BROOME COUNTY NEWSWIRE ON MYBROOME.COM

Author: MyBroomeStaff

  • WEATHER NOW: Southern Tier 5-Day Forecast

    WEATHER NOW: Southern Tier 5-Day Forecast

    WEATHER NOW: Southern Tier 5-Day Forecast

    Binghamton and the Southern Tier are heading into a beautiful summer weekend, with sunshine, warm temperatures and low rain chances carrying the region through Saturday before a more unsettled storm pattern returns early next week.

    Current conditions in Binghamton are sunny and comfortable, with temperatures around 71 degrees, light west winds and moderate humidity. Today will continue warming into the lower 80s, making it a strong day for outdoor work, local events, storm cleanup and weekend travel.

    Friday: Sunny, 81 / 52, 10 percent rain chance.
    Saturday: Sunny, 82 / 58, 5 percent rain chance.
    Sunday: Partly sunny, 81 / 61, 10 percent rain chance.
    Monday: Scattered thunderstorms, 81 / 62, 65 percent rain chance.
    Tuesday: Heavy thunderstorms, 74 / 65, 75 percent rain chance.

    Friday and Saturday look like the best days of the stretch, with mostly sunny skies, comfortable summer warmth and limited rain chances. Sunday remains mostly pleasant, but humidity will begin building as the next weather front approaches.

    Storm chances increase Monday afternoon, with scattered thunderstorms expected across the Southern Tier. Tuesday currently looks like the most unsettled day of the five-day period, with heavy thunderstorms possible, periods of rain and a cooler high near 74.

    Residents should enjoy the weekend break, but also keep an eye on the forecast for Monday and Tuesday, especially in areas still recovering from recent tornado and wind damage.

    Today’s Weather 100 Years Ago Today looks back to July 24, 1926, when Broome County was still dealing with the aftermath of a powerful summer wind and rainstorm that struck Binghamton and Johnson City the previous day. The storm tore down trees, damaged crops, knocked out telephone, telegraph and trolley lines, and left Binghamton cut off from outside communication for several hours.

    The storm followed an oppressive heat wave that caused serious public-health impacts across the city, including multiple heat-related emergencies.

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

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    © 2026 CompanyXR Media Group – All Rights Reserved

  • MYBROOME NOW – Friday, July 24, 2026

    MYBROOME NOW – Friday, July 24, 2026

    MYBROOME NOW
    Friday, July 24, 2026
    From the MyBroome News Room

    TOP STORY

    U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates After 13th Night of American Strikes

    The military conflict between the United States and Iran escalated again overnight after a 13th consecutive night of U.S. airstrikes, leaving the region bracing for the possibility of a much wider war.

    According to the reporting provided to MyBroome, Thursday night’s American strikes targeted Iranian command centers, drone storage facilities, communications networks, maritime assets and an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy headquarters in northern Iran near the Caspian Sea.

    Iran responded with a multi-pronged wave of retaliation. Iranian military sources reported drone strikes targeting American military bases and installations in Bahrain and Jordan, while Iranian state-run media reported casualties from U.S. missile strikes across oil-rich regions, including Khuzestan. The Revolutionary Guard also claimed strikes against a U.S. base in Kuwait.

    The conflict is also spreading beyond the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump threatened Iran and Houthi forces in Yemen with what he described as major military punishment after Houthi forces expanded the maritime crisis by targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea.

    Diplomatic efforts appear to have collapsed. Iranian and Iraqi officials said Tehran rejected a secret U.S. cease-fire proposal reportedly delivered through Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. With the White House openly weighing larger combat operations, global energy markets reacted with anxiety as oil prices surged.

    OTHER STORIES

    Second Tornado in a Week Crosses Broome and Chenango Counties

    The National Weather Service in Binghamton has confirmed that another tornado touched down in the Greater Binghamton region within a single week.

    The latest storm began as an EF-0 near the Town of Barker in Broome County before intensifying to EF-1 strength as it moved northeast into Chenango County and eventually dissipated near Greene.

    The region is still recovering from the more severe July 18 tornado and storm damage. Emergency crews remain active in northern sections of the county, clearing downed trees, restoring localized utilities and helping residents recover from storm impacts.

    Binghamton Police Launch Summer Speeding Crackdown Near City Parks

    Binghamton Police are increasing traffic enforcement around city parks as families, children and neighborhood foot traffic increase during the summer.

    Mayor Jared M. Kraham announced the initiative as part of a broader summer safety push. Police will target speeding around park zones and high-traffic neighborhood areas where pedestrians and children are more likely to be present.

    The added enforcement will operate alongside ongoing neighborhood community policing efforts, including increased walking and bicycle patrols near residential, school and hospital zones.

    PUBLIC SAFETY / ALERTS / CRIME

    Felony Drug and Weapons Arrest in Lisle

    Kyle S. Dixon, 38, of Lisle, was arrested by the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force following a raid on Watts Road.

    Authorities reported recovering 84.4 grams of methamphetamine, a high-capacity rifle magazine and a digital scale. Dixon faces felony charges including criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal use of drug paraphernalia and criminal possession of a weapon.

    Legislature Disruption Cases Continue

    Salka of Binghamton was arrested by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office following a disturbance inside the Broome County legislative chambers during an ongoing public protest.

    Brian of Binghamton was detained in the same incident and faces misdemeanor-level charges including obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct.

    Both cases are expected to continue through Binghamton City Court.

    Cooking Oil Theft Suspects Ordered to Appear in Court

    Barry of Newark, New Jersey, and Nasir of Newark, New Jersey, were intercepted on Interstate 81 after authorities said they were found in a commercial box truck connected to attempted theft from local restaurant cooking oil storage units.

    The two were issued appearance tickets for Town of Union Court on August 4 on theft-related and conspiracy charges.

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

    Editor’s Note: NewsXR generally releases only a first name and city or town for misdemeanor cases, violations and quality-of-life offenses. We reserve the right to weigh additional factors on a case-by-case basis, including public safety, repeat conduct, official charging level, community impact and the public’s right to know.

    MISSING YOUTH UPDATE

    Ciara Lynn Culpepper Confirmed Located Safe

    The Broome County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed to MyBroome that Ciara Lynn Culpepper has been located and is safe.

    Ciara, 15, had previously been reported missing from the Fenton area. Because she is a juvenile, MyBroome is not publishing additional details about when, where or how she was located.

    This is very welcome news for her loved ones, for those who helped share her information, and for everyone who has been following the case.

    Conflicting Information Remains Around Phoenix D. Williams

    MyBroome is also continuing to seek clear confirmation on the status of Phoenix D. Williams, a 13-year-old Binghamton youth who had been listed through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

    The public NCMEC poster page connected to Phoenix’s case is currently returning a 404 error. In many missing-child cases, that can happen when a case has been resolved and the public poster is removed to protect a juvenile’s privacy.

    However, MyBroome has not yet received solid confirmation that Phoenix has been located. The Broome County Sheriff’s Office was not able to clearly confirm his status, and Binghamton Police told MyBroome that Phoenix is still missing, though the officer we spoke with did not sound entirely certain.

    Because of that conflict, MyBroome is not reporting Phoenix D. Williams as located at this time.

    Until we receive firm confirmation otherwise, the public should continue to be on the lookout for Phoenix and treat him as a missing youth. We sincerely hope the NCMEC page removal means the case has been resolved, but we are waiting for something solid before reporting that as fact.

    LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS & TRAFFIC

    Storm Cleanup Continues Across the Northern Broome Region

    Cleanup continues after the latest confirmed tornado and severe storm system moved from Broome County into Chenango County. Residents should continue watching for downed limbs, utility crews, damaged roadside areas and localized cleanup zones.

