Three new casinos will open in New York City, with two scheduled for Queens and one for the Bronx. The state Gaming Commission gave final approval for the projects, which include Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s in the Bronx. State officials expect the ventures to generate about $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

In Ithaca, Dairy Queen is set to return with a Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road. The restaurant will open in the building that formerly housed Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone next to KFC. Renovations are nearly complete and job postings are now available.

A town court judge in Yates County has resigned following allegations of bias and courtroom misconduct. Todd C. Whitford’s resignation comes after state investigators, including the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, raised concerns about his legal competence. Whitford has agreed not to serve as a judge in the future.

A ruling by the New York State Court of Appeals has revived the legal challenge against Seneca Falls’ landfill closure law as the Seneca Meadows landfill faces a permit deadline on December 31. The court found that Seneca Meadows Inc. has standing under SEQRA to contest the town’s Local Law 3 and sent the case back to the Appellate Division.

A drive-thru-only location for 7 Brew is set to open on December 17 at 153 Grant Avenue in Auburn. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a United Way presentation, and a promotional “swag day.”

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt will leave his post on January 4 after 13 years to join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division in the private sector. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick is now designated to fill the role until a replacement is elected on the November 2026 ballot.

North Rose-Wolcott voters will decide on a $30 million plan to upgrade local schools and construct a new transportation facility. Approximately $23 million of the project is funded by state aid, with the remaining amount coming from capital reserves. Planned improvements include a new bus garage, renovations to a science wing, enhanced cooling systems, and updated classrooms.

Health officials are investigating a suspected tuberculosis case. A former inmate at Broome County Jail was hospitalized, prompting tests and standard precautions. Officials have stated that there is no confirmation of active TB at this time.

Outside Broome County Jail, protesters gathered in support of 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist Guan Heng, who is currently in detention. Heng, who fled China after speaking out against alleged abuses toward Uyghurs, received backing from demonstrators who traveled from New York City and Ithaca.

President Donald Trump has prepared an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The change could acknowledge medical use and provide tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses, though experts note that further legislative action will be necessary to address issues such as banking access.

A former state Senate candidate in Central New York is under investigation for allegedly buying fake campaign donations. Caleb Slater’s 2024 campaign is being scrutinized after reports that gift cards and cash were used to purchase donations—including payments involving homeless individuals—to qualify for public matching funds.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill designed to aid communities affected by college closures. The law will allow state assistance with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. The legislation was supported by Sen. Rachel May and passed unanimously in both legislative chambers with the governor’s requested revisions.

The Canandaigua City Council approved its 2026 budget during a roll-call vote in which outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo opposed the measure. The meeting also included several appointments and resolutions related to engineering and chemical contracts.

In Binghamton, lawmakers introduced an ordinance aimed at ending city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The proposed measure seeks to restrict the use of city resources for Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and limit inquiries about immigration status by city employees, except when required by law.

Two development sites in Geneva are facing possible foreclosure due to unpaid taxes. One project, the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome development, owes over $63,000 and has several liens. City officials noted that one tax bill might be settled before the May 2026 deadline, while another developer is negotiating with potential buyers.

In Auburn, longtime local figure Ormonde “Ormie” E. King died on December 13 at the age of 87. King, renowned for his contributions to sports and local history, leaves behind a legacy of coaching, writing columns, and preserving the heritage of Auburn.

Two New York lawmakers have proposed a plan for a statewide bid to host the Winter Olympics, potentially splitting events between New York City and Lake Placid. The bid, which would take advantage of existing venues, is one of several ideas being considered although any opportunity would be at least a decade away because of current host city contracts.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office has warned residents about scam calls. Reports indicate that callers are impersonating law enforcement officers and demanding money or gift card payments. Officials advise the public to disconnect suspicious calls and to use the non-emergency line for inquiries.

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