Get Caught Up On The Latest Binghamton Area News Recap

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 July 6, 2026, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Binghamton Police Investigate July 4th Shooting Near Park

(Bob Joseph)
Police were sent to Gerard Avenue and Walnut Street around 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4th, to investigate a "large fight." When officers arrived, they found a man who had sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg. The shooting occurred around Walnut Street Park, which is located just south of railroad tracks. A suspect in the attack fled the scene before police got there. The man who was shot was taken to a hospital for treatment. Police said he underwent surgery "to remove the projectile" and was listed in stable condition. The suspect in the shooting was described as a light-skinned black male wearing a white tank top, black shorts and red sneakers. He appeared to be in his late teens or early 20s "with afro-style hair and a slender build."

Knights Inn Endwell May Reopen After Fire That Killed Six People

(Bob Joseph)
The owner of the Endwell motel where a raging blaze resulted in the deaths of three children and three adults may be preparing to reopen the business. LCP Group of Vestal has been retained to demolish what remains of the fire-damaged structure. Robert Mack, the town of Union supervisor, said the demolition company is "ready to go" after an insurance company gives the go-ahead. Mack said the owner has been working with town code officials to reopen an undamaged Knights Inn building. He said the owner seems "anxious to get it up and running."

Two Broome County Federal Cases Announced By U.S. Attorney's Office

(Don Morgan)
The United States Attorney's Office issued two announcements for the Northern District of New York:
47-year-old Neil Wesley of Broome County was sentenced on June 25, 2026, to 25 years in prison for receipt and possession of child pornography. He admitted to authorities that he had been previously convicted of rape in New York in 2001. He admitted that from at least December 2024 through February 2025 he received and distributed child pornography. Wesley also admitted that in February 2025 he possessed over 200 images and 18 videos of child pornography.

60-year-old Robert Scott on a charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine. On October 30, 2025, Scott possessed with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.  According to the report, he was also on federal probation at the time of the offense.  The charges carry a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, a maximum sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and a period of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life.

Binghamton Drivers Face More Detours Due to Main Street Project

(Bob Joseph)
A major road reconstruction project is resulting in a new series of traffic tie-ups in downtown Binghamton and on the city's West Side. The Court Street Bridge and several blocks of Main Street are closed to traffic for milling and paving operations. The work is being done as part of a two-year $6.2 million improvement project designed to upgrade intersections and pavement. Safety enhancements also are being made along the 1.7-mile Main Street corridor. New curbs and high-visibility crosswalks are included in the work. Pedestrian crossing and traffic signals are being replaced at several intersections. Traffic is being detoured at the intersection of Main and Chestnut streets. Local traffic is permitted on parts of Main Street for residents and businesses.

Free Parking In Downtown Binghamton On Select Saturdays

(Don Morgan)
City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announced free parking is returning to downtown Binghamton garages for the remainder of Saturdays in July. Binghamton City Council approved this initiative at its June 3rd business meeting. Dates for free Downtown Binghamton parking are July 18th and 25th. Last year was the first year that the City of Binghamton implemented the free parking Saturday initiative, and the result was more than doubling the usage of the parking garages and lot. The idea began as conversations between City officials and small business owners as a way to promote business during the summer months and increase foot traffic downtown. In his announcement, Mayor Kraham notes that July, historically, is the lowest-revenue month for parking in downtown Binghamton.

New Church Building Rising in Endwell

(Bob Joseph)
Members of an Endwell church are looking forward to the completion of a new facility that's been under construction for several months. Saint Athanasius Catholic Church has been located on Shady Drive since 1990. The church's traditional Sunday Latin Mass draws many people from across the region. Construction work on a 4,800-square-foot building at a site on Utica Street in Endwell started last August. The new church complex will be located a few miles from the current facility. David DeCristo, a longtime church member, is overseeing the construction project. He said things have been going well. It will take several more months of work before the $1.3 million project is completed.

Vehicle Theft Prevention Month in New York State 

(Don Morgan)
Government officials are reminding New Yorkers to take steps to protect their vehicles from theft. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, during the first six months of 2026, 140 stolen vehicles worth $4.3 million have been recovered in the Empire State, in addition to recovering eight stolen auto parts with a value of nearly $13,000. Nationwide, over 650,000 motorists fall victim to car theft every year, with an eye-opening statistic of a vehicle being stolen every 48 seconds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NYS DMV notes that if your vehicle is stolen, report it to local police and your auto insurance company as soon as possible. The theft will be noted on your vehicle title record to help prevent someone from selling the vehicle or applying for a title.

Eatery Planned at Johnson City's Riverside Gardens Community

(Bob Joseph)
The transformation of the former Davis College campus in Johnson City is continuing as the first residents are moving into the newly opened Riverside Gardens complex. Developer David Drew of Vestal said the 75-unit apartment complex is open and leasing is underway. He said the first resident arrived just before the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Planning for the $15.5 million project started in early 2024, and the 16-acre site was acquired in April 2025. One part of the transformation that has yet to be completed is the development of a casual dining establishment in the spot formerly occupied by the Broadway Café. Drew said the place will be called Forge Kitchen and Bar. He said he's partnering with Matt Karlgut, a former executive chef at Binghamton-area restaurants. It's expected to open by late summer or early fall.

Festival Of Giants RC Airshow Returns To Chenango Bridge 

(Don Morgan)
The Binghamton Aeros have announced that they are hosting their 41st Annual Festival of Giants R/C Airshow this summer. This event will be held at the Chenango Bridge Airport, located on Airport Road, just off River Road in Chenango Bridge on Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The Binghamton Aeros note that skilled pilots will fly (by remote control, of course) hundreds of the largest radio-controlled aircraft from all over the United States. Throughout the event, food and refreshments will be available, along with raffle tables, and it is in support of CHOW. Admission to the 41st Annual Festival of Giants R/C Airshow is free, but cash or non-perishable food items are requested. Parking will be available at the airport. 

Popular Binghamton Plaza Pizza Shop to Move In A Few Weeks

(Bob Joseph)
New York Pizzeria - which has been a fixture on Binghamton's North Side for decades - should be able to start operating at a new site very soon. Mayor Jared Kraham on Friday said he expects the pizza place will be moving from its Binghamton Plaza location late this month or early next month. The mayor said, "They will be shifting operations near the end of the month." The popular restaurant will relocate to a small retail complex at 71 Robinson Street, about a half-mile from its current location. The city of Binghamton took control of the Binghamton Plaza property four months ago after a lengthy eminent domain case against New Jersey-based Galesi Realty. Kraham noted that aside from New York Pizzeria, the remainder of the main plaza site has been vacated. He said Xpress Convenience & Deli on the perimeter of the plaza property near West State Street must close soon.