NEWS: 09/29/26

Introduction 

Good evening, everyone. You are listening to WHRW Binghamton, and this is your weekly news power hour. I’m Bailey, your News Director, and today I am joined by my fellow analysts, Val and Sam. 

Local News 

Tom and Marty’s Liquor License

According to Local 12 News, Downtown Bar and Restaurant Tom and Marty’s has lost their liquor license after the business defaulted on multiple charges by the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA).  

Located at 89 State Street, Tom and Marty’s operated under licensee Shea 89 Inc. Information from the SLA says the latest charges include pre-mixing drinks and failing to comply with its liquor license.  Additionally, the business has previously faced violations regarding the sale of alcohol to people under the legal drinking age.

The licensee was ordered to pay $10,000 in penalties earlier this year for their violations relating to unregistered security guards and failure to supervise.  Earlier this month, on September 2nd, the SLA stated that Shea 89 Inc. neglected multiple charges and has failed to respond to repeated requests from the authorities.  Further, an official from the SLA has described the business as “appearing to be a college bar and said the situation presented a concern for public safety, health and welfare.”

Ultimately, the board sustained the charges and demanded a $1,000 bond and cancellation of the liquor license.  Interestingly, though, the SLA’s decision does not determine whether the building or business can operate in another capacity without a liquor license.

Cortland Stabbing

Just earlier this weekend, September 27th, one person was stabbed after an incident broke out on Main Street in Cortland.  Information from the Cortland Police Department states the suspect is still on the loose.

Around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, officers were dispatched to 176 Main St. in Cortland after reports of a stabbing were made.  When officials made their way to the scene, they found the stabbed victim with serious injuries.  After being treated on the scene, they were taken to the hospital and then airlifted to Upstate Hospital for further treatment.  According to local news 12, the police have announced that the victim is currently in intensive care in critical condition after hours of surgery. 

Back at the scene, investigators worked relentlessly to put a name and face to the person responsible for such acts.  The perpetrator was identified shortly after as a homeless man in Cortland, aged 38, with their last known address being in Orlando, Florida.  As of now, the suspect has not yet been detained, and police no longer believe he is in the Cortland area.  The Cortland Police Department received arrest warrants charging the suspect with his actions in the stabbing. 

Officials have assured that there is no threat to the public, as the suspect and victim knew each other, and this is considered to be an intentional, targeted act of violence.

 As investigators are still working, anyone with any information regarding the incident or where the suspect may be is advised to reach out to the sergeant of the Cortland Police Department.

Johnson City Man Guilty of SA

Moving on, according to Local News 12, A man from Johnson City pleaded guilty to a recent felony charge relating to a child sexual abuse act that took place for two years.

With information from the Broome County District Attorney’s Office, the suspect admitted to his crimes of sexual conduct with a child in the first degree, a class B violent felony.  As part of his plea, he confirmed that he had done sexual acts with a child under the age of 13 between the years of 2015 and 2017.  Paul Battisti, a Broome County District Attorney, stated, “This type of conduct is heinous and has no place in our community.  Our office is committed to seeking justice for children and victims of crime, and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement and victim advocates to hold those responsible for their actions.”

The offender is set to be sentenced on December 18th, and as part of the plea agreement, he will be sentenced to 15 years in state prison.  After that sentence, he will be under another 10 years of post-release supervision, says the DA’s office.  With the sentencing, the offender will be mandated to register as a sex offender and will have to comply with the order of protection that prohibits contact with the victim.

International News

Diplomacy Stalls in the Middle East as Trump Rejects Iranian Proposal

Addressing the ongoing diplomatic standoff in the Middle East, Iran says it is awaiting a formal response from third-party mediators regarding its proposal to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz within a week and resume nuclear talks, even after President Donald Trump publicly rejected the offer as “unacceptable.” CNN reports Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran expects the U.S. to lift its naval blockade and oil sanctions before any reopening, arguing that Washington cannot bomb Iran while expecting automatic security in the waterway. However, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz dismissed the proposal as a cynical tactic, noting that Trump lost confidence because Iran demanded all concessions upfront without clear guarantees, or clarity on whether Iranian negotiators actually speak for Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. As White House officials signal they are in no rush given current U.S. military leverage, reports indicate President Trump is weighing a renewed bombing campaign after the upcoming midterm elections, further fueling regional volatility that has already spilled into Yemen with deadly fresh strikes between Saudi-backed forces and Iran-aligned Houthi militants.

