On December 16, New York officials and local leaders announced a number of developments across the state. In New York City, the state Gaming Commission approved three new casinos—two in Queens and one in the Bronx—with projects at Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s. The initiatives are projected to generate $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

In other local business news, Dairy Queen will return to Ithaca with a new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road. The renovation, taking place in the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building near KFC, is nearly complete and job postings have been released. Meanwhile, 7 Brew is preparing to open a drive-thru coffee location at 153 Grant Avenue in Auburn, with a ceremony planned for December 17 that will include a United Way event and a promotional “swag day.”

Local government and legal systems have also seen changes. In Yates County, Town Court Judge Todd C. Whitford resigned after state investigators accused him of bias, courtroom misconduct, and a lack of legal competence; he agreed not to serve as a judge again. Additionally, the Canandaigua City Council approved the 2026 city budget during a Monday night meeting. In Wayne County, Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced his resignation effective January 4 to join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division, with Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick taking over temporarily. North Rose-Wolcott residents are set to vote on a $30 million upgrade of local schools and a new transportation facility, with most funding coming from state aid.

Legal challenges continue to surface in other regions. A New York State Court of Appeals decision has revived Seneca Meadows Inc.’s legal challenge under SEQRA against Seneca Falls’ Local Law 3 as the landfill approaches a December 31 permit deadline. In Geneva, two stalled projects, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome development, face potential foreclosure over unpaid taxes.

In county-level law enforcement and public safety, Cayuga County officials issued a warning after multiple reports of scam calls in which callers posed as law enforcement, urging residents to avoid sending money or gift cards. In Penn Yan, police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff on two counts of petit larceny following a reported theft on December 6.

Other significant events included a rally outside Broome County Jail supporting 37-year-old Uyghur activist Guan Heng, who was detained after seeking asylum. Health officials are investigating a suspected case of tuberculosis involving a former inmate from Broome County Jail; while tests continue, officials stressed that active TB has not been confirmed.

At the state level, 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 licensed cannabis businesses with tax deductions. In a separate political story, a former Central New York state Senate candidate, Caleb Slater, faces investigation by the state attorney general for allegedly buying fake campaign donations with cash and gift cards.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill aimed at aiding communities affected by college closures by providing technical help with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. In Binghamton, lawmakers introduced an ordinance to restrict cooperation between city workers and federal immigration enforcement, which would prevent the use of city resources for ICE operations and limit the inquiry into immigration status.

Lastly, New York lawmakers have proposed a plan to bring the Winter Olympics back to the state, splitting events between New York City and Lake Placid. The bid is seen as an effort to utilize existing venues and lower costs, with any potential bid looking to follow host city contracts that run through 2034. In Auburn, longtime local sports and community figure Ormonde “Ormie” E. King passed away on December 13 at the age of 87.

Binghamton, NY

Binghamton University Hosts Labor Day Weekend Events

Binghamton University in Binghamton, New York, says those staying in Bing for Labor Day weekend can check out events on and around campus, with details at bit.ly/420A9O8.

Binghamton shed fire at 53 Mill Street under control

At about 2:59 p.m., Binghamton Fire Department crews responded to a backyard shed fire at 53 Mill Street, upgraded to a full alarm, and the fire was quickly brought under control with no injuries reported; the cause is under investigation.

Little Venice marks 79th anniversary, aims for 80th in 2026.

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Devin Binghamton of Binghamton Econ reports that Little Venice Restaurant is celebrating 79 years and will reach its 80th anniversary in 2026.

Binghamton Family Welcomes Newborn Patriot Ahead of School Year

Binghamton, N.Y. — Michael Murphy, son of EMS teacher Conor Murphy, wore a Binghamton B onesie as he hyped his dad and the BCSD family ahead of the new school year.

Downtown Binghamton Sidewalks Underway, Arts District Nears Completion

New sidewalks are loading in downtown Binghamton as construction on the Downtown Arts District continues, with an update urging visitors to support local businesses such as Old Barn Market, Garage, Lost Dog Café & Lounge, and Old Barn Market & Gluten Free Bakery, and saying the district will be completed in a few short months.

Binghamton Schools issue Labor Day greeting

Binghamton Schools in Binghamton, N.Y., posted a Labor Day greeting inviting the Binghamton family to Thursday's return and included the hashtag #BPatriotProud.

Binghamton University honors faculty, staff, student workers on Labor Day

Binghamton University in Binghamton, New York, marked Labor Day by recognizing its faculty, staff and student workers who keep the campus thriving.

BCPL offers digital access to The New York Times

Broome County Public Library in Binghamton, New York, says it provides digital access to The New York Times both inside and outside the library, including access to the Learning Network, with no library card required to access the service (a library card or guest pass is needed to use a library computer).

Binghamton Schools report staff, retirees reunite

Binghamton Schools said current staff and retirees reunited on the same day, emphasizing that they’re still part of the Binghamton Family and posting the hashtag #BPatriotProud.

Broome County issues school bus safety reminder as school resumes

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — As school resumes, Broome County Emergency Services urged drivers to allow extra travel time and never pass a school bus with the stop arm extended and the red lights flashing, attributing the message to Broome County Emergency Services and Emergency Management.