MYBROOME NOW
Saturday, July 25, 2026
From the MyBroome News Team
WORLD NOW by NewsXR
U.S. Airstrikes Pause as Iran Conflict Widens to Saudi-Houthi Front
U.S. airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure have paused for the first time in two weeks, marking a tense intermission in the escalating Middle East conflict.
President Donald Trump indicated that backchannel negotiations are underway and said Tehran may be getting more serious about talks. However, he also warned that a much larger American attack remains on the table if diplomacy fails.
The pause follows 13 consecutive nights of American strikes against Iranian military targets. U.S. Central Command did not announce new airstrikes over the weekend, and Iranian officials reported a quiet night with no new U.S. strike casualties.
The military situation remains extremely volatile. The Strait of Hormuz naval standoff continues, with U.S. forces reportedly disabling a commercial tanker that attempted to run the American blockade of Iranian ports. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard also claimed it intercepted four vessels attempting to move through unapproved routes.
The conflict has also widened into a Saudi-Houthi front. Iran-backed Houthi rebels reportedly targeted Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, including a Saudi-flagged oil tanker. Saudi Arabia responded with retaliatory airstrikes on the Houthi-controlled port city of Hodeidah, followed by additional Houthi missile launches toward Saudi coastal military installations.
Regional proxy attacks remain a major concern, with Iran-backed networks reportedly targeting U.S. positions in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain. In a surprise development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said Ukraine used long-range weapons to strike ships carrying Iranian military cargo across the Caspian Sea to Russia.
Global energy markets remain unsettled. Oil prices briefly moved above $100 per barrel before easing back toward the low $90s, while gasoline prices in the United States continue facing upward pressure.
Global Headlines
The Trump administration has imposed sweeping new tariffs ranging from 10 percent to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 countries, including major trade partners in Europe, Canada, Mexico, China and Japan. The administration cited anti-forced-labor enforcement, while affected governments are preparing retaliation and legal challenges.
Brazil has denied visa requests for two Trump administration officials, saying the planned visit was an attempt to interfere with Brazil’s upcoming presidential election.
In Europe, massive wildfires have forced more than 250,000 people to evacuate tourist areas and cities across France and Spain. Spain has declared a national emergency as fast-moving fires merge near Madrid.
In southwest China, a landslide has killed at least 11 people, with more than 50 others still missing.
India’s education minister has resigned following weeks of youth-led protests over civil service exam leaks. Student organizers agreed to stand down after talks with the government.
In Italy, violent protests erupted in Bologna after the death of a Moroccan immigrant business owner in police custody.
French lawmakers have approved a sweeping ban preventing children under 15 from accessing social media platforms, creating one of the strongest youth digital restrictions in Europe.
LOCAL NEWS NOW
Storm Damage and Housing Protests Continue to Grip the Southern Tier
Severe weather disruptions and growing civic pressure over housing remain two of the biggest local stories across Broome County and the broader Southern Tier.
The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado touched down in Sanford, carving a 15-mile path east into Delaware County with peak winds near 95 mph. That follows another confirmed tornado earlier in the week that impacted parts of Broome and Chenango counties.
A later round of heavy thunderstorm activity and microbursts caused additional power disruptions across Tioga, Chenango and eastern Broome counties, affecting more than 3,300 NYSEG customers. Owego, Harpursville and surrounding areas saw emergency crews respond to downed trees, outages and localized damage. Most services have since been restored.
At the same time, housing protests continue following the deadly arson fire at the Knights Inn in Endwell. Demonstrators connected to the Hawley Street Encampment and Citizen Action of New York disrupted a Broome County Legislative meeting while protesting local emergency housing systems.
Multiple protesters were removed and arrested after chanting escalated inside the chamber. Activists are demanding the elimination of motel placements for unhoused residents, arguing that vulnerable people should not be placed in unsafe or substandard temporary housing.
Amid the crisis, the Broome County Land Bank announced completion of its first ARPA-funded residential home overhaul on Binghamton’s South Side. The low-to-moderate-income property is listed at $139,900.