    Drivers in affected areas should slow down near crews and avoid roads where trees, wires or storm debris remain present.

    Park-Zone Traffic Enforcement Begins in Binghamton

    Binghamton’s summer speeding crackdown means drivers should expect increased police visibility near city parks and other child-heavy areas. The enforcement push is focused on reducing speeding near public spaces during peak summer activity.

    WEATHER AND 5-DAY FORECAST
    From the NewsXR Weather Center

    The Southern Tier is heading into a beautiful, sunny summer weekend before a more unsettled storm system brings thunderstorms and heavy rain chances early next week.

    Current conditions in Binghamton feature fair, sunny skies around 60 degrees, with a calm southeast wind near 4 mph and humidity around 79 percent. Temperatures are expected to climb quickly today, reaching an afternoon high near 81 under clear conditions.

    Friday: Sunny, 81 / 52, 10 percent rain chance.
    Saturday: Sunny, 82 / 58, 5 percent rain chance.
    Sunday: Partly sunny, 81 / 61, 10 percent rain chance.
    Monday: Scattered thunderstorms, 81 / 62, 65 percent rain chance.
    Tuesday: Heavy thunderstorms, 74 / 65, 75 percent rain chance.

    Friday and Saturday will bring ideal summer weather with sunshine, comfortable humidity and light winds. Sunday stays mostly pleasant, but humidity begins building ahead of the next weather front.

    Active weather returns Monday afternoon with scattered thunderstorms across the Southern Tier. Tuesday currently looks like the stormiest day of the five-day stretch, with heavy thunderstorms, periods of rain and a cooler high near 74.

    Weather 100 Years Ago Today

    One hundred years ago today, on July 24, 1926, Broome County was still dealing with the aftermath of a destructive summer wind and rainstorm that struck Binghamton and Johnson City the previous day.

    The storm snapped telephone, telegraph and trolley lines, tore down large trees, damaged crops and left Binghamton cut off from outside communication for hours. At least two residents were reported injured, and rural areas suffered serious property damage, including flattened crops and damaged structures along Conklin Road.

    The storm came after an oppressive multi-day heat wave that caused multiple cases of heat-related distress, including emergency medical commitments involving three local men who had become severely disoriented from the heat.

    REGIONAL SPORTS UPDATE FROM THE NEWSXR SPORTS CENTER

    Binghamton-area sports remain anchored by the Rumble Ponies’ mid-season Eastern League push, the approach of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Open, Binghamton University summer training cycles and the Binghamton Black Bears preparing for their next hockey season.

    The Binghamton Rumble Ponies continue in-season Double-A Eastern League play at Mirabito Stadium, giving local fans a close look at New York Mets prospects as the summer baseball schedule moves through its second half.

    The DICK’S Sporting Goods Open is also moving closer at En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott. The PGA Tour Champions event remains one of the Southern Tier’s largest annual sports attractions and a major economic and community draw.

    At Binghamton University, the Bearcats are in their summer preparation window across NCAA Division I programs, including basketball, baseball, softball and the broader America East athletic calendar.

    The Binghamton Black Bears remain in their off-season after another strong cycle in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, with the franchise preparing for the next season at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena.

    UPCOMING EVENTS

    The Southern Tier has a packed summer weekend ahead, with community festivals, live music, charity events, family activities and outdoor concerts lining up under mostly sunny skies.

    Friday, July 24

    Crest Fest 2026 begins at 6 PM at Hillcrest Park in Binghamton, featuring live music from the Bro Bros, softball, food trucks and fireworks at dark.

    Photo City Presents: Live Underground Showcase opens at 6 PM at the Bundy Museum of History and Art on Main Street in Binghamton. The all-ages indie and rock showcase includes For The Better, Reminitions, Long Way Home, In Gloom, Scvrecrvw and Isochronon.

    Saturday, July 25

    The Broome-Mazing Adventure Race begins at 10 AM at Ross Park Zoo. The United Way of Broome County campaign kickoff event sends teams through zoo-based physical challenges, puzzles and missions.

    The Stars & Stripes Family Carnival begins at 11 AM at the Kirkwood Elks Lodge on Route 11. The event includes youth games, a petting zoo, a dunk tank, a pie-eating contest, raffles, emergency vehicle displays and free meals for local military veterans.

    Live Ponies & Ranch Day begins at 1 PM at Cones Ice Cream Shop in the Port Crane area, with Twisted Roots Ranch offering children the chance to brush, groom and ride live ponies.

    Music in the Glen begins at 4 PM at Glendale Park in Endicott, featuring Front & Main performing soul-rock and classic rock in an outdoor park setting.

    Coming Up Later This Summer

    The Broome County Fair After-Party is scheduled for July 31 and August 1 at the Octagon Inn in Glen Aubrey.

    The 5th Annual Broome County Parks Beach Bash is scheduled for August 15 at Nathaniel Cole Park in Harpursville.

    EcoFest 2026 is scheduled for August 16 at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County on Front Street in Binghamton.

    Breakfast in the Woods returns Labor Day, September 7, at the Germania Picnic Grounds in Binghamton.

    The United in Diversity Festival is scheduled for October 3 at United With Christ Church in Johnson City.

    Now Playing

    Local theaters, including AMC Vestal Town Square 9 and Regal Binghamton, are carrying a competitive summer slate this weekend.

    Now playing locally: The Odyssey, Her Private Hell, Moana, Minions & Monsters and Toy Story 5.

    COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

    Meeting the Need: Christ Episcopal Church Launches “The Great Food Pantry Experiment”

    Christ Episcopal Church in downtown Binghamton is rethinking how food security is handled for working families and struggling households in the Southern Tier.

    Following the release of the 2026 ALICE Report, which showed increased pressure on households that are employed but still struggling to cover basic needs, the church is launching The Great Food Pantry Experiment.

    The idea is direct: if food pantries are open only during narrow daytime windows, many working people, single parents and residents with irregular shifts cannot use them when they need help.

    From August 4 through August 28, the pantry will test expanded operating hours from 9:30 AM to 7 PM. Volunteers will track when residents actually use the pantry, then use that information to set more practical, data-driven hours going forward.

    Rev. Scott Parnell summed up the mission clearly: “If we are open at the wrong time, we are not really serving anyone.”

    The church also plans to make its tracked data public so other congregations, nonprofits and outreach groups can better align their own services with the real needs of Greater Binghamton residents.

    MyBroome™ Then – 100 Years Ago Today in Broome County

    A Willow Point Brawl Over Bathing Suits

    One hundred years ago, Binghamton Police were called to Willow Point along the Susquehanna River after a public dispute over bathing suits spiraled into a free-for-all brawl.

    According to the historical account, a group of young men caused outrage by bathing in the river without bathing suits. Nearby families objected, words were exchanged, and the situation quickly turned into a physical fight on the riverbank.

    Police were called to restore order.

    Also in Broome County 100 years ago, Binghamton and Johnson City were recovering from a destructive wind and rainstorm that knocked out telephone, telegraph and trolley lines, damaged trees and crops, and temporarily cut Binghamton off from outside communication.

    The same period also brought a dangerous heat wave that caused serious public-health concerns, while construction was set to begin on the new Lackawanna Freight Depot on Henry Street between Fayette and Liberty streets.

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

    👉 Drop your comments below.

    © 2026 CompanyXR Media Group – All Rights Reserved

  • The Nightly Wrap for Thursday, July 23, 2026

    The Nightly Wrap for Thursday, July 23, 2026

    The Nightly Wrap for Thursday, July 23, 2026

    By NewsXR

    It was another active day across Broome County as law enforcement responded to a major drug investigation, a violent crime in Binghamton, local leaders debated the future of public safety technology, and residents began looking ahead to a much quieter weekend after this week’s severe weather.

