WSKG Public Media

12/29/2025

Happy Kwanza! Enjoy this song by the Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers, part of a special WSKG Expressions Kwanza episode!

Celebrate the Kwanzaa Holiday with this performance of 'Nia' from the Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers. Nia (which means purpose) is the fifth principle of the...

12/29/2025

Tomorrow is FORECAST FEST at the Sciencenter! Free admission all day! Lily Hunter from PBS Kids' WEATHER HUNTERS! Crafts and new episodes!

Come on by! This event is sponsored in part by Purity Ice Cream.

12/27/2025

This is a developing story.

A state of emergency has been declared across New York ahead of a winter storm that could bring between six and 12 inches of snow to parts of the Southern Tier.

Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in over two dozen counties Friday afternoon. The state of emergency includes Broome, Cortland, Delaware and Otsego counties, where a winter storm warning is in effect until 7 a.m. Saturday. In Pennsylvania, a winter storm warning is also in effect in Wayne and Pike counties until Saturday morning.

A winter weather advisory is in effect in Tompkins, Tioga, Steuben, Chemung and Schuyler counties, where residents can expect snow, sleet and icy conditions into Saturday.

Read more at WSKG.org

Story by Phoebe Taylor-Vuolo/WSKG News
Photo by Craig Ruttle/AP

12/24/2025

The first semester of the school year is winding down, and so is the WSKG News team's school districts survey. What do report cards look like for your schools? What areas are getting high marks, and what needs improvement?

Our news team wants to hear from all the corners of our coverage area. Your input guides how we cover Southern Tier school districts. The survey will close on Dec. 31. Share your experiences and questions at wskg.org/survey today!

12/23/2025

Wishing every kiddo a great snow day (and wishing every parent an afternoon nap).

12/22/2025

The Economic Opportunity Program of Chemung and Schuyler Counties (EOP) was awarded a $7.5 million grant from the state this month.

Funding will support a 7,200-square-foot-addition and upgrades to the Ernie Davis campus in the city of Elmira, which hosts the Ernie Davis Community Center and EOP offices.

"It's a true investment of people, for youth, for elders,” said EOP CEO Andrea Ogunwumi. “This grant allows us to serve multi-generationally and all of our programs.“

The buildings in the complex are named after local football celebrity Ernie Davis, who grew up in Elmira. Davis was the first African American Heisman Trophy winner.

Read the full story at WSKG.org

Story and photo by Natalie Abruzzo/WSKG News

12/20/2025

The city of Elmira proposed a 12 percent property tax increase in its $46.7 million 2026 budget. Next year’s budget proposal is $5.3 million more than the city’s 2025 budget of $41.4 million.

Tax rates for 2026 would increase by $179.90 for a property assessed at $50,000, $359.80 for properties assessed at $100,000 and $539.70 on properties assessed at $150,000.

During City Manager Michael Collins' budget presentation on Dec. 12, he outlined several factors for the increases to the 2026 budget. These factors include a rise in health insurance, personnel wages, retirement contributions and changes to shared services agreements.

The city’s fund balance has declined “significantly” year-over-year. In 2023, there was $7.46 million. In 2024, the fund balance dropped to $2.42 million.

The city faces terminated shared services with the county and expiring union contracts as well.

Read the full story at WSKG.org

Story by Natalie Abruzzo/WSKG News
Photo from city of Elmira Youtube

12/18/2025

Season Six of ALL CREATURES GREAT & SMALL is coming to WSKG in January, and we're offering a free screening at our Vestal studios on Thursday January 8th!

12/17/2025

Today is our end of year One Day Drive. We're asking you to stand up and defend the news that matters to you and your community. Make a gift today at wskg.org.

12/17/2025

Today, WSKG is holding our end of year One Day Drive. 2025 has been a wild year for public media, but we are confident that with your support, we can weather what's next. Make a gift today at WSKG.org/give, and take a minute to let us know why public media matters to you.

12/17/2025

A new episode of MAKING is available now on the WSKG YouTube channel!

12/16/2025

The DEC said it is bolstering its efforts to "protect, educate and assist New York communities in addressing the ubiquitous threat of PFAS contamination.”

“They're in water and air and soil, and they're present in countless consumer products and foods due to their use in making materials resistant to water, grease and stains,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Exposure is widespread because they are found in everyday items like nonstick cookware, food packaging, stain resistant fabrics, firefighting foam and many industrial processes.

For the full article, visit WSKG.org

Story by Natalie Abruzzo/WSKG News
Photo by Joshua A. Bickel/AP