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Local News: March 27, 2024

– The Town of Caroline approves its first zoning law – The Caroline Town Board approved its first comprehensive zoning law by a vote of 3-1 during its meeting last Wednesday. WSKG Public Radio reports the decision comes after about four years of sometimes contentious community debate. The law was designed to limit development and maintain the town’s “rural character.” – Elmira building collapse highlights city’s problem with “zombie” properties – The collapse of a neglected building in downtown Elmira on March 7 has city officials considering the fate of similar structures. WSKG Public Radio says zombie properties are abandoned to deteriorate by often absentee owners. Elmira’s mayor says city officials are working…

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CREATIVES: Painter Arthur Bucknor – Hindrance and Flow: Inheriting the Sculptural Idiom

By Felix Teitelbaum

Ghanian-American painter Arthur Bucknor discusses his work, his father renown Ghanian painter Kobina Bucknor, and ⁠his upcoming show at the Cherry Arts⁠ with WRFI’s Felix Teitelbaum. The show opens Friday, March 29 and runs through May 12. There is an opening reception from 5-7 on March 29. The Cherry Gallery is at 130 Cherry St.…

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Join Us for The Listening Room, Thursday, March 21

By Felix Teitelbaum

Come enjoy crystal clear audio and crackling conversation with guest curators Rebecca Redelmeier and Aurora Berry, WSKG’s new reporters based in Ithaca. WRFI’s Felix Teitelbaum will also share a few sonic delights. The Listening Room is an informal salon for lovers of audio co-hosted by Story House Ithaca and WRFI Community Radio. Curators present selections…

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CREATIVES: Tabla Master Zakir Hussain with Monsoon Radio’s Daniel Bass

By Felix Teitelbaum

Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain talks with Daniel Bass host of WRFI’s Monsoon Radio about his upcoming concert at Cornell with Deopriya Chatterjee (bansuri) & Sabir Khan (sarangi) on March 22, the three Grammys he won last month, his first show in Ithaca in 1989, and more!

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Collage of women icons.

Celebrate Women with WRFI this Month

By Felix Teitelbaum

The month of March is Women’s History Month – a time to celebrate women of all backgrounds and recognize the struggle  for equality is not over. The first celebration of the fight for women’s rights was held on February 28th, 1909. The occasion was organized by the Socialist Party of America to commemorate the 1908…

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Local News: February 13, 2024

By Celia Clarke | February 13, 2024 | Comments Off on Local News: February 13, 2024

–  State Republicans want electric school bus conversion extended to 2045 – Republican state lawmakers say school districts need more time to switch to zero-emissions school buses. New York school districts must transition by 2035 as part of the state climate law passed in 2019. The Albany Times Union reports Republicans and some school leaders…

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Local News: February 12, 2024

By Celia Clarke | February 12, 2024 | Comments Off on Local News: February 12, 2024

– Broome County gets new firefighting foam without dangerous toxins – Broome County fire departments will no longer use firefighting foam that contains PFAS chemicals, called “forever chemicals”. PFAS and PFOS chemicals are a group of cancer-causing chemicals found in everyday items like non-stick pans, Gore-tex, and in firefighters’ clothing and firefighting foam.  WSKG Public…

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Local News: February 9, 2024

By Celia Clarke | February 9, 2024 | Comments Off on Local News: February 9, 2024

–  Water to be shut off on Tuesday for Village of Watkins Glen – Water in the Village of Watkins Glen will be shut off early Tuesday morning. Work on a major pipe will take place from 3 to 7 AM. The work is part of the $30 million project to upgrade the entire water…

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FEATURE: Governor’s budget plan could cost rural schools millions of dollars in state aid

By Celia Clarke | February 8, 2024 | Comments Off on FEATURE: Governor’s budget plan could cost rural schools millions of dollars in state aid

Rural school districts across New York face a significant loss in state funding this year. Governor Hochul’s 2024 executive budget proposal would change the allocation of “foundation aid”. That’s the money the state gives each school district to close the gap between what a community can afford to pay and what is needed to provide…

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