Netanyahu Visits UAE Amid Rising Iranian Nuclear Threats and Domestic Election Tensions

In a rare and unannounced trip to the United Arab Emirates, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to share information alleging that Iran is making new progress on its nuclear program at a site south of Tehran. As reported by CNN, the high-level meeting, which also included senior Israeli intelligence officials, security advisers, and a high-ranked Saudi security official, focused on deepening regional security ties and warning that Tehran could launch a fresh regional attack in the coming weeks. However, the diplomatic visit comes just weeks before Israel’s October 27 election and during intense political controversy at home following reports that the UAE president and Egyptian intelligence had warned Netanyahu days before the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. While Netanyahu has denied receiving any prior warnings and accused foreign actors of meddling with the election, political rivals like Gadi Eisenkot are acting on the allegations, fueling a heated campaign debate over being a good, accountable leader.

Entertainment News

Broadway Flea

A nor’easter didn’t prevent thousands of Broadway fans from adding to their theatre collections September 27: The Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction, which moved indoors to the Hammerstein Ballroom, brought in $1,487,927.

The 40th annual fundraiser, produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, featured a silent auction, a live auction, a starry Autograph Table & Photo Booth, and 63 tables filled to the brim with posters, stage-used props, costumes, set pieces, vintage Playbills, and other one-of-a-kind keepsakes from Broadway past and present.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Executive Director Danny Whitman said in a statement: “We couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who helped us turn a daunting day into such a successful one, despite everything the weather threw our way. The day was a reminder of what theatre people do best: show up for each other. That generosity stretches far beyond this one remarkable day. In the months ahead, it will translate into meals, medication, healthcare and hope for people who need them most.”

The Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction had its humble beginnings in 1987, when cast members of the original A Chorus Line set up two tables outside their stage door in Shubert Alley. Last year’s Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction raised a record $1,633,803. Since 1987, the 40 editions of the event have raised more than $22 million.

Broadway Cares is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 Broadway Cares has awarded more than $300 million for essential services for people with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

Damn Yankees

Damn Yankees will return to Broadway this spring with a star-studded revival, helmed by Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo. Major League Baseball (MLB) and its Emmy Award-winning production label MLB Studios has partnered with the production, which will begin previews at the Marquis Theatre on March 24, 2027—just in time for the first Yankees game of the season on the following day. An official opening night for the production is set for April 20, 2027. 

Tony Award and five-time Emmy Award winner Neil Patrick Harris will star as Applegate alongside Emmy Award winner Julianne Hough as Lola, in her first Broadway musical. Austin Scott (Hamilton) will play Young Joe. Further casting will be announced at a later date.

The news was revealed today at a press conference held at Yankee Stadium ahead of the team’s final game in the regular season before they head into the playoffs, though the game was ultimately cancelled due to inclement weather.

The newly adapted Damn Yankees features a new book by Lucille Lortel Award winner Will Power and Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Doug Wright, with additional lyrics by Tony Award winner Lynn Ahrens.

Based on the novel The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant by Douglass Wallopp, the Damn Yankees revival is now set in the early 2000s. It follows diehard baseball fan Joe Boyd, as he dreams of seeing his beloved Baltimore Orioles return to glory. So when a charming stranger and his captivating accomplice arrive with an offer too good to refuse, Joe makes a deal that could give both him and his team a second chance. But there’s just one catch. 

Under director Trujillo’s guidance and working in partnership with MLB, the musical is now, perhaps, more steeped in baseball culture and history than ever before. At the press conference, Scott even noted that three-time American League MVP player Aaron Judge—who has served on the Yankees for over a decade, holding the record for the most home runs in a single season in the American League—offered much inspiration for his take on the character of Joe, and particularly the physicality of the role.

VMAs

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards were a party to remember, with Taylor Swift passing Beyonce and becoming the most successful artist in VMAs history, with 33 total wins, and Madonna leading this year’s field with seven awards. The broadcast in Los Angeles — which was set to begin at the Peacock Theater at 7:30 p.m. ET but was delayed by the Ravens-Cowboys game — kicked off with a stunning opening performance by Madonna, alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx.

