New York officials and local leaders reported a series of developments this week. The state Gaming Commission gave its final approval for three new casinos—two in Queens and one in the Bronx. Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s in the Bronx were selected, with the projects projected to generate $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

In other statewide news, Dairy Queen will return to Ithaca with a new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road, moving into the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone site next to KFC as renovations near completion and job postings have been posted online.

A town court judge in Yates County, Todd C. Whitford, resigned after state investigators raised allegations of bias, courtroom misconduct, and lack of legal competence. Whitford agreed never to serve as a judge again following charges brought by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

A New York State Court of Appeals decision also affected Seneca Falls. The ruling revived a legal challenge to the landfill closure law as Seneca Meadows Inc. was confirmed to have standing under SEQRA. The case has been sent back to the Appellate Division ahead of a Dec. 31 permit deadline.

Business news included 7 Brew’s announcement of a drive-thru-only coffee location opening in Auburn at 153 Grant Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Dec. 17. In Wayne County, Treasurer Patrick Schmitt will resign on Jan. 4 after 13 years to join the private sector with Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division, with Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick taking over and the seat to be filled on the November 2026 ballot.

Residents of North Rose-Wolcott are set to vote on a $30 million plan to upgrade schools and build a new transportation facility. About $23 million of the funding is expected to be covered by state aid, with the remainder coming from capital reserves. The project includes a new bus garage, science wing renovations, improved cooling systems, and classroom updates.

Health and public safety updates include an investigation at the former Broome County Jail after a former inmate was hospitalized with a suspected case of tuberculosis. Officials are testing to confirm the case, and the jail is following standard precautions. At the same facility, dozens of protesters gathered outside to show support for Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist detained there after seeking asylum.

In a development at the federal level, President Donald Trump has prepared an executive order seeking to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The proposed change could recognize the drug’s medical use and allow tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses, though experts note that additional congressional action would likely be needed.

A former Central New York state Senate candidate, Caleb Slater, is under investigation for allegedly using gift cards and cash to buy fake campaign donations in order to collect public matching funds. Previous reports indicate that his 2024 campaign is being scrutinized for listing false donors and paying individuals to sign donation forms.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill aimed at helping communities recover from college closures. The new law allows the state to provide technical help with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. The legislation was supported by Sen. Rachel May and passed unanimously in both legislative chambers following revisions requested by the governor.

Local government news includes the Canandaigua City Council’s approval of the 2026 city budget following a roll-call vote, with several appointments and resolutions on engineering and chemical contracts also approved during the meeting. Meanwhile, Binghamton lawmakers have introduced an ordinance to block the use of city resources for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, limiting inquiries about immigration status except as required by law.

In Geneva, two stalled development projects—the Lake’s Edge hotel and a townhome project—are facing possible foreclosure due to unpaid taxes exceeding $63,000, with city officials noting that one tax bill might be paid before the May 2026 deadline and a developer stating plans to settle the taxes while engaging potential buyers.

The Auburn community mourned the loss of Ormonde “Ormie” E. King, who died on Dec. 13 at age 87. King was a well-known figure in local sports and storytelling and was recognized for decades of service, coaching, and his efforts to preserve Auburn history.

Other news highlights include proposals from New York lawmakers to bring the Winter Olympics back to the state by dividing events between New York City and Lake Placid. Cayuga County officials issued a warning about scam calls targeting residents with demands for money or gift card payments. In Penn Yan, police arrested Russell J. Aliff, 37, on charges of two counts of petit larceny after a reported theft earlier in December.

Each of these developments follows standard procedures and local government actions as officials, businesses, and residents continue to address issues across the state.

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.