MYBROOME NOW
Friday, July 17, 2026
From the MyBroome News Room

TOP STORY

From NewsXR: U.S. Airstrikes Enter Seventh Day as Iran War Threatens Global Energy Flow

The U.S. military has launched its seventh consecutive day of airstrikes against Iran, expanding strikes deeper into the country while a newly reinstated naval blockade has brought shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to a near-total halt.

According to information reviewed by NewsXR, the latest U.S. Central Command strikes hit transit lines and infrastructure in southern Iran, including bridges, power lines and a railway junction near Bandar Abbas. Strikes also reportedly damaged the Geryveh and Kahurestan bridges in Bandar Khamir, killing at least seven people and wounding nine others. Additional explosions were reported near civilian and military airfields, including Iranshahr Airport in southeastern Iran and Semnan Airport east of Tehran.

Iranian officials accused the United States of carrying out what they called a “barbaric attack” in Ahvaz after damage was reported to energy-sector infrastructure and a nearby children’s cancer hospital was evacuated.

The fighting has now expanded across the region. Iran launched coordinated drone and missile attacks targeting Western assets in Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. Kuwaiti forces reportedly intercepted 21 incoming drones, while Bahrain activated emergency air-raid sirens around Sakhir Air Base. Iran also confirmed attacks against U.S. communication and radar infrastructure at Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan and targets in Syria.

The economic impact is already being felt. Maritime data cited in the latest reporting indicates ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen from a pre-war average of roughly 130 ships per day to only eight vessels per day. Brent crude has climbed into the $85 to $86 per barrel range as energy markets react to the blockade and widening conflict.

President Trump has said the military pressure is intended to force Tehran back to the negotiating table. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has framed the conflict as an “existential war” and vowed that Iran will defend its territory.

NewsXR’s position is clear: Iran is a hostile enemy regime, and U.S. military pressure is justified when directed at ending the regime’s ability to threaten America, Israel and the broader region. Iran’s claim that it is fighting for survival must be viewed alongside the reality that the United States has offered terms to end the military pressure, while Iran’s ruling regime has repeatedly defined its posture through hostility toward America and Israel. NewsXR finds it obscene for Tehran to claim victimhood while continuing a campaign built around weakening, disrupting and ultimately destroying the United States and Israel if it ever gains the means to do so.

OTHER STORIES

Broome County Legislature Meeting Ends Early After Housing Protest Disruption

The July 2026 session of the Broome County Legislature ended early Thursday after affordable-housing protesters disrupted the chamber, leading to physical altercations, multiple forced removals and at least three arrests.

The disruption stems from a three-week protest encampment outside the Broome County Office Building following last month’s fatal fire at the Knights Inn in Endwell, where six people died. The motel had been heavily used by the county’s Department of Social Services to temporarily house people in crisis.

Housing activists are demanding major changes, including passage of Good Cause Eviction protections, creation of a Central Housing Coordination Agency and the reallocation of hotel and motel occupancy taxes strictly toward affordable housing. Protesters began chanting during legislative business, and Broome County Sheriff’s Deputies and Binghamton Police officers removed multiple individuals from the chamber.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar pushed back aggressively against the tactics used by demonstrators while acknowledging the broader frustration.

“I understand that certain people who are advocating for change and wanting to see change, and I get it; I understand the emotion. Especially after what happened at the Knights Inn, it’s an awful, awful thing. But playing music for three weeks, that’s not getting everything done,” Garnar said.

He followed that by saying, “We still are doing the work; we come in here every single day, and we do the work. There is a lot of music being played here; I don’t think that’s work.”

After order was restored, lawmakers approved remaining business, including resolutions tied to summer youth employment and workforce development programs. Activists continued rallying outside, calling for the county to move away from emergency hotel vouchers and toward long-term housing solutions.

NewsXR will publish a related editorial on the Broome County housing dispute this Sunday on the Newswire.

Phoenix D. Williams Reported Missing From Binghamton

Phoenix D. Williams, a 13-year-old boy from Binghamton, has been officially reported missing. He was last seen on July 11, 2026, in Binghamton.

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 under case number 2095215.

Because Binghamton connects directly to major regional routes including Interstate 81, Interstate 88 and Interstate 86, community awareness across the Southern Tier is especially important. Anyone who sees Phoenix or has information is urged to contact the Broome County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at (607) 778-1911 or the NCMEC 24-hour hotline at 1-800-843-5678, also known as 1-800-THE-LOST.

Every share helps keep his face visible.

