New York NOW

New COVID Wave, Post-Election Analysis, Student Experiences

On this week's edition of New York NOW: Gov. Andrew Cuomo says New York is experiencing a new wave of COVID-19, and new restrictions are now in effect.
We'll discuss this latest stage of the pandemic and the results of this year's elections in New York with Jimmy Vielkind from the Wall Street Journal and Marina Villeneuve from the Associated Press.
This year's elections have some calling for changes to local boards of elections. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone gives us his pitch, and chats about party control over the state's judiciary.
Plus, it's been more than two months since schools reopened in New York, both in-person and virtually. We'll check in on how it's going, and what the long-term impact could look like.
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Unpacking New York's Election Results (So Far)

On this week's edition of New York NOW: We'll unpack this week's election results in New York, where several close races remain undecided. The future of the state's Congressional delegation and the State Senate hang in the balance.
Karen DeWitt from New York State Public Radio and Bill Mahoney from POLITICO New York join us with the latest updates and analysis on what happened at the polls Tuesday, and what that means for next year in New York.
Political analysts Steve Greenberg and Bob Bellafiore are with us to break down how each major party performed at the polls, what worked, and what didn't.
Plus,we were out at the polls Tuesday to ask voters what was on their mind when they cast their ballot. We'll show you what they said.
 
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New York Election Day Preview, Future of Minor Parties

On this week's edition of New York NOW: We'll get a preview of what to watch on Election Day from Karen DeWitt from New York State Public Radio and Joe Spector from the USA Today Network.
Then, the future of minor parties in New York hangs in the balance in this year's elections. Parties will now have to get more than double the votes they had to before to automatically qualify for the ballot in the next election cycle.
Conservative Party Chair Gerard Kassar says he's not worried about his party meeting the new threshold, partly because of new energy for the party from President Donald Trump.
But The Working Families Party could have a tougher time meeting the new requirement. Sochie Nnaemeka from the state Working Families Party joins us to discuss the party's future and what they're doing to turn out the vote.
 
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Special Episode: The Time for Reckoning Preview

On this week's edition of New York NOW: The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis this year renewed discussions on how police and communities of color interact, including here in New York.
This week, we'll bring you a preview of a special conversation between people in power and people in the community on where things stand and how things could change.
It's called The Time for Reckoning. It's a special project produced by WMHT in partnership with the Albany Times Union, the Center for Law and Justice, the New York State Writers Institute, and All of Us.
Join us this week for part of the program, and then catch the whole symposium next week on WMHT or stream it online.

Cuomo's New Book, Restaurants Status, Election Analysis

On this week's edition of New York NOW: Gov. Andrew Cuomo is out with a new book. Bernadette Hogan from the New York Post joins us with details and analysis.
New York's bars and restaurants are struggling to keep afloat as the COVID-19 crisis continues. Melissa Fleischut from the New York State Restaurant Association and Scott Wexler from the Empire State Restaurant and Tavern Association join us to explain.
New York State Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs joins us to talk about how Democrats are trying to reach voters this year, and where they're focusing their efforts.
And the race for the 46th State Senate District is one of the most closely watched in New York politics this year. We'll introduce you to Michelle Hinchey, the Democrat in the race. We've reached out to the Republican candidate for an interview as well.
 
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Cuomo's Cluster Plan, Gov. David Paterson, Absentee Voting Demo

On this week's edition of New York NOW: Gov. Andrew Cuomo announces a new plan to address the state's COVID-19 clusters. Jesse McKinley from The New York Times joins us to discuss.
Gov. David Paterson is out with a new book about his time in office and his experience as a black, blind man in America. He gives us a sneak peak of the book and chats about some of the state's top issues, like New York's $14 billion budget deficit.
And voting is confusing this year, but also easier than ever. Jennifer Wilson from the League of Women Voters shows us step-by-step what to expect when voting with an absentee ballot, and speaks with Karen DeWitt about this year's elections process.
 
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COVID-19 Clusters, Shifting SCOTUS, SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras

On this week's edition of New York NOW: A handful of COVID-19 clusters have popped up in New York. We'll discuss where they are, and what the state's doing to keep them from growing.
Karen DeWitt from New York State Public Radio and Bill Mahoney from POLITICO New York are in studio to discuss that and the news of the week.
New SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras joins us to discuss how the statewide university system is responding to COVID-19, and the broader impact the pandemic's had on those institutions.
And President Donald Trump has nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court. We'll have an analysis of the pick, including details on her record and background, with Vincent Bonventre, a professor from Albany Law School and prolific court watcher.
 
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New York's Budget Crisis: What's Wrong and What's Next

Catch this week's show on your local PBS station, or watch on YouTube or using the free PBS app anytime after Friday.
On this week's edition of New York NOW: New York is projecting a budget deficit of $14 billion through next April, and $30 billion over the next two years. And that's not counting the fiscal crises in New York City and the state's other local governments.
First, we'll tell you about a series of proposals to bridge the state's budget gap, including new taxes and why some want to avoid them. That story features voices from both sides of the aisle, and analysts weigh in on their proposals.
Then, New York's counties and local governments are also struggling with their finances, and they were already having trouble before the COVID-19 crisis. Stephen Acquario from the New York State Association of Counties and Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, who leads the New York County Executives Association, have details.For more news and public affairs, visit us online.

Rochester Unrest, Opioid Crisis, Race for Senate, Workforce Development

On this week's edition of New York NOW: Civil unrest continues in Rochester over the death of Daniel Prude. Jon Campbell from the USA Today Network has been following the situation closely and joins us with details and analysis.
New York's opioid crisis hit a rebound during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a spike in the number of overdose deaths. Senate Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Chair Pete Harckham joins us to discuss that, and a few top issues in his upcoming election.
Former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who ran for governor in 2014, is challenging Harckham for his seat in the Senate. We'll discuss his message to voters.
And rebuilding New York's economy is going to take a strong workforce. That's going to cost money, but supporters say it would be well worth the investment. Melinda Mack from NYATEP, a statewide workforce development group, explains.For more news and public affairs, visit New York NOW online.

Schools Reopen, Colleges Cope, Budget Crisis, Unrest in Rochester

On this week's edition of New York NOW: Many of the state's schools welcome students back for the first time since March. Others stay remote. Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh, the top-ranking Republican on the Assembly Education Committee, joins us to discuss the start of the school year.
Colleges and universities have been open now for a few weeks. We'll check in on what's happening at the state's private and independent colleges with Mary Beth Labate from the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities.
Civil unrest continues in Rochester over the death of Daniel Prude, and Cuomo continues to warn of the state's budget crisis. Jimmy Vielkind from the Wall Street Jounal and Amanda Fries from the Albany Times Union are in studio with analysis.
 
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