A number of performers kept the celebrations going. Raye made her VMAs debut, before Bruno Mars performed remotely from Colorado and Kacey Musgraves performed an emotional tribute in honor of Dolly Parton. Nirvana won this year’s Video Vanguard Award. Taylor Swift won the first-ever Artist Directors Honors. Sienna Spiro picked up the Best New Artist award. George Michael was honored with a tribute sung by Sombr, Raye, Teddy Swims and Adam Lambert.

Madonna — who performed at the first VMAs 43 years ago — won seven awards, including Artist of the Year, Best Collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter for their song “Bring Your Love” and Best Dance for “Confessions II — The Film.” It was a strange night for Madonna, though. It seemed like the whole night was about her, winning in categories that fans were shocked people voted for her in. She was caught lip-syncing through the entire opening number when it was very clear her co-stars weren’t. And she took the time during her acceptance speech for best collaboration to seemingly throw shade at Sabrina Carpenter and her team for taking more than 24 hours to respond to her request to collab. 

Swift — who debuted her music video for her new song “Patient Zero” at the show — closed the night by winning the coveted Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia,” and dedicated her win to “the ultimate showgirl” Dolly Parton, who Swift hailed as telling stories that were “so vivid and so rich.” 

Sports News

Ravens Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is leaving little doubt that he believes errors in game management by his coaching staff in the final seconds of a 34-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens cost his team the victory.

Speaking on his radio show Tuesday, Jones was asked what explanations there were for leaving enough seconds on the clock after a tying field goal for a defensive breakdown to put the Ravens in position for the winning kick.

“There is no explanation you’re satisfied with. None,” Jones said. “Let’s be sure that we all understand that. They [coaches] don’t have one that they’re satisfied with. We made mistakes during that time. There’s no question about it. So there is no explanation. But there’s an evaluation of how not to make the same mistakes again.”

Trailing 31-28, the Cowboys had a first down at the Baltimore 2-yard line with 23 seconds left when Dak Prescott threw incomplete into the end zone.

The coach instructed Prescott to either throw a quick out to receiver George Pickens or throw the ball away, based on the amount of time left and with no ability to stop the clock. Prescott didn’t wait long to choose the throwaway, and the play lasted just four seconds.

There were seven seconds remaining after Brandon Aubrey’s game-tying field goal, and the Dallas defense left a gap at just about the exact spot of the target line for a Baltimore field goal. Lamar Jackson completed a 27-yard pass to Zay Flowers and got the timeout called with ONE second to go, and Tyler Loop made the 56-yard field goal.

This is a really big moment in Tyler Loop’s career, as he missed that last second field goal against their division rivals the Pittsburgh Steelers which took them out of the playoffs last year. This was quite the redemption kick- and especially for it to happen in Rio and have the winning moment be broadcast in languages all over the world was pretty cool. I think this will go down as surely one of the top ten regular season moments for this year. 

Giants

The New York Giants released Odell Beckham Jr. today, after the veteran wide receiver failed to make a significant impact in his reunion with the team.

Beckham’s roster spot was in jeopardy because the Giants needed to make a decision this week on fellow wide receiver Braxton Berrios, who was out of practice squad evaluations and is now New York’s punt returner. Berrios was officially signed to the 53-man roster this morning.

The Giants also signed wide receiver Charlie Jones to the 53-man roster to take the spot of outside linebacker Brian Burns, who was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL on Sunday.

Beckham, 33, is not expected to be added to the Giants’ practice squad at this time, a source told ESPN. The three-time Pro Bowler was hoping for a better result as he attended to some “unfinished business” with the franchise that drafted him 12th in 2014.

Instead, Beckham played 19 snaps in three games and did not record a single catch. Beckham was hoping to resuscitate his career after not playing in the NFL since the 2024 season, when he caught just nine passes for 54 yards with the Miami Dolphins.

After rejoining the Giants this past spring, Beckham was told by coach John Harbaugh that he had to earn his spot on the roster, and the possibility existed that he could be released during the summer. But Beckham earned a spot on New York’s final 53-man roster as the fifth receiver earlier this month and was expected to have a role in the offense.

