New York officials and community leaders reported a busy day of significant developments across the state. The state Gaming Commission announced that three new casinos will come to New York City – two in Queens and one in the Bronx – with projects near Citi Field, at Resorts World NYC, and at Bally’s in the Bronx. The projects are expected to generate approximately $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

In other business news, Dairy Queen is returning to Ithaca with a new Grill & Chill restaurant on Elmira Road. Renovations in the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building are nearly complete, and job postings are now available. Meanwhile, a town judge in Yates County, Todd C. Whitford, resigned amid state investigations into alleged bias, courtroom misconduct, and lack of legal competence.

A New York State Court of Appeals decision has reopened a legal challenge against local landfill closure laws in Seneca Falls as Seneca Meadows Inc. now has standing to contest the town’s Local Law 3 under SEQRA. In Auburn, 7 Brew is set to open a drive-thru coffee location at 153 Grant Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for December 17.

County leadership changes were also announced as Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt will resign on January 4 after 13 years in his role to join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division. In North Rose-Wolcott, residents will decide in a vote on a $30 million plan to upgrade schools and build a new transportation facility, with funding split between state aid and capital reserves.

Health officials are investigating a suspected case of tuberculosis in a former inmate at Broome County Jail. Testing is ongoing, and the jail is following standard precautions. At the same facility, dozens of protesters gathered in support of Guan Heng, a 37‑year‑old Uyghur rights activist detained at the jail.

On the national stage, President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 to recognize its medical use and enable tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses. Additionally, a former state Senate candidate in Central New York, Caleb Slater, is under investigation for allegedly purchasing fake campaign donations with gift cards and cash to collect public matching funds.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill designed to aid communities affected by local college closures. The new law will provide technical assistance for workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. In Canandaigua, the City Council approved the 2026 budget during a meeting that included multiple appointments and contract approvals.

Binghamton lawmakers introduced an ordinance seeking to block city resources from supporting federal immigration enforcement. In Geneva, two stalled development projects are facing foreclosure due to unpaid taxes and liens. Local officials said one of the tax bills may be resolved before the May 2026 deadline.

The community also mourned the loss of a local sports and history figure, as Ormonde “Ormie” E. King died at age 87. Efforts to bring a Winter Olympics bid back to New York were noted, with proposals to split events between New York City and Lake Placid. In Cayuga County, the Sheriff's Office issued a warning about scam calls from individuals posing as law enforcement officials. Lastly, police in Penn Yan arrested Russell J. Aliff, 37, on two counts of petit larceny after a reported theft on December 6.

Each of these developments reflects ongoing actions and investigations at various levels of government and in community establishments throughout New York.

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.