New York NOW

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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What Every New Yorker Needs to Know About the Inflation Refund Check

State Budget Director Blake Washington joins us to discuss inflation refund checks and New York’s fiscal priorities as planning begins for next year’s budget. Plus, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—Kelli Owens, executive director of NY’s Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, explains why awareness and prevention efforts matter.
 
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What Happens When Kids Can't Use Phones at School?

We dive into the implementation process of the bell-to-bell cell phone ban in school districts across the state. POLITICO's Bill Mahoney joins us to discuss the current daily work of Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado after announcing his plans to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul next year.
 
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Why Daniel’s Law Could Redefine Mental Health in New York

State Sen. Samra Brouk (D-Rochester) discusses her efforts to address suicide prevention and Daniel’s Law, legislation aimed at creating crisis response alternatives. Later, the NYCLU unpacks book bans in New York, and Sen. Rachel May (D-Syracuse) talks about her school library standards bill.
 
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Can Ebony Alert Solve NY's Missing Black Youth Crisis?

Six months after the unsanctioned correctional officer strike, NY prisons face deep staffing shortages, HALT Act debates, and slow recruitment. We explore the fallout and speak with Sen. Lea Webb on her legislation to create an Ebony Alert system for missing Black youth in New York.
 
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