New York City received final approval from the state Gaming Commission for three new casinos on December 16, 2025. Two locations will open in Queens—Metropolitan Park near Citi Field and Resorts World NYC—and one in the Bronx at Bally’s. State officials project that the new casinos will generate an estimated $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

Dairy Queen is set to return to Ithaca with a new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road. The restaurant will occupy the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone site next to KFC, with renovations nearly complete and job postings already online.

In Yates County, town court Judge Todd C. Whitford resigned after state investigators accused him of bias, courtroom misconduct, and lacking legal competence. This decision comes ahead of the judge’s permanent departure from the bench following charges by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

A decision by the New York State Court of Appeals has revived a legal challenge by Seneca Meadows Inc. about the landfill closure law in Seneca Falls. The case was sent back to the Appellate Division as the company now has standing under state environmental review laws, with the landfill permit deadline set for December 31.

A new drive-thru-only 7 Brew coffee location is opening in Auburn at 153 Grant Avenue. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was scheduled for December 17 and will include an event with United Way representatives followed by a promotional “swag day.”

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced his resignation effective January 4, 2026, after 13 years in the position. Schmitt will join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division, and Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick has been named as his interim replacement, with the position to be decided in the November 2026 ballot.

Residents of North Rose-Wolcott were set to vote on a $30 million plan to improve school facilities and construct a new transportation facility. The project includes a new bus garage, renovations to science wings and classrooms, and enhanced cooling systems; the bulk of funding is expected to come from state aid, with the balance coming from capital reserves.

Health officials investigated a suspected tuberculosis case at Broome County Jail after a former inmate was hospitalized. While tests are ongoing and active TB has not been confirmed, officials took standard precautions as the investigation continued.

A rally took place outside Broome County Jail in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist detained there. Heng, who left China after exposing alleged abuses against Uyghurs, received support from demonstrators who traveled from New York City and Ithaca.

On the federal side, President Donald Trump prepared an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The change could acknowledge the drug’s medical use and allow licensed cannabis businesses to access tax deductions, though experts noted that further congressional action would be needed for additional reforms.

In Central New York, former state Senate candidate Caleb Slater is under investigation after allegations emerged that his 2024 campaign purchased fake donations by using gift cards and cash. Reports stated that the campaign paid individuals, including homeless persons, to provide endorsements in order to collect public matching funds.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill intended to support communities affected by college closures by offering technical assistance for workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. The measure, backed by Sen. Rachel May, passed unanimously after revisions.

The Canandaigua City Council approved the 2026 budget during a Monday night meeting; outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo cast the only vote against it. In addition to the budget vote, the meeting featured several appointments and approvals for budget-related resolutions and contracts.

Binghamton lawmakers moved to limit city cooperation with ICE operations and introduced an ordinance prohibiting the use of municipal resources for federal immigration enforcement. The ordinance would also restrict inquiries about immigration status by city employees except where legally required.

In Geneva, two stalled development projects, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome project owing over $63,000 in taxes, are facing foreclosure. City officials reported that one tax bill might be paid before the May 2026 deadline, while another developer stated plans to settle outstanding amounts and negotiate with potential buyers.

Auburn mourned the loss of Ormonde “Ormie” E. King, a local sports figure and storyteller who died on December 13, 2025, at the age of 87. King was remembered for his decades of community service, coaching, writing columns, and preserving local history.

New York State lawmakers proposed a plan to bring the Winter Olympics back to New York by splitting events between New York City and Lake Placid. The proposal highlighted the use of current venues to reduce costs, though any bid would not be imminent due to existing host city contracts running until 2034.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning about scam calls, reporting that individuals posing as law enforcement have been calling residents to demand money or gift card payments. Officials advised residents to disconnect suspicious calls and to contact the sheriff’s non-emergency line for verification.

Penn Yan police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff on charges of petit larceny following an investigation of a theft reported on December 6, 2025. Officers found Aliff 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.