MYBROOME NOW
Sunday, July 26, 2026
From the MyBroome News Team
WORLD NOW by NewsXR
U.S.-Iran Strike Pause Holds as Waterway Crisis Deepens
The United States has temporarily paused overnight airstrikes against Iran for the first time in nearly two weeks, but the wider conflict remains dangerously unstable across the Middle East.
The pause followed the arrival of an Omani mediation delegation in Tehran and reported backchannel efforts aimed at creating space for an interim ceasefire. President Donald Trump has ordered U.S. strikes held for a second consecutive night, but American officials continue warning that a larger military escalation remains possible if diplomacy fails.
Iran has also temporarily paused retaliatory operations against regional U.S. allies. However, Iranian military officials warned that any renewed American strikes could expand the war across the wider region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the central flashpoints. The U.S. military continues enforcing a naval blockade around Iranian ports and coastal areas, while Iranian naval forces are restricting unauthorized movement through the waterway. The dispute has become a direct threat to global energy movement, with Hormuz and the Red Sea now forming a double chokepoint crisis.
That second front is building around Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Iran-backed Houthi forces have declared a maritime blockade and launched missile attacks targeting Saudi shipping and coastal energy infrastructure. Saudi Arabia has responded with strikes against Houthi targets, including the port city of Hodeidah.
Regional proxy activity remains volatile across Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq, where U.S.-linked military positions have faced drone and missile threats. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s expected Washington visit adds another major escalation risk, with Israeli officials warning that a lasting U.S.-Iran diplomatic agreement may be unlikely.
Global Headlines
Deadly violence in the West Bank is escalating after a confrontation that left four Palestinians and two Israelis dead. Retaliatory settler attacks and preparations for wider military operations are adding to the pressure.
In Europe, extreme heat and fast-moving wildfires have forced more than 330,000 residents and tourists to evacuate threatened areas near Bordeaux in France and west of Madrid in Spain. Spain has declared a national emergency, while Germany and other neighboring countries are sending firefighting aircraft and support crews.
On the Ukraine front, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of a possible major Russian offensive within 48 hours, while reports suggest North Korean troop reinforcements could be preparing to support Russia. Romanian jets also intercepted unidentified drones breaching Romanian airspace.
At the International Criminal Court, member states voted to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan following sexual misconduct allegations, which he denies.
LOCAL NEWS NOW
State Immigration Mandate Puts Broome County Sheriff in Constitutional Fight
A major state and federal fight over immigration enforcement has now become one of the most important local government stories facing Broome County.
Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and the state’s Office of Immigrant Trust are moving to force local enforcement entities with 287(g) ICE agreements to terminate those partnerships by August 25. Broome County and Steuben County are among the localities identified.
The state says the newly enacted Local Cops, Local Crimes Act bars the use of municipal resources and correctional facilities for federal civil immigration assistance. Agencies that refuse to unwind their agreements could face lawsuits, civil enforcement actions, injunctions and possible funding consequences.
Several sheriffs have pushed back, arguing the mandate is state overreach and interferes with local law-enforcement discretion. The federal government is also challenging New York’s position in U.S. District Court in Albany.
The federal argument centers on the Supremacy Clause. The U.S. Department of Justice argues that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that New York cannot punish or restrict local agencies that participate in congressionally authorized federal programs.
New York’s argument centers on the Tenth Amendment and the anti-commandeering doctrine. The state says it cannot be forced to use local taxpayer resources, police agencies or county jails for federal civil immigration enforcement, and that the law does not block ordinary criminal cooperation with federal authorities.
Ultimately, federal judges will decide whether New York is simply refusing to participate in civil immigration enforcement or whether it has crossed into unconstitutional obstruction of federal authority. Because the dispute raises major constitutional questions involving federal supremacy, state power, local sheriff authority and immigration enforcement, it may ultimately end up before the U.S. Supreme Court.
SEE OUR SUNDAY NewsXR Editorial that focuses on this issue.
