MYBROOME NOW – Monday, July 20, 2026

MYBROOME NOW
Monday, July 20, 2026
From the MyBroome News Room

TOP STORY

From NewsXR: U.S. Launches Ninth Night of Strikes Against Iran as Hormuz Crisis Deepens

The U.S.-Iran war moved into another dangerous phase Monday as the United States launched a ninth consecutive night of bombing against Iran following the collapse of peace talks tied to the Strait of Hormuz and the deaths of American service members in the region. The latest strikes came after recent U.S. casualties tied to Iranian attacks on forces in Jordan, with U.S. officials saying the campaign is now focused heavily on protecting military assets and keeping oil traffic moving through one of the world’s most important shipping corridors.

Iran has retaliated by targeting regional infrastructure and threatening further maritime disruption, while the Strait of Hormuz remains the central flashpoint. Any prolonged disruption there can quickly affect fuel prices, shipping costs, markets and military families far beyond the Middle East, including here in Broome County.

The conflict is no longer isolated to direct U.S.-Iran strikes. Suspected Somali pirates reportedly hijacked a Tanzanian-flagged tanker from Yemen, while Yemen’s Houthis have announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia. Across the Gulf, water, power and port infrastructure remain high-risk targets as the war widens.

NewsXR will continue tracking the war, regional spillover and local economic impact as this conflict enters another week.

OTHER STORIES

Broome County Housing Debate Continues After Knights Inn Fire and Protest Encampment

Broome County continues to navigate intense public debate over emergency housing, motel placements and reform after the June 22 Knights Inn fire in Endwell killed six people and displaced dozens of residents. New York State Police confirmed six deaths in the fire, and an Endwell man was later charged with six counts of second-degree manslaughter and fourth-degree arson.

The fire intensified local scrutiny over the county’s use of motels for emergency shelter. Housing advocates set up a protest encampment outside the Broome County Office Building in downtown Binghamton, where the demonstration remained for 24 days before being dismantled in mid-July.

The issue boiled over during the July 16 Broome County Legislature meeting, when protesters disrupted the session and law enforcement removed about 20 people from the chambers. Two people were arrested following the disturbance. County Executive Jason Garnar and Vestal Town Supervisor Maria Sexton have also publicly clashed over living conditions, code inspections and the use of the Parkway Inn for unhoused residents.

EF-1 Tornado Confirmed Near Castle Creek

The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-1 tornado touched down in the Southern Tier during Saturday’s severe weather outbreak, with damage reported in and around the broader Broome and Delaware County area. A preliminary survey found the tornado peaked at EF-1 strength and carved a path through the region Saturday evening.

Local reports tied damage near Castle Creek to winds estimated near 100 mph, with trees and power lines damaged along the storm path. The confirmed tornado adds another layer to a weather stretch already marked by wildfire smoke, air-quality alerts, heavy rain and severe storm risk.

Sheriff’s Office Launches New Text and Transparency Platform

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office has launched a new communication platform designed to give residents, businesses and crime victims clearer updates after calls for police service. The system, Versaterm CommunityConnect, went live July 16 and sends automated text messages, incident numbers and case-status updates to people who call 911 or the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line from a mobile phone.

Sheriff Fred Akshar said the platform is part of a broader push for transparency and community engagement. The system is intended to help callers and victims follow the investigative and judicial process without having to repeatedly call for updates.

Broome County Jail Salmonella Outbreak Resolved

The Broome County Health Department and Sheriff’s Office have confirmed that the salmonella outbreak at the Broome County Correctional Facility has been resolved. The outbreak previously sickened hundreds of incarcerated people and prompted public-health attention inside the facility.

Free Transit Rides Continue for Cooling Centers

Broome County Transit continues offering free rides for residents traveling to and from county cooling centers during periods of dangerous summer heat. The service is meant to help people without reliable transportation reach safe indoor locations when heat and humidity create health risks.

Programming Note: The Nightly Wrap Launches Tuesday

Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, July 21, MyBroome and NewsXR will launch The Nightly Wrap, a new nightly 11 PM summary of the day’s top stories.

