New York NOW

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara Guinn unpacks the issue of EBT benefit fraud, the rollout of chip based benefit cards and funding for the office. We dive into the challenges of the legal cannabis industry and the New York State Office of Cannabis Management - including lack of regulation and the enforcement of licenses. New York lawmakers have passed legislation to help crack down on illegal cannabis shops and provide better support to the workforce.
 
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Gov. Kathy Hochul and State Attorney General Letitia James announce the standards for the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act. Assembly Member Phil Steck (D - 110th A.D., Colonie) unpacks legislation requiring social media companies to comply with law enforcement warrants within 72 hours. Rory Christian, Chair and CEO of the New York State Public Service Commission, details the changes to reporting standards for the rate hikes for utility companies and the expanded powers of the commission from the enacted state budget.
 
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It's been one year since New York unveiled the Master Plan for Aging - a comprehensive roadmap for the state's efforts in supporting elder adults. Sebrina Barrett, President and CEO of LeadingAge New York, joins us to discuss the impact of the plan and state progress so far. State lawmakers and health advocates are hoping Gov. Kathy Hochul will sign legislation to improve health data privacy in the state by expanding the definition of health data to include sensitive information on phone applications and devices.
 
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Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order placing a one-year moratorium on A.I. data centers -- making New York the first state in the nation to place a restriction on the growing A.I. industry. SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. joins us to discuss the one year anniversary of SUNY Reconnect, the expansion of the program and the state funds needed to support the university system. Kelli Owens, executive director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, spoke with David Lombardo, of WCNY's The Capitol Pressroom, about the recent comptroller's report highlighting issues with the state's domestic violence support hotline.
 
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We dive into a bill that would establish a ban on surveillance pricing in the state. If passed, New York would be the third state in the country to implement this policy. Laura Rabinow, director of research for the Rockefeller Institute of Government, unpacks the role of dams in New York and why several have been deemed hazardous.
 
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As America marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, New York NOW explores New York’s pivotal role in the American Revolution, how historic sites are being preserved across the state, and PBS’s upcoming documentary series from Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt.
 
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New York Democratic Insurgents, backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, had historic wins on primary night. We dive into the results from the competitive congressional primary races with Jon Campbell, of WNYC & Gothamist, and Jason Beeferman of POLITICO. State lawmakers are trying to get increased support for pet owners across the state. We dive into the several bills passed this session to provide a tax credit, help to systemize insurance policies, and legalize bodega cats.
 
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This year's state budget established controversial changes to the state's approach to climate. We spoke with the Assembly's Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Deborah Glick (D - 66th A.D., Lower Manhattan) about the changes to the climate law as well as her identity as the first open member of the LGBTQ+ community to serve in the legislature as she prepares to retire. The Capitol Pressroom's David Lombardo spoke with the Times Union's Dan Clark and Bloomberg Law's Raga Justin about the lasting impact of the pertinent policy fights at the capitol this year.
 
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The 2026 Legislative Session has officially wrapped! New York State Lawmakers passed more than 700 bills this year, many of which will head to the governor's desk soon. We sit down with WXXI's Samuel King and Newsday's Keshia Clukey to unpack some of the big bills awaiting the governor's review, including bills to redistrict congressional election maps and put a moratorium on data centers. State Assembly Member Carrie Woerner, chair of the racing and wagering committee, joins us to discuss the state's approach to tackling gambling issues.
 
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On This Week's EditionCatch 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.
It was a very busy last week of the 2026 Legislative Session! New York State Lawmakers introduced and passed a measure to allow for mid-decade redistricting following the April U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
State Sen. Jacob Ashby (R - Rensselaer County) joins us to discuss the issue of losing healthcare coverage for New Yorkers.
Amid federal changes to vaccine guidelines, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation meant to extend protecting for vaccine access and healthcare providers.