Binghamton New York Area News You May Have Missed

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 June 1, 2026, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Broome Jail Review Reveals Dangerous Food Handling Procedures

(Bob Joseph)
Broome County's public health director said there were many food safety violations in preparing the chicken salad believed to be the source of a jail salmonella outbreak. Olivia Catalano has released details of a review of food handling at the county-operated facility in the town of Dickinson. Meals at the jail are prepared by employees of Trinity Service Group with assistance from inmates. More than 300 jail inmates were sickened by salmonella last week. Several were hospitalized. Two were still in the hospital as of Thursday afternoon. Catalano said an investigation has revealed multiple violations of "food preparation and storage practices" within the jail. She described improper and sloppy handling procedures of perishable food ingredients. Catalano noted that past inspections of Broome County Jail food handling overseen by Trinity Service Group have revealed repeated violations. It's not yet known what action may be taken against the company in the aftermath of the Salmonella outbreak. During an update on the health crisis, Sheriff Fred Akshar said, "Everything is back to normal" at the jail.

Residents of Binghamton Street Give Mixed Reviews to "Blitz"

(Bob Joseph)
After a vehicle and multiple homes were struck by gunfire on Binghamton's North Side on Easter weekend, the city has taken action to enhance safety in the neighborhood. Mayor Jared Kraham said he directed city departments to focus more attention on a two-block area around Doubleday Street. No one was reported injured in the daytime shooting on April 4. A 16-year-old Binghamton boy has been charged with four counts of attempted murder. Police were seeking three other suspects in the case. Kraham Tuesday announced results of a public safety and quality-of-life "blitz" conducted after the shooting. He said the police special investigations unit has made felony arrests and seized illegal drugs in the neighborhood. A code sweep resulted in properties being cited for violations, including trash, broken windows, and junk vehicles.

"Attempted Kidnapping" at Binghamton's Recreation Park

(Bob Joseph)
A Johnson City man faces attempted kidnapping and child endangerment charges after an incident at Recreation Park on Binghamton's West Side. Authorities said city police were told two children had been approached by a stranger in the park around 5:30 p.m. Monday. Investigators said the man asked "suspicious questions" and offered the children ice cream. At one point, he was said to have reached out a hand toward one of the youths. The children reported the incident to a park employee, who tried to locate the man. The suspect left the park in a vehicle before the worker could speak with him. The employee managed to take a photograph of the vehicle before the man fled.

How New York's $63.5 Million Project Will Improve Local Roads

(Don Morgan)
The Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, and Western New York are part of a long-term mission to strengthen infrastructure, enhance motorist and pedestrian safety, and support economic growth across the state, according to the announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The work includes two projects on Interstate 86 in the Southern Tier and Western New York, as well as a safety project in the Village of Cooperstown. In the Southern Tier, work just began on Interstate 86 in Tioga County. It's a $53 million, three-year project in the Town and Village of Owego to reconstruct nearly 20 lane miles, including work at Exits 64 and 65, and to install new guide rails, rumble strips, and drainage upgrades. This project is a part of a broader initiative to modernize infrastructure and enhance resiliency along Interstate 86, according to the Governor's announcement.

Binghamton's Aging Railroad Bridge Gets Much-Needed Repairs

(Don Morgan)
City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announced the details for work now underway to repair a Brandywine Avenue railroad bridge that is in poor condition. The bridge currently has severely deteriorated concrete columns, damaged lighting, and exposed rebar. An inspection report by the City of Binghamton documented serious problems with local railroad bridges. According to the Mayor's office, this will be the eighth bridge to receive major rehabilitation by Norfolk Southern, including bridges on Glenwood Avenue, Jarvis Street, Front Street, and Murray Street. This bridge on Brandywine Avenue, owned by Norfolk Southern, is close to 100 years old and crosses the Brandywine just north of Henry Street. Work to be performed will include replacement of the bridges’ parapet walls, repairs to the concrete columns, new lighting and fresh paint.

Major Makeover: Binghamton Police Fleet Getting A New Look

(Bob Joseph)
The newest police patrol vehicles about to hit the streets in the city of Binghamton will feature a more visible color scheme. The Binghamton Police Department's first new-look Ford Explorers have been delivered by the dealer. The four Police Interceptor Vehicles are being upfitted. The new patrol vehicles have a bright look that represents a big departure from the city police agency's marked cars in recent decades. They are white with blue lettering instead of the current black with white lettering. Police Chief John Ryan said the new units will be "more visible to the public." He told WNBF News he believes theyRyan said the police department's fleet now is in "pretty good shape." The white-and-blue vehicles should be ready for use soon. He expects they'll be on the street early this summer.

What’s Next For Binghamton's Vacant Homes On Hawley And Cary?

(Don Morgan)
Mayor Jared Kraham issued a Request for Proposals to rehabilitate and sell two vacant residential properties owned by the City of Binghamton. The properties are located at 182 Hawley Street and 3 Cary Street. According to the Mayor's release, the City of Binghamton is seeking qualified developers, investors, or future owner-occupants to acquire, rehabilitate, and return the two properties to quality housing to support neighborhood stabilization and housing goals. These buildings were obtained by the City of Binghamton through a historic court settlement against Issac Anzaroot.

$6 Million In State Funds For Binghamton Stadium Upgrades

(Bob Joseph)
More improvements are planned for Mirabito Stadium in downtown Binghamton over the next few years. Mayor Jared Kraham said the upgrades will be supported with $6 million included in the just-approved New York state budget. According to Governor Kathy Hochul's office, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies have committed to a five-year lease extension at the city-owned ballpark on Henry Street. In a statement, the governor said this means the team will remain in Binghamton through at least the 2035 season. The state funding will be augmented by $1.2 million provided by the city and the team, which is owned by Diamond Baseball Holdings. The planned work includes a new playing field and dugouts, along with press box renovations and technology upgrades.

What Happens To Student Donations During Binghamton's Move-Out?

(Don Morgan)
In 2018, the Susquehanna Group of the Sierra Club partnered with several Binghamton University organizations to create a volunteer-run initiative, dubbed MOP - the Move Out Project. Its purpose is to divert waste from the landfill and give back to the community during the Binghamton University students' end-of-semester move-out. Each May, volunteers have collected unwanted but usable items from students moving out of their college housing both on and off campus, according to the organizers. This year (2026), over 100 volunteers gathered during May for the Move Out Project and collected over 46,000 pounds of donations from Binghamton University students as they cleaned out their college housing. In 2025, 34,236 pounds were collected. On June 2, 2026, the Move Out Project held the first of its annual two-day “Shopping Days” event, where community organizations “shop” for donations for free. As a result, over 50 area nonprofits, schools, and churches were invited to participate.

City Prepares to Buy Former Binghamton Convent

(Bob Joseph)
An unused church convent in Binghamton is about to be acquired by the city of Binghamton. The city is prepared to pay $275,000 to St. Mary of the Assumption Church for a two-story brick building at 15 Fayette Street. The property is located next to the former church recreation center on Hawley Street. The city purchased that site for $500,000 in September 2024. City officials have been developing plans with representatives of Binghamton University's Harriet Tubman Center for Freedom and Equity for use of the old St. Mary's convent. Mayor Jared Kraham has said the acquisition of the site for the center would expand the presence of the university downtown. He said it could serve "as an anchor for neighborhood revitalization."

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