ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - In the latest developments in New York state government, voters head to the polls, efforts to confront blighted neighborhoods get a big boost and the first of four new upstate casinos is poised to open.
A guide to the week’s top stories in New York government:
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PIVOTAL ELECTION FOR SENATE
Voters on Tuesday will decide which party controls the state Senate - potentially upending the longstanding balance of power of Albany.
Republicans now lead the Senate, but Democrats are hoping a handful of competitive races on Long Island and along the Hudson Valley could tilt the numbers in their favor.
Presidential election years typically see higher turnout for Democrats in New York state, and the party is hoping GOP nominee Donald Trump’s unpopularity there gives them an extra boost.
Democrats already hold the governor’s office and an overwhelming majority in the state Assembly. Republicans insist they’re a vital check to the other party, and say one-party rule could lead to higher taxes and a bias toward New York City.
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MORE MONEY FOR LAND BANKS
Community land banks will receive $20 million in new funding from legal settlements with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced Wednesday.
The land banks were created in the wake of the 2008 housing crisis to combat a rash of abandoned buildings. They acquire and rehabilitate - or demolish - vacant buildings, which can destabilize entire neighborhoods by falling into disrepair and driving down property values.
According to Schneiderman’s office, the first 10 land banks have reclaimed nearly 2,000 properties around the state since 2013.
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CASINOS MOVING FORWARD
The first of four new upstate casinos could open as soon as Nov. 16 now that state gambling regulators have approved regulations for table games.
The rules adopted by the state Gaming Commission govern card shuffling and dealing as well as the details of games including poker, roulette and craps. They now must be published in the state register before taking effect.
The first facility expected to open is Tioga Downs, a race track and electronic gambling parlor in the Southern Tier that is expanding into a full Las Vegas-style resort casino. Other casino projects are under construction in Schenectady, the Catskills and the Finger Lakes.
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NEW EMISSIONS STANDARDS
The state has enacted tougher emission limits for diesel generators and natural gas-fired engines commonly used to supply backup power in large buildings like hospitals and offices.
State officials proposed the new air quality standards late last year. They are intended to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulates, which are linked to smog and respiratory problems in people.
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