On Monday, the state Gaming Commission approved three new casinos in New York City. Two of the casinos will be located in Queens while one will be built in the Bronx. The projects—including Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s in the Bronx—are expected to generate approximately $7 billion in gaming tax revenue by 2036.

Dairy Queen announced a return to Ithaca with a new Grill & Chill location set to open on Elmira Road. The restaurant is taking over the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building next to KFC, with renovations nearing completion and job postings currently available.

In Yates County, Todd C. Whitford, a town court judge, resigned following accusations of bias, courtroom misconduct, and a lack of legal competence made by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Whitford’s resignation included an agreement that he will never serve as a judge again.

A New York State Court of Appeals decision revived a legal challenge by Seneca Meadows Inc. regarding Seneca Falls’ Local Law 3. The case, now sent back to the Appellate Division under SEQRA concerns, comes as the Seneca Meadows landfill nears its permit deadline on December 31.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for December 17 in Auburn for the opening of a 7 Brew drive-thru coffee location at 153 Grant Avenue. The event will include a United Way ceremony and a promotional “swag day.”

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced he will step down on January 4 after 13 years in office. Schmitt is transitioning to a role in the private sector with Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick will assume the role until the office is filled through the November 2026 ballot.

North Rose-Wolcott residents are set to vote on a $30 million plan to upgrade local schools and build a new transportation facility. The plan includes a new bus garage, renovations to a science wing, improved cooling systems, and classroom updates, with state aid covering approximately $23 million of the cost.

Health officials are investigating the hospitalization of a former Broome County Jail inmate with a suspected case of tuberculosis. While tests continue, officials noted that these indicators have not confirmed active TB and that the jail is following standard precautions.

Outside the Broome County Jail, dozens of protesters gathered to support Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist who is currently detained. Heng fled China seeking asylum after he exposed allegations of abuse against the Uyghur minority.

An executive order prepared by President Donald Trump aims to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The order could allow recognition of medical use and enable tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses, although experts stated that further congressional action would be needed for additional measures.

A former state Senate candidate from Central New York, Caleb Slater, faces investigation over allegations of using gift cards and cash to secure fake campaign donations. Slater’s 2024 campaign is under investigation by the state attorney general for listing false donors and paying for donation signatures in order to collect public matching funds.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill to assist towns affected by local college closures. The new law will provide technical support for workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development, and was passed unanimously in both state legislative chambers with revisions requested by the governor.

The Canandaigua City Council approved the city’s 2026 budget during a roll-call vote. Outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo was the only dissenting vote. The meeting also saw multiple appointments, budget-related resolutions, and the approval of engineering and chemical contracts.

Binghamton lawmakers introduced an ordinance that would prohibit the city from using its resources for federal immigration enforcement. The proposed measure would also restrict city workers from inquiring about immigration status or denying services based on citizenship, except as required by law.

Two unfinished development projects in Geneva are facing possible foreclosure due to unpaid taxes. The Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome project owes over $63,000 and is dealing with liens, while another tax bill may be resolved before a May 2026 deadline as noted by city officials.

In Auburn, local sports and community figure Ormonde “Ormie” E. King died on December 13 at age 87. King was well known for coaching, writing columns that celebrated hometown figures, and preserving local history.

Legislators in New York are considering a proposal to bring the Winter Olympics back to the state by dividing events between New York City and Lake Placid. The bid would rely on existing venues and could be a lower-cost, sustainable option, although any potential bid would be aimed at the next available Olympics over a decade from now.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to residents about scam calls. Phone scammers have been posing as law enforcement officials and demanding money or gift card payments. Authorities advised residents to disconnect suspicious calls and to use the sheriff’s non-emergency line for assistance.

Penn Yan police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff following an investigation into a reported theft on December 6. Officers located him with stolen items in his possession. Aliff was charged with two counts of petit larceny and was released on an appearance ticket.

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.