On Monday, December 16, 2025, the New York State Gaming Commission gave final approval for three new casinos in New York City. Two casinos will open in Queens—one at Metropolitan Park near Citi Field and one at Resorts World NYC—while the third, Bally’s, is planned for the Bronx. officials said the projects are expected to generate $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

Also on Monday, Dairy Queen announced the return of its Grill & Chill location to Ithaca. The new store is being set up on Elmira Road in the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building next to KFC. Renovations are nearly complete, and job postings are available.

A judge in Yates County resigned after state investigators accused him of bias, courtroom misconduct, and lacking legal competence. Todd C. Whitford stepped down and agreed not to serve as a judge again following charges from the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

A state Court of Appeals decision reopened the legal challenge to Seneca Falls’ landfill closure law. Seneca Meadows Inc. was recognized as having standing to challenge the town’s Local Law 3 under SEQRA, and the case was sent back to the Appellate Division. This ruling comes as the Seneca Meadows landfill approaches a December 31 permit deadline.

In Auburn, the drive-thru-only location of 7 Brew at 153 Grant Avenue is scheduled to open on December 17 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The opening will also include a United Way ceremony and a later promotional “swag day.”

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt, who has served the county for 13 years, is set to resign on January 4. Schmitt is leaving to join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division in the private sector. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick will assume the role, and the position will be on the November 2026 ballot.

North Rose-Wolcott residents are set to vote on a $30 million school upgrade plan. The upgrade includes a new bus garage, a science wing renovation, improved cooling systems, and classroom updates, with approximately $23 million coming from state aid and the remainder from capital reserves.

Health officials reported that a former inmate from Broome County Jail was hospitalized with a suspected case of tuberculosis. Testing is ongoing and active TB has not been confirmed. Meanwhile, outside the Broome County Jail, dozens of protesters held a rally in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist detained there after he fled China.

On the federal front, President Donald Trump prepared an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. This change could acknowledge its medical use and open up tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses, although experts noted that further congressional action would be required for additional measures.

A former Central New York state Senate candidate, Caleb Slater, is under investigation. Authorities allege that during his 2024 campaign he used gift cards and cash to buy fake campaign donations, including recruiting donations from homeless people to obtain public matching funds.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill to assist communities affected by local college closures. The new law will allow the state to provide technical help with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. The bill was championed by Sen. Rachel May and passed unanimously after requested revisions.

The Canandaigua City Council approved the city’s 2026 budget during a Monday night meeting. Outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo voted “no” while all other council members voted in favor. The meeting also featured multiple appointments and approvals of resolutions and contracts related to engineering and chemical work.

In Binghamton, city lawmakers introduced an ordinance to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The proposal would block the use of city resources for ICE operations and restrict city workers from asking about immigration status or denying services based on citizenship, except as required by law.

In Geneva, two stalled development projects are at risk of foreclosure due to unpaid taxes. One project, the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome development, owes more than $63,000 and faces liens. City officials expect one tax bill may be paid by the May 2026 deadline, and another developer is in discussions with potential buyers.

In the Auburn community, Ormonde “Ormie” E. King, known for his long service in local sports, storytelling, and preserving local history, died on December 13 at the age of 87.

Two New York lawmakers proposed a plan to bring the Winter Olympics back to the state by splitting events between New York City and Lake Placid. The proposal highlights existing venues as a sustainable option, though any bid would be at least a decade away given current host city contracts through 2034.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office advised residents to be cautious of scam calls. The office received multiple reports of phone scammers posing as law enforcement and demanding money or gift card payments. Officials recommend disconnecting suspicious calls and contacting the sheriff’s non-emergency line.

Police in Penn Yan arrested Russell J. Aliff, 37, following an investigation into a reported theft on December 6. Officers found him with stolen items at a business and charged him with two counts of petit larceny. Aliff was released on an appearance ticket.

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.