    Public Safety

    A major narcotics investigation in the Town of Lisle resulted in the arrest of Kyle Dixon, 38, after members of the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence on Watts Road. Investigators reported recovering methamphetamine, pills, and a rifle during the operation. Dixon now faces multiple felony drug possession and illegal weapon charges. The investigation was conducted with assistance from the Binghamton Police Department and Johnson City Police Department.

    Binghamton Police also responded to a serious incident Thursday evening on Doubleday Street after a stabbing left one man with significant injuries. A heavy police presence closed the roadway while investigators processed the scene. Authorities say the suspect was taken into custody at the scene, and there is no ongoing threat to the public as the investigation continues.

    The Broome County Sheriff’s Office also released its weekly enforcement report, detailing several recent arrests throughout the county involving criminal mischief, harassment, and domestic incident investigations. As with all criminal cases, those charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

    The Sheriff’s Office also officially activated its new Versaterm CommunityConnect system. Mobile callers to 911 will now automatically receive text notifications containing incident numbers, responding deputy information, case status updates, and available victim resources.

    Community & Local Government

    Questions surrounding the use of automated license plate reader technology continued Thursday as Binghamton’s Municipal and Public Affairs Committee heard presentations from representatives of Flock Safety and the Policing Project. The discussion focused on balancing investigative tools for law enforcement with concerns surrounding privacy and data collection as city officials consider the future of the program.

    Mayor Jared Kraham also announced an expanded public safety initiative directing the Binghamton Police Department to increase enforcement around parks, neighborhoods, hospital corridors, and school zones. The initiative includes additional walking and bicycle patrols, increased traffic enforcement, and portable speed trailers in targeted locations.

    Housing & Community

    Community discussion surrounding affordable housing and emergency shelter placements continued following the deadly Knights Inn fire in Endwell. Residents and advocates continue calling for improvements to emergency housing policies and greater oversight of temporary lodging facilities used for emergency placements.

    Weather Recovery

    The National Weather Service confirmed that Tuesday’s severe storms produced an EF-1 tornado in the Town of Greene in Chenango County with peak winds estimated at 90 miles per hour. The tornado caused widespread tree damage and localized power outages before dissipating.

    The weather outlook is considerably brighter heading into the weekend. Forecasters are calling for dry conditions, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures returning to the lower and middle 80s across the Southern Tier.

    Sports

    The Binghamton Rumble Ponies snapped a four-game losing streak Thursday by defeating the Portland Sea Dogs 2-1. The victory provides a welcome boost as the Ponies continue their homestand at Mirabito Stadium.

    Community Prayer Request

    Tonight we ask our community to keep all missing children in our region and across our nation in your prayers.

    May those who are missing be found safely. May their families be surrounded by strength, hope, and comfort during this difficult time. May every first responder, volunteer, investigator, and community member involved in the search be guided and protected.

    Amen.

    That’s all, folks. Goodnight.

    👉 Drop your comments below.

    © 2026 CompanyXR Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

  • NewsXR Weather Center: Southern Tier 5-Day Forecast

    NewsXR Weather Center: Southern Tier 5-Day Forecast

    From the NewsXR Weather Center: Southern Tier 5-Day Forecast

    Binghamton and the Southern Tier are settling into a bright, comfortable stretch today after days of severe storms, tornado damage, outages and cleanup across the region.

    Current conditions in Binghamton are clear and sunny, with temperatures in the low 60s and light west winds. The air feels much calmer today, and the region gets a much-needed break from the volatile storm pattern that brought damaging winds, heavy rain and widespread recovery work earlier this week.

    Today’s forecast calls for sunshine with a high near 75 and a low around 51. Friday stays sunny and warmer, with highs near 80. Saturday remains partly sunny and comfortable, while Sunday brings a little more humidity back into the Southern Tier. By Monday, light rain and scattered storm chances may return as temperatures climb into the low 80s.

    Thursday: Sunny, 75 / 51, 0 percent rain chance.
    Friday: Sunny, 80 / 53, 10 percent rain chance.
    Saturday: Partly sunny, 80 / 57, 10 percent rain chance.
    Sunday: Partly sunny, 81 / 62, 15 percent rain chance.
    Monday: Light rain, 83 / 62, 20 percent rain chance.

    This is a good stretch for outdoor work, storm cleanup, evening events and weekend plans. Residents should still watch for storm-damaged trees, roadside debris, utility crews and lingering hazards in areas hit hardest by the recent EF-1 tornado and microbursts.

    Today’s Weather 100 Years Ago Today looks back to July 23, 1926, when Broome County was recovering from an oppressive heat wave that triggered severe wind and heavy rainstorms the previous afternoon. Trees were blown down, crops were damaged, and telephone, telegraph and trolley wires were knocked out in Binghamton. Two people were reported injured during the storm, and the three-day heat wave was so intense that several people suffered heat-related distress.

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

    👉 Drop your comments below.

    © 2026 CompanyXR Media Group – All Rights Reserved

    #newsxr #mybroome #southerntierweather #broomecounty

  • MYBROOME NOW – Thursday, July 23, 2026

    MYBROOME NOW – Thursday, July 23, 2026

    MYBROOME NOW
    Thursday, July 23, 2026
    From the MyBroome News Room

    TOP STORY

    From NewsXR: U.S.-Iran Conflict Reaches 12th Night of Strikes as Shipping Crisis Deepens

    The United States and Iran are now locked in an expanding military conflict marked by 12 consecutive nights of U.S. airstrikes, Iranian drone and missile attacks across the Gulf region, and worsening threats to global oil shipping lanes.

    U.S. Central Command conducted its 12th straight night of retaliatory strikes against Iranian military targets after attacks on commercial tankers. U.S. strikes have also hit near the Iran-Iraq border, where multiple deaths were reported.

    Iran has expanded its retaliation across the region. Tehran has targeted U.S. bases and infrastructure in Kuwait, launched missiles toward Jordan, and triggered air-raid sirens in Bahrain.

    U.S. troop casualties have also risen after recent strikes in Jordan and Iraq. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the military effort has already cost $37.5 billion, with a request submitted to Congress for nearly $88 billion more.

    The Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea remain major flashpoints. Iran and its regional allies, including the Houthis in Yemen, are targeting commercial shipping and oil tankers. Several tankers have made emergency U-turns, disrupting global energy flows and raising continued concerns about fuel prices, shipping costs and broader economic fallout.

    President Donald Trump warned that the United States will target key Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, any time Iranian forces fire on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is attempting to signal interest in talks through intermediaries but is not ready to make a deal, meaning military and economic pressure is expected to continue.

    OTHER STORIES

    Storm Recovery Continues After EF-1 Tornado and Severe Microbursts

    The Southern Tier remains in recovery mode after the National Weather Service in Binghamton confirmed a destructive EF-1 tornado tracked more than 15 miles across southern Broome County into Delaware County.

    The tornado packed peak winds of 95 mph. Severe microbursts also caused damage across the region, including areas of Cortland County. Emergency response efforts continued this week, including dry ice distribution centers for residents affected by outages.

    The storm left downed trees, damaged property, blocked roads and power interruptions across several communities. Cleanup and utility repairs remain active in affected areas.

    Binghamton Police Investigating North Street Scene

    The Binghamton Police Department has cordoned off a residence near North Street and Edwards Street as part of an active crime scene investigation.

    Authorities have not released full details publicly. Residents in the area should follow police instructions and avoid the immediate scene while investigators continue their work.

