New York officials and community leaders have announced several local developments and responses to recent incidents in the state.

The state Gaming Commission gave final approval for three new casinos in New York City. Two will open in Queens and one in the Bronx, with projects including Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, Resorts World NYC, and Bally’s in the Bronx expected to generate $7 billion in gaming taxes by 2036.

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

A town court judge in Yates County resigned amid state investigations into claims of bias, courtroom misconduct, and a lack of legal competence. Todd C. Whitford stepped down and agreed never to serve as a judge again following charges from the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

A recent court decision has revived the legal challenge to Seneca Falls’ landfill closure law. The New York State Court of Appeals ruled that Seneca Meadows Inc. has standing to challenge the town’s Local Law 3 under SEQRA. The case was sent back to the Appellate Division as the permit deadline on Dec. 31 approaches.

In Auburn, 7 Brew opened a drive-thru-only coffee location at 153 Grant Avenue. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Dec. 17 and the event also included a United Way ceremony and a later promotional “swag day.”

Patrick Schmitt, Wayne County Treasurer for 13 years, will step down on Jan. 4 to take a private sector role with Clifton Larson Allen’s State and Local Government Accounting Division. Deputy Treasurer Megan Fralick will serve as treasurer until the position is filled in the November 2026 ballot.

North Rose-Wolcott voters will decide on a $30 million plan to upgrade schools and build a new transportation facility. Approximately $23 million will be covered by state aid with the remainder coming from capital reserves. Projects include a new bus garage, improvements to the science wing and cooling systems, and classroom updates.

Health officials are investigating a potential tuberculosis case in a former inmate of the Broome County Jail. The individual was hospitalized for suspected TB, and testing is ongoing while the jail follows standard precautions.

Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the Broome County Jail in support of Guan Heng, a 37-year-old Uyghur rights activist detained at the facility. Heng fled China after reporting alleged abuses against the Uyghur minority.

An executive order prepared by President Donald Trump could reclassify marijuana from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3, a change that would recognize its medical use and permit tax deductions for licensed cannabis businesses. Experts noted that additional congressional action would be needed for other regulatory issues.

A former Central New York state Senate candidate, Caleb Slater, is under investigation for allegedly using cash and gift cards to simulate campaign donations and qualify for public matching funds. The state attorney general is reviewing allegations that his 2024 campaign fabricated donor information and paid individuals to sign donation forms.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill to assist communities affected by the closure of local colleges. The new law, championed by Senator Rachel May, will provide technical help with workforce planning, property reuse, and economic development.

In Canandaigua, the City Council approved the 2026 budget during a roll-call vote, with outgoing Mayor Bob Palumbo voting against the measure. Several appointments and budget-related resolutions were also finalized at the meeting.

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

Two development projects in Geneva, including the Lake’s Edge hotel and a townhome project, face possible foreclosure due to unpaid taxes. One project owes more than $63,000 in taxes along with liens, and city officials expect that one tax bill may be settled before a May 2026 deadline. A developer for the other project indicated plans to pay the taxes and discuss potential buyers.

Ormonde “Ormie” E. King, known for his contributions to local sports, community storytelling, and preservation of Auburn history, passed away on Dec. 13 at the age of 87.

Two New York lawmakers proposed a statewide bid for the Winter Olympics, suggesting that events be split between New York City and Lake Placid. The plan highlights existing venues as a cost-effective option, though any bid would be at least a decade away due to existing host city contracts running through 2034.

The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning about scam calls in which individuals posing as law enforcement request money or gift card payments. Residents have been advised to disconnect suspicious calls and contact the sheriff’s non-emergency line.

In Penn Yan, police arrested Russell J. Aliff, 37, following an investigation into a reported theft on Dec. 6. He was found in possession of stolen items and has been charged with two counts of petit larceny. Aliff 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.