25 Famous People You Didn’t Know Graduated From Binghamton University

People sometimes think of Binghamton University as a place where students go to prepare for careers in business, science, law, and other demanding fields. That is certainly part of its reputation. Yet the university has also educated actors, comedians, musicians, writers, television personalities, political leaders, and people who helped build major American companies. Some of those names are so familiar that their connection to this SUNY campus in New York’s Southern Tier comes as a surprise.

Newfield Lions Club holiday craft fair returns to fire hall

The Newfield Lions Club is bringing its holiday craft fair back to its smaller, familiar setting this year, inviting shoppers to browse handmade goods, enjoy refreshments and support a local service organization whose fundraising dollars return to the community. The annual Newfield Lions Club Holiday Craft Fair will run from...

Why Is Albany the Capital of New York State Instead of New York City?

With New York City being the largest city in the United States, it might seem a little surprising that the capital of New York State is Albany. After all, New York City was once the capital of the entire country. Why, then, did the state government settle in a city roughly 150 miles to the north?

Skiing History: New York State’s First Rope Tow

The family enjoyed outdoor activities of all kinds, including winter sports. Several of Rose and her husband Peter Schaefer’s would become important Adirondack figures. Their oldest, Vince Schaefer became an atmospheric scientist at General Electric; Paul Schaefer became a noted Adirondack preservationist (his home in Niskayuna is now Union College’s Kelly Adirondack Center and Adirondack Research Library); and Carl Schaefer helped create New York State’s first rope tow ski lift.

World’s largest harmonica and museum to visit Corning

CORNING, N.Y. (WETM) – According to a release, the world’s largest harmonica and accompanying museum is set to visit Corning beginning in November. Beginning on Saturday, Nov. 28, the second-floor gallery at Matrich Music, located at 62 E Market St., will showcase the world’s largest harmonica and traveling museum. The museum will be on display […]

At Sing Sing prison, incarcerated men get preview of new PBS documentary on nation’s justice system

OSSINING, New York (AP) — As the lights dimmed inside the chapel at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New York, around 30 incarcerated men sat scattered across the pews, waiting to preview a new docuseries on the history of the nation’s criminal justice system. Our Lady of Hope chapel was soon abuzz with discussion, […]

Veterans Day observance held in Elmira

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) — Veterans and community members gathered at Wisner Park Wednesday morning for Elmira’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. Six wreaths were placed around the park’s monuments to honor veterans of different conflicts, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terror. Attendees were also given carnations to place near […]

Yoga Is Art, Free Bar Bingo, And A Medieval Fest Highlight a weekend full of fun in Western New York

Check out some fun things to do this weekend in Western New York

Corning native, combat vet Jason Shaddock shares Veterans Day lessons

Hundreds came to honor servicemen and women Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Corning's annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park, off Park Avenue. Brian Francis, commander of the Corning American Legion and a retired U.S. Army veteran with 26 years of service, emphasized the role of military service in safeguarding fundamental freedoms. "It is a soldier, not a poet who has given up freedom of speech," Francis said. "It is a soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us freedom to demonstrate. It is a soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag." Francis said these liberties were earned through the sacrifices and service of those who defended the nation. Jason Shaddock, Deputy Commissioner for New York State Department of Veterans Service and combat veteran of the United State Marine Corps and the United States Army, thanked the Corning American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4218 for co-sponsoring the Veterans Day event. "As a native of Corning, is especially meaningful to be here today," Shaddock said while speaking at the Veterans Memorial Park event. "I know the character of the people of the Southern Tier. I

Joe Veres' 11.12.26 Late Night Forecast

The Legacy of the Anti-Rent War, New York’s Second Revolution

Landlords and tenant farmers clashed in rural, upstate regions during New York’s Anti-Rent War between 1839 and 1845. The Anti-Renters declared their independence from the manor system run by patroons, resisted tax collectors and demanded reform. In the aftermath of the rebellion, the antiquated manor system was abandoned in...

Lauren Shields championed NY organ donations; how her mission lives on

Lauren Shields made her mark in her short life, becoming a champion for the cause of organ donations after getting the first of two transplants at age 8 and inspiring a New York state law to entice more donors. The Rockland County native was just 26 when she succumbed to illness in June . With persistence and good cheer in the face of her health struggles, she had by then built a legacy that included New York's "Lauren's Law" and her years of advocacy for organ and blood donations, which her own tale of survival made so poignant. Five months after her passing, Shields' crusade lives on in the form of a pending bill in Congress that would vastly expand the nation's outreach to potential donors. The goal is put that opportunity before as many people as possible to grow the ranks of those ready to make life-saving donations. What is the Lauren Shields Organ Donation Act? The bill, named the Lauren Shields Organ Donation Act, was introduced in October by Rep. Mike Lawler of Rockland County and Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who represents a neighboring New Jersey district. It would require all sorts of federal forms and applications that Americans

The Upstate New York Diner Where One Family Has Served Breakfast Since 1972

Fresh cake donuts come out of the fryer here on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and they carry a family nickname. The same family has run this red farmhouse diner for more than 50 years. Three generations now work the place. Before the diner, the founders ran a gas station on...

Groton Junior High School cast presents “Matilda JR.”

The Groton Jr./Sr. High School (GHS) stage has been graced with stellar musicals performed by its senior high drama club for more than two decades. Similarly, the students in GHS’s junior high have presented excellent plays, but for the first time ever, that contingency of students will perform a musical — the Broadway-licensed musical production of “Matilda JR.” — under the direction of Kayla Lyon and Lenora Salzler, co-directors.

O' Tannenbaum: A Holiday Tradition in Owego Open Thru December 12

O Tannenbaum, the Tioga County Historical Society's Annual Holiday Display and Auction, is back for its 24th year! This FREE festive event takes place from November 7 to December 12, 2026, at the museum located at 110 Front St in Owego, New York. The museum is open to the public Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm with special extended hours during Lights on the River in Downtown Owego on Friday, December 4th (10am-8pm) and Closing Day on Saturday, December 12th.

Snow is in the forecast for Western New York this weekend

The first snow of the season is coming to Western New York