Get Caught Up On These Binghamton New York Area Headlines

Every week, we recap some 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 February 17, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

NY Governor Warns Of EZPass Text Scam - How To Stay Safe

(Don Morgan)
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul's Office announced that consumers have reported receiving SMS text messages attempting to collect tolls. The texts appear to be from EZ-Pass but are just another scam. Governor Hochul notes that often, the fake texts are sent from an international number. The receiver of this text is asked to reply with 'Y' to receive a link and contain an unofficial website. EZ-Pass and Tools by Mail do not send out an email or text asking for personal information. Clicking on these fraudulent text messages can allow the scammer to install ransomware or other programs on your device. The scammer can then see your online activity and even hold your device hostage and demand payment to unscramble it.

Hundreds Pay Their Respects to Fallen Firefighter John Gaudet

(Bob Joseph)
Firefighters and residents attended calling hours for Binghamton Fire Department veteran John Gaudet, who died of injuries sustained while battling a Main Street blaze. Several hundred people expressed their condolences to Gaudet's family at St. Thomas Aquinas Church on the city's West Side Tuesday afternoon. The 40-year-old Gaudet died after a building collapsed at the fire scene on February 12. A funeral Mass was held at the church on Wednesday. John Gaudet was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Johnson City.

Legislation To Raise Minimum Age For Buying Assault Weapons

(Don Morgan)
Legislation was announced on January 19, 2025, by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21. 21 is currently the age requirement that applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers. The Senator's Office notes that individuals under the age of 21 have used assault weapons in shootings in the U.S.A., including the 2022 mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, in which 10 people were killed. In 2023, over 46,000 lives were lost due to gun violence. That number is the third-largest number of gun-related deaths in American history. Senator Gillibrand's office says that over 85 percent of deaths in public mass shootings involving four or more fatalities were caused by assault rifles. In addition, shootings involving assault weapons or large-capacity magazines have resulted in over 2.5 times as many people being shot compared to incidents involving other firearms.

Construction Underway on $11 Million State DOT Vestal Facility

(Bob Joseph)
A key state Department of Transportation administrative and maintenance complex is being upgraded. Workers are busy constructing a large building for the agency's sub-residency on Route 26 in Vestal. Trucks and other large equipment were removed from the site last spring in preparation for the $11 million project. The sub-residency location was cleared several months ago for the construction work. The large salt storage barn on the site was left standing. The project is on track for completion in early 2026. The structural steelwork is approximately 60 percent complete, and the installation of metal wall and roof panels is scheduled to begin in early March.

Recent Arrests From the Broome County New York Sheriff's Office

(Don Morgan)
The Broome County Sheriff's Office has released its latest arrests and charges report as of February 19, 2025. This report doesn't encompass all law enforcement activity performed by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office daily, arrests made in Broome County by other law enforcement agencies, or open and ongoing investigations by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force or other law enforcement agencies. Each accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Click on the headline for the list of arrests and charges.

BAE Systems in Endicott to Expand Operations and Add Jobs

(Bob Joseph)
Endicott's biggest employer is preparing to add to its workforce as part of a plan to enlarge its local operations. There had been talk circulating that BAE Systems was planning an expansion at the Huron Campus for more than a year but local officials had declined to comment until a formal announcement could be made. WIVT News 34 reported the $65 million expansion will accommodate a battery production line, lab space, and additional office space. The batteries are to be used for electric and hybrid electric airplanes. The company could receive $8.5 million in state tax credits for the project.

Two Charged After Attacking Officers At BC Correctional Facility

(Don Morgan)
February 20, 2025, the Broome County Sheriff's Office released a statement regarding two incarcerated individuals who are facing felony charges after attacking corrections officers at the Broome County Correctional Facility in separate incidents. Click on the headline for the details and charges.

Binghamton Waiting for State Report on Deadly Main Street Fire

(Bob Joseph)
Authorities have yet to release details about the Binghamton fire that resulted in the death of firefighter John Gaudet. Mayor Jared Kraham on Friday said city fire department officials quickly contacted state investigators for assistance in determining the cause of the blaze. Kraham told WNBF News that the state fire investigators are continuing to work with the Binghamton police department. He said he's not going to discuss specific issues while the state investigation is in progress. The mayor said, "When we have concrete facts, certainly we'll share them with the public as soon as we get them."

2025 State Of Broome County New York Address Announced 

(Don Morgan)
February 20, 2025, the 2025 State of the County Address was given by Broome County Executive Jason Garnar in the Legislative Chambers of the Edwin L. Crawford County Office Building. This was Executive Garnar’s 9th State of the County address. Some of the highlights included a strong bipartisan partnership between Garner's administration and the County Legislature. He mentioned how working together has driven progress and strengthened Broome County, along with key accomplishments made possible through collaboration, and outlined priorities to continue building a stronger future for residents.

Binghamton Postal Service Changes Made as Delivery Issues Persist

(Bob Joseph)
The U.S. Postal Service has made big changes in the way mail is sorted in the Binghamton area in an effort to reduce operating costs. The development of the new Binghamton sorting and delivery center started a year ago and is nearing completion. The local sorting facility absorbed delivery operations for 10 smaller post offices with 150 routes and 17 ZIP codes. A postal service spokesperson based in Pittsburgh said delivery operations "can be disrupted occasionally due to employee availability for reasons such as illness, personal leave, retirements and more that may impact mail deliveries on some routes."