On Monday, the state Gaming Commission approved three new casinos in New York City. Two of the casinos will be located in Queens while one will be built in the Bronx. The projects—including Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s in the Bronx—are expected to generate approximately $7 billion in gaming tax revenue by 2036.

Dairy Queen announced a return to Ithaca with a new Grill & Chill location set to open on Elmira Road. The restaurant is taking over the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building next to KFC, with renovations nearing completion and job postings currently available.

In Yates County, Todd C. Whitford, a town court judge, resigned following accusations of bias, courtroom misconduct, and a lack of legal competence made by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Whitford’s resignation included an agreement that he will never serve as a judge again.

A New York State Court of Appeals decision revived a legal challenge by Seneca Meadows Inc. regarding Seneca Falls’ Local Law 3. The case, now sent back to the Appellate Division under SEQRA concerns, comes as the Seneca Meadows landfill nears its permit deadline on December 31.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for December 17 in Auburn for the opening of a 7 Brew drive-thru coffee location at 153 Grant Avenue. The event will include a United Way ceremony and a promotional “swag day.”

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced he will step down on January 4 after 13 years in office. Schmitt is transitioning to a role in the private sector with Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick will assume the role until the office is filled through the November 2026 ballot.

North Rose-Wolcott residents are set to vote on a $30 million plan to upgrade local schools and build a new transportation facility. The plan includes a new bus garage, renovations to a science wing, improved cooling systems, and classroom updates, with state aid covering approximately $23 million of the cost.

Health officials are investigating the hospitalization of a former Broome County Jail inmate with a suspected case of tuberculosis. While tests continue, officials noted that these indicators have not confirmed active TB and that the jail is following standard precautions.

Outside the Broome County Jail, dozens of protesters gathered to support Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist who is currently detained. Heng fled China seeking asylum after he exposed allegations of abuse against the Uyghur minority.

An executive order prepared by President Donald Trump aims to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The order could allow recognition of medical use and enable tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses, although experts stated that further congressional action would be needed for additional measures.

A former state Senate candidate from Central New York, Caleb Slater, faces investigation over allegations of using gift cards and cash to secure fake campaign donations. Slater’s 2024 campaign is under investigation by the state attorney general for listing false donors and paying for donation signatures in order to collect public matching funds.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill to assist towns affected by local college closures. The new law will provide technical support for workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development, and was passed unanimously in both state legislative chambers with revisions requested by the governor.

The Canandaigua City Council approved the city’s 2026 budget during a roll-call vote. Outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo was the only dissenting vote. The meeting also saw multiple appointments, budget-related resolutions, and the approval of engineering and chemical contracts.

Binghamton lawmakers introduced an ordinance that would prohibit the city from using its resources for federal immigration enforcement. The proposed measure would also restrict city workers from inquiring about immigration status or denying services based on citizenship, except as required by law.

Two unfinished development projects in Geneva are facing possible foreclosure due to unpaid taxes. The Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome project owes over $63,000 and is dealing with liens, while another tax bill may be resolved before a May 2026 deadline as noted by city officials.

In Auburn, local sports and community figure Ormonde “Ormie” E. King died on December 13 at age 87. King was well known for coaching, writing columns that celebrated hometown figures, and preserving local history.

Legislators in New York are considering a proposal to bring the Winter Olympics back to the state by dividing events between New York City and Lake Placid. The bid would rely on existing venues and could be a lower-cost, sustainable option, although any potential bid would be aimed at the next available Olympics over a decade from now.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to residents about scam calls. Phone scammers have been posing as law enforcement officials and demanding money or gift card payments. Authorities advised residents to disconnect suspicious calls and to use the sheriff’s non-emergency line for assistance.

Penn Yan police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff following an investigation into a reported theft on December 6. Officers located him with stolen items in his possession. Aliff was charged with two counts of petit larceny and 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.