New York City received final approval from the state Gaming Commission for three new casinos on December 16, 2025. Two locations will open in Queens—Metropolitan Park near Citi Field and Resorts World NYC—and one in the Bronx at Bally’s. State officials project that the new casinos will generate an estimated $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

Dairy Queen is set to return to Ithaca with a new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road. The restaurant will occupy the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone site next to KFC, with renovations nearly complete and job postings already online.

In Yates County, town court Judge Todd C. Whitford resigned after state investigators accused him of bias, courtroom misconduct, and lacking legal competence. This decision comes ahead of the judge’s permanent departure from the bench following charges by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

A decision by the New York State Court of Appeals has revived a legal challenge by Seneca Meadows Inc. about the landfill closure law in Seneca Falls. The case was sent back to the Appellate Division as the company now has standing under state environmental review laws, with the landfill permit deadline set for December 31.

A new drive-thru-only 7 Brew coffee location is opening in Auburn at 153 Grant Avenue. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was scheduled for December 17 and will include an event with United Way representatives followed by a promotional “swag day.”

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced his resignation effective January 4, 2026, after 13 years in the position. Schmitt will join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division, and Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick has been named as his interim replacement, with the position to be decided in the November 2026 ballot.

Residents of North Rose-Wolcott were set to vote on a $30 million plan to improve school facilities and construct a new transportation facility. The project includes a new bus garage, renovations to science wings and classrooms, and enhanced cooling systems; the bulk of funding is expected to come from state aid, with the balance coming from capital reserves.

Health officials investigated a suspected tuberculosis case at Broome County Jail after a former inmate was hospitalized. While tests are ongoing and active TB has not been confirmed, officials took standard precautions as the investigation continued.

A rally took place outside Broome County Jail in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist detained there. Heng, who left China after exposing alleged abuses against Uyghurs, received support from demonstrators who traveled from New York City and Ithaca.

On the federal side, President Donald Trump prepared an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The change could acknowledge the drug’s medical use and allow licensed cannabis businesses to access tax deductions, though experts noted that further congressional action would be needed for additional reforms.

In Central New York, former state Senate candidate Caleb Slater is under investigation after allegations emerged that his 2024 campaign purchased fake donations by using gift cards and cash. Reports stated that the campaign paid individuals, including homeless persons, to provide endorsements in order to collect public matching funds.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill intended to support communities affected by college closures by offering technical assistance for workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. The measure, backed by Sen. Rachel May, passed unanimously after revisions.

The Canandaigua City Council approved the 2026 budget during a Monday night meeting; outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo cast the only vote against it. In addition to the budget vote, the meeting featured several appointments and approvals for budget-related resolutions and contracts.

Binghamton lawmakers moved to limit city cooperation with ICE operations and introduced an ordinance prohibiting the use of municipal resources for federal immigration enforcement. The ordinance would also restrict inquiries about immigration status by city employees except where legally required.

In Geneva, two stalled development projects, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome project owing over $63,000 in taxes, are facing foreclosure. City officials reported that one tax bill might be paid before the May 2026 deadline, while another developer stated plans to settle outstanding amounts and negotiate with potential buyers.

Auburn mourned the loss of Ormonde “Ormie” E. King, a local sports figure and storyteller who died on December 13, 2025, at the age of 87. King was remembered for his decades of community service, coaching, writing columns, and preserving local history.

New York State lawmakers proposed a plan to bring the Winter Olympics back to New York by splitting events between New York City and Lake Placid. The proposal highlighted the use of current venues to reduce costs, though any bid would not be imminent due to existing host city contracts running until 2034.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning about scam calls, reporting that individuals posing as law enforcement have been calling residents to demand money or gift card payments. Officials advised residents to disconnect suspicious calls and to contact the sheriff’s non-emergency line for verification.

Penn Yan police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff on charges of petit larceny following an investigation of a theft reported on December 6, 2025. Officers found Aliff in possession of stolen items, and he was charged with two counts of petit larceny before being 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.