Get Caught Up On These Binghamton Area News Stories

Each week, we recap 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, 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 January 5, 2026, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Delta Air Lines Will Provide Service Out of Binghamton

(Bob Joseph)
Delta informed Broome County officials last week that its daily service from the airport to Detroit would be dropped after February 14. The move would have left the recently renovated airport in the town of Maine without any scheduled air service. Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday announced that Delta "has identified available aircraft in order to resume daily service" at the airport this spring. In a statement released by her office, the governor said, "Preserving this flight is a win for the Southern Tier." She said it will ensure "that this newly modernized airport serves travelers for years to come." Hochul said regularly-scheduled air service is a "lifeline for workers and businesses in the Binghamton area."

Lupardo Won't Seek Re-Election to NYS Assembly

(Bob Joseph)
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo has announced she will not run for a 12th term. Lupardo, who was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 2004, represents the 123rd District, which includes the city of Binghamton along with the towns of Union and Vestal. The Endwell Democrat made the announcement Thursday afternoon in the Binghamton State Office Building. While she won't be seeking re-election, Lupardo noted there will be plenty to do in the year ahead in the legislative session that is just getting underway. Lupardo said, "It's been an incredible honor to represent the people of this district, but the time has come for a new chapter in my life." She said while "It was not an easy decision... the time is right" for someone new to take on the job.

Details Of Arrest Following Domestic Dispute In Greene, NY

(Don Morgan)
According to a recent report from the New York State Police, a Greene, New York resident was arrested after a dispute. The incident occurred on January 4, 2026, around 3:31 p.m., when New York State Troopers from the Norwich, New York, headquarters responded to a report of a domestic dispute on English Lane in Greene, New York. After arriving on the scene, a Trooper encountered 25-year-old Cagan Sodan of Greene. In the report, Troopers noted that Sodan was uncooperative and became combative during the investigation. During the encounter, Sodan attempted to grab the Trooper’s service weapon from its holster. Fortunately, the New York State Trooper was successful in restraining Sodan and took him into custody.

Binghamton "After-Hours Club" Gets Lockdown Warning

(Bob Joseph)
The owner of a Binghamton building has been put on notice after city officials say an illegal after-hours nightclub was operating at the site. Mayor Jared Kraham said a lockdown warning has been issued because of trouble that's been reported at 333 Clinton Street in the First Ward. Omar Boone, a West Side resident, in November told WNBF News he had acquired the property. Records show the site has been owned by Outstanding Services 5 LLC of Binghamton since 2023. Kraham said a "warning of public nuisance" has been sent to Boone, indicating there is evidence of neighborhood disturbances and code violations at the site.

Serious Crash Highlights Risks Of Aggressive Driving In Johnson City

(Don Morgan)
The incident on Monday, January 5, 2025, according to the JCPD, led to a serious crash on Route 201 North, resulting in that section of the roadway being shut down, causing major traffic delays for area motorists. In the social media post from the Johnson City Police Department, an in-car video, recorded from one of the vehicles involved, showed the dangerous behavior from the motorists of both vehicles, as the situation escalated. The speed indicator showed just how fast and unsafe it became. Speeds can be viewed as reaching as high as 81 mph in a 45 mph speed zone. While this crash could have been worse, JCPD noted that only minor injuries were reported. The motorist of a Nissan SUV was issued numerous traffic tickets and charged with reckless driving, a misdemeanor offense, and the driver of the BMW, which captured the incident, was ticketed for speeding.

Site Prep Underway for Court Street "Mini Travel Center"

(Bob Joseph)
Work has started on a project to develop a Circle K convenience store and two restaurants in a new complex to be built on Court Street in Binghamton. Briad Development of New Jersey has been planning to develop a "mini travel center" near the Brandywine Highway. The new businesses will be located at Court and Liberty streets, where Columbia Gas once had a three-story office building. After NYSEG acquired Columbia Gas, the property was sold to a Kirkwood man in 2005. The unused building was torn down in 2014. The Circle K convenience shop and gas station would be the first Broome County location for the chain. There are 28 Circle K stores elsewhere in New York state. Briad is planning to open 40 more franchised locations across the upstate region.

Chenango Town Seeks Residents For New Planning Committee

(Don Morgan)
On January 9, 2025, the Town Board released an announcement seeking Chenango residents to serve on a new Comprehensive Planning Committee to assist with the further growth and development of the town. The call is for up to 11 members to serve on the planning committee, with between 5 and 7 seats held by residents of the town who are not currently members of the Chenango Town Board or town employees. Interested residents will be required to attend and participate in a minimum of one meeting per month over 10 months, with the possibility of additional meetings. Planning Committee members will need to dedicate from four to six hours per month to committee work throughout the process.

After 55 Years, Binghamton's Oldest Parking Garage Now Closed

(Bob Joseph)
The last old city-owned parking ramp in downtown Binghamton has been permanently shut down as plans for its demolition are finalized. The massive concrete structure at the corner of State and Henry streets opened with some fanfare in June 1970. But by the time all of the remaining vehicles in the garage were gone on Monday, it was quietly taken out of service. City officials were concerned about the structural deterioration of the facility. Chunks of falling concrete had damaged parked vehicles in recent years. The closing date for the 12-level garage was announced in late November. LAZ Parking - which managed the facility - contacted those who had monthly passes to find alternatives. Signs were posted alerting car owners that vehicles still in the ramp after the closing on January 5 would be towed away. Mayor Jared Kraham told WNBF News the process of shutting down the garage went smoothly.

How Oneonta's New Roundabout Aims To Improve Traffic Safety

(Don Morgan)
According to an announcement on January 7, 2025, Marie Dominquez, New York State's Department of Transportation Commissioner, major construction has been completed on the $4 million roundabout project in downtown Oneonta. That intersection has now been replaced by a roundabout, designed to keep traffic moving and for better safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. According to the DOT's announcement, the Oneonta roundabout design incorporates traffic-calming elements and upgraded ADA-compliant crossings to provide smoother, safer access for users of all abilities.

Tracking Winter 2026: Notable Snow Totals Across New York Cities

(Don Morgan)
How has the Binghamton area been faring in the annual Golden Snowball.com contest? It's a fun online tally of how much snow has dropped on five major New York State cities - Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and Binghamton. According to Golden Snowball.com, as of January 2, 2026, at 8 p.m., this is where each city stands:
Syracuse - 80.7
Rochester - 44.8
Buffalo - 34.8
Binghamton - 34.3
Albany - 26.4
Albany usually comes in last, and Syracuse normally tops the list at the end of each winter season, although Binghamton, Buffalo, and Rochester have occasionally topped the list.