New York NOW

Everything You Need to Prepare for Election Day

Election Day is in less than one week! NY& Voting examines the factors that discourage people from voting and how the state is working to improve access to the ballots. A New York Supreme Court Judge ruled that the state's even-year election law was unconstitutional. We spoke with State Sen. James Skoufis (D-Orange County) to discuss the ruling and plans for appeal. Casting one's ballot comes with preparation and planning. Elise Kline shares some tips from her trip to the board of elections for a comprehensive voter guide.
 
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Amtrak's Shocking Service Cuts & Election Day Polls

With just a two weeks until Election Day, a new Siena College Research Institute poll is showing positive results for Democrats and the Equal Rights Ballot Measure amongst New Yorkers. Assembly Members John McDonald (D-Rensselaer County) and Patricia Fahy (D-Albany County) join us to discuss their letter to the federal transportation secretary over changes to the Amtrak northeast service between the Capitol Region and New York City. Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation adding a donation box on tax formers for the early childhood research fund. We dive into the impact and implementation of the legislation on its one year anniversary and unpack the work ahead.
 
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The Polling Site Problem, Medicaid for EMS Workers

Blair Horner, executive director of the New York Public Interest Research Group, joins us to discuss an analysis showing the lack of polling sites on college campuses with large student populations - despite state law. A newly signed state law allows for EMS workers to receive Medicaid reimbursement for certain healthcare services. We dive into the implementation of the law and how lawmakers will approach securing additional support for workers next year.
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How NY’s 988 Crisis Line is Helping Save Lives

Every year, over 1,700 New Yorkers die from suicide. Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of the NYS Office of Mental Health, explains how the 988 crisis line is helping save lives.
Beth Haroules from the NYCLU unpacks the legal implications of mask bans across New York. Are these laws protecting public safety or infringing on civil rights?
 
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New York's Climate Challenges & Health Care Issues Explained

New York City Mayor Eric Adams faces criminal charges of conspiracy, bribery and fraud. Federal prosecutors allege the mayor granted favors in exchange for luxury gifts and campaign donations. October 1st is the deadline for the state to choose one vendor to work with patients enrolled in the consumer directed personal assistance program (CDPAP). State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D-Senate Health Committee) talks his bill to stop that transition and improve the program. New York state is not on track to meet it's environmental goals set forth by the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Act. Reporter Elise Kline examines the state approach and the work ahead.
 
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Equal Rights Ballot Measure, SUNY Vision for New School Year

Apart from the historic presidential election, New Yorkers also have an important decision to make on the ballot this year with the Equal Rights Amendment. To discuss the impact of the measure and plans to educate voters ahead of election day, we spoke with State Sen. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan). The new school year is officially underway. SUNY Chancellor John King talks how the vision will come to life this year and plans to secure financial aid for SUNY next year.
 
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Harris-Trump Debate Highlights and 9/11: 23 Years Later

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo testified before Congress on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and nursing homes.
The presidential race is in full swing. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump had their first debate - complete with personal jabs and sparring over immigration, the economy and reproductive rights. New York State Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs joins us to discuss the energy around the Harris campaign and plans for the final weeks ahead of election day.
It was the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attack on the twin towers in New York City. Reporter Elise Kline spoke with survivors and experts to unpack the tragic event and its lingering effects.
 
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Governor Aide Arrested, Calls for Increased Emergency Contract Transparency, 2024 NYS State Fair

Former Hochul-Cuomo Aide was arrested and charged this week with federal charges. Linda Sun is accused of using her position in state government to help push the agenda of China and the Chinese Communist Party. Gov. Kathy Hochul is facing calls from good-government groups to sign a bill that would increase transparency of state emergency contracts. Patrick Orecki, of the Citizens Budget Commission, joins us to discuss more. The Great New York State Fair just wrapped up this week. New York NOW reporter Elise Kline unpacks the fan-favorites and new additions from this year's fair. Kline also unpacks new-signed legislation focused on women's issues.
 
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State Sen. James Skoufis, The Impact of Climate Change on the Hudson River

On This Week's Edition
Catch this week's show on your local PBS member station, or watch on YouTube, Facebook, or using the free PBS app anytime after Friday. A podcast version is available wherever you normally get podcasts.
Under newly-signed legislation, small craft manufacturers will be able to ship cider, spirts and meads directly to consumers across the state. We discuss the impact of this legislation and its path to getting signed with State Sen. James Skoufis (D-Orange County).
The Hudson River is one of New York's treasure but its treatment is far from perfect. In the latest episode of NY&Climate, Producer Dana Wright unpacks how climate change and pollution are impacting the historic river.

NY Leaders Endorse Kamala Harris, State to Close Some Prisons

New York elected officials traveled to Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention.
Along with Democrats, the Working Families Party is supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the White House. We sit down with Jasmine Gripper, co-director of the New York Working Families Party, for more.
The state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision announced two upstate prisons will close this fall. State Sen. Julia Salazar, Chair of the Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, joins us to discuss the decision and the conditions of prisons across the state.
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