New York officials and local leaders reported a series of developments this week. The state Gaming Commission gave its final approval for three new casinos—two in Queens and one in the Bronx. Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s in the Bronx were selected, with the projects projected to generate $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

In other statewide news, Dairy Queen will return to Ithaca with a new Grill & Chill location on Elmira Road, moving into the former Tim Horton’s and Cold Stone site next to KFC as renovations near completion and job postings have been posted online.

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

A New York State Court of Appeals decision also affected Seneca Falls. The ruling revived a legal challenge to the landfill closure law as Seneca Meadows Inc. was confirmed to have standing under SEQRA. The case has been sent back to the Appellate Division ahead of a Dec. 31 permit deadline.

Business news included 7 Brew’s announcement of a drive-thru-only coffee location opening in Auburn at 153 Grant Avenue with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Dec. 17. In Wayne County, Treasurer Patrick Schmitt will resign on Jan. 4 after 13 years to join the private sector with Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division, with Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick taking over and the seat to be filled on the November 2026 ballot.

Residents of North Rose-Wolcott are set to vote on a $30 million plan to upgrade schools and build a new transportation facility. About $23 million of the funding is expected to be covered by state aid, with the remainder coming from capital reserves. The project includes a new bus garage, science wing renovations, improved cooling systems, and classroom updates.

Health and public safety updates include an investigation at the former Broome County Jail after a former inmate was hospitalized with a suspected case of tuberculosis. Officials are testing to confirm the case, and the jail is following standard precautions. At the same facility, dozens of protesters gathered outside to show support for Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist detained there after seeking asylum.

In a development at the federal level, President Donald Trump has prepared an executive order seeking to reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. The proposed change could recognize the drug’s medical use and allow tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses, though experts note that additional congressional action would likely be needed.

A former Central New York state Senate candidate, Caleb Slater, is under investigation for allegedly using gift cards and cash to buy fake campaign donations in order to collect public matching funds. Previous reports indicate that his 2024 campaign is being scrutinized for listing false donors and paying individuals to sign donation forms.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill aimed at helping communities recover from college closures. The new law allows the state to provide technical help with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development. The legislation was supported by Sen. Rachel May and passed unanimously in both legislative chambers following revisions requested by the governor.

Local government news includes the Canandaigua City Council’s approval of the 2026 city budget following a roll-call vote, with several appointments and resolutions on engineering and chemical contracts also approved during the meeting. Meanwhile, Binghamton lawmakers have introduced an ordinance to block the use of city resources for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, limiting inquiries about immigration status except as required by law.

In Geneva, two stalled development projects—the Lake’s Edge hotel and a townhome project—are facing possible foreclosure due to unpaid taxes exceeding $63,000, with city officials noting that one tax bill might be paid before the May 2026 deadline and a developer stating plans to settle the taxes while engaging potential buyers.

The Auburn community mourned the loss of Ormonde “Ormie” E. King, who died on Dec. 13 at age 87. King was a well-known figure in local sports and storytelling and was recognized for decades of service, coaching, and his efforts to preserve Auburn history.

Other news highlights include proposals from New York lawmakers to bring the Winter Olympics back to the state by dividing events between New York City and Lake Placid. Cayuga County officials issued a warning about scam calls targeting residents with demands for money or gift card payments. In Penn Yan, police arrested Russell J. Aliff, 37, on charges of two counts of petit larceny after a reported theft earlier in December.

Each of these developments follows standard procedures and local government actions as officials, businesses, and residents continue to address issues across the state.

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.