Copper cable dropped into Susquehanna River by thieves removed by NYSEG
NYSEG hired contractor Republic Services to pull the electrical wire from the water just downstream of the confluence in downtown Binghamton.
Over the weekend, unknown thieves damaged the utility pole on the southside of the river, causing the heavy cable to plunge into the river.
Copper thieves drop cable into Susquehanna River
Binghamton Police are investigating the attempted theft.
The DEC investigated the situation and determined that the cable did not pose any environmental threat to the waterway.
The electrical wire was decommissioned decades ago and had already been removed in all other locations besides the portion spanning the river.
Friday morning, the crew from Republic chopped it up into manageable pieces and loaded it into a truck to be hauled away.
Copper cable dropped into Susquehanna River by thieves removed by NYSEG
NYSP: Elmira woman arrested for driving on meth with child in car
On and off light rain showers for the end of the week
25 new beds added to the Binghamton Psych Center
Binghamton celebrates National Donate Life month
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Newsweek
11-08-2025
- Newsweek
Peanut the Squirrel's Owners Seek $10M Over Death of 'Irreplaceable' Animal
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The owners of P'Nut the Squirrel and a raccoon named Fred are suing the State of New York for $10 million in damages after the animals were euthanized last year. Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner filed the lawsuit on Thursday in the New York Court of Claims, alleging constitutional violations and wrongful killing of their animals by state officials. The lawsuit names the state, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Department of Health (DOH) as defendants. Newsweek contacted Longo's Attorney Nora Constance Marino, the DEC, DOH and the State of New York for comment by email. Why It Matters The lawsuit alleges that the seizure and killing of P'Nut and Fred were not only a violation of New York's wildlife laws, but also an infringement of the owners' Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Whether such laws even apply is debatable—the plaintiffs maintain neither P'Nut nor Fred were "wild animals" under the law, but rather "companion animals." If successful, the case could set precedent for how far state agencies can go in enforcing wildlife regulations, particularly when animals are domesticated and kept in private homes. The incident unfolded just before the 2024 presidential election, sparking widespread online outrage, and even bomb threats against officials. It became a rallying point for critics of government overreach, drawing attention from public figures such as Elon Musk and Joe Rogan. P'Nut the squirrel with Mark Longo. P'Nut the squirrel with Mark Longo. @peanut_the_squirrel12 /Instagram What To Know Longo and Bittner describe P'Nut's personality and abilities as unique and irreplaceable. Fred's personality and abilities, while still developing, were showing signs he too would be unique and irreplaceable—though they intended to release him back into the wild. The animals were both kept inside their home. New York law prohibits keeping squirrels and raccoons as pets because they are classified as wild animals. Many of P'Nut's fans knew about the couple's sanctuary because of his social media presence, and many donated because of his stardom. P'Nut's likeness, antics, and image were used for promotion, endorsements, sponsorships, and marketing by way of plaintiff D&M, including on Cameo and OnlyFans. Fred was beginning to build his own online following. The couple are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, along with legal fees and costs, claiming "severe emotional distress, humiliation, and damage to reputation." According to the lawsuit, a group of DEC and DOH agents, along with other law enforcement officers, arrived at the couple's Pine City property on October 30, 2024, to execute a search warrant. Both animals were seized during the raid and later killed by state officials. DEC officials said that P'Nut bit an agent through thick leather gloves during the raid, prompting both animals to be euthanized and decapitated for rabies testing. The state has since confirmed the tests were negative. The complaint alleges the killings were "not due to a fear of rabies," but were a "senseless act of violence" and "obscene demonstration of government abuse." The plaintiffs claim they were "unlawfully detained without probable cause and subjected to an unreasonable search and seizure," and that "despite having no evidence of criminal activity, Defendants proceeded to arrest Plaintiffs and initiate baseless charges." The suit also alleges that the seizure exceeded the scope of the warrant and that requests for the animals' remains have gone unanswered. "Defendants have engaged in a pattern of conduct that has deprived Plaintiffs of their constitutional rights under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments," the complaint states. It adds: "The acts and omissions of the Defendants were intentional, malicious, and taken with reckless disregard for the rights of the Plaintiffs." The filing follows an earlier lawsuit in Chemung County Supreme Court targeting local and state officials over the same incident. What People Are Saying Longo told the New York Post: "This is our opportunity to make change and seek justice for P'Nut and Fred." Marino, Longo's attorney, told the newspaper: "I hope justice is done, not just for my clients, but for our civil rights, P'Nut and Fred, and all animals." The October raid and subsequent animal killings drew national attention in the final days before the presidential election. Then Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance said at a rally in November: "Don is fired up about P'Nut the squirrel." Donald Trump Jr. said at a rally: "Justice for Peanut! Our government will let in 16,000 rapists, they will let in 13,000 murderers, they will let in 600,000 criminals across our border, but if someone has a pet squirrel without a permit, they will go in there and kill the squirrel." Elon Musk wrote on X: "Government overreach kidnapped an orphan squirrel and executed him." What Happens Next No trial date has been set in either the Court of Claims case, or the related Chemung County action.


New York Post
09-08-2025
- New York Post
P'Nut the Squirrel's owners want $10M for animal's execution: Lawsuit
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Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Yahoo
Suspect crashed stolen car near Encore casino, stole Republic Services truck, police say
A suspect is in custody Thursday evening after crashing a stolen car near Encore casino in Everett, then carjacking a Republic Services trash truck and crashing it on a bridge into Boston, according to police. The suspect crashed the first car — which was stolen from Medford — on Broadway in front of the casino after police tried to pull it over, Everett police said in a Facebook post. The suspect then ran away and carjacked the trash truck, but soon crashed it on the Alford Street Bridge, police said. The incident led to a large police response from Everett, Boston and State Police near Encore Thursday afternoon. The police departments are processing three crime scenes, Everett police said. 'It is anticipated that Lower Broadway corridor will be closed for another 2 to 3 hrs for crime scene and hazmat cleanup,' Everett police wrote on Facebook at 5:15 p.m. Republic Services' unionized employees walked off the job on July 1 and are still on strike. This has led to a waste pile-up in the many Greater Boston communities that contract with the company to provide municipal waste services. No further information — including the suspect's name — has been released, but Everett police said more information about the incident would be shared with the public later on. More local crime stories Encore casino crash suspect in critical condition after being shot by police, DA says Worcester man pleads guilty to sexually exploiting three underage girls Ex-Medfield parks and rec director pleads guilty to stealing over $125,000 from town One suspect arrested, two evade police after 50-mile car chase across Mass. Boston man pleads guilty to failing to register as a sex offender Read the original article on MassLive. Solve the daily Crossword