New York officials have approved several major projects and announced a series of local decisions that will affect communities across the state.

The state Gaming Commission gave final approval for three new casinos in New York City on Monday. Two of the facilities will be in Queens and one in the Bronx. The approved projects, which include Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s in the Bronx, are expected to generate $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

In Ithaca, Dairy Queen is set to return with a new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road. The restaurant is moving into the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building, and renovations are nearly complete. Job postings for the new Dairy Queen location are already online.

In Yates County, Todd C. Whitford, a town court judge, has resigned following allegations of bias, courtroom misconduct, and lack of legal competence. The resignation was announced after state investigators, under the guidance of the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct, brought forward the charges.

A New York State Court of Appeals ruling has revived a legal challenge against Seneca Falls’ landfill closure law. The decision confirmed that Seneca Meadows Inc. has standing to contest the town’s Local Law 3 under SEQRA and sent the case back to the Appellate Division. This legal challenge comes as the Seneca Meadows landfill nears a permit deadline of December 31.

A new drive-thru-only 7 Brew coffee location will open in Auburn at 153 Grant Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, December 17. The opening event will also include a United Way ceremony and a later promotional “swag day.”

Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt announced his resignation effective January 4 after 13 years in office. Schmitt is leaving to join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division in the private sector. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick will assume his responsibilities, and a new treasurer will be chosen in the November 2026 ballot.

North Rose-Wolcott residents will decide in a vote on a $30 million plan intended to upgrade schools and construct a new transportation facility. Approximately $23 million of the funding will come from state aid, with the remaining funds sourced from capital reserves. The upgrade will include improvements such as a new bus garage, renovations to the science wing, better cooling systems, and classroom updates.

Health officials are investigating a suspected case of tuberculosis after a former Broome County Jail inmate was hospitalized. While tests have not confirmed active TB, the jail is following standard precautions as the investigation continues.

Outside Broome County Jail, dozens of protesters gathered in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist who is currently detained at the facility. Heng, who fled China seeking asylum, is known for exposing alleged abuses against the Uyghur minority.

In a separate federal matter, President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The move could recognize marijuana’s medical use and allow licensed cannabis businesses to unlock tax deductions. However, experts noted that further congressional actions would be necessary for measures such as broader banking access.

A former Central New York state Senate candidate, Caleb Slater, is under investigation for allegedly buying fake campaign donations. Slater’s 2024 campaign is accused of using gift cards, cash, and even contributions from homeless people to collect public matching funds by listing false donors and compensating signatories.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill designed to help towns recover from local college closures. The new law allows the state to provide technical help with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development, following bipartisan support and revisions requested by the governor.

The Canandaigua City Council approved the city’s 2026 budget on a roll-call vote. During the meeting, which also featured multiple appointments and resolution approvals related to engineering and chemical contracts, outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo voted “no” while the remaining council members voted in favor.

Binghamton lawmakers are advancing an ordinance to block the use of city resources for federal immigration enforcement. The proposal would stop city workers from asking about immigration status or denying services based on citizenship, except when required by law.

In Geneva, two stalled development projects have been placed on a foreclosure list due to unpaid taxes. One project, the Lake’s Edge hotel and townhome development, owes over $63,000 and faces liens and a separate foreclosure. City officials indicated one tax bill may be paid before a May 2026 deadline, while the developer of the other project is in discussions with potential buyers.

In Auburn, local sports and community figure Ormonde “Ormie” E. King passed away on December 13 at age 87. King was well known for his contributions as a coach, storyteller, and columnist, and for his role in preserving local history.

Two New York lawmakers have proposed a statewide bid for the Winter Olympics, suggesting that events could be held in both New York City and Lake Placid. The proposal highlights the use of existing venues as a sustainable, lower-cost option, noting that host city contracts are in place until 2034.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning about phone scammers who have been posing as law enforcement officials. The scammers have been reported to demand money or gift card payments, and residents are advised to disconnect suspicious calls and contact the sheriff’s non-emergency line for verification.

In Penn Yan, police arrested Russell J. Aliff, 37, following an investigation into a theft reported on December 6. Officers found Aliff in possession of stolen items, and he was charged with two counts of petit larceny before being 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.