New York NOW

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

Fred LeBrun on 'Extreme Politics'

Our new podcast features an interview Karen DeWitt did with longtime Albany Times Union columnist Fred Lebrun.  He's been a close observer of New York state politics for decades. 
LeBrun, who says "we are living in an era of extreme politics," talks about whether President Donald Trump is beatable by Andrew Cuomo or any other Democrat in 2020.For mor news, vistit nynow.org

Trump’s Rise in Rural U.S.A; Buffalo’s Abandoned Treasure

This week we’ll sit down with Wall Street trader-turned-journalist Chris Arnade, who discovered the rise of Donald Trump long before the mainstream media.  While traveling across the country documenting addiction in rural America for The Guardian, Arnade couldn’t help notice the appeal Trump was having with folks outside city limits. He’ll discuss what he found in-studio with our Casey Seiler. 
Also, our Matt Ryan travels to the Queen City of Buffalo to tell the story of the beloved Central Terminal train station.  The gorgeous architectural structure was abandoned in the 1980’s and has been awaiting a tenant ever since.  The feature story originally aired in the summer of 2015.
Learn more: http://nynow.wmht.org/blogs/politics/trumps-rise-in-rural-usa-buffalos-abandoned-treasure/

Bartoletti Looks Back at Capitol Years

Bartoletti looks back at Capitol years
One of the most respected and well-known good-government advocates is stepping away from the Capitol.
Barb Bartoletti, the League of Women Voters Legislative Director since 1988, is retiring. We have her on this week to look back at her early days lobbying in the Capitol and how the relationships between lawmakers have changed.
 

Malliotakis Looks to Become First Female Mayor of NYC

Many New York City residents thought they'd see their first female mayor in 2013 when Christine Quinn was the favorite on the Democratic side.  She was upset by Bill de Blasio, who went on to win in November as well.
In 2017, Nicole Malliotakis is hoping to break that glass ceiling. 
The State Island Assemblywoman is believed to be the first Republican woman to ever run for the post.  She will have to get by a primary challenge from Paul Massey in September, but if she does she will take on the mayor in the fall.
This week Malliotakis tells us why she's taking on the tall task and where she thinks de Blasio has failed residents of the five boroughs. 
For more news, visit nynow.org

Final Legislative Push Underway

With less than two weeks left of the legislative session, lawmakers and advocates are attempting to get their pieces of legislation passed before June 21.  We review a busy week at the State Capitol at our Reporters Roundtable.

What's Next for the State Legislature?

It's hard to believe but the state legislature is scheduled to wrap up in three weeks. The vast majority of Governor Cuomo's agenda was passed in the April budget. So, what's left for lawmakers?  We'll ask Jon Campbell of the USA Today Network and Ken Lovett of the Daily News at the Reporters Roundtable.
Also, there have been many contentious town halls across the country in 2017.  What happens at one with a popular incumbent in a safe congressional district?  We found out this week when Rep. Paul Tonko met constituents in suburban Albany.For more news, visit nynow.org

SUNY Chancellor Discusses Legacy

After eight years on the job, SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher will be stepping down in June. We have an exit interview with Zimpher where she discusses her legacy, the future, and SUNY's Excelsior Scholarship, which will provide free tuition for qualifying students, a major initiative that was passed in this year's state budget.

NYN Throwdown: The Alt v. Politifact NY

Dan Clark of Politifact New York goes up against David Howard King, the editor and associate publisher of The Alt. Our Empire State trivia battle features questions on Andrew Cuomo, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Harriet Tubman, and more.For more, visit nynow.org.

Should Cat Declawing Be Illegal?

Linda Rosenthal, a Democrat from Manhattan, has proposed a bill that would outlaw the practice.  If passed, New York State would be the first in the nation to do so.  We hear from Rosenthal and an upstate veterinarian who doesn’t think the legislature should ‘insert themselves into my professional capacity.’ 
 
Find more news at http://www.nynow.org