New York state officials and community leaders advanced several initiatives and responded to challenges over the past few days.

The state Gaming Commission approved plans for three new casinos in New York City. Two will be located in Queens and one in the Bronx, with the Metropolitan Park casino near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and a new Bally’s project set to deliver an estimated $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

Local business news included the return of Dairy Queen to Ithaca. The new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road is taking over the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building next to KFC, with renovations almost complete and job postings already available.

In Yates County, a town court judge resigned amid accusations of bias and courtroom misconduct. Todd C. Whitford stepped down and agreed not to serve as a judge again following charges from the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

A decision by the New York State Court of Appeals has revived a legal challenge to Seneca Falls’ landfill closure law. Seneca Meadows Inc. now has standing under SEQRA to contest the town’s Local Law 3, with the case sent back to the Appellate Division as the landfill approaches its Dec. 31 permit deadline.

A new drive-thru location for 7 Brew coffee opened in Auburn at 153 Grant Avenue. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 17 featured a United Way event and a promotional “swag day.”

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced that he will leave his post on Jan. 4 after 13 years to take a private sector position with Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick will serve in his place, and the seat will be filled in the November 2026 election.

North Rose-Wolcott voters are set to decide on a $30 million plan to upgrade local schools and build a new transportation facility. About $23 million of the funding will come from state aid, with the remaining amount covered by capital reserves, and the projects include improvements such as a new bus garage and science wing renovations.

In Broome County, health officials are investigating a suspected tuberculosis case after a former inmate of the county jail was hospitalized. Testing is ongoing, and officials report that active TB has not yet been confirmed.

A protest took place outside the Broome County Jail in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist detained there. Heng, who fled China seeking asylum, faces charges related to his efforts to expose abuses against the Uyghur minority.

In federal policy news, President Donald Trump prepared an executive order proposing the reclassification of marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The change is expected to recognize medical use and potentially unlock tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses, though experts noted that further legislative actions would be necessary.

A former Central New York state Senate candidate, Caleb Slater, is under investigation for allegedly purchasing fake campaign donations using gift cards and cash. The charges involve accusations that these fabricated donations were used to secure public matching funds.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill aimed at assisting communities affected by college closures by providing technical support for workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. The law was championed by Sen. Rachel May and passed unanimously in both legislative chambers.

In local government news, the Canandaigua City Council approved the city’s 2026 budget during a roll-call vote, with outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo dissenting while all other council members voted in favor. Several appointments and budget-related resolutions were also finalized during the meeting.

Binghamton lawmakers introduced an ordinance to limit city cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The proposed ordinance would prevent the use of city resources for ICE operations and restrict inquiries about immigration status, except where required by law.

In Geneva, two unfinished development sites, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome project, are in danger of foreclosure over unpaid taxes. One project owes more than $63,000 and faces liens and foreclosure proceedings. City officials expect one tax bill may be settled before the May 2026 deadline, while another developer is negotiating with potential buyers.

Auburn community leaders mourned the death of Ormonde “Ormie” E. King, a long-time local sports figure and storyteller, who passed away on Dec. 13 at the age of 87.

Two New York lawmakers have proposed a plan to bring the Winter Olympics back to the state. The proposal envisions splitting events between New York City and Lake Placid, using existing venues to reduce costs, although any bid would be several years away given current host city contracts through 2034.

Cayuga County authorities issued a warning to residents about scam calls. The sheriff’s office reported multiple instances of phone scammers posing as law enforcement, urging people to disconnect suspicious calls and contact officials via the non-emergency line with any questions.

In Penn Yan, police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff following an investigation into a theft that took place on Dec. 6. Officers found him with stolen items 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.