New York officials and community leaders had a busy day on December 16, 2025, as a series of events and decisions were announced across the state.

The state Gaming Commission gave final approval for three new casinos in New York City. Two of the casinos will open in Queens and one in the Bronx. Projects include Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s in the Bronx. Together the casinos are expected to generate around $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

In Ithaca, Dairy Queen is set to return with a new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road. The establishment is moving into the former site of a Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building next to a KFC. Renovations are nearly complete, and job postings have been made public.

In Yates County, a town court judge resigned following charges of bias and courtroom misconduct. Todd C. Whitford stepped down after the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct levied allegations of a lack of legal competence. Whitford also agreed not to serve as a judge in the future.

A recent decision by the New York State Court of Appeals has reopened a legal challenge against Seneca Falls’ landfill closure law. The court ruled that Seneca Meadows Inc. has standing to challenge the town’s Local Law 3 under SEQRA. The case has been sent back to the Appellate Division as the Seneca Meadows landfill nears its December 31 permit deadline.

In Auburn, a new drive-thru-only coffee shop from 7 Brew is set to open at 153 Grant Avenue. The opening ceremony is scheduled for December 17 and will include a ribbon-cutting event, a United Way ceremony, and later promotional activities.

Wayne County is also seeing a change in leadership. Treasurer Patrick Schmitt will resign on January 4 after 13 years of service. 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 until a replacement is chosen in the November 2026 ballot.

North Rose-Wolcott residents will vote on a $30 million school upgrade plan. The project, which includes a new bus garage, science wing renovations, improved cooling systems and classroom updates, will receive about $23 million in state aid with the remainder coming from capital reserves.

Public health and activism were also in the spotlight. Health officials are investigating a suspected case of tuberculosis in a former inmate from Broome County Jail. Tests are ongoing. Separately, dozens of protesters gathered outside the Broome County Jail to support 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist Guan Heng, who is being held in connection with his asylum claim after exposing alleged abuses in China.

National news included a planned executive order by former President Donald Trump to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The proposed change could recognize the drug’s medical use and allow licensed cannabis businesses to gain access to tax deductions, although experts noted that further congressional action would likely be needed.

In political news, former Central New York state Senate candidate Caleb Slater faces an investigation after being accused of purchasing fake campaign donations. The investigation, led by the state attorney general, focuses on whether false donor listings were used to secure public matching funds during his 2024 campaign.

Elsewhere, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill designed to aid communities affected by college closures. The new law provides for technical support in workforce planning, property reuse and economic development efforts in impacted towns. In Canandaigua, the City Council approved the 2026 budget after an evening session that featured multiple appointments and contract approvals.

Binghamton lawmakers introduced an ordinance proposing a cessation of city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The measure also seeks to limit inquiries into immigration status by city employees, except where legally required.

In Geneva, two stalled development projects, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and a townhome project, face possible foreclosure over unpaid tax bills. City officials hope that at least one of the tax bills may be paid before the May 2026 deadline while one developer is actively talking with potential buyers.

In Auburn, long-time local sports figure Ormonde “Ormie” E. King passed away on December 13 at the age of 87. King was known for his decades of service in local sports, coaching and his contributions to preserving Auburn history.

In another statewide development, two New York lawmakers proposed a plan for a Winter Olympics bid that would divide events between New York City and Lake Placid. The plan highlights current venues as a cost-effective option and is aimed at a bid for a Winter Olympics at least a decade in the future.

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

Finally, in Penn Yan, police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff following an investigation into a theft earlier this month. Aliff was charged with two counts of petit larceny after officers found him in possession of stolen items. He was released on an appearance ticket.

All these developments mark a day of significant legal, political, public health, and community events 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.