Storm Recovery, Surveillance Debate and Housing Pressure Continue Across the Region
Severe storm recovery remains active across the Southern Tier after the National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado with winds near 90 to 95 mph in the town of Greene and damage stretching across parts of Broome, Chenango and Delaware counties.
The system uprooted trees, scattered heavy debris and added to a week of storm damage across the region. High winds and microbursts also knocked out power to more than 3,300 NYSEG customers across Tioga, eastern Broome and southern Chenango counties. Utility companies deployed more than 400 field personnel, and most customers were restored within 48 hours.
The agricultural impact is also growing. Governor Hochul announced a USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation affecting fruit growers across 32 New York counties, including the Southern Tier. Extreme freezing and spring storms caused more than $30 million in crop losses, opening the door to low-interest emergency federal loans for local farms.
In Binghamton, the city’s Flock Safety camera debate continues. The Municipal and Public Affairs Committee hosted a public meeting with Flock Safety representatives as City Council reviews legislation that could cancel the city’s automated license plate reader contract. Supporters argue the cameras help law enforcement solve crimes. Critics remain concerned about privacy, data retention and surveillance expansion. The next formal public comment session is expected at the Wednesday, July 29 City Council meeting.
Housing activism also remains a major local issue following the deadly June 22 fire at the Knights Inn in Endwell. Public tension over emergency housing placements has continued, and the 24-day Hawley Street protest encampment has officially ended. Community organizers and city officials remain sharply divided over long-term solutions for the area’s unhoused residents.
Registered nurses at Guthrie Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton have voted by more than two-to-one to unionize with 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. The vote marks a major labor development inside one of the region’s key healthcare institutions.
PUBLIC SAFETY NOW
Attempted Murder Arraignment in Doubleday Street Stabbing
Dominic L. Rought, 23, of Binghamton, was arraigned in Binghamton City Court after a stabbing on Doubleday Street.
Authorities allege Rought stabbed a 44-year-old man four times during a verbal dispute, causing injuries to the victim’s neck, arm and chest. The victim remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Rought is charged with Attempted Murder in the Second Degree. He was remanded to the Broome County Correctional Facility without bail pending further court proceedings.
Felony Drug Arrest in Kirkwood
Rayner A. Casilla, 30, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, was charged with three felony counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell following a Broome County Sheriff’s Office traffic stop investigation in the Town of Kirkwood.
Casilla was held pending central arraignment.
Lisle Drug and Weapons Raid
Kyle S. Dixon, 38, of the Town of Lisle, was arrested after the Broome County Special Investigations Unit Task Force executed a narcotics search warrant at his residence at 17 Watts Road.
Authorities reported recovering approximately 84.4 grams of methamphetamine, prescription pills, scales, packaging materials and a high-capacity rifle magazine.
Dixon faces multiple felony charges, including Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree. He also faces misdemeanor drug-paraphernalia charges.
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.
Legislative Session Protest Arrests
Two protesters were charged after a disruption at a Broome County legislative session tied to housing protests.
The charges include Obstructing Governmental Administration and Disorderly Conduct. Under NewsXR’s naming policy for misdemeanor and quality-of-life cases, full names are not being used here unless additional public-interest factors require it.
DWI Case in Town of Chenango
Andres of Newark, New Jersey, was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content above .08 percent following a traffic stop in the Town of Chenango.
Court Actions of Interest
Robert Scott, a 60-year-old Binghamton resident, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine. If convicted, he faces 5 to 40 years in federal prison.
Thomas Murray, 24, of Binghamton, was indicted in federal court for distribution of child pornography. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison if convicted.
In a major federal court action handled in New York, captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro entered a not guilty plea to international drug trafficking and weapons charges.
Public Safety and Transparency Updates
Binghamton Police are increasing patrols around city parks, residential areas, hospital zones and school zones as part of a summer speeding crackdown. The effort includes extra traffic details, bike and walking patrols, and portable speed trailers.
The Broome County Office of Emergency Services has launched the Ready Broome mobile app. The app is designed to send emergency notifications, severe weather warnings, power outage information and disaster-preparedness resources directly to residents’ phones.