    Storming Crab, Old Vestal Fire Station Coming Down for New Chick-fil-A

    Major demolition work is underway in Vestal, where the former Storming Crab restaurant and the old Vestal Fire Station are being torn down to make room for a new Chick-fil-A.

    The project is part of a broader redevelopment push in the area. Separately, Binghamton is also moving forward with demolition of six dilapidated buildings as part of a city effort to remove blighted properties and improve neighborhood safety.

    Phoenix D. Williams No Longer Listed as Missing

    There is very welcome news for Broome County today.

    Phoenix D. Williams, the 13-year-old boy previously reported missing from Binghamton, is no longer listed as missing. His active missing-child poster is no longer available through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, which indicates the public missing-person alert has been removed.

    At this time, MyBroome has not independently verified the circumstances of his recovery, including when, where or how Phoenix was found. Because he is a juvenile, those details may also remain private.

    What matters most right now is this: Phoenix is no longer being publicly reported as missing.

    That is great news for his loved ones, for those who helped share his information, and for a community that has been watching this case closely.

    Hawley Street Protest Camp Officially Disbanded

    Organizers have officially dissolved the 24-day-old Hawley Street homeless advocacy encampment following the chaotic Broome County Legislature meeting earlier this week.

    Remaining supplies were reportedly distributed safely to unhoused residents. The closure marks the end of the encampment itself, but not the larger housing debate now facing Broome County.

    Free Admission Today at Ross Park Zoo

    Ross Park Zoo is hosting a “Feasts for the Beasts” community day today, July 23, with free admission and live animal feeding presentations.

    The event gives families a no-cost summer outing while highlighting animal care, conservation and one of Binghamton’s most recognizable community institutions.

    Taco Bell Lettuce Outbreak Reported Nationally

    On the national front, health officials have linked a major foodborne illness outbreak involving severe diarrheal symptoms to contaminated lettuce used at multiple Taco Bell locations.

    Consumers should follow health department guidance and monitor updates as investigators continue tracing the source and affected locations.

    PUBLIC SAFETY / ALERTS / CRIME

    Legislature Disruption Arrests: Salka of Binghamton and Brian of Binghamton were arrested following the disruption at the Broome County Legislature meeting. Both were charged with obstructing governmental administration in the second degree after authorities said public proceedings were disrupted.

    Used Cooking Oil Larceny Case: Donaldo Jones Morel Castro of the Bronx was arrested after a restaurant owner physically blocked his getaway vehicle in Sanford. Authorities said he was caught pumping used restaurant cooking oil into a van at the River Run Restaurant and was charged with attempted petit larceny. He was issued an appearance ticket for Sanford Town Court on July 31.

    Conklin Traffic Stop Arrest: Brandon of Harpursville was arrested after a targeted traffic stop in the Town of Conklin. He faces a Class A misdemeanor charge of obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, along with multiple traffic violations.

    Retail Larceny Case: Haley of the Town of Union was arrested following a retail larceny investigation. Deputies said she resisted arrest and was charged with resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and petit larceny.

    Court Street Stabbing Arraignments: Jeremiah W. Coqmard Jr. and Christopher D. Ricketts Jr. were arraigned in Binghamton City Court following a violent stabbing investigation on Court Street. Both were remanded without bail to the Broome County Correctional Facility pending grand jury action.

    Child-Endangerment Case: An unnamed 66-year-old individual arrested in the Town of Union for acting in a manner injurious to a child under 17 was processed through Broome County Central Arraignment for bail determination.

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

    MISSING PERSON ALERT

    Ciara Lynn Culpepper – LOCATED SAFE

    Phoenix D. Williams no longer publicly listed as missing at the National Center but cannot confirm his case at this time other than his poster has been removed.

    Audrey Salvatore – Missing From Binghamton

    Audrey Salvatore, 16, is listed as actively missing. She was last seen in Binghamton on July 6, 2026.

    Her case is listed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children as case number 2094472.

    Izabella Joy White – Missing From the Binghamton Area

    Izabella Joy White, 14, is listed as actively missing after last being seen leaving her home in the Binghamton area on May 18, 2026.

    She is described as a Caucasian female with auburn hair.

    Anyone with information about any missing youth case should contact local law enforcement, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST.

    LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS & TRAFFIC

    A dilapidated home at 42 Fayette Street has been spared from demolition after Binghamton City Council voted to sell the property directly to its sole occupant, Paul Sidorski, for $500.

    The property came into city hands following a major legal neglect settlement involving a local developer. Instead of demolishing the home, the city is allowing Sidorski to rehabilitate the building into a safe, permanent residence.

    On the South Side, the Broome County Land Bank has completed its first American Rescue Plan Act home renovation of the year. The property at 27 Columbia Avenue, once vacant and foreclosed, has been fully renovated and is now being offered through the Affordable Homes Program to help local families pursue homeownership.

    Blues on the Bridge is also returning to its traditional location this summer. The grassroots music festival brings local blues, food and neighborhood gathering back to one of Binghamton’s signature public spaces.

    Drivers should continue watching for storm-recovery crews, utility work, demolition activity and changing traffic patterns near redevelopment sites.

    WEATHER AND 5-DAY FORECAST

    From the NewsXR Weather Center

    Binghamton is enjoying clear, sunny skies today with a refreshing temperature near 62 degrees and light west winds around 3 mph.

    The Southern Tier is entering a beautiful, dry stretch heading into the weekend. High temperatures will gradually climb from the mid-70s into the low 80s before humidity and scattered storm chances return early next week.

    Thursday: Sunny, 75 / 51, 0 percent rain chance.
    Friday: Sunny, 80 / 53, 10 percent rain chance.
    Saturday: Partly sunny, 80 / 57, 10 percent rain chance.
    Sunday: Partly sunny, 81 / 62, 15 percent rain chance.
    Monday: Light rain, 83 / 62, 20 percent rain chance.

    The region gets a welcome break after severe storms, tornado damage and widespread cleanup needs. Residents planning outdoor work, events or travel should take advantage of the dry stretch, while still staying alert for storm-damaged areas and utility crews.

    REGIONAL SPORTS UPDATE FROM THE NEWSXR SPORTS CENTER

    The Binghamton Rumble Ponies snapped a costly four-game losing streak Wednesday night with a 2-1 win over the Portland Sea Dogs at Mirabito Stadium.

    Outfield prospect Corey Collins delivered the decisive swing, driving in two runs with a clutch single in the bottom of the sixth inning to put Binghamton ahead for good.

    The home series continues tonight in Binghamton, with first pitch scheduled for 6:07 p.m.

    The reigning Federal Prospects Hockey League champion Binghamton Black Bears have added more offseason muscle, signing rookie forward Ludovik Tardif to his first professional contract. Tardif comes to the Southern Tier after recording 44 goals and 63 assists over his last two junior hockey seasons.

    The FPHL also announced a major restructuring for the 2026-27 season. The league will expand into Eastern and Western conferences, with four total divisions, as five new expansion franchises join the league.

    In youth baseball, the Corning-Painted Post Little League Senior Baseball Team won a sectional championship and will advance to the New York State Senior Little League Tournament hosted in Binghamton.

    Area high school football players also wrapped up the annual Coach Mike D’Aloisio Memorial Lineman Camp in Elmira, highlighting local development for young athletes in the trenches.

    At En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott, community conversation continues after the DICK’S Open. Dicky Pride won the 2026 title in a playoff against Padraig Harrington, while local discussion continues around infrastructure needs at the aging course ahead of the 2027 tour window.

    UPCOMING EVENTS

    Crest Fest 2026 takes over Hillcrest Community Park on Alida Avenue in Binghamton Friday, July 24, at 6 p.m. The annual summer festival features amateur softball, food trucks, live music by the Bro Bros and a large fireworks display.

