WCDO Radio News

Governor Hochul signed an executive order establishing a statewide moratorium on the permitting and construction of large new data centers. The freeze will temporarily stop massive, facilities for up to a year while the state develops updated environmental, energy, and community standards. The ban applies to new data center facilities that require 50 Mega Watts or more of energy. however smaller data centers used by hospitals, universities, and financial back-office services are exempt.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-9-26

Governor Hochul announced $110 million in State funding to improve emergency communications systems and dispatching capabilities through 2 programs. Through the SICG-Formula Grant Program, $90 million is being awarded to support efforts to bolster communications networks, locally, Chennago County gets $968,000, Delaware County 1.16 Million Dollars & Otsego County gets 1.2 Million dollars. Also, The PSAP Operations Grant Program provides funding to support county 911 centers, with Chenango getting $310,000, Delaware & Otsego Counties get almost $320,000 each.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 7-2-26

State and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to crack down on reckless and impaired driving statewide ahead of and during the July 4th holiday weekend. This campaign began Monday & will run through Sunday, July 5. Law enforcement officers across New York will conduct sobriety checkpoints and target dangerous and aggressive driving during what is considered the busiest travel weekend of the summer. To help ease travel during the busy holiday weekend, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended from 6 am. Thursday, July 2, through 6 am. Monday, July 6, some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-30-26

With extreme heat forecast in the Tri-County Region over the next few days, Cooling stations will be open at various location, in Delaware County, cooling stations will be at the Sidney Memorial Public Library, the Andes Public Library, other locations may be announced, In Chenango County, designated emergency cooling centers include the Guernsey Memorial Library at 3 Court Street, in Norwich, the Sherburne Public Library, more information may be available from the Chenango County Clerk's Office. IN Otsego County, cooling centers include the Southside Mall, The Foxcare Center as well as the greater Plains & Wilber Pools in Oneonta or the Clark Sport Center in Cooperstown, more information is available at the State Department of Health

Governor Hochul today announced the release of the $30 million Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program for New York agricultural producers. The tariff relief program will provide direct payments of a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $25,000 to eligible producers. Distribution of funds will be determined through two tracks, 1 for Dairy Farms & the other for Livestock, Livestock Products, Specialty Crops, More information is available at agriculture.ny.gov/agricultural-resiliency-against-tariffs-program

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 6-16-26

Discounted single-day admission tickets for the Great New York State Fair are being offered for a limited time. The Spring Into Summer ticket sale will run from Thursday, June 18, through Monday, June 22, giving people their final chance to buy tickets for $6. Admission is still free for children under 12 and seniors 65 and older. The fair will open Aug. 26 and continue through Labor Day, with all concerts included in the admission price, Tickets are available at etix.com.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 6-11-26

Binghamton Police responded Tuesday to a report of a male stabbed downtown, a 19-year-old male victim had sustained 2 significant stab wounds; one to his back and one in the upper leg, he was transported to a local hospital for treatment & emergency surgery. 2 suspects had fled the scene in a white sedan. 1 suspect was identified as 19 year old Christopher Ricketts of Binghamton, the 2nd suspect & driver of the vehicle in question was identified as 18 year old Jeremiah Coqmard of Johnson City. Both were charged with 1st degree Assault both were arraigned in Binghamton City Court and remanded to the custody of the Broome County Correctional Facility, anyone with information is asked to contact the Binghamton Police Detective Bureau by phone at 607-772-7080.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-10-26

The Chenango County Health Department announced that the BOIL WATER ORDER has been Lifted for the Village of Bainbridge Water System & residents may resume normal use of the water. Emergency water quality monitoring has indicated that the water system again meets State Drinking Water Standards. Some residents may experience discolored water or a change in taste or odor of the water; if this occurs flush all water lines for 15-20 minutes or until the water runs clear. More information is available by calling the Bainbridge Village Office 607-967-7373 or the Chenango County Health Department at 607-337-1673.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 6-3-26

The Oneonta Fire Department responded to the report of a fire at the new Dietz Street Lofts in Oneonta, at about 2:00 PM this afternoon. mutual aid was requester from fire departments in Otego, West Oneonta, Laurens and Milford, Videos from scene showed flames on the roof of one of the buildings. WCDO News will have more information as it becomes available.

Governor Hochul announced that $6 million in State support included in the recently passed budget, will allow for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies to commit to a five-year lease extension at Mirabito Stadium. The new deal will see the team remain in Binghamton through the 2035 season, state money will be used for stadium improvements, it will be complemented by $1.2 million in City and team investments, and $12 million in planned City and federal investments for the stadium district enhancements.