The Broome County Sheriff’s Office has also deployed a new automated communication platform through Versaterm CommunityConnect. Residents who call 911 or the non-emergency dispatch line from a mobile phone may receive a text message with an official incident number, along with updates on case status, deputy response times, delays and investigation milestones.
State Police are investigating a break-in at the Otsego Electric Substation on Kinney Road in Hartwick, where intruders reportedly stole valuable copper wiring.
State environmental agencies are warning that adult Spotted Lanternflies are active across New York orchards and vineyards. Residents are being asked to kill the insects immediately and report locations to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to help prevent wider agricultural damage.
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.
WEATHER NOW from NewsXR
The Southern Tier is starting Sunday with mostly cloudy skies and temperatures around 68 degrees, with isolated showers and scattered thunderstorms expected to develop later this afternoon.
The region is moving from a beautiful weekend pattern into a more humid and unsettled stretch. Monday brings scattered afternoon thunderstorms, while Tuesday looks like the most active weather day of the week with heavy rain and thunderstorms likely.
Monday: Humid with afternoon thunderstorms, 82 / 65, 60 percent rain chance.
Tuesday: Heavy rain and active thunderstorms, 72 / 64, 90 percent rain chance.
Wednesday: Cloudy with persistent morning showers, 71 / 62, 70 percent rain chance.
Thursday: Partly cloudy with a spotty shower, 75 / 61, 50 percent rain chance.
Friday: Clearing skies and pleasant sunshine, 81 / 62, 20 percent rain chance.
Residents should keep an eye on the Monday and Tuesday forecast, especially in areas still recovering from recent wind damage, tornado impacts and power disruptions.
Weather 100 Years Ago Today
Exactly 100 years ago today, on July 26, 1926, the Southern Tier experienced a beautiful, dry summer day. Binghamton station data showed a high near 83, a cool morning low near 53 and 0.00 inches of rainfall.
That crisp, clear weather offered farmers and residents ideal summer field conditions, standing in sharp contrast to today’s humid air and incoming thunderstorm track.
SPORTS NOW from NewsXR
The Southern Tier sports scene is busy with professional baseball, collegiate league championship races, professional golf preparation and high school football workouts.
The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are in a mid-summer Eastern League homestand at Mirabito Stadium, working to climb in the Northeast Division while top Mets prospects continue drawing attention from scouts and local fans.
Up the road in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, the Oneonta Outlaws are wrapping up their regular-season campaign at historic Damaschke Field while battling for East Division seeding.
Preparations are underway at En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott for the annual DICK’S Open. The PGA Tour Champions event remains one of the Southern Tier’s largest sports attractions, with ticketing, volunteer registration and tournament-week operations moving forward.
Several elite golfers from Broome, Tioga and Chemung county clubs have also qualified for the New York State Men’s Amateur Championship, giving the Southern Tier representation against top amateur golfers from across the state.
Section IV football programs are now in summer preparation mode, with voluntary workouts and passing academies underway. Tioga Central, Chenango Forks and Maine-Endwell are among the programs drawing early attention. Mandatory fall practices across Section IV are scheduled to begin Monday, August 17.
Tonight’s local sports schedule includes the Portland Sea Dogs against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at Mirabito Stadium, with first pitch at 6:35 PM. The Oneonta Outlaws also host a key division matchup at Damaschke Field at 7 PM.
EVENTS NOW
151st Broome County Fair Opens Tuesday in Whitney Point
The 151st Broome County Fair officially kicks off Tuesday, July 28, at the Whitney Point Fairgrounds, anchoring one of the region’s biggest summer traditions.
The fair runs through Sunday, August 2, with classic midway rides, livestock competitions, 4-H showcases, grandstand events, demolition derby action and local food vendors.
The fair remains one of Broome County’s longest-running agricultural traditions and provides an important annual marketplace for Southern Tier farms, youth agricultural programs and local vendors.
Standard single-day adult tickets are listed at $8.50, with full season passes available for $33.50 through official Etix outlets.