    The Broome-Mazing United Way Kickoff takes place Saturday, July 25, at 10 a.m. at Ross Park Zoo. The Amazing Race-style charity event sends registered teams through puzzle and physical challenges across the zoo grounds to launch the 2026-27 Community Campaign.

    Live Ponies at Cones takes place Saturday, July 25, at 1 p.m. in Port Crane. Families can enjoy pony rides, grooming stations and activities with Twisted Roots Ranch.

    The Endicott Summer Concert Series continues tonight at 7 p.m. at George W. Johnson Park Carousel on Oak Hill Avenue with Brothers & Friends.

    Photo City Indie Showcase comes to the Bundy Museum of History and Art on Friday, July 24, at 5:30 p.m. The all-ages show features For The Better, Reminitions and Long Way Home. Tickets are $15.

    Stillwater Junction performs Friday, July 24, at 9 p.m. at Tioga Downs Casino Resort in Nichols. The 18+ show features Southern rock, country and Americana covers.

    Broome Bands Together returns Tuesday, July 28, at 6 p.m. at Otsiningo Park with Katie Scott and Persuasion. Non-perishable food items and monetary donations will be collected for CHOW.

    The Binghamton Rumble Ponies continue their homestand against the Portland Sea Dogs at Mirabito Stadium through Sunday, with evening games starting at 6:07 p.m.

    NOW PLAYING

    At AMC Vestal Town Square 9, today’s listings include Twisters, Despicable Me 4, Inside Out 2, Longlegs, A Quiet Place: Day One, Fly Me to the Moon and Bad Boys: Ride or Die.

    At Regal Binghamton, today’s listings include Twisters, Despicable Me 4, Inside Out 2, Longlegs, Fly Me to the Moon, A Quiet Place: Day One and Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1.

    Movie times can change, so viewers should check directly with the theater before leaving.

    COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

    Housing, Restoration and Community Life Lead Today’s Southern Tier Spotlight

    Today’s Community Spotlight begins at 42 Fayette Street, where a local resident now has a chance to save the home he lives in.

    Binghamton City Council voted to sell the blighted property to Paul Sidorski for $500, giving him the opportunity to fully rehabilitate it instead of seeing it demolished. The decision turns a neglected property into a possible permanent home.

    On Columbia Avenue, the Broome County Land Bank has completed a major affordable housing milestone. The renovated home at 27 Columbia Avenue is part of the Affordable Homes Program, aimed at giving local families a realistic path to homeownership.

    Blues on the Bridge is also returning home this summer, bringing live music, food and neighbors back to one of Binghamton’s familiar community traditions.

    This is the kind of local progress that does not always come with one giant headline, but it is the work that shapes neighborhoods: saving homes, restoring vacant properties, creating affordable ownership and keeping community traditions alive.

    MYBROOME THEN

    Transit, Theater Plans and Prohibition-Era Smuggling Marked July 23, 1926

    One hundred years ago today, Southern Tier headlines were focused on transportation, downtown development, storm cleanup and Prohibition-era enforcement.

    Regional transportation changes dominated public discussion as bus operators expanded lines connecting Binghamton, Johnson City and Endicott. The growth followed a state push to better regulate passenger routes and reduce uncoordinated local jitney traffic.

    In downtown Binghamton, developers finalized plans for a major new commercial theater complex at 60 Exchange Street. The project was promoted as a future architectural anchor for the business district.

    Rural communities around Broome County and into Delaware County were still clearing fallen timber and repairing property lines after a destructive electrical and lightning storm swept through the region.

    Local authorities and federal agents were also continuing the Prohibition-era fight against illicit alcohol shipments moving through New York rail lines. Police reports described confusion over disguised commercial cargo manifests used to smuggle spirits into the Southern Tier.

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

    👉 Drop your comments below.

    © 2026 CompanyXR Media Group – All Rights Reserved

  • The Nightly Wrap for Wednesday, July 22, 2026

    The Nightly Wrap for Wednesday, July 22, 2026

    The Nightly Wrap for Wednesday, July 22, 2026

    By NewsXR

    Good evening from NewsXR. Before you call it a night, here is a look back at the stories that shaped the Southern Tier today.

    🌪 Weather Recovery

    Cleanup continued across the Southern Tier after the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado touched down in Broome County before moving into Chenango County during this week’s severe storms.

    Broome County officials are encouraging residents to download the new Ready Broome mobile app for real-time emergency alerts as severe weather and Canadian wildfire smoke continue affecting the region.

    Smoke drifting south from Ontario wildfires once again created hazy skies across the Binghamton area today and could continue affecting air quality into August.

    🏛 Community and Local Government

    The Broome County Land Bank completed its first American Rescue Plan Act-funded home renovation of the year, creating another affordable homeownership opportunity on Binghamton’s South Side.

    The Binghamton City Council voted to sell the long-vacant property at 42 Fayette Street to its lone occupant for redevelopment rather than demolition.

    The Broome County Health Department also announced free in-home health and safety assessments for qualifying neighborhoods, helping residents identify potential lead, air quality and fire safety concerns.

    Housing and homelessness remain major issues across Broome County following recent public protests and continued debate over emergency sheltering and affordable housing.

    🚂 Development

    Good news for Southern Tier commuters.

    Norfolk Southern has completed rehabilitation work on the Brandywine Avenue railroad bridge, reopening one of Binghamton’s busiest traffic corridors and eliminating a long-standing bottleneck.

    On the Vestal Parkway, demolition has been completed at the former Storming Crab restaurant as construction preparations continue for the future Chick-fil-A location.

    Plans are also moving forward for the proposed Sugar Lips Food Truck Park, which is expected to create a new destination for local food vendors and community gatherings.

    🚔 Public Safety

    A Lisle man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators reportedly recovered more than 84 grams of methamphetamine and a high-capacity rifle magazine during the execution of a search warrant.

    The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating Joseph Barreca, who is wanted for violating probation related to a third-degree grand larceny conviction.

    Authorities also released additional details following the disruption at this week’s Broome County Legislature meeting, where two people now face charges after repeatedly interrupting proceedings.

    State Police also finalized felony charges against three individuals following a Dickinson traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of nearly two ounces each of cocaine and fentanyl.

    🛢 Trending Story

    One of today’s more unusual stories came from the New York State Police.

    Restaurant owners across the Southern Tier are being warned to secure their used cooking oil containers after thieves targeted grease collection bins in Sanford, Endwell and Union. Investigators say the used oil has become increasingly valuable because it can be recycled into biofuel.

    📅 Around the Community

    Wednesday marked the 113th anniversary of the Binghamton Clothing Company factory fire, which claimed 31 lives and remains one of the city’s darkest tragedies.

    The Binghamton Rumble Ponies celebrated Super Splash Day, while Ross Park Zoo welcomed visitors during its annual Community Day activities.

    🙏 Community Prayer Request

    Tonight we ask our community to continue praying for the safe return of Phoenix Williams and Ciara Culpepper.

    May they be found safe. May their families find strength and hope. May everyone searching for them be guided and protected.

    Amen.

    That’s all, folks. Goodnight.

    Some images are created using Verity AI and are artistic reproductions, not literal depictions.

    👉 Drop your comments below.

    © 2026 CompanyXR Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

  • Weather Center: Southern Tier 5-Day Forecast

    Weather Center: Southern Tier 5-Day Forecast

    From the NewsXR Weather Center: Southern Tier 5-Day Forecast

    Binghamton and the Southern Tier are getting a much calmer weather pattern today after several days of severe storms, tornado warnings, flooding concerns and major wind damage across the region.

