On December 16, 2025, New York authorities and community leaders announced several developments across the state. The state Gaming Commission approved three new casino projects, with locations in Queens and the Bronx set to generate an estimated $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036. In a related retail update, Dairy Queen is returning to Ithaca with a new Grill & Chill location near Elmira Road, occupying the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building.

A town court judge in Yates County, Todd C. Whitford, resigned after state investigators raised concerns over bias, courtroom misconduct, and legal competence. In Seneca Falls, the New York State Court of Appeals ruled that Seneca Meadows Inc. has standing to challenge a local landfill closure law under SEQRA, reopening a legal challenge as the Seneca Meadows landfill nears a December 31 permit deadline.

In Auburn, a new 7 Brew drive-thru coffee shop opened at 153 Grant Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for December 17 that features a United Way ceremony and a promotional “swag day.” Meanwhile, Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced his resignation effective January 4 after 13 years in office to join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division, with Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick named as his interim replacement. North Rose-Wolcott voters were also set to decide on a $30 million plan for school upgrades and a new transportation facility, with funding coming from state aid and capital reserves.

Health officials in Broome County responded to a reported incident at a former jail facility after an ex-inmate was hospitalized with a suspected case of tuberculosis; tests are ongoing while the jail follows standard precautions. Also in Broome County, dozens gathered outside the local jail in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist detained after fleeing China while exposing alleged abuses against the Uyghur minority.

In federal news, President Donald Trump forwarded an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The change aims to recognize medical use and allow tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses, though experts indicated that further legislative actions remain necessary. In Central New York, former state Senate candidate Caleb Slater came under investigation by the state attorney general for allegedly using gift cards, cash, and even donations from homeless individuals to inflate his campaign’s donor list.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill intended to assist communities affected by local college closures. The law provides technical support with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development and was backed by the state legislature. In Canandaigua, the City Council approved its 2026 budget on a roll-call vote during a meeting that also saw several appointments and approvals for engineering and chemical contracts, with outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo dissenting.

Binghamton lawmakers introduced an ordinance to limit city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, aiming to restrict the use of city resources for ICE operations and limiting inquiries into immigration status by city workers. In Geneva, two stalled development sites, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome project, faced looming foreclosure due to unpaid taxes, with one tax bill possibly cleared before a May 2026 deadline.

Local sports and community history in Auburn were marked by the death of Ormonde “Ormie” E. King at age 87. King was recognized for his contributions as a coach, columnist, and storyteller preserving local heritage. In addition, two New York lawmakers proposed a plan to bring the Winter Olympics back to the state by potentially splitting events between New York City and Lake Placid, with any bid not expected for at least a decade.

County officials in Cayuga County issued a warning about increasing scam calls, cautioning residents against callers posing as law enforcement demanding money or gift cards. In Penn Yan, police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff following an investigation into a theft reported on December 6, with charges of two counts of petit larceny filed and an appearance ticket issued.

All of these actions and announcements reflect efforts by state and local officials to address community development, legal issues, public health, and safety matters across New York.

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.