New York NOW

DEC Rejects EPA Review of Hudson River Cleanup

In June, the EPA's Five-Year Review found that its selected PCB (Polychlorinated biphenyls) cleanup remedy wasn't yet "protective" of the public health and environment but it would be in half century. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos shares why he strongly disagrees with that statement. Also, a look at Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro's "Think Differently" initiative.
Learn more: http://nynow.wmht.org/blogs/environment/dec-rejects-epa-review-of-hudson-river-cleanup/

Rep. Faso holds second town hall

This week on New York NOW we'll give you extensive coverage of Rep. John Faso's town hall in the Hudson Valley.
Elected in 2016, the Republican has faced criticism from many constituents over his lack of availability.  He held a televised town hall with us earlier this year but this is first one since that April event. He faced a slew of questions about his support for Donald Trump, his health care vote in the spring, and the lack of political civility in 2017.

The '94 race for governor: Pataki v. Cuomo

This week's New York NOW is a documentary that looks back at the last real exciting race we had for governor here in the Empire State.
Just two years after famously saying no to a presidential run, 1994 saw Governor Mario Cuomo slumping in the polls.  Against all odds, a little-known freshman state senator from the Hudson Valley, George Pataki, shockingly beat the three-term incumbent.  We take a deep dive into the race with exclusive footage from the old PBS program "Inside Albany" and with key interviews with some of the major players including George Pataki, former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, and a rare-sit down interview with Mario Cuomo's son Andrew.

New NYSUT President Andy Pallotta

Andy Pallotta, the new President of New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), took over for Karen Magee earlier this year. He discusses several topics including the continued opt-out movement by some parents across the state in regard to Common Core testing. Also, author and environmentalist, Bill McKibben, discusses his opposition to the under-construction Orange County power plant.
For more news, visit nynow.org

Comptroller Cites Warning Signs for NY's Finances

There’s some good news and some bad news from the State Comptrollers’ office. The state’s nearly $200 billion dollar pension fund is doing well, thanks in part to the booming stock market, but there are some worrisome signs for the future of New York’s finances. Comptroller Tom DiNapoli sat down with us to discuss his findings. Also, a look at the week in news including Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan's announcement that he went into treatment for alcohol abuse and Senator Daniel Squadron's announcement that he will be leaving the senate.For more news, visit nynow.org

One-on-one with Attorney General Eric Schneiderman

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman discusses his legal battles against the Trump administration and answers questions on litigation involving the environment, the funding of the Affordable Care Act, and how he prioritizes federal versus state work. Also, we review the week in news at our Reporters Roundtable.For more news, visit nynow.org

NYS Medicaid Director on Affordable Care Act

On New York Now, we have a one-on-one with New York State Medicaid Director Jason Helgerson about the Affordable Care Act. More at: nynow.org

NYN Throwdown: Battle of the Interns

Sam Kmack, an incoming sophomore at Ithaca College, takes on Capital Region High School Senior Jackie Gold.  We pepper the contestants with questions on politics and geography and see how good their hearing skills are in our "Who Said It?" round.

Stopping Invasive Species in the ADKs

Invasive Species Awareness Week was held July 9-15. It was the fourth annual campaign to highlight the negative effects they can have on the environment.
We went along on one of the many programs held across the Empire State. Our destination was the Upper Saranac Lake Watershed where divers are trying to get rid of two different types of milfoil. 
To learn more: http://nynow.wmht.org/blogs/environment/stopping-invasive-species-in-the-adks/

Teachout Teaches Civics

We go to class with Fordham Law Professor and former Democratic candidate for Congress Zephyr Teachout at the Kingston Public Library in Ulster County. Along with local legislator Jennifer Schwartz Berky, Teachout helped teach civics to Hudson Valley residents. The program, put on by the Good Work Institute, educated participants so they can become more 'informed and engaged to take civic action.'For more news, visit nynow.org