    Current conditions are partly sunny and comfortable, with Binghamton near 66 degrees. Humidity remains noticeable early in the day, but west and northwest winds should help pull moisture out of the atmosphere as the day continues. High pressure is building in, bringing drier air and a much quieter stretch through the end of the workweek.

    Today’s forecast calls for partly sunny skies with a high near 71 and a low around 52. Thursday looks sunny and comfortable, with a high near 75 and a crisp overnight low near 50. Friday brings bright sunshine and warmer afternoon temperatures near 80. Saturday stays mostly pleasant with partly sunny skies and a high near 81, while Sunday turns a little more humid with partly sunny skies and a high near 79.

    Rain chances remain low through the weekend, giving the Southern Tier a welcome break for cleanup, outdoor work, travel and local events. Drivers should still watch for leftover ponding, debris, utility crews and storm-damaged areas, especially in communities still recovering from fallen trees and power outages.

    Today’s Weather 100 Years Ago Today looks back to July 22, 1926, when Broome County sweltered through an intense midsummer heat wave. Binghamton reached 96 degrees, with a humid overnight low of 69. The heat helped trigger heavy thunderstorms that dropped 0.45 inches of rain and produced severe lightning that damaged chimneys and disrupted rural areas late at night.

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

    👉 Drop your comments below.

    © 2026 CompanyXR Media Group – All Rights Reserved

  • MYBROOME NOW – Wednesday, July 22, 2026

    MYBROOME NOW – Wednesday, July 22, 2026

    MYBROOME NOW
    Wednesday, July 22, 2026
    From the MyBroome News Room

    TOP STORY

    From NewsXR: U.S. Concludes 11th Night of Strikes on Iran as Trump Threatens Underground Nuclear Sites

    The United States has concluded an 11th consecutive night of military strikes against Iranian targets, while President Trump has now explicitly threatened to target underground Iranian nuclear facilities if Tehran refuses to end its escalation.

    The latest round of strikes keeps the U.S.-Iran conflict at the center of international attention, with military pressure continuing across the region and the Strait of Hormuz crisis still raising concerns over shipping, fuel prices and global security.

    The broader Middle East remains unstable. Israel is reportedly working to divide parts of Gaza with barrier construction, while the U.S.-led air campaign continues to shape the regional military picture. NewsXR will continue tracking how these developments may affect national security, energy costs and local families with military ties.

    OTHER STORIES

    Confirmed EF1 Tornado and 105 MPH Microburst Leave Southern Tier in Recovery Mode

    The National Weather Service in Binghamton has confirmed that Saturday’s severe weather system produced a 15.7-mile EF1 tornado across Broome and Delaware counties, along with a powerful 105 mph microburst in the Hancock area.

    The tornado touched down near Farnham Road in Sanford, traveled southeast through Deposit and Hale Eddy, briefly crossed into Wayne County, Pennsylvania, and lifted near Peas Eddy Road in Hancock. Tornado winds reached 95 mph. The separate Hancock-area microburst reached 105 mph, while another 70 to 80 mph microburst was recorded farther north in Marathon.

    The storms uprooted hundreds of trees, damaged homes, tore metal skirting from underneath structures and knocked down key transmission lines. A second round of severe storms later knocked out power to thousands more residents.

    NYSEG deployed more than 400 utility workers across heavily damaged areas, including Greene, Harpursville, Colesville and Owego. Broome County emergency officials also opened water and dry ice distribution sites at the Deposit Fire Station, the Lisle Fire Station and the Northern Broome Senior Center in Whitney Point.

    Residents are also being encouraged to use the Ready Broome emergency app for live alert tracking and local emergency updates.

    Legislature Disruption, Hawley Street Encampment Closure Continue to Shape Housing Debate

    The fallout continues after a Broome County Legislature meeting at the Hawley Street Office Building turned chaotic, with roughly 20 protesters shouting down lawmakers before deputies removed the group from the chambers.

    At least one physical altercation was reported during the disruption. Salka Valerio, 41, of Binghamton was arrested after deputies said she refused to vacate her seat and resisted removal. A second person, Brian McPeek, 59, of Binghamton, was also charged in connection with the disruption.

    The Hawley Street homeless advocacy encampment has since been fully dismantled after 24 days. Organizers said the transition had already been planned and that remaining tents, sleeping bags and supplies were distributed directly to local unhoused residents.

    Parkway Inn Dispute Intensifies Between County and Vestal Officials

    A sharp dispute has erupted between Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Vestal Town Supervisor Maria Sexton over conditions and inspections at the Parkway Inn, where unhoused individuals have been placed.

    Garnar criticized the inspection push as cruel and reckless, arguing that it could force vulnerable people out of temporary shelter. Sexton’s office pointed to serious code concerns, including lack of working smoke detectors and inadequate beds for children.

    The dispute highlights the larger housing crisis still facing Broome County after the Knights Inn fire, the Hawley Street encampment closure and ongoing pressure on emergency shelter systems.

    France Approves Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

    French lawmakers have approved a new policy banning children under 15 from using social media. The move places France at the center of a growing international debate over youth safety, screen time, online harm and digital responsibility.

    Deadly Tunnel Collapse Kills 12 Workers in India

    A tunnel collapse in India has killed 12 workers, with rescue operations complicated by dangerous conditions. India is also seeing major student protests that are reshaping political debate and opening new pressure points for national leaders.

    PUBLIC SAFETY / ALERTS / CRIME

    Federal Child Exploitation Sentencing: Neil Wesley, 47, of Broome County, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to receipt and possession of child pornography. Federal prosecutors said the case involved conduct spanning late 2024 into early 2025 and was heightened by a prior 2001 New York rape conviction.

    Federal Narcotics Indictment: Robert Scott, 60, of Binghamton, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine. Authorities said more than 40 grams of fentanyl and 28 grams of crack cocaine were seized during the investigation. If convicted, Scott faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison.

    Legislature Disruption Arrests: Salka of Binghamton and Brian of Binghamton were charged after the disruption at the Broome County Legislative Chambers. Salka faces misdemeanor charges including obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. Brian was booked on obstruction and disorderly conduct-related charges.

    Shoplifting and Resisting Case: Haley of the Town of Union was arrested after a shoplifting complaint. Deputies said she physically resisted arrest and now faces charges including petit larceny, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.

    Warrant Arrest: Robert Spoonhower, 39, of Binghamton, was arrested during a warrant execution in downtown Binghamton. He faces charges including resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and false personation after allegedly providing false identification.

    Protection Order Violation: Elijah of Endicott was arrested in Binghamton and charged with criminal contempt in the second degree after deputies said he violated an active court order of protection.

    Felony Domestic Assault Case: Alexa McKan of the Town of Dickinson was taken into custody following a severe domestic dispute. She faces a Class B felony charge of assault in the first degree.

    Encampment Court Follow-Up: Arraignment dates have been set in Binghamton City Court for individuals removed during the Hawley Street encampment enforcement action. Legal counsel for organizers is seeking body-worn camera footage from deputies involved in the removal.

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

    MISSING PERSON ALERT: TWO SEPARATE TEEN CASES

    Phoenix D. Williams – Missing From Binghamton

    Phoenix D. Williams, 13, remains missing from Binghamton after being listed as missing since July 11, 2026.

    Phoenix is described as a 13-year-old male with brown hair and brown eyes. His case is listed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children as case number 2095215.

    Anyone with information about Phoenix is asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at (607) 778-1911 or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST.

    Ciara Lynn Culpepper – Missing From Fenton

    Ciara Lynn Culpepper, 15, remains missing from the Town of Fenton / Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference after being reported missing on April 23, 2026.

