New developments across New York and Central New York have come to light today.

In New York City, the state Gaming Commission approved three new casinos, with two set to open in Queens and one in the Bronx. The projects—Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s in the Bronx—are expected to generate around $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

Ithaca will soon see the return of Dairy Queen. The chain is reopening a Grill & Chill outlet on Elmira Road, taking over the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building next to a KFC. Renovations are nearly complete and job postings are available.

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

Meanwhile, a New York State Court of Appeals decision has revived a legal challenge related to Seneca Falls’ landfill closure law. Seneca Meadows Inc. has standing under SEQRA to challenge the town’s Local Law 3 as the landfill faces a permit deadline on December 31.

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

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt will step down on January 4 after 13 years in the position to join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick will temporarily assume the role, with the seat to be filled in November 2026.

North Rose-Wolcott residents will vote on a $30 million upgrade plan for local schools and a new transportation facility. The project will include a new bus garage, renovations to a science wing, improved cooling systems, and classroom updates. Approximately $23 million of the plan is covered by state aid.

At Broome County Jail, health officials are investigating a case where a former inmate was hospitalized with suspected tuberculosis. Tests are ongoing, and although active TB has not been confirmed, the jail is following standard safety protocols.

Outside the Broome County Jail, dozens of protesters rallied in support of a 37-year-old Uyghur activist, Guan Heng, who is detained there. Heng, who fled China after raising concerns about alleged abuses against the Uyghur minority, received backing from demonstrators from New York City and Ithaca.

President Donald Trump prepared an executive order that would reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The move is intended to acknowledge medical use and provide tax benefits for licensed cannabis businesses, although experts note that further measures would be required to address issues such as banking access.

In Central New York, a former state Senate candidate, Caleb Slater, faces an investigation by the state attorney general. Slater is accused of using gift cards and cash to purchase fake campaign donations, a practice intended to collect public matching funds.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill aimed at assisting communities that have been impacted by local college closures. The new law allows the state to provide technical support for workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development projects.

The Canandaigua City Council approved the city’s 2026 budget in a roll-call vote. The meeting also addressed multiple appointments and resolutions, including those related to engineering and contracts.

Binghamton city lawmakers introduced an ordinance to reduce cooperation with federal immigration enforcement by blocking the use of city resources for ICE operations. The proposal also seeks to limit inquiries about immigration status and prevent denial of services based on citizenship, except as required by law.

In Geneva, two stalled development projects face possible foreclosure due to unpaid taxes. One project, the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome development, owes over $63,000 and is subject to liens and foreclosure actions, although one tax bill may be addressed before the May 2026 deadline.

Local sports and community history in Auburn suffered a loss with the death of Ormonde “Ormie” E. King on December 13 at 87. King was known for his long service in local sports, coaching, and preserving Auburn history.

Two New York lawmakers have proposed a bid to bring the Winter Olympics back to the state. Their plan suggests splitting events between New York City and Lake Placid, citing existing venues as a cost-effective option, although any bid would be at least a decade away.

In Cayuga County, the Sheriff’s Office issued a warning about scam calls. Residents are advised to disconnect suspicious calls and use the sheriff’s non-emergency line to verify any inquiries, following several reports of scammers posing as law enforcement.

Finally, in Penn Yan, police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff in connection with a theft reported on December 6. Officers recovered the stolen items from him, and he was charged with two counts of petit larceny and released on an appearance ticket.

Binghamton, NY

Broome County Library Plans Lighter Programming This Week

The Broome County Public Library will close Monday for a staff development day. The library said programming will be lighter the rest of the week as it prepares for its Summer Reading Program, which starts July 1.

Whittingham Offers Advice in Binghamton Q&A

Binghamton University shared a Q&A featuring Nobel Laureate and battery pioneer Stan Whittingham. The post says Whittingham offers advice for students and discusses what comes next.

Binghamton University marks start of summer

Binghamton University posted that it is officially summer. The university said it is looking forward to volleyball games, hammock hangs, and picnics with friends.

Joshua Sharak Graduates Binghamton Class of 2026

Joshua Sharak is graduating from Binghamton High School in the Class of 2026. He will attend Binghamton University in the fall to study mechanical engineering.

Horace Mann students move to middle school

Binghamton Schools said Horace Mann Elementary students are moving up to middle school. The district congratulated the future Class of 2033 and wished the students a great summer.

Lee Barta Community Center to Move Facebook Page

Lee Barta Community Center said it will close its current Facebook page and post future events and updates on the “Eat Well Play Hard Binghamton” page starting in 2017. The center invited people to join it at the Lee Barta Community Center.

Lee Barta Center Seeks Owner for Long-Haired Cat

The Lee Barta Community Center in Binghamton, New York posted a clearer photo of a long-haired cat looking for its owners. People were asked to contact the center at 772-7226 to help reunite the cat with its owners.

Broome Library to Host Book Discussion Dinner

The Broome County Public Library will hold “Read Between the Dines” on Thursday, June 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The event will feature discussion of “The Woman in the Library” by Sulari Gentill.

West Middle School Pre-K Graduates Transition to Kindergarten

The West Middle School Pre-K class is headed to kindergarten. The post congratulated the graduates and teacher Mrs. Salamida, who is graduating to retirement.

Binghamton Schools marks Juneteenth with reflection message

Binghamton Schools posted a Juneteenth message encouraging people to celebrate and reflect. The district said it will continue the march toward a more equitable future for all.