Did You Hear? Binghamton New York Area News Recap

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 April 14, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

For the complete story from each article, click on the headline.

Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Binghamton Shooting

(Bob Joseph)
Police have arrested a Binghamton man after a person was shot multiple times while in a vehicle. City detectives said 22-year-old Shawn Lynch was taken into custody at a Telegraph Street residence around 6 p.m. Monday. Lynch has been charged with second-degree attempted murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was arraigned in Binghamton City Court Tuesday morning and sent to Broome County Jail. Police officers were sent to Telegraph Street on the city's South Side around 10:15 p.m. Sunday to investigate a report of a possible shooting. People in the neighborhood said they heard the sound of gunshots.

Stay Cool: New York's Assistance For Low-Income Families

(Don Morgan)
The upcoming summer heat could be an issue for some New Yorkers. On April 15th,  New York State Governor Kathy Hochul held a press conference to announce some relief efforts set in place. Applications are now being accepted, designed to assist low-income New Yorkers in staying cool this summer. The Program from the Home Energy Assistance Program is overseen by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Over 87,000 households have received cooling assistance totaling more than $67 million in the past five years.

State OKs Restoration Project for Binghamton's Ross Park Carousel

(Bob Joseph)
New York State has finally given the go-ahead for the long-awaited restoration of the century-old carousel at Ross Park in Binghamton. The city has been planning the project that will relocate the historic merry-go-round to another spot in the park for more than a decade. Ross Park Zoo executive director Phillip Ginter said the city has received state approval for the planned restoration. State historic preservation officials had been reviewing details of the project. Ginter told WNBF News that he expects construction work to take place over the summer, and the park's carousel should be fully restored by the end of the year.

Broome County, NY Sheriff's Recent DWI Enforcement Results

(Don Morgan)
First Quarter 2025 results have been released for the Broome County Sheriff's Office targeted DWI response, according to Sheriff Fred Akshar. The STOP-DWI program began in January of 2025 in partnership with the Broome County District Attorney's Office. The program funded an extra patrol deputy for targeting drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. According to Sheriff Akshar's report, over the three-month first quarter, the enforcement deputy, 24 persons were charge with DWI, 119 misdemeanors, 275 vehicle stops, 44 arrests, and 287 tickets issued.

Greater Binghamton Airport Security Checkpoint Improved

(Bob Joseph)
A new, more advanced security checkpoint is now operational at the Greater Binghamton Airport. Broome County aviation commissioner Mark Heefner said a unit that uses advanced imaging technology was recently installed, along with a checkpoint property screening system. Heefner said the new checkpoint went into service Wednesday. He said the equipment represents an "incredible upgrade." He said it represents a "major milestone" for the airport. The aviation commissioner said he believes there are only about a dozen U.S. airports now have the system made by a company called Rohde and Schwarz. Heefner said all of the facility's transportation security officers have undergone extensive training for the new equipment. He said it is "nicer, faster, and way more secure" than what was in use at the old checkpoint.

Latest Arrests From the Broome County, New York Sheriff's Office

(Don Morgan)
The weekly arrest report was released by the Broome County Sheriff's Office on April 15, 2025. Arrests and charges from the Broome County Sheriff's Office do not reflect all the department's activity for the week. All persons are considered innocent unless proven guilty in court. For the list, click on the headline above.

Davis College Campus Sold for Apartment, Restaurant Project

(Bob Joseph)
The long-awaited sale of the 13-acre former Davis College campus in Johnson City has been completed. Businessman Adam Weitsman said the $4.5 million deal closed Thursday. He had acquired the property in December 2019. The Riverside Drive site was sold to developer Dave Drew, who plans to transform the former private Baptist bible college into a 75-unit apartment complex. The property is to be called Riverside Gardens. Plans for the project also call for a restaurant and gym. The Bible School Park post office on the campus is to remain open.

What You Need To Know About Oneonta's Upcoming Road Changes

(Don Morgan)
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $4 million project to enhance safety and improve traffic flow in the City of Oneonta. A roundabout will replace the current intersection of James F. Lettis Highway and Main Street, which will reduce vehicle congestion, mobility, and idling, plus make it easier for pedestrians and motorists to reach area destinations, according to the announcement. In addition to the new roundabout, the project will include new sidewalks, lighting, signage,  new drainage systems, and landscaping.

Aliza Spencer Homicide Investigation: Reward Increased to $50,000

(Bob Joseph)
Authorities have announced that the reward being offered in connection with the fatal shooting of a Binghamton girl has been increased. City police detectives have been investigating the death of 12-year-old Aliza Spencer for nearly three years. Aliza died shortly after she was shot in the chest while walking on Bigelow Street on April 21, 2022. According to a news release issued Friday, the Binghamton Police Department has increased the reward amount to $50,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case. Aliza had been walking with her father and 13-year-old brother near the family's home when she was shot around 10 p.m.

Protect Migrating Birds In NYS With The Lights Out Initiative

(Don Morgan)
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Office of General Services are asking New Yorkers to participate in the ‘Lights Out’ initiative. The DEC notes that migratory birds are experiencing widespread population declines according to the 2025 State of the Birds Report from the North American Bird Conservation Initiative. To help curb that decline, being a part of the 'Lights Out' initiative, keep non-essential outdoor lighting from affecting the ability of birds to migrate successfully throughout New York. Keep non-essential lights turned off at your home or business each night during peak bird migration.

Mayor: Downtown Binghamton Businesses Shouldn't Close Sidewalks

(Bob Joseph)
Pedestrians were unable to use a sidewalk in downtown Binghamton after it was closed as people lined up to enter a late-night music show. A temporary fence was used to block the sidewalk near 93 State Street for an event featuring rapper Zeddy Will on April 11. That meant people walking along the block between Court and Hawley streets were forced to use the street as traffic passed by. Mayor Jared Kraham said that's "certainly not something that should have been done." He had not been aware of the situation until he viewed a video of the scene outside the venue. The mayor noted that while people often line up to get into popular restaurants or taverns, "you can't block a sidewalk" by setting up "a 6-foot-tall fence." He said, "That's not something they're allowed to do."