    Ciara is described as a Black female, 5 feet 4 inches tall, about 140 pounds, with brown hair, blue eyes and glasses. Recent reported sightings have focused on Binghamton’s First Ward, including the Main Street, Clinton Street and Jarvis Street corridors.

    Anyone with information about Ciara is asked to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (607) 778-1911, the Sheriff’s Tip Line at (607) 778-1196 or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST.

    These are two separate missing teen cases. MyBroome will continue helping circulate verified information until both teens are safely located.

    LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS & TRAFFIC

    Binghamton has officially selected a permanent site for the new North Side fire station. Mayor Jared Kraham announced that the city secured vacant parcels at 419-423 Chenango Street for the future emergency response hub.

    The Broome County Industrial Development Agency has also approved primary plans for Vanguard Village, a major apartment complex project aimed at expanding residential housing options in the City of Binghamton.

    In Owego, historic traffic concerns remain relevant today after local fire officials 100 years ago warned motorists about failing to yield to emergency vehicles. The reminder comes as storm cleanup continues across the region and crews work along roads affected by fallen trees, damaged wires and utility repairs.

    Drivers should use caution near active recovery zones, especially in areas of eastern Broome, southern Chenango, Tioga County and the Deposit-Hancock corridor.

    WEATHER AND 5-DAY FORECAST

    From the NewsXR Weather Center

    The Southern Tier is seeing partly sunny and much calmer weather today after several days of severe storms, tornado warnings and widespread damage.

    Binghamton is sitting near 66 degrees with high humidity and a light west wind around 9 mph. Today’s high should reach 71 degrees, with west-northwest winds helping pull moisture out of the region later in the day.

    High pressure then takes control, bringing a clear and comfortable stretch through the end of the workweek.

    Wednesday: Partly sunny, 71 / 52, 20 percent rain chance.
    Thursday: Sunny, 75 / 50, 0 percent rain chance.
    Friday: Sunny, 80 / 52, 0 percent rain chance.
    Saturday: Partly sunny, 81 / 57, 5 percent rain chance.
    Sunday: Partly sunny, 79 / 63, 15 percent rain chance.

    Today’s Weather 100 Years Ago Today looks back to July 22, 1926, when Broome County sweltered through an intense midsummer heat wave. The afternoon high reached 96 degrees, while the overnight low only dropped to a humid 69. Heavy thunderstorms dropped 0.45 inches of rain and produced severe lightning that damaged chimneys and disrupted rural areas late at night.

    REGIONAL SPORTS UPDATE FROM THE NEWSXR SPORTS CENTER

    The Binghamton Rumble Ponies dropped their series opener to the Portland Sea Dogs, 8-3, at Mirabito Stadium. Portland hit three home runs and capitalized on early Binghamton mistakes to control the game.

    The Mets organization also made several roster moves affecting Double-A Binghamton, including the release of infielder/outfielder and Binghamton University alumnus Sam Roselli.

    New York Mets reliever Dedniel Núñez is expected to have his Major League rehab assignment transferred to Binghamton and could pitch at Mirabito Stadium Thursday night.

    The Rumble Ponies face Portland again today at 1 p.m. for Super Splash Day, which turns part of the ballpark into a water-fun zone for children. The game also includes We Care Wednesday, highlighting local nonprofit initiatives.

    The Binghamton Black Bears continue preparing for the 2026-27 FPHL season. The team signed rookie forward Ludovik Tardif to his first professional contract and added international prospects Amir Valiullin and Ivan Kulagin. Former Black Bears goaltender Connor McAnanama has moved on to the Peoria Rivermen of the SPHL.

    The FPHL is also restructuring into a two-conference, four-division format for the upcoming 17-team season, with the goal of creating stronger regional rivalries.

    In semipro football, the Southern Tier Stallions earned an 18-7 home win in Apalachin over the Watertown Red and Black. In youth baseball, the Horseheads 12U Majors All-Star team saw its postseason run end after two narrow one-run sectional losses.

    UPCOMING EVENTS

    The Binghamton Rumble Ponies host the Portland Sea Dogs today at 1 p.m. for Super Splash Day at Mirabito Stadium, with water features for kids and We Care Wednesday nonprofit recognition.

    The Triple Cities Runners Club holds Track Meet #3, the season finale, tonight at Dick Hoover Stadium in Vestal. Registration opens at 5:30 p.m., with races beginning at 6 p.m. Entry is free for TCRC members and $5 for non-members.

    The Southern Tier Community Center BBQ takes place Thursday, July 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. The fundraiser supports regional youth development programs and includes barbecue food, outdoor games and family activities.

    Photo City Music Showcase comes to the Bundy Museum of History and Art on Friday, July 24, at 6 p.m. For The Better headlines the all-ages show, with Reminitions, Long Way Home and In Gloom also on the lineup. Tickets are $15.

    Families can visit Cones on NY-369 on Saturday, July 25, at 1 p.m. for Live Ponies & Sweet Treats, featuring ponies from Twisted Roots Ranch and local ice cream.

    The Broome Bands Together Concert Series continues Tuesday, July 28, at Otsiningo Park with Katie Scott and Persuasion. The free concert begins at 6 p.m., and non-perishable food donations will be collected for CHOW.

    The Happy Together Tour comes to Visions Veterans Memorial Arena on Wednesday, July 29, at 7:30 p.m., featuring 1960s and 1970s pop-rock favorites.

    NOW PLAYING

    At Regal Binghamton on Front Street, current listings include The Odyssey, Moana, Supergirl, Minions & Monsters, Toy Story 5, Evil Dead Burn, The Invite, Young Washington and Obsession.

    At AMC Vestal Town Square 9, listings include The Odyssey, Moana, Minions & Monsters, Toy Story 5, Evil Dead Burn, The Invite and Young Washington.

    At the Tioga Theater in Owego, listings include The Odyssey, Moana, Minions & Monsters and Toy Story 5.

    Movie times can change, so viewers should check directly with the theater before leaving.

    COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

    Broome County Neighbors Rally for Knights Inn Survivors

    Broome County residents, nonprofits, businesses and faith-based organizations are turning a tragedy into a major display of local support after the Knights Inn fire in Endwell displaced families and left many people without their belongings.

    The Southern Tier Community Center in Johnson City has served as a key collection hub, with volunteers sorting truckloads of clothing, hygiene products, professional attire, toys, books and school supplies.

    Local businesses have hosted benefit nights, while community members have contributed more than $10,000 in grocery and department store gift cards. That direct aid allows survivors to purchase immediate necessities with dignity.

    Volunteers are also preparing welcome baskets with kitchen items, linens and household essentials for families as they move toward more stable housing.

    The response shows what Broome County can still do when neighbors decide that recovery is not someone else’s job.

    MYBROOME THEN

    Industrial Growth, Fire Planning and a Bizarre Chicken Heist Made Headlines 100 Years Ago

    Broome County headlines 100 years ago today included factory expansion, fire station planning and one of the stranger rural crime stories of the summer.

    Workers began operating newly installed machinery inside the expanded B.B.B. Shoe Factory on Washington Street, as the company worked to meet growing regional footwear demand.

    Near Windsor, a roadhouse owner reported that three armed men pretending to be sheriff’s deputies extorted him before fleeing with two bushels of peas and 43 prize chickens.

    In Port Dickinson, village trustees approved a public vote on a funding proposition to build a new two-story fire station and village hall at Chenango and Phelps streets.

    In Owego, fire officials publicly scolded local drivers for ignoring traffic ordinances and failing to pull over for responding emergency trucks.

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

    👉 Drop your comments below.

