Bronx, Queens, Ithaca, and other New York communities have seen a series of official approvals and local developments this week.

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

In Ithaca, Dairy Queen is returning with a new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road. The restaurant is moving into the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building next to a KFC. Renovations are nearly complete and job postings are now online.

A town court judge in Yates County has resigned amid allegations of bias, courtroom misconduct, and legal incompetence. Todd C. Whitford stepped down after charges were filed by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

A New York State Court of Appeals decision has revived a legal challenge against Seneca Falls’ landfill closure law. The ruling confirms that Seneca Meadows Inc. has standing to dispute the town’s Local Law 3 under SEQRA, with the case returned to the Appellate Division. This comes as the Seneca Meadows landfill faces a permit deadline on December 31.

In Auburn, a drive-thru-only coffee location by 7 Brew is set to open at 153 Grant Avenue, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for December 17. The event will include a United Way ceremony and a promotional “swag day.”

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt will resign on January 4 after 13 years with the county to take a private sector role with Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick will serve in the interim, and a new treasurer will be determined in the November 2026 ballot.

North Rose-Wolcott residents will vote on a $30 million school upgrade plan that includes a new bus garage, renovations to science wings, improved cooling systems, and classroom updates. About $23 million will be funded by state aid, with the remainder coming from capital reserves.

Health officials are also investigating a case at Broome County Jail. A former inmate was hospitalized with a suspected case of tuberculosis. Tests continue while the jail implements standard precautions.

Supporters have gathered outside Broome County Jail in defense of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist detained there. Heng, who fled China seeking asylum after alleging abuse of the Uyghur minority, is the focus of a rally attended by demonstrators from New York City and Ithaca.

At the federal level, President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The move could recognize the drug’s medical use and allow licensed cannabis businesses to access tax deductions, though experts note that further legislative steps might be necessary.

In Central New York politics, former state Senate candidate Caleb Slater is under investigation by the state attorney general after allegations emerged that his 2024 campaign bought fake donations with cash and gift cards to collect public matching funds.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill aimed at aiding communities affected by college closures. The new law enables the state to assist with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development in towns facing the loss of local colleges.

The Canandaigua City Council approved the city’s 2026 budget by roll call. In addition to the budget, multiple appointments, budget-related resolutions, and contract approvals were finalized during the council meeting.

In Binghamton, lawmakers introduced an ordinance to limit the use of city resources by federal immigration enforcement. The proposal also restricts city workers from asking about immigration status or denying services based on citizenship except when legally required.

Two development projects in Geneva, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome project, have encountered financial difficulties. Unpaid taxes exceeding US$63,000 and subsequent liens have placed the projects at risk of foreclosure, though city officials and developers remain in discussions regarding payment and sale.

Local sports and community history were honored with the passing of Ormonde “Ormie” E. King from Auburn on December 13 at the age of 87. King was known for his years of service in coaching, local storytelling, and chronicling Auburn history.

Efforts to bring a statewide Winter Olympics bid have been proposed by two New York lawmakers. Their plan would split events between New York City and Lake Placid, utilizing existing venues as a cost-effective option. However, any potential bid would be at least a decade away due to current host city contracts running through 2034.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office alerted residents about scam calls. Officials reported multiple cases where callers posed as law enforcement and demanded money or gift card payments. Residents are advised to disconnect suspicious calls and use the sheriff’s non-emergency line for verification.

In Penn Yan, police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff after a theft investigation led authorities to determine he was in possession of stolen items. Aliff was charged with two counts of petit larceny and released on an appearance ticket.

These developments mark a busy period across New York State, reflecting projects in gaming, local business, legal actions, public safety, and community aid.

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.