Governor Hochul's Office announced a 5 year deal has been reached on a contract for the CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION, with more than 55,000 New York State Employees. The Contract Includes Yearly Salary Increases, Increases in Location Pay and Changes in Health Benefits, the Contract is Subject to Union Membership Ratification

A.M. NEWS Thursday 5-28-26

Governor Hochul announced that the State Budget for 26-27 has passed. The 268 Billion Dollar plan includes a Path to implementing Universal Child Care, Reforms to Lower Auto Insurance Premiums, a $1 Billion Energy Rebate, Reforms to Cut Red Tape To Build More Housing and Infrastructure Faster, and the First-In-Nation Law to Crack Down on 3D Printed Ghost Guns

A.M. NEWS FRIDAY 5-8-26

Governor Hochul announced that an agreement on the late State Budget has been reached with Legislative leaders totaling $268 Billion Dollars. Among the agreements highlighted, Universal Child Care, Reforms to Lower Auto Insurance Premiums, a $1 Billion Energy Rebate to New Yorkers, Reforms to increase housing construction and a Crack Down on 3D Printed Ghost Guns

A new poll from Sienna Research Institute shows that Governor Hochul's lead over Nassau County Republican Bruce Blakeman increased by another 3%, in the race for New York Governor. Hochul had 49% of prospective voters, while Blakeman had 33%.

Governor Hochul announced action to protect survivors of domestic violence, by selecting 5 counties including Delaware county to participate in a 2-year Coordinated Community Response Pilot Program. The effort will be led by the State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, the initiative aims to help survivors access safety and support faster while ensuring accountability for offenders.

A.M. NEWS Friday 5-1-26

UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich will hold their 7th "Community Baby Shower" for expectant parents & families with newborns, on Saturday, spokesperson Melissa Stagnaro explains:

(Melissa Stagnaro 5-1-26)

The Community Baby Shower will run from Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, it is free and available for pregnant individuals, new parents, and families with babies up to 12 months old.

Governor Hochuls's Office announced that $237.7 Million Dollars was returned to New Yorkers in 2025. The Department of Financial Services Returned $134 million to Consumers and Health Care Providers, the Public Service Commission Helped Over 75,000 New Yorkers with Complaints in 2025, Collecting Nearly $66 Million for Consumers, the Department of Labor Recovered More Than $35 Million in Wage Theft and Collected $2.2 Million in Penalties. Also, the Division of Consumer Protection Helped Over 27,000 New Yorkers, collecting Nearly $2.7 Million for Consumers, New Yorkers Can File a Complaint at dfs.ny.gov/complaint.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-10-26

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant has been awarded to the Village of Morris for $4.5 million as winners of the 4th round of the NY Forward program. Butternut Valley Alliance Chairperson Maggie Brenner told WCDO News what happens next:

(Maggie Brenner 4-10-26)

After the successful Morris Grant award, the alliance will try to acquire a similar one for Gilbertsville, as they continue to try to improve the region & make the Butternut Valley into a popular tourist destination.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 4-9-26

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that various Municipalities in the Mohawk Valley, received Downtown Revitalization Initiative funds, locally the Village of Morris will receive $4.5 million as winners of the 4th round of the NY Forward program. Morris will invest in sidewalks, streetscapes and housing to strengthen its downtown region in order to make the village a more popular tourist location.

New York State Department of Transportation announced that they plan to fill 175,000 potholes across the state, now that the snow & Ice season has ended. Governor Hochul and Commissioner Dominguez joined a paving crew Monday morning to show that filling potholes is a priority this spring.

P.M. NEWS FRIDAY 4-3-26

The City of Norwich Police Department arrested 33 year old Chad Potter of Sherburne, following a multi-agency investigation into interference with public safety communications. The investigation began in March of 2021, when it was alleged that Potter unlawfully transmitted over a law enforcement radio frequencies on multiple occasions, interfering with police, fire, and EMS operations throughout Chenango County. Potter broadcast false statements, including one transmission of "shots fired, shots fired," Potter was interviewed and admitted to transmitting over the law enforcement frequency and making the false statements, & having flashing lights on his vehicle, he was charged with 2 counts of Obstruction of Governmental Administration & Making a Terroristic Threat. Potter faces court action at a later date.