    © 2026 CompanyXR Media Group – All Rights Reserved

  • The Factionization of America: How the Modern Two-Party System Validated the Founders’ Worst Nightmare

    The Factionization of America: How the Modern Two-Party System Validated the Founders’ Worst Nightmare

    The Factionization of America: How the Modern Two-Party System Validated the Founders’ Worst Nightmare

    By the NewsXR Editorial Board

    When the New York State Supreme Court sentenced Donald J. Trump to an unconditional discharge, the legal system attempted to navigate one of the most unprecedented moments in American history. Legally, the 34 felony convictions remained part of the permanent judicial record. Politically, however, the American people rendered a separate judgment at the ballot box, returning him to the nation’s highest office despite those convictions. Whether one believes that outcome represented justice, injustice, accountability, or political persecution depends largely upon where they stand politically. What cannot reasonably be disputed is that the moment exposed a much larger constitutional reality – one that reaches far beyond Donald Trump himself.

    The significance of that moment was never about a single politician. It was about the growing divide between America’s institutions and the public’s confidence in those institutions. Increasingly, Americans no longer begin with the facts of an investigation, a court ruling, or an agency decision. They begin by asking who controlled the institution that made it. Millions of Republicans question whether Democratic administrations have used prosecutors, intelligence agencies, regulatory bodies, and congressional investigations to pursue political opponents. Millions of Democrats question whether Republican leaders have attempted to undermine elections, expand executive power beyond constitutional limits, politicize oversight, and weaken institutional safeguards for political gain. Each side believes the other has crossed constitutional lines. Each side believes the stakes are existential. Each side increasingly views victory not as an opportunity to govern, but as protection against what it believes the opposing faction will do if it regains power.

    That mutual distrust has fundamentally altered the way Americans view government itself. Court decisions are no longer simply legal rulings. Congressional hearings are no longer viewed merely as oversight. Executive orders are no longer temporary policy tools. Federal agencies are no longer broadly assumed to be politically neutral. Nearly every institution has become viewed through a partisan lens, leaving millions of Americans convinced that the machinery of government is being used not only to govern the nation but to defeat political opponents. Whether those perceptions are fully justified in every instance is almost beside the point. Confidence in institutions depends as much upon public trust as legal authority, and that trust has steadily eroded.

    The consequences are now visible throughout every level of government. Rather than building upon the work of previous administrations, each change in political power increasingly brings systematic dismantling. Republicans reverse Democratic executive orders. Democrats reverse Republican executive orders. Environmental regulations are written and rewritten. Energy policies expand and contract. Immigration priorities shift dramatically. Major infrastructure initiatives are redesigned or abandoned. International agreements are entered into, withdrawn from, and renegotiated. Billions of taxpayer dollars are spent building policies that survive only until the next election, when billions more are spent undoing them. The result is not steady governance but an expensive political pendulum that repeatedly tears down yesterday’s priorities to build tomorrow’s, only to begin the cycle again four years later.

    The offices of President, Governor, Attorney General, District Attorney, and even Congress itself have increasingly become viewed as strategic positions in an ongoing struggle for institutional control. Every election now carries the expectation that investigations will begin, executive powers will expand, appointments will shift ideological balance, regulations will be rewritten, and political opponents will spend the next four years attempting to reverse nearly every major action taken by their predecessors. The Constitution envisioned separated powers acting as checks upon one another. Increasingly, however, Americans witness competing factions attempting to use those same constitutional powers as political weapons against one another. Every new precedent established by one administration becomes justification for the next to answer in kind, creating an escalating cycle of political retaliation that neither side appears willing to end.

    That cycle has become self-perpetuating. Each party argues its actions are justified because the other side acted first. Republicans point to Democratic investigations, prosecutions, regulatory actions, and executive authority as evidence of institutional weaponization. Democrats point to Republican challenges to elections, executive actions, congressional investigations, and efforts to reshape federal institutions as proof that extraordinary measures are necessary. The accusations flow in both directions, the responses become increasingly aggressive, and each election simply resets the battlefield for another round. Regardless of which side one supports, the pattern itself has become unmistakable. Political victories are increasingly measured not only by the ability to govern, but by the ability to undo, investigate, prosecute, regulate, subpoena, or otherwise neutralize political opponents. The result is an endless cycle of political retribution that steadily weakens public confidence in every institution caught in the middle.

    Taken together, these developments resemble something the United States has rarely acknowledged openly. America is not experiencing a conventional civil war fought with armies across battlefields. It is experiencing what increasingly resembles a political cold civil war – a nation divided into rival factions that occupy the same territory, operate under the same Constitution, and participate in the same elections while steadily losing confidence in one another and in the institutions meant to serve them all. The weapons are no longer muskets and artillery. They are lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, congressional investigations, executive orders, regulatory actions, confirmation battles, media campaigns, and elections increasingly framed as battles for the survival of the Republic itself. Instead of seeking lasting solutions to national problems, each side increasingly prepares for the next opportunity to reclaim power and answer the last round of political blows with new ones of its own.

    This is precisely the future the architects of the American Republic feared most. James Madison warned that factions would ultimately place their own interests above those of the nation. George Washington warned that the alternating domination of one faction over another, fueled by revenge and retaliation, would eventually consume the Republic from within. Their concern was never that Americans would disagree. It was that political parties would become so consumed with defeating one another that preserving the constitutional system itself would become secondary. More than two centuries later, that warning deserves renewed attention. If the United States is to move beyond this political cold civil war, the cycle of institutional weaponization and partisan retribution must eventually give way to a renewed commitment to constitutional governance, equal justice, and the principle that no political victory is worth sacrificing the institutions that belong to every American.

    👉 Drop your comments below.

    © 2026 CompanyXR Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

  • The Nightly Wrap by NewsXR – Tuesday Night, July 21, 2026

    The Nightly Wrap by NewsXR – Tuesday Night, July 21, 2026

    🌙 The Nightly Wrap by NewsXR

    Tuesday Night, July 21, 2026

    Good evening, Southern Tier. Before you turn in for the night, here’s a quick look at the stories that shaped the day.

    🌪 Weather

    The National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado carved a nearly 16-mile path through parts of Broome and Delaware counties with peak winds of 95 mph. Thousands of NYSEG customers remain without electricity as restoration crews continue working across the region. Additional severe weather remains possible.

    🏛 Local Government

    A dispute over emergency housing escalated after Broome County Executive Jason Garnar criticized a Town of Vestal code enforcement action at the Parkway Inn, which serves as temporary shelter for homeless families. Officials remain divided over safety concerns and the impact on displaced residents.

    🚔 Public Safety

    A Broome County Legislature meeting ended in chaos after protesters disrupted proceedings on regional housing issues. Sheriff’s deputies removed approximately 20 people from the chambers, and multiple arrests were made.

    🚧 Infrastructure

    Mayor Jared Kraham announced that major repairs to the Brandywine Avenue railroad bridge have been completed. The project removes longstanding structural concerns and fully restores the important traffic route.

    ⚖️ Crime

    A Delaware County grand jury indicted a 41-year-old man on multiple felony charges after prosecutors allege he operated a motorcycle while heavily intoxicated with a six-year-old child riding as a passenger.

    ❤️ Good News

    A vulnerable elderly Pennsylvania man who wandered away from home was safely located following a coordinated search involving the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and several local emergency agencies.

    🙏 Community Prayer Request

    Tonight we ask our community to continue praying for the safe return of Phoenix Williams and Ciara Culpepper.

    May they be found safe, reunited with their loved ones, and may everyone searching for them be guided and protected.

    Amen.

    👉 Full coverage of today’s stories is available at https://newswire.mybroome.com/

    Some images are created using Verity AI and are artistic reproductions, not literal depictions.

    © 2026 CompanyXR Media Group. All Rights Reserved.

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