Beckham played just six snaps in Sunday’s 12-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans and was targeted once. It was Beckham’s only target in the second go-around with the Giants. Harbaugh was asked last week about Beckham’s minimal impact and when he thought it would be the ideal time to get the veteran receiver more involved in the offensive plan.

“I would think Sunday would be great. I would be all for it for Sunday. That would be the perfect time in my mind. So, I hope that happens this Sunday.”

It didn’t — and Beckham was out of the Giants’ locker room quickly after the game.

It meant something for Beckham to be back in New York and make the roster out of training camp. There was some nostalgia when he was introduced with the starters prior to the opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

It was with the Giants where Beckham’s career began with a bang. He topped 1,300 in each of his first three professional seasons and was on a record pace that slowed as he was plagued by injuries. Eventually he was traded to the Cleveland Browns.

Beckham has also played for the Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins. He has 575 catches for 7,987 yards with 59 touchdowns in his career.

White Sox- Baseball

The Chicago White Sox, looking for every bit of divine intervention that they can get heading into the postseason, got a letter of support from Pope Leo XIV prior to today’s playoff opener against the Houston Astros.

The Pope wrote to White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.: “As I have noted, sport can truly become a school of life, where all can learn that abundance does not come from victory at any cost, but from sharing, from respecting others and from the joy of walking together.” In this spirit, it is my hope that the White Sox will continue to foster bonds of friendship and solidarity among people, and thus bear hopeful witness to the possibility of living and working together in peace. With these sentiments, I willingly invoke the Almighty’s abundant blessings upon you and your loved ones.”

The letter, which was dated Sept. 9, was a response to the team’s promotion on Aug. 11. For that game, fans received hats shaped like the Pope’s miter with the White Sox logo in the middle. The Pope was given one of the miters by South Side native Father Tom McCarthy in August.

Pope Leo XIV is a Chicago native and longtime White Sox fan. He attended the 2005 World Series opener against Houston in Chicago, watching from Section 140, Row 19, Seat 2 as his favorite team beat the Astros 5-3 on the way to a four-game sweep and its first title since 1917.

The Pope even broke Vatican protocol in 2025 by donning a White Sox cap. In March, he gave a thumbs-up to someone who yelled “God bless the White Sox!”

In May 2025, the White Sox unveiled a graphic installation near the seat paying tribute to Pope Leo and that moment. The pillar artwork features a waving Pope Leo XIV, along with a picture from the TV broadcast of the future pope sitting at his seat.

This Day in History 

Tylenol Poisonings 

On this day in 1982, three residents in the Chicago area fell ill and later passed away after ingesting Extra-Strength Tylenol, which was later found to be poisoned with cyanide.  This tragic occurrence marked 3 of the 7 total people who lost their lives after taking the over-the-counter pain reliever that had been tampered with.  This case would go on to create a national panic over the safety of nonprescription medications and be the catalyst for new standards of pill packaging.

The first person to die was a seventh grader after taking the medication overnight to cure a sore throat.  Another person was rushed to a hospital after not waking up from a nap.  They were in critical condition and later pronounced dead.  The brother of that victim and his wife were so shocked at the news that when they went home from the hospital, they took capsules from that same Tylenol bottle and were poisoned too.  The brother ended up passing away, and his wife lapsed into a coma.

Other victims of this incident had no idea that their Extra-Strength Tylenol had been laced with cyanide.  Cyanide is an extremely fast-acting compound consisting of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom, and when ingested, it is fatal as it stops your cells from using oxygen and causes rapid cellular energy failure, eventually leading to death.

After this case, Extra-Strength Tylenol was recalled nationwide, although the only contaminated capsules were found in Chicago.  Investigators identified a possible culprit when they found a letter demanding 1 million dollars to stop the killing, but a lack of evidence prevented a conviction.  

As a result of these horrible events, new tamper-proof medicine containers were implemented.  Additionally, it started a chain reaction of other similar crimes where people tried to blackmail companies with alleged poisoning schemes, most of which, luckily, ended up being false alarms.

And as always, this news comes from History.com!

Conclusion 

That wraps up our news power hour this week. We will be back next Tuesday, October 6th to give you the latest news. Big thank you to Alana, our engineer, for all of her hard work today, and we will be back next week!