New York officials and community leaders have announced several local developments and responses to recent incidents in the state.

The state Gaming Commission gave final approval for three new casinos in New York City. Two will open in Queens and one in the Bronx, with projects including Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s in the Bronx expected to generate $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 by KFC, and renovations are nearly complete with job postings already online.

A town court judge in Yates County resigned amid state investigations into claims of bias, courtroom misconduct, and a lack of legal competence. Todd C. Whitford stepped down and agreed never to serve as a judge again following charges from the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

A recent court decision has revived the legal challenge to Seneca Falls’ landfill closure law. The New York State Court of Appeals ruled that Seneca Meadows Inc. has standing to challenge the town’s Local Law 3 under SEQRA. The case was sent back to the Appellate Division as the permit deadline on Dec. 31 approaches.

In Auburn, 7 Brew opened a drive-thru-only coffee location at 153 Grant Avenue. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Dec. 17 and the event also included a United Way ceremony and a later promotional “swag day.”

Patrick Schmitt, Wayne County Treasurer for 13 years, will step down on Jan. 4 to take a private sector role with Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick will serve as treasurer until the position is filled in the November 2026 ballot.

North Rose-Wolcott voters will decide on a $30 million plan to upgrade schools and build a new transportation facility. Approximately $23 million will be covered by state aid with the remainder coming from capital reserves. Projects include a new bus garage, improvements to the science wing and cooling systems, and classroom updates.

Health officials are investigating a potential tuberculosis case in a former inmate of the Broome County Jail. The individual was hospitalized for suspected TB, and testing is ongoing while the jail follows standard precautions.

Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the Broome County Jail in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist detained at the facility. Heng fled China after reporting alleged abuses against the Uyghur minority.

An executive order prepared by President Donald Trump could reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3, a change that would recognize its medical use and permit tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses. Experts noted that additional congressional action would be needed for other regulatory issues.

A former Central New York state Senate candidate, Caleb Slater, is under investigation for allegedly using cash and gift cards to simulate campaign donations and qualify for public matching funds. The state attorney general is reviewing allegations that his 2024 campaign fabricated donor information and paid individuals to sign donation forms.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill to assist communities affected by the closure of local colleges. The new law, championed by Senator Rachel May, will provide technical help with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development.

In Canandaigua, the City Council approved the 2026 budget during a roll-call vote, with outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo voting against the measure. Several appointments and budget-related resolutions were also finalized at the meeting.

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

Two development projects in Geneva, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and a townhome project, face possible foreclosure due to unpaid taxes. One project owes more than $63,000 in taxes along with liens, and city officials expect that one tax bill may be settled before a May 2026 deadline. A developer for the other project indicated plans to pay the taxes and discuss potential buyers.

Ormonde “Ormie” E. King, known for his contributions to local sports, community storytelling, and preservation of Auburn history, passed away on Dec. 13 at the age of 87.

Two New York lawmakers proposed a statewide bid for the Winter Olympics, suggesting that events be split between New York City and Lake Placid. The plan highlights existing venues as a cost-effective option, though any bid would be at least a decade away due to existing host city contracts running through 2034.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning about scam calls in which individuals posing as law enforcement request money or gift card payments. Residents have been advised to disconnect suspicious calls and contact the sheriff’s non-emergency line.

In Penn Yan, police arrested Russell J. Aliff, 37, following an investigation into a reported theft on Dec. 6. He was found in possession of stolen items and has been charged with two counts of petit larceny. Aliff 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.