Albany’s Empire State Plaza hosts Black Arts and Cultural Festival
Albany’s free Black Arts and Cultural Festival was scheduled for July 31-Aug. 1, 2026, at Empire State Plaza, with the Aug. 1 program listed from noon to 8 p.m.
New York
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State selects plan for 1,127-home mixed-use development in Hell’s Kitchen
New York State has selected a development team led by The Gotham Organization, Fisher Brothers and MURAL Real Estate Group for a proposed 1,127-home mixed-use project near the Intrepid Museum.
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New York City expands response to dangerous heat and worsening air quality
New York City expanded its response to dangerous heat and worsening air quality on July 15, 2026, making free KN95 masks available through libraries, police precincts, firehouses and transit hubs.
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NYC Summer Streets returns across all five boroughs
New York City’s Summer Streets program returned across all five boroughs in 2026, with selected avenues designated for pedestrians and cyclists on five Saturdays in July and August.
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Buffalo parking-garage sale generates roughly $60.9 million for the city
Buffalo completed a municipal bond transaction to sell its parking garages, with reported proceeds of about $60.9 million. Available reporting does not identify how the city will use the money or whether parking operations will change.
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Buffalo mayor appoints Erika Shields as police commissioner after national search
Mayor Sean Ryan announced Erika Shields as commissioner of the Buffalo Police Department, following a months-long national search, according to the City of Buffalo.
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Buffalo schedules Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day flag-raising ceremony
The City of Buffalo has scheduled its Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day flag-raising ceremony at Buffalo City Hall for Aug. 6, 2026.
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Trump says Iran talks will begin after holding off major strikes; U.N. and New York senators press for restraint
President Donald Trump said talks intended to wind down the U.S.-Iran war were to begin Aug. 3 after Gulf allies urged him to hold off on major new strikes. The announcement comes amid a U.N. warning that the ceasefire remains vulnerable and continued pressure from New York senators over congressional war powers.
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New York launches first statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centers
New York has launched a one-year statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data-center projects reported to be larger than 50 megawatts after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed S10642.
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New York enacts budget measure covering highway enforcement, utility oversight and climate planning
New York has enacted a 2026-27 budget implementation measure that expands automated work-zone enforcement statewide and adds utility, transit, climate and public-safety provisions.
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Albany releases 30 recommendations from Activate Albany process
Albany’s administration released a July 24 progress report with 30 recommendations informed by the Activate Albany survey, spanning public safety, youth, culture and economic development.
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Micron begins foundation work on $100 billion Central New York semiconductor campus
Workers have begun pouring foundations at Micron Technology’s planned Central New York semiconductor campus, moving the $100 billion project from site preparation into vertical construction.
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NYC Council approves 18% pay increase for elected officials
The New York City Council passed legislation July 16 providing an 18% pay increase for council members, citywide elected officials and borough presidents, the first such increase since 2016.
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Buffalo Planning and Zoning Boards Enter August Hiatus After July Meetings
Buffalo’s Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals have no regular meetings listed during August 2026. Applicants and residents should plan around September return dates, filing deadlines and agenda-placement rules.
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Suffolk County Sewer Plan Advances for 539 West Islip Parcels
A proposed sewer system for a defined West Islip service area cleared Suffolk County’s environmental-review milestone in April, but reviewed records do not document a construction start, homeowner connection deadline or final household cost.
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New York Medicaid officials seek public input on proposed five-year waiver extension
New York is asking CMS to extend a major Medicaid demonstration for five years. Residents can speak Aug. 11 or submit written comments by Aug. 21, 2026.
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Yonkers-Area Gas Edges Up to $4.31 While Diesel Holds at $5.73
Yonkers NY – Regular gas rose 0.3 cents to $4.313 in the latest White Plains metro check, while diesel was unchanged at $5.726 for area drivers.
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New York Gas Holds Near $4.23 as Diesel Moves Higher Again
AAA’s August 1 New York statewide averages show regular gas flat at $4.230 while diesel rises to $5.866, with New York City’s latest weekly EIA gasoline reading at $4.114.
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Syracuse Gas Holds Near $4.24 as Diesel Climbs to $5.47
Syracuse-area regular gas is nearly flat near $4.24, but diesel has risen to $5.47, adding potential cost pressure for commuters and local businesses.
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Central Islip lottery opens for 80 One Carleton Green apartments
Applications are open for 80 apartments at One Carleton Green in Central Islip. Apply by September 14; the lottery drawing is set for September 28.
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Troy-Area Gas and Diesel Prices Rise Again as August Travel Begins
AAA’s July 31 check puts Albany-Schenectady-Troy regular gas at $4.187 and diesel at $5.424, with diesel rising faster in recent comparisons.
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Baldwin Park Pump Check: Regular Gas $5.56, Diesel $6.80
A Baldwin Park 7-Eleven lists regular gas at $5.559 and diesel at $6.799, while AAA’s Los Angeles-Long Beach averages remain higher.