PUBLIC SAFETY / ALERTS / CRIME

Salka of Binghamton was arrested after the July 16 Broome County legislative-session disturbance and released on an appearance ticket returnable to Binghamton City Court. The charges listed include obstructing governmental administration, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

Brian of Binghamton was arrested in the same legislative-session disturbance and released on an appearance ticket returnable to Binghamton City Court. The charges listed include obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct.

Alexa McKan of the Town of Dickinson was arrested by sheriff’s deputies and charged with first-degree assault, a Class B felony, following a domestic incident investigation in the Town of Dickinson.

Gregory L. Jackson of Brooklyn, Sircurtis D. King of Binghamton and Jhenna T. Wood of Binghamton were held for central booking arraignment after a narcotics traffic-stop investigation. The three face multi-count felony drug charges tied to cocaine and fentanyl seizures.

Thomas George III of Binghamton was found guilty by a Broome County Court jury of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The conviction stems from a Johnson City police traffic stop in which officers recovered a loaded 9mm handgun hidden in his waistband along with methamphetamine. George was remanded to jail pending sentencing.

Rondell Dowdell of Endicott entered a guilty plea to felony drug possession charges and is awaiting sentencing in Broome County Court.

Robert Scott of Binghamton was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine. Federal authorities said Scott was accused of possessing more than 40 grams of fentanyl and 28 grams of crack cocaine; prosecutors said he was already on probation at the time.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS & TRAFFIC

Broome County drivers should prepare for road maintenance and minor delays this week as county crews continue seasonal work across the area.

Planned maintenance includes ditch and culvert work on West Chenango Road, Bunn Hill Road, Dunham Hill Road, Old Newark Valley Road, Terrace Drive, Hardie Road, Ouaquaga Road and Old Route 17. Additional work includes blacktop repairs on Twist Run Road, guide rail repairs on Nanticoke Road and paint striping across county routes.

Drivers should slow down in work zones, give crews room and allow extra time on rural and secondary roads.

WEATHER AND 5-DAY FORECAST
From the NewsXR Weather Center

Monday, July 20, 2026

Binghamton and the Southern Tier start the day sunny and seasonable, with temperatures around 66 degrees, humidity near 68 percent and a light south wind. High pressure should keep the region dry and pleasant through the rest of Monday before a warm front brings rain and thunderstorm chances back into the forecast Tuesday.

Air Quality Update: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued recent Air Quality Health Advisories for fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke, with Broome County included in the Central New York advisory region. DEC and DOH issue these advisories when pollution levels are expected to exceed an AQI value of 100.

The local AQI has been reported around 108, which falls into the unhealthy-for-sensitive-groups range. Young children, older adults and people with asthma, COPD, heart disease or other respiratory conditions should limit strenuous or prolonged outdoor activity while the smoke layer remains in place.

5-Day Forecast

Monday, July 20: Sunny. High 78, low 50.
Tuesday, July 21: Light rain and storms likely. High 74, low 65.
Wednesday, July 22: Scattered rain. High 74, low 53.
Thursday, July 23: Sunny. High 74, low 51.
Friday, July 24: Sunny. High 80, low 52.

Weather 100 Years Ago Today: On July 20, 1926, Binghamton was hot and humid with scattered thunderstorms. The high reached 89 degrees, the low dropped to 65, and 0.09 inches of rain was recorded, showing a brief summer shower or thunderstorm. That was nearly 10 degrees warmer than today’s forecast high.

REGIONAL SPORTS UPDATE FROM THE NEWSXR SPORTS CENTER

Spain Wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Spain is back on top of world soccer after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time Sunday at MetLife Stadium to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ferran Torres scored the championship-winning goal in the 106th minute, giving Spain its second World Cup title and denying Argentina a repeat championship.

The final was physical, tense and tactical, with Spain controlling long stretches and finally breaking through in extra time. FIFA also named Pau Cubarsí the tournament’s Best Young Player after his standout work in Spain’s back line.

Rumble Ponies Swept by Akron

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies were swept by the Akron RubberDucks in a three-game series at Mirabito Stadium. The roughest moment came Friday night, when Binghamton, playing as the Southern Tier Scoop Scoundrels, was shut out 11-0.

