On December 16, New York officials and local leaders announced a number of developments across the state. In New York City, the state Gaming Commission approved three new casinos—two in Queens and one in the Bronx—with projects at Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s. The initiatives are projected to generate $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

In other local business news, Dairy Queen will return to Ithaca with a new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road. The renovation, taking place in the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building near KFC, is nearly complete and job postings have been released. Meanwhile, 7 Brew is preparing to open a drive-thru coffee location at 153 Grant Avenue in Auburn, with a ceremony planned for December 17 that will include a United Way event and a promotional “swag day.”

Local government and legal systems have also seen changes. In Yates County, Town Court Judge Todd C. Whitford resigned after state investigators accused him of bias, courtroom misconduct, and a lack of legal competence; he agreed not to serve as a judge again. Additionally, the Canandaigua City Council approved the 2026 city budget during a Monday night meeting. In Wayne County, Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced his resignation effective January 4 to join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division, with Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick taking over temporarily. North Rose-Wolcott residents are set to vote on a $30 million upgrade of local schools and a new transportation facility, with most funding coming from state aid.

Legal challenges continue to surface in other regions. A New York State Court of Appeals decision has revived Seneca Meadows Inc.’s legal challenge under SEQRA against Seneca Falls’ Local Law 3 as the landfill approaches a December 31 permit deadline. In Geneva, two stalled projects, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome development, face potential foreclosure over unpaid taxes.

In county-level law enforcement and public safety, Cayuga County officials issued a warning after multiple reports of scam calls in which callers posed as law enforcement, urging residents to avoid sending money or gift cards. In Penn Yan, police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff on two counts of petit larceny following a reported theft on December 6.

Other significant events included a rally outside Broome County Jail supporting 37-year-old Uyghur activist Guan Heng, who was detained after seeking asylum. Health officials are investigating a suspected case of tuberculosis involving a former inmate from Broome County Jail; while tests continue, officials stressed that active TB has not been confirmed.

At the state level, President Donald Trump prepared an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3, a move that could recognize its medical use and provide licensed cannabis businesses with tax deductions. In a separate political story, a former Central New York state Senate candidate, Caleb Slater, faces investigation by the state attorney general for allegedly buying fake campaign donations with cash and gift cards.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill aimed at aiding communities affected by college closures by providing technical help with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. In Binghamton, lawmakers introduced an ordinance to restrict cooperation between city workers and federal immigration enforcement, which would prevent the use of city resources for ICE operations and limit the inquiry into immigration status.

Lastly, New York lawmakers have proposed a plan to bring the Winter Olympics back to the state, splitting events between New York City and Lake Placid. The bid is seen as an effort to utilize existing venues and lower costs, with any potential bid looking to follow host city contracts that run through 2034. In Auburn, longtime local sports and community figure Ormonde “Ormie” E. King passed away on December 13 at the age of 87.

Binghamton, NY

Broome County Library Plans Lighter Programming This Week

The Broome County Public Library will close Monday for a staff development day. The library said programming will be lighter the rest of the week as it prepares for its Summer Reading Program, which starts July 1.

Whittingham Offers Advice in Binghamton Q&A

Binghamton University shared a Q&A featuring Nobel Laureate and battery pioneer Stan Whittingham. The post says Whittingham offers advice for students and discusses what comes next.

Binghamton University marks start of summer

Binghamton University posted that it is officially summer. The university said it is looking forward to volleyball games, hammock hangs, and picnics with friends.

Joshua Sharak Graduates Binghamton Class of 2026

Joshua Sharak is graduating from Binghamton High School in the Class of 2026. He will attend Binghamton University in the fall to study mechanical engineering.

Horace Mann students move to middle school

Binghamton Schools said Horace Mann Elementary students are moving up to middle school. The district congratulated the future Class of 2033 and wished the students a great summer.

Lee Barta Community Center to Move Facebook Page

Lee Barta Community Center said it will close its current Facebook page and post future events and updates on the “Eat Well Play Hard Binghamton” page starting in 2017. The center invited people to join it at the Lee Barta Community Center.

Lee Barta Center Seeks Owner for Long-Haired Cat

The Lee Barta Community Center in Binghamton, New York posted a clearer photo of a long-haired cat looking for its owners. People were asked to contact the center at 772-7226 to help reunite the cat with its owners.

Broome Library to Host Book Discussion Dinner

The Broome County Public Library will hold “Read Between the Dines” on Thursday, June 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The event will feature discussion of “The Woman in the Library” by Sulari Gentill.

West Middle School Pre-K Graduates Transition to Kindergarten

The West Middle School Pre-K class is headed to kindergarten. The post congratulated the graduates and teacher Mrs. Salamida, who is graduating to retirement.

Binghamton Schools marks Juneteenth with reflection message

Binghamton Schools posted a Juneteenth message encouraging people to celebrate and reflect. The district said it will continue the march toward a more equitable future for all.