New York officials have approved several major projects and announced a series of local decisions that will affect communities across the state.

The state Gaming Commission gave final approval for three new casinos in New York City on Monday. Two of the facilities will be in Queens and one in the Bronx. The approved projects, which include Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s in the Bronx, are expected to generate $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

In Ithaca, Dairy Queen is set to return with a new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road. The restaurant is moving into the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building, and renovations are nearly complete. Job postings for the new Dairy Queen location are already online.

In Yates County, Todd C. Whitford, a town court judge, has resigned following allegations of bias, courtroom misconduct, and lack of legal competence. The resignation was announced after state investigators, under the guidance of the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, brought forward the charges.

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

A new drive-thru-only 7 Brew coffee location will open in Auburn at 153 Grant Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, December 17. The opening event will also include a United Way ceremony and a later promotional “swag day.”

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced his resignation effective January 4 after 13 years in office. Schmitt is leaving to join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division in the private sector. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick will assume his responsibilities, and a new treasurer will be chosen in the November 2026 ballot.

North Rose-Wolcott residents will decide in a vote on a $30 million plan intended to upgrade schools and construct a new transportation facility. Approximately $23 million of the funding will come from state aid, with the remaining funds sourced from capital reserves. The upgrade will include improvements such as a new bus garage, renovations to the science wing, better cooling systems, and classroom updates.

Health officials are investigating a suspected case of tuberculosis after a former Broome County Jail inmate was hospitalized. While tests have not confirmed active TB, the jail is following standard precautions as the investigation continues.

Outside Broome County Jail, dozens of protesters gathered in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist who is currently detained at the facility. Heng, who fled China seeking asylum, is known for exposing alleged abuses against the Uyghur minority.

In a separate federal matter, President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The move could recognize marijuana’s medical use and allow licensed cannabis businesses to unlock tax deductions. However, experts noted that further congressional actions would be necessary for measures such as broader banking access.

A former Central New York state Senate candidate, Caleb Slater, is under investigation for allegedly buying fake campaign donations. Slater’s 2024 campaign is accused of using gift cards, cash, and even contributions from homeless people to collect public matching funds by listing false donors and compensating signatories.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill designed to help towns recover from local college closures. The new law allows the state to provide technical help with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development, following bipartisan support and revisions requested by the governor.

The Canandaigua City Council approved the city’s 2026 budget on a roll-call vote. During the meeting, which also featured multiple appointments and resolution approvals related to engineering and chemical contracts, outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo voted “no” while the remaining council members voted in favor.

Binghamton lawmakers are advancing an ordinance to block the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement. The proposal would stop city workers from asking about immigration status or denying services based on citizenship, except when required by law.

In Geneva, two stalled development projects have been placed on a foreclosure list due to unpaid taxes. One project, the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome development, owes over $63,000 and faces liens and a separate foreclosure. City officials indicated one tax bill may be paid before a May 2026 deadline, while the developer of the other project is in discussions with potential buyers.

In Auburn, local sports and community figure Ormonde “Ormie” E. King passed away on December 13 at age 87. King was well known for his contributions as a coach, storyteller, and columnist, and for his role in preserving local history.

Two New York lawmakers have proposed a statewide bid for the Winter Olympics, suggesting that events could be held in both New York City and Lake Placid. The proposal highlights the use of existing venues as a sustainable, lower-cost option, noting that host city contracts are in place until 2034.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning about phone scammers who have been posing as law enforcement officials. The scammers have been reported to demand money or gift card payments, and residents are advised to disconnect suspicious calls and contact the sheriff’s non-emergency line for verification.

In Penn Yan, police arrested Russell J. Aliff, 37, following an investigation into a theft reported on December 6. 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.