Tax revenues are down at the same time that costs are rising.

Senator Charles Schumer visited the child advocacy center in Fulton Tuesday to promote passage of the Violence Against Women Act. Schumer chose to highlight Oswego County because of a sharp rise in reported child abuse cases.

The American Lung Association says there is some good news for those in this area who suffer from breathing problems. Many parts of New York state have seen improved air quality this year over last.