Sunday brought one bright spot despite the loss: Jonathan Santucci struck out a career-high 13 batters over 5.2 innings. The Rumble Ponies get a rest day Monday before opening a six-game series against the Portland Sea Dogs Tuesday at 6:07 p.m. at Mirabito Stadium.

Little League Postseason Heats Up

The New York State Little League tournament picture continues to intensify as local 12U baseball teams fight through regional sectionals. On the softball side, Massapequa International secured the New York State championship over the weekend with a 5-1 win over Stony Point.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Crest Fest 2026 returns Friday, July 24, at Hillcrest Community Park. The family-friendly event begins at 6 p.m. and features live music by Bro Bros, local food trucks, softball games and a fireworks finale. Overflow parking will be available at Elliott Manufacturing on Nowlan Road.

Broome Bands Together continues Tuesday, July 21, at Otsiningo Park with Storm Front scheduled to perform at 6 p.m. The concert is free, concessions will be available, and attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food or cash donations to benefit CHOW.

Music in the Glen brings Simmerin Stew to Glendale Park in Endicott on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The family-friendly park concert is free to attend.

Music at the Museum continues Wednesday, July 22, at the Endicott Visitors Center lawn with Mark and Nino performing at 6 p.m. Attendees should bring lawn chairs; a $5 to $10 donation is suggested.

The Endicott Summer Concert Series continues Thursday, July 23, with Brothers & Friends at the George W. Johnson Park Carousel at 7 p.m.

Photo City Presents brings an all-ages multi-band showcase to the Bundy Museum of History and Art on Friday, July 24, at 5:30 p.m. The lineup includes For The Better, Reminitions, Long Way Home and others. Tickets are $15.

Ska-Pop Covers Night takes over Stadium 138 on Washington Street Friday at 8 p.m., with Sum Doubt performing high-energy pop covers with a ska twist alongside opening act Trevor Twigg.

Binghamton Rumble Ponies Homestand begins Tuesday, July 21, at Mirabito Stadium as the Ponies open a six-game series against the Portland Sea Dogs. First pitch is 6:07 p.m.

Now Playing Locally: Regal Binghamton and AMC Vestal Town Square 9 are showing The Odyssey, Moana, Minions & Monsters, Toy Story 5, Evil Dead Burn, The Invite and Young Washington. Regal Binghamton is also showing Supergirl. Tioga Theater in Owego lists The Odyssey, Moana, Minions & Monsters and Toy Story 5.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Empowering Broome County Neighbors

Amid a summer of heavy news and difficult public debate, local organizations, volunteers and funding initiatives are helping bring positive change to the Southern Tier.

Broome County has opened applications for its ninth annual Small Community Fund grant program, with $500,000 available for local nonprofits and municipalities. The program supports neighborhood-scale work such as park improvements, public-health initiatives and community infrastructure. A previous award helped modernize the Fred Singer Training Tower, an important training site for volunteer firefighters across the county.

Broome County Community Charities also crossed a major milestone this summer, securing more than $500,000 from golf-related events. That brings the foundation’s historic giving to nearly $22 million, supporting local health care clinics, youth programs, education networks and community services.

The Broome County Youth Bureau has also launched its 2026 grant cycle, offering support for after-school care, youth mentoring, sports equipment and runaway or homeless youth services.

MYBROOME™ THEN – 100 YEARS AGO TODAY IN BROOME COUNTY

Masked “Sheriff Deputies” Rob Windsor Henhouse

Exactly 100 years ago today, local papers carried one of the stranger crime stories in Southern Tier memory.

In Windsor, roadhouse proprietor James “Pop” Lesco reported that three men arrived in a large touring car, with two of them wearing masks over their eyes and claiming to be sheriff’s deputies. The men allegedly tried to shake him down for cash. When Lesco refused, the bandits changed tactics.

They ordered pork sandwiches, stayed long enough to steal 43 of his finest chickens in bags, looted two bushels of peas and sped off.

The story sits beside other July 20, 1926 headlines about Port Dickinson planning a combined fire station and village hall, the death of Binghamton writer and poet Mary Brecht Pulver, summer cleaning at the Broome County Courthouse and a fire at the Endicott Johnson Workers’ grocery store sausage factory.

FOR OUR YOUNGER NEWS CONSUMERS SEE THE COVER PHOTO NEWS FLASH.

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