Vanguard Village Affordable Housing Project Moves Forward

The Broome County Industrial Development Agency has approved initial plans for Vanguard Village, a major housing development proposed for 187 Clinton Street.

The project would transform a six-acre vacant brownfield site into 288 energy-efficient, affordable apartments for families. Public hearings are expected in the coming weeks as the project moves through the local review process.

Northside Fire Station Replacement Announced

Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announced that the city’s new Northside fire station will be built on vacant lots next to the current firehouse at 419 to 423 Chenango Street.

The new station will replace the 66-year-old facility now serving the Northside. City officials say the existing building is reaching the end of its useful life and no longer meets the long-term needs of the department.

PUBLIC SAFETY / ALERTS / CRIME

Harding Avenue Fire Sends Heavy Smoke Over Binghamton’s Southside

The Binghamton Fire Department battled a serious blaze at an abandoned, unoccupied house on Harding Avenue. Thick black smoke was visible across the Southside, but no injuries were reported.

Neighbors said the property was known for squatting. The cause of the fire remains under review.

State Police Continue Investigation Into Country Club Pool Death

New York State Police are continuing to investigate the death of an 11-year-old boy who went into distress at the Binghamton Country Club pool on July 8.

The child was airlifted to Upstate University Hospital and died the following day. The case remains under investigation.

Community Night Canceled Due to Air Quality

The Broome County District Attorney’s Office canceled the scheduled July 16 Binghamton Community Night at St. Paul’s Church because of regional air quality advisories.

The cancellation was issued as Canadian wildfire smoke continued to create hazy skies and unhealthy conditions for some residents.

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

LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS & TRAFFIC

Broome County enters the weekend with housing, air quality and public safety concerns still driving much of the local conversation.

The county housing crisis remains the dominant local issue after the fatal Knights Inn fire, the continuing Government Plaza encampment and the early end to Thursday’s Legislature meeting. At the same time, the Vanguard Village project is moving forward as one of the largest affordable-housing proposals now active in the county.

Drivers and residents should also watch for changing conditions tied to this weekend’s storm system. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected Saturday afternoon into Saturday night, which may affect local events, outdoor plans and low-lying roads.

WEATHER AND 5-DAY FORECAST

From the NewsXR Weather Center

Binghamton is starting Friday under cloudy conditions around 64 degrees, with humidity near 82 percent and light west winds around 3 mph. Wildfire smoke from Canadian fires continues to create hazy skies and localized air quality concerns this morning, though skies should clear to partly sunny by afternoon.

Today’s high is expected to reach about 79 degrees, with a low near 59 tonight.

The bigger weather concern arrives Saturday. A storm system is expected to move into the region Saturday afternoon, bringing scattered thunderstorms and heavy rain potential before conditions improve into a cooler, more pleasant Sunday.

Friday, July 17: Partly sunny with hazy smoke. High 79, low 59. Rain chance 10 percent.
Saturday, July 18: Scattered thunderstorms. High 79, low 61. Rain chance 65 percent.
Sunday, July 19: Partly sunny and cooler. High 73, low 50. Rain chance 15 percent.
Monday, July 20: Partly sunny. High 78, low 51. Rain chance 10 percent.
Tuesday, July 21: Light rain and showers. High 76, low 65. Rain chance 75 percent.
Wednesday, July 22: Rain likely. High 72, low 58. Rain chance 70 percent.

REGIONAL SPORTS UPDATE FROM THE NEWSXR SPORTS CENTER

The Southern Tier Athletic Conference has approved a major postseason change, eliminating the traditional tournament semifinal round beginning with the upcoming academic year. Teams will now move directly into Large School and Small School Championship games, a change conference officials say is meant to balance regional size differences.

STAC division boundaries are also shifting. Johnson City will move into the Central division, Chenango Forks will move into the East, and the West division will remain anchored by Corning, Elmira, Horseheads and Ithaca.

In Double-A baseball, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies return to Mirabito Stadium tonight at 7 p.m. to open a three-game homestand against the Akron RubberDucks. Binghamton will play under the temporary “Southern Tier Scoop Scoundrels” specialty rebrand for the weekend. Saturday and Sunday games are scheduled for 1 p.m., with Saturday featuring a specialty bucket hat giveaway and post-game ice cream social.

The Binghamton Black Bears, fresh off their Commissioner’s Cup championship, have signed their second goaltender of the offseason as they continue building the roster for the 2026-27 FPHL season.

The Elmira Pioneers placed five players on the PGCBL West Division Midseason All-Star list, including Corning graduates Landen and Larsen Burch, Elmira Notre Dame alumnus Luke Richards, Brenden Hayes and outfielder Brett Baker.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and County Legislator Erin Micha presented a county proclamation to Chenango Valley standout Patterson, recognizing his New York state track and field championship titles in the high jump and discus.

