On December 16, New York officials announced a range of events across the state. In New York City, the state Gaming Commission approved three new casinos – Metropolitan Park near Citi Field and Resorts World in Queens, along with Bally’s in the Bronx. The projects, which won out over strong competitors, are projected to generate about $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

Elsewhere in New York, Dairy Queen is returning to Ithaca. The new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road will open in the building that previously housed Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone, with renovations nearly complete and job applications already available.

In Yates County, a town court judge resigned amid allegations of bias and misconduct. Todd C. Whitford stepped down and agreed not to serve as a judge again after the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct brought forward charges regarding his courtroom behavior and legal competence.

A New York State Court of Appeals decision revived a legal challenge against Seneca Falls’ landfill closure law. The ruling determined Seneca Meadows Inc. has standing to challenge Local Law 3 under SEQRA, sending the case back to the Appellate Division as the landfill faces a Dec. 31 permit deadline.

In Auburn, the drive-thru coffee chain 7 Brew opened a new location at 153 Grant Avenue, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Dec. 17. The opening ceremony will feature a United Way event followed by a promotional “swag day.”

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced his resignation effective Jan. 4 after 13 years in office. He is set to join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division and will be succeeded by Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick. A special election for the seat is planned for November 2026.

North Rose-Wolcott residents went to the polls to decide on a $30 million school upgrade plan that includes building a new bus garage, renovating a science wing, upgrading cooling systems, and modernizing classrooms. Approximately $23 million of the project cost will come from state aid, with the remaining funds drawn from capital reserves.

Health officials probed a suspected tuberculosis case at the former Broome County Jail after a former inmate was hospitalized. Officials stressed that testing has not confirmed active TB while standard precautions are maintained.

A rally took place outside the Broome County Jail in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist detained at the facility. Protesters from New York City and Ithaca gathered, with organizers noting that Heng had fled China after exposing alleged abuses against the Uyghur minority.

President Donald Trump reportedly prepared an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The move, intended to recognize medical use and offer tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses, was noted along with expert comments that further congressional action would be needed for broader industry changes.

In Central New York, former state Senate candidate Caleb Slater is under investigation for allegedly using gift cards and cash to manufacture fake campaign donations. His 2024 campaign is being scrutinized by the state attorney general over claims of false donors and paid signatures to secure public matching funds.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill to assist communities impacted by local college closures. The new law will help towns with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development, following unanimous support in both legislative chambers and revisions requested by the governor.

In Canandaigua, city officials approved the 2026 budget during a meeting that included multiple appointments, resolutions related to budgetary concerns, and approvals for engineering and chemical contracts. Outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo was the only dissenting vote during the roll-call.

Lawmakers in Binghamton introduced an ordinance to cut city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The proposed measure would block the use of city resources for ICE operations and restrict city workers from inquiring about immigration status or denying services based on citizenship unless required by law.

Two undeveloped projects in Geneva, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome development, face potential foreclosure over unpaid taxes exceeding $63,000. City officials expect one tax bill might be paid before the May 2026 deadline, while another developer is in talks with potential buyers.

In Auburn, longtime community figure Ormonde “Ormie” E. King died on Dec. 13 at age 87. King was known locally for his service in sports, coaching, column writing, and for keeping the town’s history alive.

Additionally, two New York lawmakers proposed a statewide bid for the Winter Olympics by splitting events between New York City and Lake Placid. The plan highlights existing venues as a sustainable and lower-cost option, although any bid would be at least a decade away due to current host city contracts through 2034.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning about scam calls from individuals posing as law enforcement officials. They advised residents to disconnect suspicious calls and utilize the sheriff’s non-emergency line for verification.

Finally, police in Penn Yan arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff after a theft reported on Dec. 6. Officers found him 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.