New York officials and community leaders reported a busy day of significant developments across the state. The state Gaming Commission announced that three new casinos will come to New York City – two in Queens and one in the Bronx – with projects near Citi Field, at Resorts World NYC, and at Bally’s in the Bronx. The projects are expected to generate approximately $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

In other business news, Dairy Queen is returning to Ithaca with a new Grill & Chill restaurant on Elmira Road. Renovations in the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone building are nearly complete, and job postings are now available. Meanwhile, a town judge in Yates County, Todd C. Whitford, resigned amid state investigations into alleged bias, courtroom misconduct, and lack of legal competence.

A New York State Court of Appeals decision has reopened a legal challenge against local landfill closure laws in Seneca Falls as Seneca Meadows Inc. now has standing to contest the town’s Local Law 3 under SEQRA. In Auburn, 7 Brew is set to open a drive-thru coffee location at 153 Grant Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for December 17.

County leadership changes were also announced as Wayne County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt will resign on January 4 after 13 years in his role to join Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division. In North Rose-Wolcott, residents will decide in a vote on a $30 million plan to upgrade schools and build a new transportation facility, with funding split between state aid and capital reserves.

Health officials are investigating a suspected case of tuberculosis in a former inmate at Broome County Jail. Testing is ongoing, and the jail is following standard precautions. At the same facility, dozens of protesters gathered in support of Guan Heng, a 37‑year‑old Uyghur rights activist detained at the jail.

On the national stage, President Donald Trump is preparing an executive order to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 to recognize its medical use and enable tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses. Additionally, a former state Senate candidate in Central New York, Caleb Slater, is under investigation for allegedly purchasing fake campaign donations with gift cards and cash to collect public matching funds.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill designed to aid communities affected by local college closures. The new law will provide technical assistance for workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. In Canandaigua, the City Council approved the 2026 budget during a meeting that included multiple appointments and contract approvals.

Binghamton lawmakers introduced an ordinance seeking to block city resources from supporting federal immigration enforcement. In Geneva, two stalled development projects are facing foreclosure due to unpaid taxes and liens. Local officials said one of the tax bills may be resolved before the May 2026 deadline.

The community also mourned the loss of a local sports and history figure, as Ormonde “Ormie” E. King died at age 87. Efforts to bring a Winter Olympics bid back to New York were noted, with proposals to split events between New York City and Lake Placid. In Cayuga County, the Sheriff's Office issued a warning about scam calls from individuals posing as law enforcement officials. Lastly, police in Penn Yan arrested Russell J. Aliff, 37, on two counts of petit larceny after a reported theft on December 6.

Each of these developments reflects ongoing actions and investigations at various levels of government and in community establishments throughout New York.

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

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Horace Mann students move to middle school

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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.