Regional sports honors also continued this week as WETM-TV broadcast its 10th annual Twin Tiers Sports Awards. Corning track and field standout Nolyn Proudfoot was named Male MVP, while Horseheads multi-sport athlete Alexa Lese was named Female MVP.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies host the Akron RubberDucks tonight at 7 p.m. at Mirabito Stadium, with afternoon games continuing Saturday and Sunday.

Weekend outdoor events should monitor Saturday’s storm threat closely, especially during the afternoon and evening window when heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected.

Community organizations and residents are also being urged to continue sharing verified missing-person information for Phoenix D. Williams and to remain alert across the regional travel grid.

COMMUNITY INSIGHT / HAPPY STORY / HISTORICAL FACT

Community Spotlight: Habitat for Humanity Launches Repair Blitz for Veterans and Seniors

Broome County Habitat for Humanity has launched its summer Home Repair Blitz, a home-preservation campaign focused on critical repairs for local veterans and elderly homeowners.

The program is targeting aging roofs, unsafe ramps, failing porches and structural problems that can force long-term residents out of their homes. Volunteer crews made up of students, corporate teams and retired tradespeople are working across Binghamton, Johnson City and Endicott.

Unlike Habitat’s traditional new-construction builds, the Repair Blitz is focused on keeping people safely in the homes they already have. The program is funded through local donations, Broome County Habitat ReStore proceeds and support from local suppliers.

One Endicott veteran receiving help said, “I didn’t know how I was going to manage this winter. To have people from my own community show up on my lawn ready to help is a blessing I can’t put into words.”

MyBroome™ Then – 100 Years Ago Today in Broome County

Exactly 100 years ago today, more than 200 residents packed a Grace Street backyard in Binghamton’s First Ward hoping to see a rumored neighborhood ghost. The crowd grew so large that police had to clear traffic, but the ghost never appeared.

Also on July 17, 1926, volunteer firefighters battled a major blaze at the Endicott Johnson Workers’ Grocery Store sausage factory on Grand Avenue in Endicott, while local police raided the old Mansion House on Prospect Avenue around 2:30 a.m. and made 11 gambling arrests.

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MYBROOME NOW

Thursday, July 16, 2026
From the MyBroome News Room

TOP STORY

From NewsXR: U.S.-Iran War Enters Volatile New Phase as Strait of Hormuz Fight Threatens Global Markets

The U.S.-Iran war has entered a highly volatile new phase, with American forces expanding strikes inside Iran, enforcing a renewed naval blockade and confronting Iranian efforts to disrupt commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Reuters reported Thursday that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply after the United States reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports, with fewer vessels moving through the strategic waterway and no very large crude carriers or LNG tankers observed during the latest reporting period. U.S. forces also reported disabling an oil tanker attempting to reach Iran despite warnings.

The conflict has also widened beyond Iran itself. Iran has launched retaliatory drone and missile attacks against U.S. and allied positions in the region, including targets in Jordan and Kuwait, while the United States has continued airstrikes on Iranian military infrastructure. A separate Reuters report said Iran’s release of a detained American citizen may signal a possible path toward de-escalation, but both sides remain in aggressive military postures.

The war matters directly to Broome County residents. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, and disruption there can affect fuel prices, heating costs, food transportation, inflation, financial markets and the deployment risk faced by American service members and their families. What happens in the Gulf does not stay in the Gulf when local families are paying at the pump, heating their homes or watching loved ones serve overseas.

NewsXR will continue tracking the war, the threat to global energy supply and the consequences for American communities far from the battlefield.

OTHER STORIES

Parkway Inn Dispute Exposes Broome County’s Emergency Housing Crisis

A public clash between Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Vestal Town Supervisor Maria Sexton continues over conditions at the Parkway Inn, where people experiencing homelessness have been placed in temporary housing.

A 15-page Vestal code inspection report found the motel unfit for human occupancy, citing serious safety and sanitary concerns. Spectrum News reported that the inspection found children sleeping on floors and in closets, missing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and unsanitary rooms.

Garnar criticized Sexton’s handling of the issue and argued that immediately forcing residents out would create an unnecessary housing crisis. WNBF reported that Garnar said the written violation notice gave the property owner 30 days to correct violations and did not require immediate removal of residents.

Sexton has maintained that the core issue is whether vulnerable families and individuals should be expected to live in unsafe conditions. The dispute reflects a larger reality: Broome County lacks enough safe, affordable, low-cost housing for the workers and families who live here year-round.