This Week’s Events
Today, the Binghamton Farmers Market at Recreation Park runs from 11 AM to 4 PM, featuring local food trucks, acoustic music and regional bakers, including Chicky’s Sourdough Eats.
Also today, the Portland Sea Dogs face the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at Mirabito Stadium at 6:35 PM.
Tuesday, July 28, Broome Bands Together returns to Otsiningo Park at 6 PM with Katie Scott with Persuasion. Families are encouraged to bring cash or canned goods to support the CHOW food bank.
Wednesday, July 29, the Triple Cities Runners Club holds Track Meet #4 at Vestal High School’s Dick Hoover Stadium. Open registration begins at 5:30 PM, with a $5 non-member fee.
Friday, July 31, Tioga Downs Casino Resort hosts Rooster and the Roadhouse Horns on the Sideshow Stage at 9 PM. Virgil Cain performs a no-cover solo multi-instrument set at Celebrations On Park in Binghamton at 6 PM. The Octagon Inn in Glen Aubrey also hosts its Wu-Twang After-The-Fair Party on Friday and Saturday nights.
Now Playing
Local theaters across Greater Binghamton and the Southern Tier are anchored this weekend by The Odyssey, Moana, Minions & Monsters and Toy Story 5.
Regal Binghamton, AMC Vestal Town Square 9 and Tioga Theater in Owego all have weekend showtimes, with additional options including Hadestown: The Musical, Young Washington, Motor City, The Invite and Evil Dead Burn.
COMMUNITY NOW
Southern Tier Community Center Receives $2.8 Million NY SWIMS Grant
The Southern Tier Community Center Aquatics Facility in Broome County has been awarded $2.8 million through the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming, or NY SWIMS, initiative.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced nearly $21 million in statewide NY SWIMS funding, with the Southern Tier Community Center securing one of the major regional awards.
The facility, operated by the Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference, serves thousands of local families, youth and seniors across Greater Binghamton.
The funding will be used to modernize the indoor aquatics facility, improve water safety education, expand low-cost youth swim programming and strengthen year-round recreational options.
The investment comes during an intensely hot summer and after structural closures elsewhere in the county have underscored the need for safe, accessible public aquatics spaces. For families, seniors and young people, this grant helps protect a community hub where residents can stay active, cool off, gather and learn life-saving swimming skills regardless of income.
MyBroome™ Then – 100 Years Ago Today in Broome County
Storm Recovery Across Binghamton and Johnson City
One hundred years ago today, Binghamton and Johnson City were recovering from a violent wind and rainstorm that tore through the region.
Reports in The Binghamton Press described at least two people seriously injured, numerous trees uprooted, and telephone, telegraph and trolley wires downed. Binghamton was temporarily cut off from outside communication.
Along Conklin Road, high winds leveled a barn and collapsed a bungalow. Farmers also reported thousands of dollars in summer crop damage.
Susquehanna River Bathing Suit Debate
Binghamton Chief of Police Hunt launched an investigation after south-bank campers complained about men and boys swimming in the Susquehanna River without proper bathing attire.
The complaints focused on swimmers between the Tompkins Street and Lackawanna Railroad bridges, where residents said the public river activity was becoming hard to ignore.
Prohibition Raids Continue
Local officers and federal agents continued cracking down on alcohol shipments during Prohibition.
In one major Laurel Avenue seizure, authorities confiscated a truck hauling ten half-barrels of real beer and charged the driver with prohibition violations.
Remembering the Binghamton Clothing Company Fire
Front-page notices in The Binghamton Press marked the 13th anniversary of the Binghamton Clothing Company fire on Wall Street.
The 1913 tragedy killed 31 people and permanently reshaped local conversations around manufacturing safety, workplace conditions and fire protection.
Modern Amenities Arrive on Murray Street
Real estate ads for newly constructed Murray Street apartment complexes drew attention by highlighting a major modern feature for 1926: two complete bathrooms.
One bathroom was advertised for family use, while the other was reserved for household servants.
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