Your Binghamton New York Area News Recap Is Right Here

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 July 28, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Two Binghamton Men Charged in Connection with City Shooting

(Bob Joseph)
Two Binghamton men have been arrested by police investigating a shooting at a city home. A 25-year-old man was shot multiple times in the incident at 10 Amsbry Street on the North Side. The shooting occurred shortly before 5 a.m. Thursday. When the officers arrived at the single-family home, they found the man who had been shot in the back and an arm. He was taken to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City for treatment of his injuries. Detectives said two people had entered the residence to rob the occupants. There was a struggle during the incident, resulting in the man being shot. Police did not release the name of the injured man. Police announced Friday afternoon that 44-year-old James Agron Sr. of Binghamton and 47-year-old Robert Swartz of Binghamton had been arrested in connection with the shooting. Agron and Swartz have been charged with first-degree burglary. They are being held at Broome County Jail in the town of Dickinson.

Former Johnson City High School Apartment Construction to Start

(Bob Joseph)
Work on the long-awaited project to transform a century-old Broome County High School into several dozen apartments is about to begin. A groundbreaking ceremony for the redevelopment of what has been the NY-Penn Trade Center in Johnson City was held last week. The Lane Group of New York plans to construct 58 market-rate apartments in the former Johnson City High School and gymnasium at 435 Main Street.

New York Airports Set For $25 Million Safety And Upgrade Initiative

(Don Morgan)
On July 28th, an announcement was made for $25 million in funding to enhance safety, modernize operations, promote environmental resilience, and enhance regional economic competitiveness at public-use airports across New York State, according ot Governor Kathy Hochul's Office. This funding supports airport improvements across every region in New York State, a total of 16 airports, that will include various improvements such as hangar replacements, security upgrades, and the purchase of new snow removal equipment. Greater Binghamton Airport/Edwin A Link Field will receive $2.49 million to rehabilitate hangars.

Work Starts on $60 Million Binghamton University Lecture Hall

(Bob Joseph)
Construction is underway on a long-awaited new lecture hall complex on the main Binghamton University campus in Vestal. Work at the site east of Bunn Hill Road began several weeks ago. The university received a state allocation of $60 million in 2022 for the design and construction of the new facility. The new 50,000-square-foot academic building will include three lecture halls, three computer classrooms, and a 100-seat "active learning" classroom. The complex will also have 33 general-purpose classrooms ranging in size from 20 to 75 seats. It will have several testing rooms and a commons area with group study rooms.

Federal Charges Filed Against Delaware County Man For Child Exploitation

(Don Morgan)
According to a release on July 28, 2025, from Acting United States Attorney John Sarcone III and Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 44-year-old Brent Trimbell from Delaware County was arrested on July 27, 2025, on a charge of sexual exploitation of a child. The press release notes that Trimbell exchanged sexually explicit messages with a female child victim. The messages persuaded the victim to create and send him videos of her engaged in sexually explicit conduct over social media. If convicted of the crimes, he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life, a fine of $250,000, forfeiture of property used to commit the offense, and restitution to the victim.

Binghamton Residents Now Seeing Duck-Like Mail Trucks

(Bob Joseph)
A few letter carriers in the Binghamton area are now delivering mail using the region's first new-style trucks. About 50 of the "Next Generation Delivery Vehicles" are now part of the United States Postal Service fleet in Broome County. The vehicles look dramatically different from the trucks and vans that have been used by the postal service in recent decades. They've been described as "duck-billed" vehicles with large windshields and low hoods that make it easy for drivers to see the road. Letter carriers driving the new trucks are enjoying a feature they haven't had before - air conditioning. Small fans are the only cooling equipment available in the old vehicles. The new trucks have much more space than the older vehicles.

New York Police Seek Help Finding Stolen Horse Named Koda

(Don Morgan)
On July 29th, 2025, according to the New York State Police headquarters in Endwell, New York, they released a statement, asking for assistance from the public about a stolen horse. Sometime between July 23rd and July 24th, New York State Police noted that the horse, named Koda, was taken from a fenced-in property on Struble Road in the Town of Union. New York State Police say that Koda's owners were concerned about him because he has special dietary restrictions.

Suspicious Fire Damages Downtown Binghamton House

(Bob Joseph)
A Binghamton house that the owner wanted to demolish was damaged by a suspicious fire. Authorities said crews at the city Fire Department headquarters noticed smoke coming from a nearby abandoned building around 4:15 p.m. Friday. Firefighters called for a full alarm for the blaze in the three-story structure at 216 Court Street. A search of the entire building was ordered after a bystander reported someone may have been trapped inside. Firefighters forced entry through a boarded-up front door and located the blaze in a room on the first floor. The fire was quickly extinguished. No one was found inside the house, and no injuries were reported.

Operation Hard Hat Aims To Improve Work Zone Safety

(Don Morgan)
The New York State Troop “C” Traffic Incident Management Unit and the Department of Transportation worked together on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, on an Operation Hard Hat enforcement detail in the town of Vestal. This operation targets reckless and distracted drivers in work zones, cracking down on work zone violations and emphasizing the importance of safe driving when approaching construction, maintenance, and emergency operations along New York State highways. According to the New York State Police, a total of 54 citations were issued, including one for traveling at 82 mph in the designated zone.

Renovated Building at Grippen Park in Endicott to Reopen Soon

(Bob Joseph)
The recently reopened multipurpose building at Broome County's Grippen Community Park has been temporarily closed. The Endicott complex, featuring five pickleball courts, opened in late June after it was renovated as part of a $4.3 million park improvement project. Pickleball enthusiasts were able to use the new court for about two weeks before the facility was closed during the Dick's Sporting Goods Open. The building reopened after the golf tournament, but was closed again. Signs indicated it has been closed since July 21 "for a Broome County parks event." It is expected to be available again for pickleball players this week.

(Don Morgan)
On Thursday, July 31, 2025, the Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception (GUARD) Act to protect seniors from financial fraud and scams was introduced by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Katie Britt. According to the announcement, this act would allow grantees of several existing federal grant programs to use funds to increase resources and personnel, specifically to utilize the blockchain for investigating financial fraud. In addition, Senators Gillibrand and Britt note that this would also permit federal law enforcement to assist state and local law enforcement with tracing tools for blockchain technology, bolstering their ability to catch fraudsters who use cryptocurrency to facilitate their crimes.

New Business Planned for Former Binghamton Citrea Site

(Bob Joseph)
A downtown Binghamton site that's been idle for several years is expected to spring back to life when a new establishment opens in the space. Renovations at the former Citrea Restaurant and Bar in the Chenango Place complex are expected to get underway in the next couple of weeks. The building is located at 7 Court Street, just west of Boscov's department store. The new business will be located overlooking the Chenango River. Amanda O'Neil of Binghamton said she plans to open the Winederlust Wine Bar at the spot. She said the business will feature wine, beer, and hard cider but won't serve hard liquor. O'Neil said she hopes the establishment can begin operations in November.

Get our free mobile app