The county needs dishwashers, cooks, cashiers, aides, cleaners, retail workers and service employees. But too many of those same people are being priced out of decent housing, including in rental markets shaped heavily by temporary student demand. Emergency motel rooms cannot be the backbone of local housing policy.

Vanguard Village Apartment Project Approved for Clinton Street

The Broome County Industrial Development Agency has approved plans for Vanguard Village, a major proposed apartment development on Clinton Street in Binghamton.

The project is expected to bring nearly 300 energy-efficient apartments for families and individuals, with public hearings anticipated as the approval process moves forward.

If completed, the project could become one piece of a broader local housing response, but Broome County’s need for affordable, safe and stable housing remains far larger than any single development.

ICE Activity Continues to Draw Local Concern

Community organizations continue raising alarms about increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity across Broome County, with advocates reporting approximately 19 detentions in the area, particularly around Endicott and Johnson City.

The reports have sparked protests, fear among immigrant families and calls for local officials to clarify the role of local government and law enforcement in federal civil immigration activity.

Tragic Pool Incident Claims Life of 11-Year-Old Boy

An 11-year-old boy has died at Upstate University Hospital following a drowning incident at the Binghamton Country Club pool in the Town of Union.

The tragedy has shaken the community and renewed attention on pool safety, emergency response and the heartbreak families face when a summer gathering turns into a life-ending emergency.

PUBLIC SAFETY / ALERTS / CRIME

Three Arrested After Troopers Seize Fentanyl and Cocaine Base

New York State Police arrested three people after a traffic stop on Prospect Street in the Town of Dickinson.

Troopers identified the driver as Gregory L. Jackson, 51, of Brooklyn, with passengers Sircurtis D. King, 60, of Binghamton, and Jhenna T. Wood, 38, of Binghamton.

Police said a K-9-assisted search located approximately 1.96 ounces of cocaine base, approximately 1.90 ounces of fentanyl, a digital scale, packaging materials and a large amount of U.S. currency. Jackson, King and Wood were each charged with four Class B felony controlled-substance counts and two misdemeanor counts of criminally using drug paraphernalia.

Jennifer L. Boykin, 40, Faces Fraud-Related Felony Charges

Jennifer L. Boykin, 40, was taken into custody by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office following a fraud investigation in the Town of Chenango.

Boykin faces multiple Class D felony charges, including first-degree identity theft, third-degree grand larceny and three counts of possession of a forged instrument.

April Z. Gonzalez Charged After Domestic Incident

April Z. Gonzalez, 35, of Port Crane, was arrested by sheriff’s deputies following a domestic incident investigation in the Town of Colesville.

Gonzalez faces a Class D felony count of second-degree strangulation along with two misdemeanor counts of third-degree assault.

Rondell V. Dowdell Pleads Guilty in Endicott Drug Case

Rondell V. Dowdell, 37, of Endicott, pleaded guilty in Broome County Court to third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The plea came shortly before his case was scheduled for trial and stemmed from a narcotics investigation dating back to July 2025.

Appeals Court Reverses Broome County Weapon Conviction

A New York appeals court has reversed a prior weapon conviction involving David A. Coffey, finding that prosecutors violated discovery rules by failing to properly turn over critical evidence to the defense.

The case had involved a guilty plea to second-degree criminal possession of a weapon before Broome County Court Judge Joseph Cawley.

Neil Wesley Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Court

Neil Wesley, 47, of Broome County, was sentenced in federal court to 25 years in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

Federal and local prosecutors said Wesley admitted to receiving and possessing hundreds of child exploitation files between late 2024 and early 2025.

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

LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS & TRAFFIC

Air Quality Alert Continues Across the Southern Tier

An Air Quality Alert remains in effect for Binghamton and the surrounding Southern Tier as Canadian wildfire smoke continues pushing into the region.

Residents may see hazy skies and reduced visibility, while people with asthma, heart or lung disease, children and older adults should limit strenuous outdoor activity when smoke levels are elevated.

Broome County Public Library Temporarily Closed for Construction

The Broome County Public Library is temporarily closed for scheduled construction and facility upgrades. Normal operations are expected to resume after the work is completed.

Residents should check the library’s official updates before planning a visit.

MyBroome.com Launch Moves to August 1

CompanyXR Media Group has postponed the official launch of MyBroome.com until August 1, 2026.

The platform is scheduled to go live at midnight on the new launch date. Project operators said the additional time will be used to finalize operational and technical details and help ensure a smoother user experience from day one.

