The Latest Binghamton New York Area News You 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 February 16, 2026, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Large Johnson City Apartment House Destroyed by Fire

(Bob Joseph)
Several people were left homeless when a fast-moving fire tore through a three-story apartment building in Johnson City. The blaze in the structure at the corner of Cherry Street and Grand Avenue was reported shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday. The first police officers on the scene reported a raging fire in the basement of the building. The blaze quickly spread from the lower level of the structure to the upper floors. Mayor Christina Charuk announced that a coordinated effort is being launched to support those displaced by Sunday's blaze. In an email, the mayor said the fire "resulted in the total loss of homes for multiple residents, including school-aged children and one expectant mother."

Binghamton Man Sought in Shooting Nabbed After Chase to Scranton

(Bob Joseph)
A Binghamton man has been charged with attempted murder after he raced away from pursuing police in a high-speed chase that ended in Scranton. About a dozen shots were fired into an occupied home at 13 Park Terrace Place on Binghamton's South Side around 9: 15 a.m. Tuesday. The suspect drove from the scene in a black 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe. The driver would not pull over when a Binghamton police officer spotted the vehicle. The SUV headed to the Brandywine Highway and then turned south onto Interstate 81, entering Susquehanna County. Pennsylvania State Police made several unsuccessful attempts to stop the suspect. A trooper used a "pit maneuver" to crash into the vehicle and end the chase in Scranton. According to Binghamton police, 53-year-old Diriki Birden was taken into custody by troopers. He has been charged with two counts of attempted murder.

Investigating Allegations Against Walton Central School Teacher

(Don Morgan)
According to a joint release from the Village of Walton, New York Police Department, and the Delaware County District Attorney's Office, a Walton Central School District teacher was arrested on Sunday, February 15, 2026. On February 12th, a complaint was received by the Walton Police Department and the District Attorney's Office from the Walton Central School District. The complaint alleged that one of the district's teachers, Eric Scofield, had been engaging in improper communication with students, requesting that an investigation be conducted into the matter. Regarding the allegations, law enforcement conducted several interviews over three days, February 13th through the 15th, with several current and past students.

Initial Work Starts for Binghamton 363 Gateway Project

(Bob Joseph)
Preliminary construction operations for the massive 363 Gateway Project in Binghamton are getting underway. Crews with the state Department of Transportation on Tuesday began removing some trees in the cloverleaf area south of the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena. The final design for the $43.1 million project was chosen from several concepts that were discussed and debated over the last several years. It recently received approval from the Federal Highway Administration. According to state officials, the project will provide additional green space and improved access to the Susquehanna River. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to use a new path to link to the Two Rivers Greenway and Binghamton University's main campus in Vestal.

Broome Asbestos Crisis: Dangerous Debris Continues to Pile Up

(Bob Joseph)
The problem of demolition debris containing hazardous asbestos in Broome County continues to grow with no end in sight. The county landfill will not accept asbestos from commercial entities until further notice. The asbestos ban has been in place for several months and could remain in effect for another year. Tons of debris filled with asbestos are being held at the site of Sunday's apartment house fire on Cherry Street in Johnson City. Johnson City Mayor Christina Charuk said she expressed her concerns about the fire-related debris to County Executive Jason Garnar. He indicated the landfill won't be able to accept the material. Charuk said village officials are working with state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Conservation, to determine where the material can be taken.

Binghamton's New Housing Project Transforms Former Warehouse

(Don Morgan)
Details on the completion of a $45 million affordable and supportive housing development at 200 Court Street in the city of Binghamton were announced by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday, February 20, 2026. The former manufacturing warehouse was transformed into 111 all-electric apartments. 60 will provide on-site services for veterans experiencing homelessness and others in need of support to live independently, according to the announcement. The Confluence Court development is part of Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which aims to preserve 100,000 affordable homes throughout the Empire State. Confluence Court features accessible and adaptable apartments for residents with mobility, hearing, and visual impairments, and boasts a community room, along with a landscaped interior courtyard.

The End is Near! Vestal's Skate Estate Reveals Closing Date

(Bob Joseph)
The days truly are numbered for the iconic Skate Estate Family Fun Center in Vestal. The recreational facility on Vestal Road opened its doors in March 1982. The owners of the site announced on Thursday that the place will go out of business next month. The final day of operation will be Sunday, March 8. The plan to sell Skate Estate and shut it down drew some opposition. Despite pleas to keep it open, the Vestal town board this month approved the needed permits for Williams to buy the property and set up its own operation.

Endicott Natural Gas Fuel Cell Construction Begins

(Bob Joseph)
Work has started on a fuel cell system that will provide more electricity to the Huron Campus in Endicott. Construction on the eight-megawatt facility began Wednesday in what is now a parking lot between Watson Boulevard and Clark Street. The site is located next to a NYSEG substation west of Hayes Avenue. Chris Pelto, who oversees the Huron Campus property for Phoenix Investors, said the natural gas fuel cell system would cover an area of about 150 feet by 150 feet. Pelto told WNBF News there's a need for more power for future tenants at the Huron complex. He said the fuel cell system will supplement the power now provided by the existing NYSEG Clark Street substation.

Binghamton University Plans Women's Flag Football For 2028

(Don Morgan)
Last week, it was announced that an NCAA Women's Varsity Flag Football team will begin play at Binghamton University. According to the announcement, the timeline for the first season will be in the spring of 2028. The new team will hold practice and play games at the Bearcats Sports Complex East Field. With a new team, Binghamton University Athletics will be in the hunt for a head coach, followed by recruiting student-athletes for the team. The announcement also added that it's possible that practice and informal competitions could begin in the spring of 2027, and the inaugural intercollegiate season would begin in the spring of 2028.