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Top 10: The most viewed local news stories for 2019

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National news headlines in 2019 were dominated by stories involving the impeachment inquiry, immigration enforcement, climate change and protests. In local and regional news these are the WRVO web stories that were clicked on the most in 2019. What was your favorite or most interesting local story of the year? If it didn't make the list feel free to share with us in the comments or send us a tweet to let us know.

1. Legislature passes abortion rights bill, Cuomo signs it into law

By Karen Dewitt, January 22 - The New York State Legislature voted to codify the abortion rights in the U.S. Supreme Court decision Roe V. Wade into New York law, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed it into law immediately after the vote.

"The most aggressive women's equality platform in the nation is going to be in law in this state, and that's the way it should be." Cuomo said at a bill signing ceremony.

2. Experts say kids should avoid jumping into piles of leaves because of risk of tick-borne diseases

By Ellen Abbott, October 18 – Upstate Medical University infectious disease specialist Kristopher Paolino said that ticks move into the leaf litter in autumn, finding a safe micro-ecosystem where they can survive. Paolino suggests passing on fun in the leaves.

3. Some college students could see financial aid disruptions during government shutdown

By Ellen Abbott, January 9 – Sharon Halpin, director of financial aid at Le Moyne College in Syracuse discussed how the partial government shutdown could potentially impact students who get federal financial aid. 

4. Cuomo budget eliminates program allowing disabled Medicaid members to manage their aides

By Ellen Abbott, February 19 - Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed budget would eliminate a program that would allow those on Medicaid to hire their own aides. Sally Johnston, president of Disabled in Action of Greater Syracuse, said it has been an important way to keep people with disabilities independent.

5. Lake Ontario property owners struggle to adapt to 'new normal'

Credit Payne Horning / WRVO News (file photo)
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WRVO News (file photo)
Residents in Pulaski feel like they are living on an island now that flooding from Lake Ontario has surrounded many of their homes.

By Payne Horning, July 1 - Record-high water levels along Lake Ontario from 2017 and 2019 were not something many Pulaski residents were prepared for. Flooding from Lake Ontario washed out the main access road forcing some to leave as emergency vehicles could not travel there.

"I feel like we're living on an island out here completely surrounded by water and we're at the whim of the wind changing directions." said Maggie King, Pulaski resident

6. Destiny USA adds more entertainment attractions to make up for retail market decline

Credit Payne Horning / WRVO News
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WRVO News
Customers at Destiny USA can race go karts at RPM Raceway.

By Payne Horning, August 7 – In an ever-changing retail industry, Destiny USA doesn’t look like your typical mall and management says that’s because it’s not. Out of 250 stores, there are at least 16 that offer entertainment in the form of escape rooms, comedy clubs, virtual reality and more. 

7. 18 upstate hospitals, health centers agree to limit opioids prescribed after surgery

By Ellen Abbott, August 12 - Dr. Jeffrey Albright, a surgeon at Upstate University Hospital believes new post-surgery opiate prescription guidelines can prevent the gateway to abuse. Surgeons from 18 upstate hospitals and health agencies have reached a consensus on appropriate opioid levels for 21 different procedures.

8. 'Major' drug bust arrests 65 with heroin, fentanyl trafficking in CNY, North Country

Credit Tom Magnarelli / WRVO Public Media
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WRVO Public Media
NY Attorney General Letitia James with law enforcement in Syracuse.

By Tom Magnarelli, April 26 – New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced the takedown of two drug rings and the arrest of 65 people in the trafficking of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine in central and northern New York. 4,700 bags of heroin and fentanyl and 2 kilos of cocaine, were recovered.

9. New York DMVs prepare for busy season thanks to new driver's license standards

By Ellen Abbott, January 8 – New federal standards for driver’s licenses go into effect by October 2020 and the Madison County DMV office is gearing up for the extra time it takes to process these licenses. To avoid the rush, Madison County has purchased another camera that has been installed at the DMV office.

10. Closing of Sackets Harbor grocery store 'almost expected,' after Dollar General came in

Credit Tom Magnarelli / WRVO Public Media
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WRVO Public Media
The Harbor Market in Sackets Harbor closed at the end of February.

By Tom Magnarelli, February 18 – The Harbor Market in Sackets Harbor closed at the end of February after more than 25 years of business. The owner blamed the opening of a nearby Dollar General as one of the reasons for its closing.

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