On December 16, 2025, New York’s state Gaming Commission gave final approval for three new casinos in New York City – two in Queens and one in the Bronx. The projects, which include Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s in the Bronx, are expected to generate about $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 new restaurant is moving into the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building next to KFC with renovations nearly complete and job postings already available.

A town court judge in Yates County, Todd C. Whitford, resigned after state investigators accused him of bias, courtroom misconduct, and lack of legal competence. Whitford agreed never to serve as a judge again following charges by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

A New York State Court of Appeals decision reopened a legal challenge by Seneca Meadows Inc. against Seneca Falls’ Local Law 3 under SEQRA. The case has been sent back to the Appellate Division as the landfill approaches a permit deadline of December 31.

In Auburn, the drive-thru coffee chain 7 Brew opened a new location at 153 Grant Avenue. The opening, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a United Way event, took place on December 17.

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced his resignation effective January 4 after 13 years with the county. He will be moving to a private sector role with Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division, with Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick assuming responsibility until the seat is filled on the November 2026 ballot.

North Rose-Wolcott residents were scheduled to vote on a $30 million plan to upgrade schools and build a new transportation facility. State aid is set to cover about $23 million of the project, with the remainder coming from capital reserves. The upgrades include a new bus garage, science wing renovations, improved cooling systems, and classroom updates.

Health officials responded to a suspected case of tuberculosis at the former Broome County Jail when a former inmate was hospitalized. Tests are ongoing, and officials noted that active TB has not been confirmed while standard precautions remain in place.

Outside the Broome County Jail, dozens gathered to support 37-year-old Guan Heng, a Uyghur rights activist housed in the facility. Heng, who fled China seeking asylum after exposing alleged abuse of the Uyghur minority, received backing from supporters who traveled from New York City and Ithaca.

President Donald Trump prepared an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The proposed change could acknowledge medical use and allow tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses. Experts stated that additional congressional action would be necessary for issues such as banking access.

In Central New York, a former state Senate candidate, Caleb Slater, was under investigation for allegedly purchasing fake campaign donations by using gift cards, cash, and even contributions from homeless individuals. The allegations concern his 2024 campaign and claims of false donor listings.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill to assist towns affected by local college closures. The new law enables the state to provide technical help with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development and was supported by Sen. Rachel May and passed unanimously with revisions requested by the governor.

The Canandaigua City Council approved its 2026 budget after a roll-call vote, with outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo casting the only “no” vote. The meeting included several appointments, budget-related resolutions, and approvals concerning engineering and chemical contracts.

Binghamton lawmakers introduced an ordinance to limit the city’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The proposal would prevent the use of city resources for ICE operations and restrict city workers from inquiring about immigration status or denying services based on citizenship except as required by law.

In Geneva, two stalled development projects – including a Lake’s Edge hotel and a townhome project – faced foreclosure over unpaid taxes. One project owed more than $63,000 and was facing liens. City officials expected one tax bill might be paid before the May 2026 deadline, while another developer planned to settle taxes and explore potential buyers.

In the sports community, Ormonde “Ormie” E. King, a long-time local figure in Auburn known for his coaching, sports columns, and preservation of local history, died on December 13 at the age of 87.

Two New York lawmakers proposed a bid for a statewide Winter Olympics, suggesting that events be split between New York City and Lake Placid. They pointed to existing venues as a sustainable, lower-cost option for a bid that would come at least a decade from now.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to residents about scam calls. The calls, made by individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers, have been demanding money or gift card payments. Officials advised residents to disconnect suspicious calls and use the sheriff’s non-emergency line for verification.

In Penn Yan, police arrested Russell J. Aliff, 37, following an investigation into a theft on December 6. Officers found him in possession of stolen items at a local business. Aliff was charged with two counts of petit larceny and 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.