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 3-31-26

The State DOT & State Police closed I-88 between Exits 10 and 12 in both directions until further notice, A large amount of soil has eroded underneath the roadway, this is not due to a culvert collapse, but to an as yet unknown water issue. Crews from the New York State Department of Transportation are on the scene assessing the issue. Motorists are advised to follow the established detour routes on to State Route 7, Detour signage is in place to guide motorists. Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available from the DOT. Motorists are urged to allow for extra travel time, and exercise caution while traveling along detour on State Route 7.

P.M. NEWS Wednesday 3-25-26

Governor Hochul has been making stops around the state to gain support for her Affordability agenda, as prices are skyrocketing at the pump, in the ability to building more housing and Cutting the cost of Auto insurance due to fraud:

(Hochul 3-25-25)

Governor Hochul is also backing off on some on some of her lofty goals regarding electric vehicles, there is 1 week to go to get the state budget passed on time for the beginning of the next fiscal year.

P.M. NEWS WEDNESDAY 3-18-26

Governor Hochul has been pushing for new laws to crack down on auto insurance fraudulent claims that have been driving up the price of New York insurance Policies above what drivers in other states are paying:

(Hochul 3-18-26)

Hochul said that the State Florida implemented a series of reforms to crack down on insurance fraud, knocking down insurance costs by about 20% for their driver in the last 2 years, she is urging the legislature to pass similar laws by the end of this session in June.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-16-26

A Delaware County Grand Jury returned a 4 Count Indictment against 36 year old William Weil of Bainbridge last week. Weil was indicted for Aggravated DWI, Felony DWI & Endangering the welfare of a child, for allegedly driving intoxicated with a child in his vehicle in Delhi on January 22nd, the DWI is a felony as Weil was convicted of DWI within the last 10 years. Weil faces action on the indictments shortly.

P.M. NEWS THURSDAY 3-12-26

State Police arrested 33 year old Michael Davis Jr. of Unadilla Wednesday for Grand Larceny, following an investigation of a couple from Unadilla looking for a contractor to complete work at their residence. Davis was hired, The couple provided him Davis with $1,500 for materials, but failed to start the work. Davis was arrested and was issued an appearance ticket to the Unadilla Town Court on April 21, 2026.

P.M. NEWS MONDAY 3-9-26

Delaware County Public Health reported that a raccoon tested positive for rabies in the town of Colchester, it's the 1st positive case of rabies in Delaware County in 2026. The rabid raccoon exposed 2 dogs, There were no human exposures. Both dogs are up to date on their rabies vaccinations and received a booster. To report a suspected rabid animal call Delaware County Public Health Services at 607-832-5200, for more information visit delawarecountypublichealth.com

Governor Hochul met business leaders to assess the damage of President Trump’s tariffs, so far, Based on estimates by the Budget Lab at Yale, the average New York household has faced an estimated $1,751 in added costs due to tariffs since they were enacted last year, for a total estimated $13.5 billion statewide impact. The Governor said that she was forced to propose $30 million in tariff relief in the Executive Budget to help impacted farmers across the state, after the tariffs causing higher equipment and supply costs among other major challenges. Last week the US Supreme Court ruling overturned Trump’s tariffs, business owners & Farmers told the Governor that the decision came too late.

Governor Hochul directed intelligence communities & cyber experts here in the State to coordinate with local law enforcement as well as federal law enforcement to Keep New Yorkers safe following military interaction with Iran in recent days:

(Hochul 3-2-26)

Governor Kathy Hochul has directed local and federal law enforcement to prioritize the safety of New Yorkers, especially at their places of worship for the near future as long as the military actions are continuing in the Middle East.

Governor Hochul & the State Department of Health announced $10 million to enhance dental care services at school-based health centers and improve oral health outcomes for children across the state. The program includes dental services offering preventive and restorative oral health care, including screenings, sealants, and treatments, Delivered directly at the schools.

Former area Congressman Marc Molinaro Announced that he has launched a campaign for the New York State Assembly to represent the 102nd District and fill the seat being vacated by Chris Tague. Molinaro was a member of Congress in New York’s 19th Congressional District, he then served as Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration.

A.M. NEWS MONDAY 2-23-26

Governor Hochul has issued a State of Emergency many Counties including Delaware County with a WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1:00 PM THIS AFTERNOON. More Than 5,600 Utility Workers on Standby Across the State to Engage in Damage Assessment, Response, Repair, and Restoration Efforts, New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111