WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 1-9-25

Federal funds totaling $15 million will be designated for the installation of 350 electric vehicle charging stations at SUNY campuses, This initiative is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program, which is a component of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act that was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021.

WCDO NEWS FRIDAY 12-20-24

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is the chairperson of the Senate Armed Services Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, she announced 5 provisions of her legislation to protect service members from traumatic brain injuries, included in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the Senate this week:

(Gillibrand 12-20-24)

Gillibrand introduced the Act following a disturbing report showing that service members are sustaining crippling traumatic brain injuries as a result of repeated exposure to explosions from their own weapons and explosives, which is known as blast overpressure. The bill heads to President Biden's desk for approval.

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce will host a Christmas parade in the village again this year, Chamber President John Payne explains:

(John Payne 12-5-24)

Payne said that Carolers will go around the village on Sunday night the 15th, starting from the back of Bob's Diner.

Judge Anthony Brindisi was confirmed to the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand recommended Judge Brindisi to President Biden earlier this year and he was nominated in July. Brindisi has been a judge on the New York State Court of Claims in Utica since 2022, he has been serving as an Acting Supreme Court Justice in Oneida County, Brindisi was served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing New York’s 22nd congressional district.

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand urged the Senate to pass the Social Security Fairness Act, which is bipartisan legislation that would increase Social Security benefits for 2.5 million Americans, including 35,000 New Yorkers, for various Government employees who were penalized for have a 2nd income:

(Gillibrand 11-20-24)

The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal the 2 provisions that reduce Social Security benefits and would provide retirees with the full payments they are owed. The bill passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support last week; the Senate has yet to vote on it, if they do, it would go to President Biden’s desk immediately for his signature.

Masonville Connects is a local Non- Profit organization, aimed at helping people in and around Masonville, with a variety of events. Jennifer Cutting is the President of the organization, she told WCDO News that they are cooking up & delivering Thanksgiving meals next week:

(Jennifer Cutting 11-20-24)

Cutting said that they will deliver the meals on the 26th & 27th, they will also have a Pie Contest on the 25th at the Masonville Town Hall, and a Holiday Cookie exchange on November 30th, more information is available at masonvilleconnects@gmail.com.

Sidney Federal Credit Union announced that they have exceeded $1 billion in assets and stands more than 72,000 members strong, which comes as SFCU celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, Vice President of Membership Andrew Smith explains:

(Andrew Smith 9-25-24)

Smith said that SFCU merged with Edge FCU in Liverpool, in October 2023 and opened a new branch in Cicero, in May, they operate 12 branch locations across parts

of 14 counties.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 9-25-24

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that President Biden has approved her request for a Major Disaster Declaration to provide federal assistance to communities impacted by Tropical Storm Debby on August 8-10. This declaration allows for federal financial assistance to support public infrastructure reconstruction efforts in several Counties, including Broome & Delaware Counties locally. A Major Disaster Declaration secures financial assistance through FEMA, and provides funding to local governments for debris removal and repairs to buildings and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and wastewater treatment facilities, critical infrastructure sites, schools, parks and other facilities. Grants of up to $50,000 will be available to eligible homeowners in Delaware County locally.

Governor Kathy Hochul requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden to support the ongoing recovery efforts of communities impacted by the severe weather caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby that occurred on August 8 – 10. If granted by the federal government, this declaration would provide federal funding for a number of Counties including Broome & Delaware Counties locally, to cover debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure.

President Biden has nominated former area Congressman & current Judge Anthony Brindisi to serve at the federal level in Utica based on the recommendation of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Brindisi has been on the New York State Court of Claims since 2022. This nomination is for the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, Brindisi will be to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee, followed by full Senate confirmation.

The Democratic incumbent President Joe Biden leads the Republican predecessor Donald Trump 47%-39% among registered voters in New York State, according to a recent Siena College poll. New York State Voters have not favored a Republican for President since Ronald Reagan in 1984.

The Jericho Arts Council will present a popular Bluegrass Band Saturday Night, as well as the 43rd fine arts show, spokesman Phil Wade explains:

(PHIL WADE 4-26-24)

Tickets for the concert can be reserved by calling (607) 288-3882.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-26-24

President Biden appeared in Syracuse on Thursday afternoon, he discussed the $6.1 Billion Dolla federal investment in Micron Technology, which is building a manufacturing complex in Clay over the next 20 years, investing up to $125 billion, a move that could bring 50,000 to the state, construction will begin next year.

