Here’s The Latest: Your Binghamton Area News Recap

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 September 22, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Binghamton Fans Cheer Eastern League Champion Rumble Ponies

(Bob Joseph)
Binghamton Rumble Ponies players received a warm welcome from fans as the team returned home after winning the Eastern League championship. Binghamton scored an impressive road victory Wednesday night, defeating the Erie SeaWolves 8 to 2 to win the third game of the league championship series. It's the fourth Eastern League championship in the Binghamton franchise history. Binghamton previously won the league title in 1992, 1994, and 2014. Loyal fans traveled through heavy rain to Mirabito Stadium on Thursday afternoon to show their appreciation to the Rumble Ponies players and coaches.

Ross Park Carousel Construction Project Moving Forward

(Bob Joseph)
A new structure that will protect the historic Ross Park carousel from the elements is being built at the Binghamton recreation site. Workers started constructing the building last month as part of a long-planned restoration project for the merry-go-round. The state Historic Preservation Office was required to approve the design of the structure. It's being constructed near the park pavilions near a playground area. The 60 horses and two chariots from the Ross Park carousel have been restored by a Connecticut company. They'll be brought to the site after the building is completed. The structure that's now being built will have folding glass door panels to protect against the weather when the carousel is not in use.

Jeffrey Selingo Highlights Binghamton University In New Book

(Don Morgan)
Binghamton University has been mentioned in a new book by New York Times best-selling author Jeffrey Selingo. The book is titled 'Dream School' - Finding The College That's Right For You. Among the thousands of colleges to choose from, Selingo's book highlights 75 accessible and affordable colleges. Binghamton University noted that Selingo's picks in the book were determined by several factors: accessible admissions, solid career earnings compared to the cost of attending the college, job prospects for students, student engagement, and the financial stability of the institution, which, when combined, is a recipe for career success.

Binghamton Man Charged After Collision While Fleeing Police

(Bob Joseph)
Authorities say a driver whose car slammed into another vehicle as he tried to elude a pursuing Binghamton police officer has been arrested. The head-on crash happened on Floral Avenue on the city's West Side on a Friday afternoon. Police tried to stop a vehicle on Schubert Street around 3:30 p.m. On September 19. A pursuit started when the man driving the car failed to comply and sped away. The vehicle traveled north on West End Avenue for four blocks before turning onto Floral Avenue, where it struck another car in a head-on collision. The man who was being sought by police ran from the crash scene. He was apprehended a short time later on Beverly Place.

Broome County Seeks Election Inspectors For Upcoming Election

(Don Morgan)
Early voting and election day are both just a few weeks away. Are you registered to vote? If not, according to the New York State Board of Elections, applications by mail must be received by a board of elections no later than October 25, 2025, to be eligible to vote in the General Election. For in-person, register at your local board of elections or any state agency participating in the National Voter Registration Act, on any business day throughout the year, but to be eligible to vote in the General Election, your application must be received no later than October 25, 2025.

Vestal Parkway Qdoba Restaurant to Open Soon

(Bob Joseph)
Workers are putting the finishing touches on the Binghamton area's first Qdoba Mexican Eats restaurant. The business will be located at 2521 Vestal Parkway East, across from the Town Square Mall. Catherine Cornelius, a partner in the company that will operate the new Vestal location, said things "are moving quickly now." The project was approved by the Vestal planning board three years ago. Although some work began at the site, construction was delayed for a time. Work on the restaurant resumed last spring. There's no target date for the restaurant's opening, but Cornelius said it could be in operation by the end of next month.

What To Know About New York's Inflation Refund Program

(Don Morgan)
New York State inflation refund checks have begun being sent out, according to an announcement by Governor Kathy Hochul. Refund checks up to $400 are being sent to 8.2 million households. The checks will continue to be delivered through October and November. New Yorkers don't ned to apply or sign up to receive a check. Joint tax filers with income up to $150,000 will receive a $400 check, joint tax filers with income over $150,000 but no greater than $300,000 will receive a $300 check, single tax filers with income up to $75,000 will receive a $200 check and single tax filers with incomes over $75,000 but no greater than $150,000 will receive a $150 check.

Binghamton Fluorescent Site Getting Makeover for New Business

(Bob Joseph)
Construction work is underway at the former Binghamton Fluorescent Company building to clear the way for another business at the West Side site. Tony Singh of Vestal acquired the site at 229 Main Street last March for $480,000. Binghamton Fluorescent had operated there from 1981 to May 2023. Singh told city planners he wanted to open a gas station and convenience store on the property. Several neighborhood residents expressed opposition to the project because of safety and environmental concerns. A man who lives next door to the site objected to the planned business because he didn't want to smell gasoline at his home. Despite the protests from people who live nearby, the Binghamton planning commission approved the project.

New York’s Small Game And Trapping Seasons Start This Fall

(Don Morgan)
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced on September 24th (2025) that small game hunting and furbearer trapping seasons for the 2025 - 2026 license year are either open or will open soon. Depending on the species and zone, most small game and furbearer seasons open between September 1st and November 1st. The NYS DEC has complete information in their 2025–26 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide. For bag limits, hunting hours, and maps of New York State zones, visit the  Small Game Season website. The NYS DEC encourages hunter safety. Visit their website for a safe hunting season.

Get our free mobile app