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.
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