Three new casinos will open in New York City, with two scheduled for Queens and one for the Bronx. The state Gaming Commission gave final approval for the projects, which include Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s in the Bronx. State officials expect the ventures to generate about $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

In Ithaca, Dairy Queen is set to return with a Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road. The restaurant will open in the building that formerly housed Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone next to KFC. Renovations are nearly complete and job postings are now available.

A town court judge in Yates County has resigned following allegations of bias and courtroom misconduct. Todd C. Whitford’s resignation comes after state investigators, including the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, raised concerns about his legal competence. Whitford has agreed not to serve as a judge in the future.

A ruling by the New York State Court of Appeals has revived the legal challenge against Seneca Falls’ landfill closure law as the Seneca Meadows landfill faces a permit deadline on December 31. The court found that Seneca Meadows Inc. has standing under SEQRA to contest the town’s Local Law 3 and sent the case back to the Appellate Division.

A drive-thru-only location for 7 Brew is set to open on December 17 at 153 Grant Avenue in Auburn. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a United Way presentation, and a promotional “swag day.”

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt will leave his post on January 4 after 13 years to join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division in the private sector. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick is now designated to fill the role until a replacement is elected on the November 2026 ballot.

North Rose-Wolcott voters will decide on a $30 million plan to upgrade local schools and construct a new transportation facility. Approximately $23 million of the project is funded by state aid, with the remaining amount coming from capital reserves. Planned improvements include a new bus garage, renovations to a science wing, enhanced cooling systems, and updated classrooms.

Health officials are investigating a suspected tuberculosis case. A former inmate at Broome County Jail was hospitalized, prompting tests and standard precautions. Officials have stated that there is no confirmation of active TB at this time.

Outside Broome County Jail, protesters gathered in support of 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist Guan Heng, who is currently in detention. Heng, who fled China after speaking out against alleged abuses toward Uyghurs, received backing from demonstrators who traveled from New York City and Ithaca.

President Donald Trump has prepared an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The change could acknowledge medical use and provide tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses, though experts note that further legislative action will be necessary to address issues such as banking access.

A former state Senate candidate in Central New York is under investigation for allegedly buying fake campaign donations. Caleb Slater’s 2024 campaign is being scrutinized after reports that gift cards and cash were used to purchase donations—including payments involving homeless individuals—to qualify for public matching funds.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill designed to aid communities affected by college closures. The law will allow state assistance with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. The legislation was supported by Sen. Rachel May and passed unanimously in both legislative chambers with the governor’s requested revisions.

The Canandaigua City Council approved its 2026 budget during a roll-call vote in which outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo opposed the measure. The meeting also included several appointments and resolutions related to engineering and chemical contracts.

In Binghamton, lawmakers introduced an ordinance aimed at ending city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The proposed measure seeks to restrict the use of city resources for Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations and limit inquiries about immigration status by city employees, except when required by law.

Two development sites in Geneva are facing possible foreclosure due to unpaid taxes. One project, the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome development, owes over $63,000 and has several liens. City officials noted that one tax bill might be settled before the May 2026 deadline, while another developer is negotiating with potential buyers.

In Auburn, longtime local figure Ormonde “Ormie” E. King died on December 13 at the age of 87. King, renowned for his contributions to sports and local history, leaves behind a legacy of coaching, writing columns, and preserving the heritage of Auburn.

Two New York lawmakers have proposed a plan for a statewide bid to host the Winter Olympics, potentially splitting events between New York City and Lake Placid. The bid, which would take advantage of existing venues, is one of several ideas being considered although any opportunity would be at least a decade away because of current host city contracts.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office has warned residents about scam calls. Reports indicate that callers are impersonating law enforcement officers and demanding money or gift card payments. Officials advise the public to disconnect suspicious calls and to use the non-emergency line for inquiries.

In Penn Yan, police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff following an investigation into a theft reported on December 6. Officers found Aliff in possession of items identified as stolen and charged him with two counts of petit larceny. He 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.