President Biden approved Governor Hochul's request for a Major Disaster Declaration to provide federal assistance to communities impacted by flooding from heavy rainstorms across much of Upstate New York. The declaration releases critical federal assistance to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in Clinton, Dutchess, Essex, Hamilton, Ontario, Orange, Putnam and Rockland counties. These counties now have access to financial support for debris removal, emergency protective measures and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure.

The State Department of Health dropped the mask mandate for healthcare facilities this past weekend. following a steady drop in COVID cases and deaths in recent months. The State Health Department still reminds Healthcare workers to be up to date on vaccinations and booster efforts. President Biden recently declared the federal public health emergency would come to an end on May 11th.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand discussed her expectations regarding President Biden's State of The Union Address in Washington tonight, in a video press conference this morning:

(Gillibrand 2-7-23)

The State of the Union address begins at 9:00 PM tonight at the United States Capitol.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 1-9-23

The City of Norwich will receive money after President Biden signed the omnibus government funding bill last month, the city will be able to replace 140 year old water mains, according to Norwich Community Development Director Erik Scrivener:

(Eric Scrivener 1-9-23)

The city will have $2.85 Million dollar to go to the $4 Million dollar project, work is expected to get underway in April through July.

The latest Sienna Institute polling showed that the majority of New Yorkers approve of the student loan forgiveness plan announced by President Joe Biden. 56% of respondents supported the plan while 33% opposed it, also, 54% of respondents have paid off all their federal loans, while 45% still have a balance.

US Senator Chuck Schumer announced Thursday that a federal bill designed to bolster semiconductor manufacturing passed in the House of Representatives after passing in the U.S. Senate Wednesday. The bill would allow the United States to better compete with international rivals & keep technology jobs in America, the . Schumer said that the White Pine and the Marcy nano center In New York, should greatly benefit after President Biden signs the bill.

The Sidney Police Department & State Police, participated Thursday in the "Go for the Gold" event at the Dunkin Donuts Location at the Speedway convenience store at State Route 7 and 8. This fund raising event benefits the Special Olympics of New York, the local effort raised $1,967 for the athletes of the Special Olympics.

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 7-29-22

The 1st Chenango County Wine, Beer, and Food Festival presented by Commerce Chenango Tourism will be held Saturday at the Chenango County Fairgrounds in Norwich from 11 am. to 7 pm. Commerce Chenango President & CEO Kerri Green explains:

(Kerri Green 7-29-22)

More information is available at Chenangowbffest.com, or on their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages.

Tioga Downs Casino Resort President and CEO Jeff Gural has been nominated by President Joe Biden to join his administration, as the chair of the Public Buildings Reform Board. The Board is an independent agency used to identify opportunities for the Federal government to significantly reduce its inventory of civilian real property, which would cut costs. Gural is expected to accept the nomination.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 9-2-21

Governor Kathy Hochul has directed State Agencies to deploy additional assets to downstate regions devastated by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.  Governor Hochul said that the storm pounded the Hudson Valley, New York City & Long Island with More than 8 Inches of Rain, which led to Flash Floods, Power Outages and the shutdown of Mass Transit systems throughout the region.  The Governor said that President Biden has promised to send all resources necessary, with FEMA teams ready to respond shortly.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-27-21

Governor Cuomo held a COVID briefing today in Albany; he said that a meeting with President Biden by the national Board of Governors brought the states the news of some relief:

(Cuomo 1-27-21)

Cuomo said that the President also announced a 16% increase in COVID vaccines coming to the state, bringing New York's Numbers closer to 300,000 a week.

Spring 2021 classes began remotely at SUNY Oneonta this week, and the college has put a comprehensive plan with input from students, faculty, staff, public health experts, community leaders and elected officials, for a safe semester. SUNY Oneonta Acting President Dennis Craig told WCDO News about the plan:

(Dennis Craig 1-27-21)

President Craig said that over 1,500 students registered for at least one in-person class. About 650 students have opted to live in residence halls this semester, while housing capacity on campus is more than 3,600.

A.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 1-27-21

Delaware County Public Health reported 2 new cases of COVID Tuesday, they report 21 hospitalized, 166 active cases and 348 quarantined & they reported 3 more deaths, the county has had 35 deaths since the spring.

