Binghamton Area News Roundup 9/19/25
ICE pushback, city and county budgets, and plenty of local spotlights
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‼️Must-Reads
🧊👮Pushback on ICE as Akshar remains defiant
Local elected officials and many citizens are making their voices heard about the Broome County Jail being used as an ICE detention facility, as well as about raids and arrests happening locally.
Social media images of secret ICE agents arresting local residents have resulted in an outcry. Mayor Kraham, concerned about constitutionality, said any ICE operations are not only taking place without involving the Binghamton Police Department, but also without even notifying them.
Others who have spoken out include nonprofit groups, local churches, Sen. Lea Webb and Rep. Donna Lupardo.
Sheriff Akshar, for his part, says the federal detainees don't raise costs
💸Broome County and Binghamton Budgets
A 200-slot day care center at the Oakdale Commons is set to open next year as part of this budget.
Other proposals, such as a mental health response, a new fire station, a new code prosecutor position, a new park splash pad, and Clinton Street revitalization projects were also listed.
Downtown, the State Street parking garage is set to be demolished, with a surface lot proposed to replace it.
Both budget addressees cited rising property values.
🏗️Building Broome
The Town of Dickinson just unveiled a new solar plant for the county's electricity production
BC Transit gets its first electric buses
👋Openings and Closings
Frank from Frank's is bringing a new pizzeria to the Vestal Parkway
Local rap artists are jumping onto the "607 Cypher"
Washington Ave. in Endicott gets a new coffee and smoothie shop
VINES opening a new Floral Ave. community garden
Guacado is here bringing yet another mexican fast casual bowl spot to Broome
The Big M in Windsor might stick around after all
Petunia's is getting ready to open downtown
🏛️Politics
A highway garage project in the Town of Windsor is being accused of mismanagement
Josh Riley introduced a bill in response to rising utility costs
A local forum spotlighted court resources for the public
🏫Schools
WSKG is seeking input on the current state of local school districts and what residents want to know, particularly about their finances
BU is very high on a whole lot of college rankings
BU students are cautiously optimistic about their new president
A new 350-bed residence hall is going up in BU's Mountainview area, alongside other campus renovations
🌇Community Spotlights
It's the Broome County Arts Trail's first weekend! NewsChannel 34 did a spotlight on the event
Check out B.C. Celtic Pipes and Drum Band's sick new drip
Pipe Dream spotlighted BU's Haudenosaunee Festival
Stoughton Farm has its maize design
NC34 gave Goodwill Theatre a spotlight as their Business of the Week
The Forum Theater wall gets new stars
Blues on the Bridge celebrates co-founder after stroke
A BU Jewish group held a tribute to alumni killed in the 9/11/01 attack
👮Crime & Safety
Being a 911 dispatcher is hard work. The Press and Sun did a spotlight on Broome County's emergency dispatchers and the toll the job can take.
A Binghamton man was charged with attempted murder after two were shot on the West Side last week
💉Health
Governor Hochul made it easier for kids to get updated COVID-19 vaccines, following the recent RFK Jr. - led restricted guidelines on who should get the updated shot.
An HIV cluster has been reported in Broome County
UHS is planning more expansion
⚾Sports
The Rumble Ponies advance to the Eastern League Championship, set to play either the Altoona Curve or Erie Seawolves on Sunday after a heater game 2 vs. the Somerset Patriots
Emily Mackay, the local running star, reached the semifinals in the world championship 1500-meter race
The Press and Sun have a football score rundown here.
BU men's basketball coach talked about the fresh team for the upcoming season
❤️Good News & Grants
CHOW got a big boost from NY state
📰Other Stories
Get ready for some Vestal Parkway road work
A Spiedie Fest guest is now Miss America
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