New York NOW

Inside Hochul’s 2026 State of the State: Big Promises, Big Stakes

Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her 2026 State of the State Address with a focus on affordability for New Yorkers. We dive into the reaction and rebuttals to the governor's address from lawmakers and political stakeholders. POLITICO's Jason Beeferman and Newsday's Keshia Clukey join us to provide political analysis on the major aspects of the address.
 
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Governor Kathy Hochul's 2026 State of the State Address

Governor Kathy Hochul delivers her 2026 State of the State address, outlining priorities in affordability, child care, public safety, housing, energy, and education. New York Now offers live coverage and expert analysis of political strategy, policy proposals, and what lawmakers and voters can expect next.
 
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New York Lawmakers Kick Off Session: Jan. 6 Education Bill & Childcare Push

This episode reviews the start of New York's new legislative session, where leaders addressed federal funding cuts and affordability challenges.
Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled proposals to protect students online, curb 3D-printed and illegal firearms, and advance universal child care. The show also marks the fifth anniversary of the January 6 attack, featuring State Senator John Liu discussing his bill to require schools to teach its history.
Assemblymember John McDonald explains the state’s efforts on prescription drug affordability, focusing on PBM transparency and pharmacy reimbursement reforms. The episode closes with a preview of the governor’s upcoming State of the State address.
 
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New York Politics in Review: The Mayor’s Race, State Budget Fight & What’s Next

It's been quite the eventful year in New York politics - from a competitive mayoral race in New York City to controversial policy items and a late state budget debated at the state Capitol. We'll dive into the headlines that drove the year with POLITICO'S Katelyn Cordero, Bloomberg's Raga Justin and Jimmy Vielkind, of WNYC, Gothamist and the New York Public News Network.
 
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Why Food Pantries Are Bracing for a Tough Winter in New York

Angie Pender-Fox, associate executive director of The Food Pantries for the Capital District, joins us to discuss federal challenges around SNAP benefits and what food insecurity looks like in the state. We dive into the state's winter holiday traditions — from holiday carriage rides and ice skating to musical performances and the world-famous Rockefeller Christmas tree.
 
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Will Kathy Hochul Sign these Controversial Bills?

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.
With the looming December 31st deadline, Gov. Kathy Hochul has just a few weeks to make a decision on several controversial bills that passed in the state Legislature this year. We dive into the context, impact and current status of the controversial bills.
We look at New York's place in the history of the American Revolution and how the state is upholding the groundbreaking legacy of the war.

SUNY Chancellor John King Breaks Silence on Funding Cuts & Student Enrollment

SUNY Chancellor John King joins us to discuss the second class of Empire Service Corps., student retention rates, and federal & state funding. New York was one of the first state to make Thanksgiving a holiday. We dive into the all of the historic thanksgiving facts about the state  - from state proclamations to celebrations at the state museum.
 
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NYC Mayoral Race + Hospice Care in NYS

We sit down with the NYS Department of Health Commissioner James McDonald to discuss the state's hospice and palliative care system and why utilization is so low. POLITICO's Nick Reisman joins us to discuss the results of the NYC mayoral race. 
 
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2026 Election Reform Updates You Need to Know

The chief medical officer of the NYS Office of Cannabis Management, Dr. June Chin, joins us to unpack the state's approach to medical cannabis and industry growth. An update on the latest news around New York state's election and campaign laws ahead of election day.
 
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Celebrating 200 Years of the Erie Canal

New York State is celebrating the Erie Canal's bicentennial anniversary. We discuss the history and legacy of the Erie Canal with Rebecca Hughes and Jackie Schillinger of the NYS Canal Corporation. To commemorate the anniversary, the Buffalo Maritime Center has constructed a full-sized replica of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief to travel on the canal.  We take a trip to one of the tour stops in Waterford. WMHT Producer Catherine Rafferty shares an episode of her Reflections on the Erie Canal documentary series.
 
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