On December 16, 2025, New York officials approved three new casinos for the New York City area. Two casinos will be built in Queens and one in the Bronx. The approved projects, including facilities near Citi Field and others by Resorts World NYC and Bally’s, are expected to generate approximately $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

Also on December 16, Dairy Queen announced a return to Ithaca with a new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road. The restaurant will take over the site of a former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone facility, with renovations nearing completion and job postings already available.

In judicial news, Todd C. Whitford, a town court judge in Yates County, resigned after state investigators charged him with bias, courtroom misconduct, and insufficient legal competence. Whitford agreed never to serve as a judge again following the charges from the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

A decision by the New York State Court of Appeals revived a legal challenge involving the closure law for the Seneca Meadows landfill near Seneca Falls. The case was returned to the Appellate Division as the landfill’s permit deadline of December 31 approaches.

A new drive‐thru-only location of 7 Brew, a coffee chain, is set to open in Auburn at 153 Grant Avenue, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for December 17 and additional promotions planned for later in the day.

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced his resignation effective January 4 after 13 years in the role. Schmitt will leave for a private sector job with Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick will take over the responsibilities in the interim, and the vacant seat will be filled on the November 2026 ballot.

Residents of North Rose-Wolcott will vote on a $30 million plan to upgrade local schools and construct a new transportation facility. Approximately $23 million of the funding comes from state aid, with the balance coming from capital reserves. Planned improvements include a new bus garage, renovations of a science wing, enhanced cooling systems, and classroom updates.

Health officials are investigating a suspected case of tuberculosis at the former Broome County Jail after a previously incarcerated individual was hospitalized. Testing is underway, and officials emphasized that the individual’s condition has not been confirmed as active TB, though standard precautions remain in effect.

A protest was held outside Broome County Jail in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist. Heng, who fled China after exposing alleged abuse against the Uyghur minority, is currently detained, and the demonstration saw participation from supporters in New York City and Ithaca.

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 tax deductions for licensed businesses. Experts noted that further legislative action would still be necessary to address other issues in the industry.

Caleb Slater, a former Central New York state Senate candidate, is under investigation for allegedly using gift cards and cash to compile fake campaign donations, including contributions from homeless individuals, in an effort to secure public matching funds. The state attorney general is reviewing his 2024 campaign practices.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill aimed at aiding communities that experienced local college closures. The law provides technical assistance in areas including workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. The measure passed unanimously in both legislative chambers after revisions requested by the governor.

The Canandaigua City Council approved the city’s 2026 budget during a Monday night meeting. Outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo cast the only dissenting vote, while other business including appointments, budget resolutions, and contract approvals were also handled.

In Binghamton, lawmakers introduced an ordinance to limit the city’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The proposal seeks to prevent city resources from being used for ICE operations and restrict city employees from inquiring about immigration status or denying services based on citizenship except when legally required.

Two development sites in Geneva, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome project, face potential foreclosure due to unpaid taxes totaling over $63,000. City officials expect one tax bill may be paid by a May 2026 deadline, while a developer involved with the other site is reportedly in discussions with potential buyers.

In Auburn, community members mourned the passing of Ormonde “Ormie” E. King, a well-known local sports figure and storyteller who died on December 13 at age 87. He was recognized for his long service in local sports, coaching, and preserving Auburn history.

Two New York lawmakers proposed a bid for a statewide Winter Olympics, which would share events between New York City and Lake Placid. The proposal would utilize existing venues as a sustainable and cost-effective option, with any potential bid expected to take place no earlier than a decade from now due to current host city contracts running through 2034.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning on December 16 after a series of scam calls were reported. The calls, which involved individuals posing as law enforcement and requesting payments via money or gift cards, prompted local officials to advise residents to disconnect suspicious calls and contact the non-emergency sheriff’s line for assistance.

In Penn Yan, police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff following an investigation into a theft reported on December 6. Aliff was found with stolen items and now faces 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.