PUBLIC SAFETY NOW
Attempted Murder Arrest in Doubleday Street Stabbing
Dominic L. Rought, 23, of Binghamton, was arrested near Eldridge Street after a stabbing on Doubleday Street.
Authorities allege Rought stabbed a 44-year-old man four times following a verbal argument. The victim was reportedly stabbed in the chest, neck, back and armpit.
Rought is charged with Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony. He was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility following arraignment in Binghamton City Court.
Felony Drug Arrest in Kirkwood
Rayner A. Casilla, 30, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, was arrested by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop investigation in the Town of Kirkwood.
Casilla faces three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell, all Class D felonies. He was held pending central arraignment.
Legislature Protest Arrests Continue Through Court
Salka of Binghamton was taken into custody during the Broome County Legislative Session disruption tied to housing protests.
She faces misdemeanor-level charges including Obstructing Governmental Administration, Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct.
Brian of Binghamton was also detained during the same protest-related incident. Both were processed by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office and released on appearance tickets.
Retail Larceny Investigation in Town of Union
Haley of the Town of Union was detained by deputies following a retail larceny investigation at a commercial business in the Town of Union.
She faces misdemeanor-level charges including Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Governmental Administration and Petit Larceny. She was released on an appearance ticket under New York State bail statutes.
Drug Possession Case in Endicott Area
Cheyenne of Endicott was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree after deputies reported finding narcotics during the execution of an unrelated warrant in the Town of Union.
She was booked by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office and scheduled for local court proceedings.
Court Actions of Interest
Michael Felkel was sentenced in federal court for a racially motivated civil rights violation against a Black neighbor. He was ordered to complete a mandatory mental health program and still faces additional state-level charges.
Randall Lenyard, 33, was arraigned on homicide and stalking charges following a high-speed pursuit in Wisconsin. Prosecutors allege he shot the mother of his child during a custody exchange.
The murder trial of Jack Upchurch has been delayed. Upchurch is accused in the killing of Good Samaritan Paul Clifford.
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.
Weekly Civil Actions of Public Interest
As taxpayers, these civil cases matter to all of us. Lawsuits involving local government can affect public accountability, public services, municipal budgets, legal exposure and how officials handle housing, jail conditions, code enforcement, policing, prosecution and constitutional rights.
Broome County Jail Salmonella Class Action
A federal civil rights class action has been filed against Broome County and Sheriff Fred Akshar following the salmonella outbreak at the Broome County Correctional Facility.
As taxpayers, this case matters because it involves public money, jail operations, county liability and the broader question of how quickly government responds when an emergency becomes known.
NewsXR also believes important context is being left out of some of the political noise around this case. Once the outbreak became known, the Sheriff’s Office and county health officials described a coordinated emergency response. Public updates reported deep cleaning inside the facility, limits on inmate movement, adjusted meals, expanded medical monitoring, review of possible causes and steps meant to prevent another outbreak.
That matters. A foodborne outbreak in a correctional facility is serious, and any credible claim deserves review. But the response after discovery also matters, and the public should weigh both the allegation and the actions taken once officials knew what they were dealing with.
The lawsuit has also become politically charged. Attorney Ronald Benjamin has publicly called on Governor Kathy Hochul to remove Sheriff Akshar from office, while the Sheriff’s Office has rejected the allegations and called the lawsuit a fabrication.
That political backdrop cannot be ignored. Sheriff Akshar has also been one of the visible New York sheriffs opposing Governor Hochul’s immigration proposals restricting local law-enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Hochul’s proposal sought to limit the use of local police, jails and law-enforcement technology in civil immigration enforcement, while sheriffs including Akshar argued Albany was interfering with sheriffs’ duties and independence.
NewsXR views that context as relevant. The salmonella case should be judged on facts, evidence and emergency response, not political differences, immigration-policy disputes or the weaponization of executive pressure against an independently elected sheriff.
Knights Inn Arson Liability Lawsuit
A civil lawsuit has been filed against Broome County following the June 22 arson fire at the Knights Inn in Endwell that killed six people.
