New York state officials and community leaders advanced several initiatives and responded to challenges over the past few days.

The state Gaming Commission approved plans for three new casinos in New York City. Two will be located in Queens and one in the Bronx, with the Metropolitan Park casino near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and a new Bally’s project set to deliver an estimated $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

Local business news included the return of Dairy Queen to Ithaca. The new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road is taking over the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building next to KFC, with renovations almost complete and job postings already available.

In Yates County, a town court judge resigned amid accusations of bias and courtroom misconduct. Todd C. Whitford stepped down and agreed not to serve as a judge again following charges from the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

A decision by the New York State Court of Appeals has revived a legal challenge to Seneca Falls’ landfill closure law. Seneca Meadows Inc. now has standing under SEQRA to contest the town’s Local Law 3, with the case sent back to the Appellate Division as the landfill approaches its Dec. 31 permit deadline.

A new drive-thru location for 7 Brew coffee opened in Auburn at 153 Grant Avenue. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 17 featured a United Way event and a promotional “swag day.”

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced that he will leave his post on Jan. 4 after 13 years to take a private sector position with Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick will serve in his place, and the seat will be filled in the November 2026 election.

North Rose-Wolcott voters are set to decide on a $30 million plan to upgrade local schools and build a new transportation facility. About $23 million of the funding will come from state aid, with the remaining amount covered by capital reserves, and the projects include improvements such as a new bus garage and science wing renovations.

In Broome County, health officials are investigating a suspected tuberculosis case after a former inmate of the county jail was hospitalized. Testing is ongoing, and officials report that active TB has not yet been confirmed.

A protest took place outside the Broome County Jail in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist detained there. Heng, who fled China seeking asylum, faces charges related to his efforts to expose abuses against the Uyghur minority.

In federal policy news, President Donald Trump prepared an executive order proposing the reclassification of marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The change is expected to recognize medical use and potentially unlock tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses, though experts noted that further legislative actions would be necessary.

A former Central New York state Senate candidate, Caleb Slater, is under investigation for allegedly purchasing fake campaign donations using gift cards and cash. The charges involve accusations that these fabricated donations were used to secure public matching funds.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill aimed at assisting communities affected by college closures by providing technical support for workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. The law was championed by Sen. Rachel May and passed unanimously in both legislative chambers.

In local government news, the Canandaigua City Council approved the city’s 2026 budget during a roll-call vote, with outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo dissenting while all other council members voted in favor. Several appointments and budget-related resolutions were also finalized during the meeting.

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

In Geneva, two unfinished development sites, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome project, are in danger of foreclosure over unpaid taxes. One project owes more than $63,000 and faces liens and foreclosure proceedings. City officials expect one tax bill may be settled before the May 2026 deadline, while another developer is negotiating with potential buyers.

Auburn community leaders mourned the death of Ormonde “Ormie” E. King, a long-time local sports figure and storyteller, who passed away on Dec. 13 at the age of 87.

Two New York lawmakers have proposed a plan to bring the Winter Olympics back to the state. The proposal envisions splitting events between New York City and Lake Placid, using existing venues to reduce costs, although any bid would be several years away given current host city contracts through 2034.

Cayuga County authorities issued a warning to residents about scam calls. The sheriff’s office reported multiple instances of phone scammers posing as law enforcement, urging people to disconnect suspicious calls and contact officials via the non-emergency line with any questions.

In Penn Yan, police arrested 37-year-old Russell J. Aliff following an investigation into a theft that took place on Dec. 6. Officers found him with stolen items and charged him with two counts of petit larceny. He was 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.