On December 16, 2025, New York authorities and community leaders announced several developments across the state. The state Gaming Commission approved three new casino projects, with locations in Queens and the Bronx set to generate an estimated $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036. In a related retail update, Dairy Queen is returning to Ithaca with a new Grill & Chill location near Elmira Road, occupying the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building.

A town court judge in Yates County, Todd C. Whitford, resigned after state investigators raised concerns over bias, courtroom misconduct, and legal competence. In Seneca Falls, the New York State Court of Appeals ruled that Seneca Meadows Inc. has standing to challenge a local landfill closure law under SEQRA, reopening a legal challenge as the Seneca Meadows landfill nears a December 31 permit deadline.

In Auburn, a new 7 Brew drive-thru coffee shop opened at 153 Grant Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for December 17 that features a United Way ceremony and a promotional “swag day.” Meanwhile, Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced his resignation effective January 4 after 13 years in office to join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division, with Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick named as his interim replacement. North Rose-Wolcott voters were also set to decide on a $30 million plan for school upgrades and a new transportation facility, with funding coming from state aid and capital reserves.

Health officials in Broome County responded to a reported incident at a former jail facility after an ex-inmate was hospitalized with a suspected case of tuberculosis; tests are ongoing while the jail follows standard precautions. Also in Broome County, dozens gathered outside the local jail in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist detained after fleeing China while exposing alleged abuses against the Uyghur minority.

In federal news, President Donald Trump forwarded an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The change aims to recognize medical use and allow tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses, though experts indicated that further legislative actions remain necessary. In Central New York, former state Senate candidate Caleb Slater came under investigation by the state attorney general for allegedly using gift cards, cash, and even donations from homeless individuals to inflate his campaign’s donor list.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill intended to assist communities affected by local college closures. The law provides technical support with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development and was backed by the state legislature. In Canandaigua, the City Council approved its 2026 budget on a roll-call vote during a meeting that also saw several appointments and approvals for engineering and chemical contracts, with outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo dissenting.

Binghamton lawmakers introduced an ordinance to limit city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, aiming to restrict the use of city resources for ICE operations and limiting inquiries into immigration status by city workers. In Geneva, two stalled development sites, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome project, faced looming foreclosure due to unpaid taxes, with one tax bill possibly cleared before a May 2026 deadline.

Local sports and community history in Auburn were marked by the death of Ormonde “Ormie” E. King at age 87. King was recognized for his contributions as a coach, columnist, and storyteller preserving local heritage. In addition, two New York lawmakers proposed a plan to bring the Winter Olympics back to the state by potentially splitting events between New York City and Lake Placid, with any bid not expected for at least a decade.

County officials in Cayuga County issued a warning about increasing scam calls, cautioning residents against callers posing as law enforcement demanding money or gift cards. In Penn Yan, police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff following an investigation into a theft reported on December 6, with charges of two counts of petit larceny filed and an appearance ticket issued.

All of these actions and announcements reflect efforts by state and local officials to address community development, legal issues, public health, and safety matters across New York.

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.