The case centers on the county’s use of the motel for emergency housing placements through the Department of Social Services. The lawsuit alleges the county breached its duty of care by placing vulnerable residents in a property with a documented history of safety and criminal concerns.
This case goes directly to the center of the region’s housing crisis and raises the question of whether local governments can be held civilly liable for the conditions of private motels they use for emergency shelter.
Isaac Anzaroot Litigation Against Binghamton
Isaac Anzaroot, publicly labeled by Mayor Jared Kraham as one of Binghamton’s most notorious slumlords, remains tied to litigation involving a reported $500 million civil rights retaliation claim against the City of Binghamton.
The city has pursued aggressive code enforcement against neglected properties, including landmark Supreme Court actions. Anzaroot’s claim argues city officials selectively and unlawfully targeted his properties in violation of his constitutional rights.
The case is notable because of both the size of the claim and the broader challenge it presents to Binghamton’s code enforcement strategy.
Kweller et al v. County of Broome et al
A pending federal civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 names both City of Binghamton and Broome County officials.
The suit names high-ranking figures including Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski, Police Captain Cory Minor, former District Attorney Michael Korchak and multiple assistant district attorneys.
Section 1983 lawsuits are used to pursue claims involving alleged constitutional-rights violations by government officials acting under color of law. This case is notable because it alleges systemic misconduct involving both policing and prosecution.
WEATHER NOW from NewsXR
The Southern Tier is enjoying clear, mostly sunny skies and beautiful weekend weather, with afternoon temperatures ranging from the upper 70s into the low 80s.
An upper-level trough is expected to move into the region early next week, shifting the pattern from sunny and calm to unsettled and stormy.
Saturday: Sunny, beautiful start to the weekend, 81 to 84 / 60, 0 percent rain chance.
Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, 83 / 63, 0 percent rain chance.
Monday: Turning humid with scattered afternoon thunderstorms, 83 / 65, 60 percent rain chance.
Tuesday: Heavy thunderstorms and rain likely, 75 / 63, 90 percent rain chance.
Wednesday: Lingering rain showers and cooler, 71 / 62, 70 percent rain chance.
Air quality across Broome County and the Southern Tier has greatly improved and is currently rated as fair. Fine particulate matter levels have dropped significantly after earlier wildfire-smoke impacts, making general outdoor weekend activity safe for most residents.
The region spent part of the week under New York State Department of Environmental Conservation air-quality advisories due to wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota. The rain and atmospheric mixing expected Monday night and Tuesday should help clear out any remaining low-level haze.
Weather 100 Years Ago Today
Exactly 100 years ago today, on July 25, 1926, Binghamton and the Southern Tier had sunny, pleasant weather with a high of 81 and an overnight low of 59.
Historical weather records show 0.00 inches of rain. Those dry, comfortable conditions helped set the stage for a crowd of about 500 local sports fans who gathered at Binghamton Country Club to watch golf legend Walter Hagen play an exhibition match.
SPORTS NOW from NewsXR
Reigning Champions Return and Summer League Showdowns Continue
Major roster renewals, summer league tournament play and conference realignment are driving an active mid-summer sports cycle across the Southern Tier.
The Binghamton Rumble Ponies fell 8-1 to the Portland Sea Dogs at Mirabito Stadium. Binghamton struck first on a Chris Suero RBI double that scored Jaylen Palmer, but the game unraveled in the fifth inning when defensive mistakes and four straight walks allowed Portland to score six runs without recording a hit. The loss dropped Binghamton to 34-60 overall.
In Little League sectional play, the Horseheads Majors 12U All-Star team saw its summer run end after two close losses, following a dramatic 16-12 opening-round victory over Auburn. The Corning-Painted Post Little League Senior division team captured its sectional title and advanced to the New York State tournament.
The Binghamton Black Bears announced the return of star forward CJ Stubbs for the 2026-27 season. Stubbs enters the new cycle as the reigning FPHL Playoff MVP after helping lead the Black Bears to their third consecutive Commissioner’s Cup championship. During the 2025-26 regular season, he led the team with 39 goals and finished second in scoring with 97 points, including a 20-game point streak.
