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.

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