New York NOW

$340M for Free School Meals? NY’s Bold Move Against Child Hunger

Hunger Advocates and lawmakers are excited for the inclusion of $340 million in funding for universal school meals as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul's executive budget proposal. We sit down with Murad Awawdeh of the New York Immigration Coalition to unpack the legal challenges to the recent federal executive orders on immigration and the role of New York State - amid news of ICE raids and arrests this week.
 
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Inside New York's $252 Billion Budget Plan & Fight for Immigrant Rights

Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled her $252 billion executive budget proposal this week with a focus on affordability. We dive unpack the highlights of the budget and reactions from stakeholders. This week, the nation saw the second inauguration of Donald Trump, who hit the ground running singing executive orders. Trump has made immigration a key policy platform. We dive into the state's approach to immigration reform policy under the new federal administration.
 
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What’s Next for Reproductive Rights? Plus, Hochul’s State Agenda

Governor Kathy Hochul kicks off the 2025 legislative year with her State of the State address, prioritizing affordability, housing, education, and childcare. She outlines plans for free community college, tax cuts, and expanded childcare access.
State Senator Shelley Mayer discusses the Democratic push to safeguard reproductive rights as a second Trump administration prepares to take office. This episode explores critical issues shaping New York’s future in 2025.
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Breaking Down Governor Hochul’s Decisions on Key Bills

It's a new year - and a new legislative session at the State Capitol! Gov. Kathy Hochul and lawmakers have a long list of priorities to address this year, including affordability, healthcare, and education. Alex Gault, of the Watertown Daily Times and Northern New York Newspapers, and our Elise Kline, unpack the governor's end-of-year action on bills. A deep dive on how the legislative session works at the state capitol and what to expect.
 
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How 2024 Shaped New York’s Political Future

2024 was a pivotal year for New York politics. This episode unpacks the state's biggest political stories from the past year, from Governor Hochul's challenges with housing reform and budget delays to federal investigations involving NYC Mayor Eric Adams.
 
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How AI Generated Images Could Be Controlled

The rise of artificial intelligence has prompted some lawmakers to examine its potential dangers. Assembly Member Alex Bores (D-Murray Hill) joins us to unpack his bills aimed at putting labels on images that may have been manipulated through AI. Eline Kline brings us on a day trip to learn all about the winter festivities and traditions at the state capitol.
 
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Exploring 100 Years of New York State Parks

Join us as we celebrate 100 years of New York State Parks with Commissioner Randy Simons and Chief Diversity Officer Yolanda Bostic Williams. Learn about the All Are Welcome campaign, historic preservation, and efforts to expand accessibility. Plus, take a look at the documentary "From Land to Legacy," detailing the rich history and impact of these parks for future generations.
 
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Why Is NY Falling Behind on Its Climate Goals?

Climate change policy has a long history. Assembly Member Anna Kelles joins us to discuss legislative measures in Albany to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and hold industry polluters accountable. Climate experts express concerns about the state’s progress in implementing one policy in particular: the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. We investigate why the state is lagging behind its timeline to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
 
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What's Next for New York Education Funding?

Learn about plans to modernize the Foundation Aid formula, address funding uncertainties tied to federal education policy, and implement statewide cell phone policies in schools. Discover NY’s plan to combat rising thefts with serial numbers and new regulations backed by law enforcement and the scrap metal industry.
 
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Campus Tensions Rise Over Gaza Conflict

Congestion Pricing is back! This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new congestion pricing plan in New York City set to begin in January. New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang joins us to unpack the work of the office, including a report calling on the state department of correction and community supervision to modernize its record-keeping practices to comply with the HALT Act. It's been over a year since the October 7th attack, marking the start of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. We dive into the state's response to student protests of the war on college campuses.
 
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