On December 16, 2025, New York officials approved three new casinos for the New York City area. Two casinos will be built in Queens and one in the Bronx. The approved projects, including facilities near Citi Field and others by Resorts World NYC and Bally’s, are expected to generate approximately $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

Also on December 16, Dairy Queen announced a return to Ithaca with a new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road. The restaurant will take over the site of a former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone facility, with renovations nearing completion and job postings already available.

In judicial news, Todd C. Whitford, a town court judge in Yates County, resigned after state investigators charged him with bias, courtroom misconduct, and insufficient legal competence. Whitford agreed never to serve as a judge again following the charges from the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

A decision by the New York State Court of Appeals revived a legal challenge involving the closure law for the Seneca Meadows landfill near Seneca Falls. The case was returned to the Appellate Division as the landfill’s permit deadline of December 31 approaches.

A new drive‐thru-only location of 7 Brew, a coffee chain, is set to open in Auburn at 153 Grant Avenue, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for December 17 and additional promotions planned for later in the day.

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced his resignation effective January 4 after 13 years in the role. Schmitt will leave for a private sector job with Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick will take over the responsibilities in the interim, and the vacant seat will be filled on the November 2026 ballot.

Residents of North Rose-Wolcott will vote on a $30 million plan to upgrade local schools and construct a new transportation facility. Approximately $23 million of the funding comes from state aid, with the balance coming from capital reserves. Planned improvements include a new bus garage, renovations of a science wing, enhanced cooling systems, and classroom updates.

Health officials are investigating a suspected case of tuberculosis at the former Broome County Jail after a previously incarcerated individual was hospitalized. Testing is underway, and officials emphasized that the individual’s condition has not been confirmed as active TB, though standard precautions remain in effect.

A protest was held outside Broome County Jail in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist. Heng, who fled China after exposing alleged abuse against the Uyghur minority, is currently detained, and the demonstration saw participation from supporters in New York City and Ithaca.

President Donald Trump prepared an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3, a move that could recognize its medical use and provide tax deductions for licensed businesses. Experts noted that further legislative action would still be necessary to address other issues in the industry.

Caleb Slater, a former Central New York state Senate candidate, is under investigation for allegedly using gift cards and cash to compile fake campaign donations, including contributions from homeless individuals, in an effort to secure public matching funds. The state attorney general is reviewing his 2024 campaign practices.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill aimed at aiding communities that experienced local college closures. The law provides technical assistance in areas including workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. The measure passed unanimously in both legislative chambers after revisions requested by the governor.

The Canandaigua City Council approved the city’s 2026 budget during a Monday night meeting. Outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo cast the only dissenting vote, while other business including appointments, budget resolutions, and contract approvals were also handled.

In Binghamton, lawmakers introduced an ordinance to limit the city’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The proposal seeks to prevent city resources from being used for ICE operations and restrict city employees from inquiring about immigration status or denying services based on citizenship except when legally required.

Two development sites in Geneva, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome project, face potential foreclosure due to unpaid taxes totaling over $63,000. City officials expect one tax bill may be paid by a May 2026 deadline, while a developer involved with the other site is reportedly in discussions with potential buyers.

In Auburn, community members mourned the passing of Ormonde “Ormie” E. King, a well-known local sports figure and storyteller who died on December 13 at age 87. He was recognized for his long service in local sports, coaching, and preserving Auburn history.

Two New York lawmakers proposed a bid for a statewide Winter Olympics, which would share events between New York City and Lake Placid. The proposal would utilize existing venues as a sustainable and cost-effective option, with any potential bid expected to take place no earlier than a decade from now due to current host city contracts running through 2034.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning on December 16 after a series of scam calls were reported. The calls, which involved individuals posing as law enforcement and requesting payments via money or gift cards, prompted local officials to advise residents to disconnect suspicious calls and contact the non-emergency sheriff’s line for assistance.

In Penn Yan, police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff following an investigation into a theft reported on December 6. Aliff was found with stolen items and now faces 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.