Recent Binghamton, New York Area News You May Have Missed

Whether you lead a busy life, or just 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 January 19, 2026, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Binghamton Police Department Promotions Announced

(Bob Joseph)
Some veteran members of the Binghamton police department are moving up in the ranks following the recent appointment of a new chief. Ryan, in December, was appointed to the chief's post by Mayor Jared Kraham. Ryan was one of four candidates who were considered by the mayor for the job. Kraham on Tuesday announced the appointment of a new assistant police chief and the promotion of several other officers. Cory Minor, who had been a detective captain since 2020, has become assistant chief. He's been with the Binghamton police department for 26 years. There are three new lieutenants: Douglas Chavez, John Hlavacek, and Garrett Morabito; and four new sergeants: Nathan Burgo, Brian McGuire, Paul Rya,n and Nicholas Smith.

Broome County Sees Decrease In Suspected Fatal Overdoses For 2025

(Don Morgan)
On January 20, 2026, the Broome County Health Department’s Overdose Prevention Program released its 2025 overdose data. The numbers show that suspected fatal overdoses in Broome County decreased by 43% from 2024 to 2025. In 2024, there were 49 suspected fatal overdoses. That number in 2025 decreased to 28. In addition, in 2025, non-fatal overdoses also decreased 29% compared to 2024. According to the release, the Broome County Health Department’s Overdose Prevention Program announced the next round of Requests for Proposals for the Opioid Settlement Funding opened January 20, 2026. Applications will be due no later than March 16, 2026.

City to Take Control of Binghamton Plaza Property

(Bob Joseph)
The sprawling Binghamton Plaza property will soon belong to the city after a lengthy eminent domain battle. Mayor Jared Kraham Wednesday announced the city will take ownership of the North Side site in several weeks. He said the city will take title to the property in early March. The mayor said "pre-demolition work is underway" for what once was a thriving retail complex. He said most of the plaza will be demolished this year. The city won its legal case against Galesi Realty Corporation, the New Jersey company that owns the property, in June 2024.

Broome County Sheriff's Office Releases Autopsy Report

(Don Morgan)
On January 20, 2026, the Broome County Sheriff's Office released the autopsy report of the death of Chelsey Davis, which occurred on October 8, 2025, within hours of entering the Broome County Correctional Facility. The autopsy findings were released with the approval of Davis ' family.  Chelsey Davis' cause of death was listed as “Chronic Alcohol Use with Hepatic Cirrhosis,” with contributing factors listed as “hemorrhagic pancreas, cardiac hypertrophy, atherosclerotic coronary disease” according to the Broome County Coroner’s autopsy report. The Broome County Sheriff's Office notes that the toxicology report found no alcohol or controlled substances in her system at the time of her death.

Binghamton Seeks Bids to Tear Down Crumbling Downtown Garage

(Bob Joseph)
The city of Binghamton is preparing to hire a company to demolish the recently closed parking garage at State and Henry streets. The 55-year-old structure was shut down on January 5. Mayor Jared Kraham on Thursday announced the city is accepting bids for the project of removing the 12-level parking ramp. In a statement issued by City Hall, the mayor said the demolition "will be a major undertaking." He said the city will work with contractors "to ensure the work happens in a safe and timely manner." The city put out a request for bids this week. Responses are due on February 25. The city of Binghamton is preparing to hire a company to demolish the recently closed parking garage at State and Henry streets.

Meet Michael Collins: The New Rumble Ponies Manager

(Don Morgan)
On January 21, 2026, a new manager was announced for the AA affiliate of the New York Mets, Binghamton Rumble Ponies, along with the player development staff. Taking over for Reid Brignac, the team's fifth manager and 19th in the AA era for Binghamton, will be Michael Collins. Collins has spent the past eight seasons with the Houston Astros, beginning as a bullpen manager for his first year and then as the catching coach for seven years. He also spent several years with the San Diego Padres organization. Along with the manager announcement, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies acknowledged Pitching Coach Matt Carasiti, Hitting Coach Rachel Folden, Assistant Hitting Coach Jake Hager, and Bench Coach Mariano Duncan. This will be Matt Carasiti's first season in the Mets organization. Last year, he was with the Everett AquaSox in the same capacity.

Binghamton Park to Be Named in Memory of Firefighter JR Gaudet

(Bob Joseph)
John "J.R. Gaudet, the Binghamton firefighter who was killed in the line of duty, is expected to be honored when a city park is renamed in his memory. Gaudet died after he was injured while battling a raging fire on Main Street nearly one year ago. Legislation to name Binghamton's West End Park in Gaudet's honor is to be introduced to the City Council next week. The announcement of the plan to rename the park on the city's West Side came in a joint statement from Mayor Jared Kraham, Fire Chief Alan Gardiner, and Professional Fire Fighters Local 729 president David Holleran. According to the statement, the park "held special meaning for JR, who grew up practicing lacrosse there and later spent time playing with his three kids." The statement indicated Gaudet's family offered "guidance on a fitting tribute."

Binghamton's $11 Million Court Street Project: What to Know

Former Binghamton CVS Building About to Get New Tenant

New York State Expands Polystyrene Foam Container Ban

(Don Morgan)
In 2020, New York State began a ban on expanded polystyrene, single-use foam food and beverage containers, and polystyrene loose fill packaging materials. We commonly refer to this as packing peanuts. Four years later, New York State amended that law to include a ban on certain expanded polystyrene foam containers that are used for cold storage. Fast forward to January 1, 2026. The NYS DEC notes this latest addition to the law that no covered food service provider, manufacturer, or store is allowed to sell, offer for sale, or distribute expanded polystyrene containers that are not wholly encapsulated or encased within a more durable container and are designed or intended to be used for cold storage, including but not limited to coolers and ice chests.

Johnson City Church Holds Final Service at Main Street Site

(Bob Joseph)
The final worship service has been held at an iconic church building in the heart of the village of Johnson City. Members of Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church voted last spring to sell the property at 308 Main Street. A service celebrating the ministry of the church and "blessing its next chapter" was held Sunday, January 18th. Bishop Héctor Burgos-Núñez and Reverend Carolyn Stow, the church pastor, led the special service. The church complex - which includes a social hall - has been a fixture at Main and Baldwin streets for the past century. The church is named in honor of the memory of George F. Johnson's mother. The founder of the Endicott Johnson Shoe Company made a significant donation to support the construction of the church complex.