These Are Your Binghamton New York Area News Headlines

Every week, we recap some of the essential local news we reported on 1290 AM/92.1 FM WNBF, our Townsquare Media Binghamton sister radio stations, on-air, our websites, and social media platforms.

Catch up on local and regional news items in a short recap we reported on for the week of August 4, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Two Dead After Men Stab Each Other at Castle Creek Home

(Bob Joseph)
State police are investigating the incident that happened at 1086 Castle Creek Road in the town of Chenango. According to a news release, troopers were sent to the house after a stabbing was reported. The violent dispute was reported around 10:15 p.m. Thursday. It involved 50-year-old Harry Swan of Chenango and 48-year-old Jeffrey Ryan of Binghamton. State police investigators believe Ryan drove to Swan's home. During a confrontation outside the residence, Ryan allegedly stabbed Swan. The injured man is believed to have gone inside the house, grabbed a knife, and stabbed Ryan. Police said Swan was pronounced dead at the scene. Ryan was taken to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, where he was initially reported in critical condition. He later died.

Israeli Flag No Longer Flying at Broome County Sheriff's Office

(Bob Joseph)
The Israeli flag has been taken down from a pole at the Broome County Public Safety Building in the town of Dickinson. Peace activists from the Binghamton area had protested the display of the flag. Sheriff Fred Akshar had ordered the flag to be raised after Hamas terror attacks on Israel in October 2023. The organization Veterans for Peace of Broome County had threatened to take legal action after Akshar refused to take down the flag. On Tuesday, the sheriff announced that he had ordered the flag taken down based on a recommendation from the county attorney's office. He said there is a "legal ambiguity" about whether a foreign nation's flag can be displayed outside a government building.

Broome County Humane Society Receives Major Grant Boost

(Don Morgan)
A Broome County agency has become the recipient of two state grants. On August 5th, New York State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo announced that she has secured two state grants totaling $90,000 to support the operations of the Broome County Humane Society.  During last year's budget, $50,000 grant was secured for purchasing medical supplies, three new washers and dryers, laptops, iPads, and outdoor turf for the dogs. $40,000 from this year’s budget will pay for further improvements, including the purchase of video cameras and upgrades to the veterinary area, according to Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.

Intruders Attracted to Fire-Damaged Court Street Building

(Bob Joseph)
More trespassing has been reported at an abandoned downtown Binghamton building that was damaged by a suspicious fire. A blaze at 216 Court Street was reported late Friday afternoon. Firefighters at the fire department headquarters, about a block east of the house, spotted smoke coming from the structure. The fire was quickly extinguished, and damage was contained to a room on the first floor. Firefighters searched the three-story building, which was supposed to be vacant. A bystander said someone may have been trapped inside the house at the time of the fire. No one was found during the search, and no injuries were reported.

Protect Yourself From Rising Computer And Phone Scams

(Don Morgan)
Scammers continue to devise innovative methods to steal money from unsuspecting individuals. The latest warning comes from the New York State Police, which has recently been receiving an increasing number of complaints from victims of computer and phone scams. According to the New York State Police Troop C Headquarters, several persons have been targeted in the Otsego County area. It's reported that some have lost thousands of dollars, and some have lost their life savings. New York State Police Troop C reminds New Yorkers not to fall for these scams where the scammer tries to manipulate the victim's emotions, creating urgency to push them into giving them money, gold bars, bitcoin, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.

Two State Troopers Shot in Susquehanna County

(Bob Joseph)
Pennsylvania State police said the shooting occurred after the troopers went to a location in Thompson Township around 11:30 a.m. Thursday. Governor Josh Shapiro made the initial public announcement of the incident during an unrelated news conference in Bucks County. Several law enforcement agencies - including New York State Police - reportedly were sent to the scene in the aftermath of the shooting. The wounded troopers were transported to the hospital for treatment. The town of Thompson is about 30 miles southeast of Binghamton.

How To Spot Back-to-School Shopping Scams In New York

(Don Morgan)
We seem to be alerting the public more and more about scams these days. Well, better to be informed than ripped off of your hard-earned money. On August 7, 2025, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul warned about back-to-school shopping scams in the face of looming tariffs and inflation, prompting early shopping. Rising prices and the possibility of supply shortages are among the reasons why New Yorkers may be heading to stores, and scammers love to take advantage of shoppers seeking deals and savings during the back-to-school season. According to Governor Hochul, back-to-school shopping is the second-largest spending event of the year. This year, with tariffs weighing on household budgets, parents and students may be looking for ways to come up with cost-saving strategies.

Endicott's ShotSpotter Gunshot-Detection System is Working

(Bob Joseph)
No criminal incidents have been detected since a new system designed to identify and locate gunfire has been in operation in the village of Endicott. The ShotSpotter technology has been operational since last November. Police Chief Patrick Garey said the system has not detected an actual shooting incident since it's been available to the police department. But, Garey said, the ShotSpotter technology did identify several ceremonial shots that were fired at the Endicott War Memorial a few days ago. In that case, police quickly verified that the gunfire detected was not criminal in nature. The company behind ShotSpotter says the technology employs a network of acoustic sensors to detect and pinpoint possible gunshots using triangulation.

Bridge Repairs Continue Near Binghamton Fatal Fire Site

(Bob Joseph)
Construction crews are moving forward on a project to repair the Court Street Bridge in Binghamton in the aftermath of last winter's blaze that killed Firefighter John "JR" Gaudet." The project in the area around 1 Main Street at the west end of the bridge over the Chenango River began a few weeks ago. Two buildings were destroyed in the raging fire that occurred nearly six months ago. The debris was removed from the scene shortly after the blaze. Mayor Jared Kraham said that left a gap where the bridge ended and Main Street starts. The city hired bridge engineering experts to assess the span. The mayor said there was "no structural damage" to the bridge. But it was determined that the below-surface vault areas of the buildings needed to be addressed.

No Comfort: Broome Library Benches and Bus Shelter Removed

(Bob Joseph)
Some amenities that had been fixtures outside the Broome County Public Library have been yanked because of persistent security problems. A BC Transit bus shelter at the Court Street library was removed a few days ago. Benches near the building's entrance were previously removed. County security officers have said there were ongoing issues with people who were hanging out, fighting, sleeping, and using drugs around the library. Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, "People were congregating in that seating area and they were getting into fights."The county executive said action was taken "to provide a safer environment" for those who use the library.

Summer Roadwork Updates In Broome County For Local Drivers

(Don Morgan)
Summer road work continues throughout Broome County and beyond. Just a reminder: Slow down in work zones, even when they are not active, as some may be modified as construction progresses. Keeping motorists, their passengers, and, of course, the workers safe is the number one priority. Click on the headline for the latest road construction updates.

Binghamton Rumble Ponies Reveal Exciting 2026 Home Schedule

(Don Morgan)
According to an announcement from the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the team has their first home game of the 2026 season on Tuesday, April 7, hosting New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate - Somerset Patriots for a 6-game series from April 7th through the 12th. There will be a total of 69 home games at Mirabito Stadium in 2026, including a game on July 4th, hosting the Baltimore Orioles' Double-A Affiliate, Chesapeake Baysox. For 2026, the Rumble Ponies will play 12 games at home against the Portland Sea Dogs, Hartford Yard Goats, and New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Other home games will include Somerset, Portland, Reading, New Hampshire, Hartford, Erie, Chesapeake, Akron, and Altoona.

Get our free mobile app