Cuomo Says New York Stands with Oklahomans

(NEW YORK) -- As emergency crews continue to work against the clock in search of survivors of a powerful tornado that ripped through Moore, Okla., on Monday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the Empire State stands with those impacted by the devastation.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Oklahoma in the wake of the horrific tornado that caused widespread damage in parts of the state," Cuomo said in a statement. "Here in New York we know firsthand the devastation and pain caused by natural disasters, and in difficult times like these we, more than ever, stand with our fellow Americans."

Monday's tornado killed at least 24 people, including 7 children, and destroyed homes and businesses along a 12-mile path, authorities said.

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City Announces 'One Dollar Healthy Homes' Winners

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) -- The City of Binghamton has announced the grant winners in the "One Dollar Healthy Homes" initiative.

The winners will each receive $100,000 in Restore NY grant money.

The winning locations announced Monday included: 23 Alfred Street; 45 Brook Avenue; 13-13.5 Hancock Street; 118 Liberty Street; and 11 and 13 Way Street.

The initiative, announced earlier this year, sought redevelopment proposals for eight seriously blighted homes acquired by the City through foreclosure.

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NY's Unemployment Rate Slides Downward

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) -- New York State's unemployment rate has fallen to the lowest it has been since March 2009.

A report issued by the state's Department of Labor on Thursday said that New York State's unemployment rate fell from 8.2 percent in March to 7.8 percent in April.

In New York City, the unemployment rate dropped five-tenths of a percentage point over the month to 8.4 percent in April; and in the remainder of the state, the unemployment rate fell from 7.7 percent to 7.4 percent over the same period.

The national unemployment rate for April was 7.5 percent, down from 7.6 percent in March.

Economists had expected that figure to remain unchanged.

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Section of Laurel Avenue to Be Closed Friday for Paving

(BINGHAMTON) -- A section of Laurel Avenue in Binghamton will be closed Friday as the city continues to re-pave streets.

The city stated that Laurel Avenue, between Seminary Avenue and Lincoln Avenue, will be closed for paving on Friday.

However, the city did not specify the exact time period of the road closure.

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Endicott Man Charged with Stealing Copper Pipe

(ENDICOTT, N.Y.) -- An Endicott man has been arrested for allegedly stealing copper pipe from an apartment he was squatting in.

Donald R. House, 32, is charged with criminal mischief and grand larceny.

Officials at the Broome County Sheriff’s Office said in published reports that House cut all the copper piping and baseboard heating units from the apartment, and then scrapped the metal for cash.

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Overnight Standoff in South Waverly Ends in Arrest

(SOUTH WAVERLY, Pa.) -- An overnight police standoff in South Waverly, Pa., ended with a man being arrested and charged Tuesday morning.

The incident began unfolding shortly after 7 p.m. on Monday after a man barricaded himself inside a home on William Street and refused to come out, authorities said in published reports.

Police surrounded the residence, and several hours later Timothy Murphy was eventually taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and reckless endangerment, PressConnects.com reported.

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No Bail for Suspect Accused of Sex Act with Minor

(NORWICH, N.Y.) -- A 50-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly engaging in sexual contact with a girl under the age of 13.

Martin Nowalk is being held at the Chenango County Jail without bail.

Nowalk is charged with  rape, criminal sexual act and endangering the welfare of a child.

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'Ride of Silence' to Honor Cyclist Killed in Owego

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) -- Seven months after she died in a vehicular collision in the Town of Owego, cyclist Dottie Rice is being honored in a "Ride of Silence" event next week.

Rice was struck and killed by a vehicle as she was out riding her bicycle on Route 434 on October 13.

The event is being put on by the Southern Tier Bicycle Club, which says the "Ride of Silence" is aimed at raising awareness of the presence of cyclists on public roadways.

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State to Invest Nearly $60 Million in Tourism Campaign

(NEW YORK) -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced that the state is investing nearly $60 million in a campaign aimed at boosting tourism in the state.

The campaign will include a series of initiatives, including a new "I LOVE NY" marketing campaign to promote upstate New York; new welcome centers at border and interstate crossings; and a new "Taste NY" marketing effort.

Gov. Cuomo says the nearly $60 million investment is the most the state has spent on tourism in decades. Last year, the state invested $19 million in tourism funding.

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Park Street to Reopen Wednesday Afternoon as Paving Continues

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) -- Technical issues involved in the paving process has forced the closure of a section of Park Street to extend to Wednesday.

Binghamton City officials say a tack coat had already been placed on the roadway Tuesday, when a hydraulic line break occurred on the paver, resulting in the street remaining closed overnight.

Paving is to be completed on Wednesday morning, with the closure affecting Park Street between Grand Boulevard and Main Street. Officials say the street is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday afternoon.

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