The Sidney Central School District announced that 5 days of breakfast & lunches will go to all students 18 and under & will be distributed weekly on Wednesdays, July 1st through August 26th, at the Masonville Library from 9:00 to 10:00 AM; Sidney Center Fire House from 10:15 to 11:15 AM, Meadow Valley Park from 9:00 to 11:00 AM; Circle Drive Apartments from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM & the Sidney Junior/Senior High School from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM.  More information is available at 563-2135, extension 4264.

Joe Angelino is a big winner in the 122 State Assembly Republican Primary yesterday, winning with 75% of the vote, he will face Democrat Richard Shaw in the November General Election.  In Other races, Joe Biden wins the state Democratic Party Nomination for President, Claudia Tenney beats George Phillips for the Republican Nomination to take on incumbent Democratic Congressman Anthony Brindisi in the fall, Tenney lost the seat to Brindisi 2 years ago. The results do not include absentee ballots.

The State Board of Elections announced that they have canceled the state’s Democratic presidential primary on Monday, as the state cannot afford the potential of large gatherings at polling places in the face of the coronavirus epidemic.  Senator Bernie Sanders & Former Vice President Joe Biden were the last 2 Democrats in the hunt, until Sanders dropped out & threw his support to Biden, making the June 23rd Primary unnecessary.  42 of the state's 62 counties will still have other Primary races to vote on at the June 23rd elections.

A new
Sienna College poll released today shows that former Vice President Joe Biden
leads Democratic presidential candidates by 10% among New York Democrats.  Biden polled at 24%, U.S. Senators Elizabeth
Warren 14% and Bernie Sanders 13%, the rest of the field were in single
digits.  35% of those polled believe that
Biden has the best chance of unseating President Trump in the 2020 elections.

Local Congressmen are split over the notion of pursuing
impeachment proceedings against President Trump.  19th District Congressman Antonio Delgado
released a statement over the weekend saying that it has become clear that the
president has placed his personal interests above the national security of our
nation by admitting to soliciting the Ukrainian president to investigate
potential Democratic President Nominee & former Vice President Joe Biden,
which Delgado said is an impeachable offense.
22nd District Congressman Anthony Brindisi stated that while the
allegations against the President regarding the call to the President of
Ukraine is troubling, he wants to first make sure that the impeachment is
Constitutional.

Vice President Joe Biden & Governor Cuomo today met today, to discuss the governor's plan to expand Paid leave. Biden said that Paid Leave, increasing the Minimum Wage are all about common human decency:

(Biden 1-29-16)

12 week paid leave is 1 part of the Governor’s 2016 agenda that the state legislature will deal with in the current session.

Governor Cuomo & Vice President Joe Biden will meet in Rochester today, both will discuss the economy and make an announcement regarding infrastructure, the conference begins at 11:00 AM.

Governor Cuomo & Vice President Joe Biden met yesterday in New York City, to discuss the state's efforts in developing infrastructure to deal with future harsh weather conditions:

(Cuomo 10-21-14)

This phase of the infrastructure upgrades includes holding Master Plan Design Competitions, for LaGuardia, Kennedy & Stewart airports, to bring them up to current standards.

Governor Cuomo will host Vice President Biden this morning at 11:00 in New York City­ for an event to discuss infrastructure modernization, Governor Cuomo will make an announcement, Vice President Biden made an appearance earlier this year regarding New York States plans to improve infrastructure to withstand future severe weather events.

Governor Cuomo and Vice President Joe Biden discussed federal government funding for statewide projects to improve infrastructure damaged by Tropical Storm Lee, Hurricane Irene & Hurricane Sandy since 2011.  Cuomo said that bridges & roads upstate need to be dealt with quickly & correctly:

(Cuomo 1-7-14)

Vice President Biden said that Governor Cuomo's project would protect the state from being affected by severe weather in the future:

(Joe Biden 1-7-14)

Governor Cuomo said that he would outline more specifics for infrastructure projects during tomorrow's “State of the State” address to a joint session of the Legislature.

The annual Baseball Writers’ Association of America Hall of Fame election will announce their choices for induction into the Nation Baseball Hall Of Fame tomorrow.  Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson will reveal the results at 2:00 PM.  The Class of 2014 will be enshrined July 27th in Cooperstown as part of the Induction Weekend at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown

Vice President Joe Biden and Governor Andrew Cuomo will meet today in Albany.  The 2 will discuss the state’s infrastructure in regards to Hurricane Sandy.