Syracuse, NY – The execution of Stanley "Tookie" Williams in California provoked a debate over redemption and retribution. But a vocal proponent of the death penalty in New York says the outpouring of support for the convicted killer turned anti-gang advocate and childrens' book author is wrong. WRVO's Chris Ulanowski spoke to Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick about the execution.
Syracuse, NY – WRVO's Elizabeth Christensen speaks to ESF researcher Amy Dechen about her work trying to stop the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease by tracking white trail deer in the Mohawk Valley and Southern Tier.
Marcellus, NY – A Central New York physician has just published her first novel, "Crystal Crazy". An exploration into the trust some put in homeopathic remedies, and what could happen when administered by the wrong people. WRVO's Mark Lavonier spoke with author Eva Briggs to learn more.
Oswego, NY – The new leader of republicans in the State Assembly is promising to give his conference a stronger voice in the legislative process. The 45 member G-O-P conference on Tuesday officially named Schenectady-area Assemblyman James Tedisco Minority Leader. Tedisco explains his priorities to WRVO's Chris Ulanowski.
Oswego, NY – WRVO's Elizabeth Christensen speaks to Suzanne Mettler, a professor at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs about her new book "Soldiers to Citizens: The GI Bill and the Making of the Greatest Generation."
Oswego, NY – Governor Pataki has signed an executive order requiring state agencies to use more biofuel in their vehicles.
That means more work for local corn farmers.
It also means that work will have to move full speed ahead on two proposed biofuel refineries in Central New York.
WRVO's Elizabeth Christensen spoke to the New York State Farm Bureau's Peter Greg about how the agriculture industry is preparing for the biofuel revolution.
Utica, NY – WRVO's Elizabeth Christensen takes a closer look at the controversy surrounding a landfill that's already under construction in Oneida County.
Oswego, NY – New York voters soundly rejected the state legislature's constitutional amendment to gain greater budget power. Voters did, however, approve a $2.9 billion bond act for transportation projects.
WRVO's Chris Ulanowski spoke with SUNY Oswego political science professor Bruce Altschuler about the two proposals, and about what happens next.
Syracuse, NY – It was a close and contentious race, but in the end, Matt Driscoll will be Syracuse's mayor for another four years.
WRVO reporters were with both campaigns on election night. First, Elizabeth Christensen reports from Driscoll headquarters, then, we hear from Matt Hackworth with the Mahoney camp.
Syracuse, NY – Onondaga Community College has broken ground on its first-ever dormitory. O-C-C President Debbie Sydow tells WRVO's Elizabeth Christensen these won't be stereotypical residence halls.
Utica, NY – Ghost hunting is a serious affair, and in our age of information, numerous websites and television programs reflect on the paranormal, and the devices and methods used to 'capture' them for research into the unknown. WRVO's Mark Lavonier met with a group in central New York who pursues entities beyond our world - the Mohawk Valley Ghost Hunters.
Oswego, NY – The first Louis Borrelli Jr. Media Summit was held at the State University of New York at Oswego October 27, 2005. Media experts, including legendary Washington Post Editor Ben Bradlee discussed how the news media can regain public trust.
Oswego, NY – A White House in crisis is the way New Yorker Magazine Media Columnist Ken Auletta sums up the Bush White House. Auletta was in Oswego Thursday to moderate a media summit about how the news media can recover the public's trust. He spoke earlier in the day to WRVO's Chris Ulanowski who first asked him to comment about Harriet Miers' decision to withdraw her nomination to the U-S Supreme Court.
Oswego, NY – WRVO's Elizabeth Christensen visits Oswego Hospital's new Surgical Center... which will bring state of the art medical technology to rural Oswego County.
(Note: Tours of the new Surgical Center will be given to the general public on Saturday, October 29, 2005 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.)
Syracuse N.Y. – The public opinion poll in the race for mayor of Syracuse, released this week by the Post-Standard, shows signs that Democrat Matt Driscoll's bid for a second term may in trouble. That according to a local political expert. WRVO's Chris Ulanowski spoke with Lemoyne College political science professor John Frey about the poll findings.
Syracuse N.Y. – The public opinion poll in the race for mayor of Syracuse, released this week by the Post-Standard, shows signs that Democrat Matt Driscoll's bid for a second term may in trouble. That according to a local political expert. WRVO's Chris Ulanowski spoke with Lemoyne College political science professor John Frey about the poll findings.
As Destiny U-S-A developers take their message to the public in television ads, the content of at least one commerical sticks out as being as controvesial as the project itself. WRVO's Matt Hackworth reports.
PHOENIX, N.Y. – Tonight in New York City, a leading gay rights group will highlight the struggle of a Central New York woman to honor her longtime partner. As WRVO's Matt Hackworth reports, the Phoenix woman's story brings added emphasis to a legislative plan that would provide domestic partners with at least one benefit of marriage.
Syracuse, NY – If Green Party candidate for mayor in Syracuse Howie Hawkins had his way, the current system of city government would scrapped and replaced by a system of what he calls "grassroots democracy and proportional representation." Hawkins outlined his plan in a position paper. WRVO's Chris Ulanowski spoke to the Green Party candidate.
Oswego, NY – New York State is considering a measure that would apply the same provisions for treatment of domestic victims of human trafficking that already exist for victims of international human trafficking.
The New York State Assembly recently held a roundtable discussion with stake-holders to see what can be done on the state level to combat the exploitation of persons for commercial sex or forced labor.
Oswego, NY – Child care advocates across New York are holding events to call attention to the importance of day care programs.
WRVO's Elizabeth Christensen spoke to Peggy Liuzzi , the Executive Director of Child Care Solutions. She says many providers are holding rallies and virtual strikes to get the message out.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse City School District got renewed support yesterday for its $600 million building renovation plan. Governor Pataki vetoed the plan in the final hours of the State Assembly session. WRVO's Matt Hackworth visited one elementary school to see first hand the problems district officials say warrant so much state assistance.
Oswego, NY – A group seeking to overhaul the way New York State funds public schools is calling on the republican-controlled State Senate to take action. The Alliance for Qaulity Education is launching a campaign this week demanding that the state senate respond to a two-year old landmark court ruling that requires the state to fix the funding system. WRVO's Chris Ulanowski asked A-Q-E's Director Billy Easton why the issue has remained stalled for so long.
Oswego, NY – School districts across the state are taking a beating on transportation costs and the effect of Hurricane Rita will no doubt make the situation worse. Some school districts are already taking steps to curtail the rising expense. WRVO's Chris Ulanowski spoke to Tim Kremer...the executive director of the State School Boards Association about what could be a funding crisis for many New York schools.
Syracuse, NY – Manfred Stanley and his mother fled Nazi Germany to the US at the outset of WWII. His mother Ilsa was a theatrical success in Berlin, and played a pivotal role in rescuing many from the Gestapo. Coupled with the love of her son and compassion for others, she produced a moving wartime radio drama called, "Our Secret World" with tales from home and the front. This is the story of a son reunited with his mother's work, and the realization of how he was the focus of her aspirations in their new country.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Over the weekend, a former police officer stopped in Syracuse on his way across the country. The journey is more than a sightsseing trip. As WRVO's Matt Hackworth reports, the retired cop is on a mission to reverse US drug policy.
Syracuse , NY – Two emergency physicians from SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse have returned to Central New York from the hurricane-ravaged gulf coast region. One of them, Dr. Jahn Avarello was dispatched to a clinic shelter about 60-miles outside New Orleans. The pediatric doctor described the shelter as well-organized -- filled with food and supplies. But as he explained to WRVO's Chris Ulanowski, what he heard from the evacuees was disturbing.