Binghamton New York Area News You Need To Know

Whether you lead a busy life, or don't get to find out all that's happening news-wise in our community, this is why each week, we recap in an article, some of the essential local news we reported on 1290 AM, 92.1 FM, and 93.9 FM WNBF, our Townsquare Media Binghamton sister radio stations, as well as on our websites and social media platforms.

Catch up on some of the latest local and regional news items in a short recap we reported on for the week of February 9, 2026, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Binghamton Man Shot by Police Investigator Arrested

(Bob Joseph)
A man who was shot by a Binghamton police department investigator during a struggle now faces several charges. Authorities say 23-year-old Nicholas Rodriguez of Binghamton was wounded in the ankle around 4:45 p.m. on February 5 in a North Side neighborhood. According to a police department news release issued late Wednesday, Rodriguez was shot by a member of the Special Investigations Unit who encountered a suspect "armed with a handgun."  Police said a "struggle ensued between the two" on Amsbry Street near Chenango Street, and the investigator fired one shot from his department-issued gun. Rodriguez was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police previously said the investigator was treated at a hospital and released. His name and the nature of his injuries were not disclosed.

NYS Troopers Respond To School Bus Accident In Truxton

(Don Morgan)
According to a report from New York State Police Troop C, around 8:25 a.m. on February 9, 2026, New York State Troopers from the Homer barracks responded to the intersection of South Hill Road and Singleton Road in the Town of Truxton, where they encountered a school bus on its side. There were 11 elementary school students, the driver, and an aide on the bus from the Homer Central School District. Three local ambulance services responded to assist New York State Troopers. A 7-year-old male and a 9-year-old male were transported to Upstate University Hospital for two head injuries and a hand injury. Although there were several other minor injuries, none of those required ambulance transportation. The remaining students were transferred onto another bus and then to the Homer School District.

Five Broome County Residents May Not Own Pets

(Bob Joseph)
People who intend to give away, sell, or adopt an animal to someone in Broome County are required to do some research first. The county's current population is about 200,000. Most residents may legally own a pet, but there are now five people who may not do so. That's because they are listed on the Broome County Animal Abuser Registry. The official list was created by the county legislature several years ago. The database is maintained by the sheriff's office.

The Fight Against Auto Insurance Fraud In New York State

(Don Morgan)
On February 11, 2026, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced proposals to lower auto insurance rates and tackle fraudulent claims in the Empire State. The proposal is about taking common-sense steps to battle fraud, limit damages paid out to bad actors, and ensure that consumers, rather than insurance companies, are prioritized. According to the announcement, residents of New York State pay an average of around $4000 annually for car insurance. That rate is one of the highest in the nation, nearly $1,500 above the national average. The Governor's announcement noted that those high costs are due to a combination of fraud, litigation, legal loopholes, and enforcement gaps, with staged crashes and associated insurance fraud.

Binghamton Lawmakers to Rename Beloved Columbus Park

(Bob Joseph)
A popular downtown Binghamton park is about to be rebranded by the City Council. Some Binghamton residents have pushed for the renaming of Columbus Park in recent years. While the proposal has received support from many people in the region, it has generated a significant amount of controversy from those who want the name to be unchanged. City Council Majority Leader Rebecca Rathmell said there has been a lot of discussion about the park's name over the last several months since a formal request was presented to lawmakers. Rathmell told WNBF News the name change is part of the launch of what's being called the "Reimagining Center City" campaign.

Beware Of Towing Scams In New York: What You Need To Know

(Don Morgan)
The New York State Police have been receiving reports of New Yorkers who searched online through a quick search, found a towing company, paid out a large fee on the phone in advance, only to find on tow truck never arrived. If a tow truck company listing has a phone number, but no physical address, local reviews, verified business information, appears to look almost identical to other towing websites, and requires a payment upfront before dispatch, it's probably a fake company. New York State Police also notes that some might just be acting as third-party brokers, charging high fees before contacting a local tow company, while others may take your money, and you never see any assistance arrive.

Two Boats Destroyed in Johnson City Arson Fire

(Bob Joseph)
Authorities in Johnson City are investigating a raging fire that tore through a couple of boats parked outside a village business. The blaze occurred near the northeast corner of the Moore's Tire Sales building at 361 Grand Avenue. It was reported shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday. A thick plume of black smoke generated by the fire was visible for miles. The scene was located between the Route 201 Flyover and the recently-opened Homesteads on Grand Apartments. Firefighters battled the blaze in frigid conditions with snow over the area. The fire was brought under control after about 15 minutes. No injuries were reported.

New York's DWI Enforcement Results From Big Game Weekend

(Don Morgan)
Over the weekend from Friday, February 6th, through Sunday, February 8th, 2026, according to the New York State Police, troopers issued 8,263 tickets during their annual STOP-DWI traffic enforcement initiative. That's a decrease from last year. In 2025, troopers issued 8,663 tickets. New York State Police increased patrols and conducted sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify, and arrest impaired drivers throughout the Empire State. In the Southern Tier of New York, there were 11 DWI arrests, 194 tickets for speeding, 11 tickets for distracted driving, 27 tickets for seat belt violations, and 9 for the Move Over Law.

County and Endicott Reps Finally Talking About Future of En-Joie

(Bob Joseph)
After a standoff that's dragged on for years, there's some apparent progress in developing a viable plan to address the expensive repair work needed at the En-Joie Golf Course. Broome County Executive Jason Garnar has repeatedly complained about the lack of a response from Endicott officials. Although the county manages the course, the site is owned by the village. Garnar has expressed concern about the fate of the annual Dick's Sporting Goods Open if an agreement isn't reached with Endicott representatives to replace the course irrigation system.

Binghamton Rumble Ponies Welcome New Play-by-Play Announcer

(Don Morgan)
Congratulations go to Matt Levine, who has been elevated to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies lead play-by-play broadcaster and Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations. Over the past three years, Matt served as the Rumble Ponies' Broadcasting and Media Relations Assistant. Matt will also steer the team’s media relations efforts and contribute to social media and content creation. When not in the Rumble Ponies broadcast booth, Matt is the television play-by-play voice of the Stony Brook University women’s basketball team and a sideline reporter for Stony Brook football broadcasts. He also contributes as a play-by-play broadcaster at St. John’s University and Long Island University.

 No Delays Seen in City Takeover of Binghamton Plaza

(Bob Joseph)
The city of Binghamton's plan to gain control of a once-thriving retail complex appears to be moving forward on schedule. New Jersey-based Galesi Realty Corporation lost its battle to retain ownership of the North Side property in an eminent domain fight with the city. Mayor Jared Kraham Friday said the attorneys involved in the case continue to indicate the city should take possession of the parcels on West State Street in early March. The mayor told WNBF News the city is "doing all the legal things that are necessary" with respect to the few businesses that continue to operate at the Binghamton Plaza.