Stubbs joins a summer signing group that includes Ludovik Tardif, Amir Valiullin, Ivan Kulagin and returning favorite Cheechoo Lathlin.
In high school sports, the Southern Tier Athletic Conference is preparing a major structure change beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. STAC will eliminate its traditional semifinal round and move to a Small School and Large School Championship format. West and Metro winners will advance to the Large School Championship, while Central and East winners will meet for the Small School Championship. Johnson City will move from the Metro division to the Central division as part of the realignment.
The Greater Binghamton Sports Hall of Fame also announced its newest 2026 induction class, highlighted by Pete Sylvester and Brian Jester for their contributions to Southern Tier athletics.
EVENTS NOW
The Southern Tier heads into a sunny summer weekend with outdoor conditions expected to cooperate across most of the region.
Local families, sports fans and community groups should see strong conditions for outdoor events through Sunday before storms return early next week.
More event listings will continue through MyBroome and NewsXR as weekend schedules update.
COMMUNITY NOW
Binghamton Urban Farmers Propose Freight-to-Farm-to-Foyer Housing Concept
A North Side-based group of urban agriculturalists and local engineers is proposing an experimental housing response called The Freight-to-Farm-to-Foyer Project.
The concept would convert decommissioned regional railway shipping containers or freight-style units into modular, insulated tiny homes. The proposal also includes vertical hydroponic food systems built into the side panels of the residences, creating a combined housing and food-production model.
The initiative, attributed to Vines and Valleys Collaborative, is being framed as a grassroots alternative to emergency motel placements. Organizers say the idea is to create durable, mobile and semi-independent housing units that could be placed on underused urban plots.
The proposal comes as Broome County faces growing scrutiny over emergency housing, especially after the fatal Knights Inn arson fire and continuing protests over motel placements.
“Our unhoused neighbors aren’t just looking for four walls; they are looking for stability and purpose,” organizer Maria Vasquez said in the project material provided to MyBroome. “By embedding vertical micro-farms directly into the architecture of these units, residents can manage, cultivate, and sell organic greens right from their living space.”
The project still faces a major zoning hurdle. Binghamton’s current zoning laws do not clearly recognize modular shipping containers as permanent primary dwellings. Organizers are reportedly preparing to seek a special-use variance and hope to expand the concept if municipal approval is granted.
MyBroome supports serious discussion of creative, local and humane housing ideas. The region needs more than complaints. It needs workable alternatives that can be tested, reviewed and refined.
MyBroome™ Then – 100 Years Ago Today in Broome County
Recreation Park Neighbors Battle Carousel Music
Exactly 100 years ago today, on July 25, 1926, Binghamton’s West Side was dealing with a very specific neighborhood complaint: the new merry-go-round at Recreation Park was too loud.
Property owners near Seminary Avenue and Beethoven Street filed a municipal complaint over the carousel’s music. With windows open during hot summer nights, residents said waves of “tin pan music of a decidedly jazzy nature” were rolling into their homes.
Commissioner of Public Works Charles W. Kress publicly vowed to intervene and force operators to lower the organ’s volume.
Walter Hagen Draws a Massive Golf Gallery
Golf legend Walter Hagen, the famed Rochester native and reigning PGA champion, played an exhibition match at Binghamton Country Club.
Nearly 500 local sports fans turned out to watch him play 18 holes, making it one of the region’s premier sporting events of the summer.
The Owego Road Chicken Wreck
One of the strangest local stories came from the Owego highway, where George Stafford of Johnson City crashed a Coca-Cola delivery truck while trying to avoid a chicken crossing the road.
Stafford and passenger Fred L. Goughary were injured when the truck flipped into a ditch, pinning the men underneath and scattering shattered pop bottles across the roadway.
The chicken reportedly survived unharmed.
Willis Sharpe Kilmer Backs the Salvation Army
Binghamton millionaire, industrialist and Binghamton Press publisher Willis Sharpe Kilmer made a major local donation, giving $1,000 to the Salvation Army and helping push the organization’s annual campaign to its $8,000 goal.
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