WEATHER AND 5-DAY FORECAST

From the NewsXR Weather Center

Binghamton is under an Air Quality Alert as Canadian wildfire smoke pushes through the region, producing hazy skies and reduced surface visibility. Current conditions are mostly sunny around 71°F, with high humidity and light west winds.

Smoke concentrations are expected to peak later today before improving Friday morning.

Thursday, July 16: Hazy and sunny. High near 83°F, low near 57°F. Air-quality concerns continue.

Friday, July 17: Mostly sunny and clearer. High near 79°F, low near 58°F.

Saturday, July 18: Scattered thunderstorms likely. High near 79°F, low near 63°F. Chance of rain around 75%.

Sunday, July 19: Cooler, with improving conditions. High near 72°F, low near 51°F.

Monday, July 20: Mostly cloudy and seasonable. High near 78°F, low near 52°F.

The biggest weather concern today is smoke. The biggest weekend concern is Saturday’s storm threat as a sharp front brings the possibility of thunderstorms and lingering rain.

REGIONAL SPORTS UPDATE FROM THE NEWSXR SPORTS CENTER

Michael Mancini Drafted by San Francisco Giants

Former Maine-Endwell Little League World Series champion Michael Mancini has been selected by the San Francisco Giants in the ninth round of the Major League Baseball Draft.

Mancini, now a Vanderbilt infielder, remains one of the most recognizable names in recent Southern Tier baseball history after helping lead Maine-Endwell to the 2016 Little League World Series championship.

Rumble Ponies Continue Heavy Summer Schedule

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies continue their mid-summer stretch at Mirabito Stadium after a challenging series against the Erie SeaWolves.

The team received a major boost from MLB rehab assignments, with Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien and Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. joining the lineup and helping power the offense.

Black Bears Add New Talent After Championship Run

The Binghamton Black Bears continue rebuilding after their third consecutive FPHL Commissioner’s Cup championship.

Recent offseason moves include signing 22-year-old Quebec native Ludovik Tardif to his first professional contract and adding rookie Russian forward Ivan Kulagin.

Bearcats Men’s Soccer Adds 10 Players

Binghamton University men’s soccer head coach Paul Marco announced a 10-player addition to the fall roster, including transfers from Hofstra, Stony Brook and Providence College.

The incoming class brings Division I experience and depth as the Bearcats prepare for the new season.

STAC Overhauls Championship Format

The Southern Tier Athletic Conference is eliminating semifinal games and moving to a direct championship format.

Under the new system, West and Metro division winners will meet for the Large School title, while Central and East division winners will meet for the Small School title.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Community Bazaar in Endwell – July 17-19

The Church of the Holy Family in Endwell will host its three-day Community Bazaar beginning Friday.

The event includes live music, food, games, bingo, a white elephant sale and a Sunday chicken barbecue.

Rumble Ponies Weekend Homestand

The Binghamton Rumble Ponies continue summer baseball action at Mirabito Stadium this weekend, giving local families another chance to catch professional baseball close to home.

Saturday Storm Watch for Outdoor Events

Anyone planning outdoor activities Saturday should monitor the forecast closely. Scattered thunderstorms and periods of steady rain could affect local events, sports and travel plans.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Seven-Year-Old Greyson Marshall Turns Piggy Bank Gift Into Humane Society Donation Wave

An Endwell boy has sparked a wave of community generosity after donating his life savings to help animals at the Broome County Humane Society.

Seven-year-old Greyson Marshall arrived at the shelter with his piggy bank in hand and donated his chore allowance to help buy food and toys for animals waiting for homes.

Shelter staff shared his act of kindness online, and the story quickly spread across the Southern Tier. Within 48 hours, local residents and businesses responded with hundreds of pounds of pet food, dozens of pet beds and thousands of dollars in matching digital donations.

Greyson’s small act became one of the shelter’s largest community-driven donation drives of the summer.

It is a reminder that generosity does not have an age requirement. Sometimes one child with a piggy bank can move an entire community.

MYBROOME™ THEN – 100 YEARS AGO TODAY IN BROOME COUNTY

Thursday, July 16, 1926

“Petting Party” Blamed for Barn Fire Near Ross Park

One hundred years ago today, Broome County residents were reading about a strange fire investigation after a barn owned by George Pratt on Morgan Road was destroyed and a horse was killed.

Investigators traced the blaze to what newspapers of the time called a careless “petting party,” where someone allegedly tossed a lit cigarette into dry grass behind Ross Park.

The language is dated, but the lesson still lands a century later: one careless act can do real damage.

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

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