On December 16, New York officials announced several developments statewide and locally. The state Gaming Commission approved three new casinos for New York City—two in Queens and one in the Bronx—with projects including Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and a Bally’s facility expected to generate $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

In Ithaca, Dairy Queen is returning with a new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road. Occupying the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building next to KFC, the restaurant nears completion with job postings already online.

In Yates County, Town Court Judge Todd C. Whitford resigned after state investigators charged him with bias, courtroom misconduct, and a lack of legal competence. The resignation comes following actions by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, with Whitford agreeing never to serve as a judge again.

A New York State Court of Appeals decision revived the legal challenge against Seneca Falls’ Local Law 3 concerning landfill closure. Seneca Meadows Inc. was determined to have standing to contest the law under SEQRA, and the case has been sent back to the Appellate Division ahead of a December 31 permit deadline.

A drive-thru-only 7 Brew coffee location opened in Auburn at 153 Grant Avenue, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place on December 17 that included a United Way ceremony and forthcoming promotional events.

In Wayne County, Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced he will step down on January 4 after 13 years with the county to join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick will assume his duties until a new treasurer is elected in November 2026.

North Rose-Wolcott residents will vote on a $30 million school upgrade plan. The project, funded with about $23 million from state aid and the remainder from capital reserves, includes a new bus garage, science wing renovations, improved cooling systems, and classroom updates. Voting is scheduled for December 17.

Health officials are also investigating a suspected case of tuberculosis at a former Broome County Jail facility after an ex-inmate was hospitalized with symptoms. Tests continue, and officials are taking standard precautions while the investigation proceeds.

A rally took place outside Broome County Jail in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist detained at the facility. Supporters, having traveled from New York City and Ithaca, gathered to back Heng, who fled China after reporting abuse against the Uyghur minority and seeking asylum.

Additionally, President Donald Trump prepared an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The proposed change could acknowledge marijuana’s medical use and allow licensed cannabis businesses to claim tax deductions, although experts noted that further congressional action would be needed for issues such as banking.

A former Central New York state Senate candidate, Caleb Slater, is under investigation by the state attorney general after allegations arose that he bought fake campaign donations using gift cards, cash, and donations from homeless individuals to collect public matching funds.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill aimed at helping communities recover from local college closures. The legislation, supported by Sen. Rachel May, permits the state to assist with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development initiatives.

In Canandaigua, the City Council approved the 2026 budget by roll-call vote. The meeting also featured several appointments, budget-related resolutions, and approvals for engineering and chemical contracts.

Binghamton lawmakers introduced an ordinance that would block the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement operations and restrict inquiries about immigration status, except where required by law.

In Geneva, two stalled development sites—the Lake’s Edge hotel and a townhome project—are facing potential foreclosure due to unpaid taxes amounting to more than $63,000. City officials noted that one tax bill might be settled before the May 2026 deadline, while a developer expressed plans to pay and communicate with potential buyers.

Auburn mourning a notable community figure, reported that Ormonde “Ormie” E. King died on December 13 at the age of 87. King was recognized locally for his contributions to sports, coaching, and preserving Auburn history.

Two New York lawmakers also proposed a bid for a statewide Winter Olympics, suggesting that events be split between New York City and Lake Placid. The proposal emphasizes the use of existing facilities as a way to manage costs, with any bid expected to be at least a decade away due to current host city contracts running through 2034.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning about scam calls. Residents were advised to disconnect suspicious calls and to contact the sheriff’s non-emergency line for verification if approached by callers posing as law enforcement demanding money or gift cards.

In Penn Yan, police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff after an investigation into a reported theft on December 6. Officers found Aliff in possession of stolen items, and he was charged with two counts of petit larceny before being 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.