Be Informed: Here's Your Binghamton New York Area News Recep

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 the latest local and regional news in a short recap we reported for the week of September 21, 2026, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Press & Sun-Bulletin Moving to Mail Delivery

Many long-time Press & Sun-Bulletin subscribers are receiving some bad news: Their home delivery service is ending. The Binghamton newspaper is the latest Gannett publication to begin relying on the U.S. Postal Service for delivery. Local Press & Sun-Bulletin representatives are not permitted to speak with reporters about the newspaper. But a corporate spokesperson emailed a statement indicating the change "affects only a small number of subscribers and is intended to ensure more reliable delivery." The company would not reveal how many customers will continue to receive morning delivery. Several dozen Gannett papers have switched to postal-service delivery over the last few years.

New York State Police Troop C Weekly Highlights of Activity

(Don Morgan)
New York State Police comprises 12 Troops throughout the Empire State. Troop C is based in Sidney and serves Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Delaware, Cortland, Tompkins, and Otsego counties. While the department keeps very busy every day, we've listed a few highlights of activity from the week of September 14, 2026, from Troop C news releases. Click on the headline above for details.

New Restaurant Planned for Old Binghamton KFC Site

The Binghamton West Side building that had been the home of a KFC restaurant for decades is expected to have a new owner soon. The Kentucky Fried Chicken store at 237 Main Street abruptly closed Monday after operating at the location for 56 years. Kirmani Upstate Realty of Queens is selling the property to a developer planning to transform the building into an Angie's restaurant. The Arizona-based Angie's chain has been expanding in recent years. Ray Plato of Angie's Food Concepts said the company's 27th restaurant recently opened in Irving, Texas. Angie's operates other locations in Arizona, Texas, and Nevada. The company is now moving to open restaurants in New York State. Its first New York location in Amherst is expected to open by the end of the year.

Binghamton Police Seeking Suspects in Deadly August Shooting

Investigators are continuing to pursue leads in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred on Binghamton's East Side more than a month ago. 29-year-old Tyshawn J. Hickman of Binghamton was pronounced dead shortly after the early-morning attack on August 8. Police officers found Hickman and another man on the ground behind a building on Montgomery Street after several gunshots rang out. The other man was taken to Wilson. Binghamton Police Chief John Ryan told WNBF News Monday that no arrests have yet been made in connection with the investigation.

Endicott, Norwich, Montour Falls Get Playground Upgrades

(Don Morgan)
$67.5 million in grants were announced on September 22, 2026, for 89 projects to build, expand, and renovate public playgrounds across New York State through New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization. $67.5 million in grants were announced today, September 22, 2026, for 89 projects to build, expand, and renovate public playgrounds across New York State through New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization. These grants are designed to assist New York State municipalities and nonprofit organizations in creating and improving accessible outdoor spaces where children of all abilities can play, be active, and connect with their communities.

Police Still Investigating Endicott Man's Death Near Rail Trail

Vestal police investigators are continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding the death of a man whose body was found in a drainage area near the town's rail trail. People who were walking along the popular trail spotted the body of 71-year-old Michael Seeley on the afternoon of September 12. Vestal police Captain Corey Shirley said the investigation into the Endicott man's death may not be completed for several weeks. Shirley told WNBF News Wednesday that "nothing suspicious has been located" so far. Police are awaiting the final autopsy and toxicology reports before completing the investigation. Shirley said Seeley was last seen about two days before his body was discovered. He said there were no signs of trauma or other injuries.

Binghamton University Hits $100 Million Research Milestone

(Don Morgan)
Binghamton University prides itself on its research. Today, September 23, 2026, the University announced that research expenditures rose to over $100 million for the first time in 2025-2026. Money spent on externally sponsored research and scholarly activities came to $103,261,584, which is about an 18% increase. Research on the campus includes the Binghamton-led battery ecosystem, mental health, archaeology, and more subjects. University officials noted that this is a testament to the innovative work done by faculty, staff members, and students across numerous disciplines.

Historic Johnson City Arch To Be Reassembled Next Month

The unexpectedly long project to repair and restore Johnson City's Square Deal Arch should finally be completed within several weeks. Village officials are advising motorists that a section of Main Street near the Johnson City-Binghamton line will be closed while the structure is reassembled. Timothy Sherman, village public works supervisor, said traffic will be detoured around the work site starting October 8. While the detour could last for a month, Sherman said he believes the project to reassemble the arch might be accomplished in about two weeks. The restoration job initially was to have been accomplished with the arch remaining in place. The plan was changed when it became apparent repairs and reconstruction could not be done without disassembling the structure.

Johnson City Man Charged With Arson In Structure Fire

(Don Morgan)
29-year-old John Walley from Johnson City was arrested on September 22, 2026, by New York State troopers from the Endwell barracks, following an investigation into an intentionally set residential fire and an altercation with a Trooper during his arrest. John Walley was arrested and charged with arson in the 3^rd degree, assault in the 2^nd degree (with intent to cause injury to a police officer), attempted Robbery in the 2^nd degree, assault in the 3^rd degree, and resisting arrest.

Interstate 88 Exit Conversion Starts This Fall

(Don Morgan)
Commissioner of the NYS DOT, Marie Therese Dominguez, has announced that a conversion to mile-based exit numbering is soon to begin on Interstate 88.

That means installing new mile-based exit numbers to correspond with the highway’s mileage, which will offer motorists a better way to determine their location along the highway and the distance to their destination. In addition, this change will help emergency responders quickly identify the location of motorists experiencing an emergency, according to the NYS DOT. The sign conversion will begin September 28th and should be completed by the end of 2026, starting in Port Crane, progressing eastward, and finishing at the Interstate 90/New York State Thruway interchange in Rotterdam.

Broome County Warns Of Passport Processing Scam Targeting Residents

(Don Morgan)
According to a notice from Aaron Martin, Broome County Clerk, there is a potential scam related to third-party service companies claiming to process U.S. passports. This scam instructs people to pay a large processing fee and provide personal and sensitive information and documents through various websites. The scam then instructs people to visit a Passport Acceptance Agency for further processing. The Broome County Clerk's Office advises residents to be aware of misrepresentation of services, collection of sensitive personal documents, and the potential financial harm of these scams.