New York NOW

Senate Leadership Battle

Long Island's John Flanagan (R-East Northport) edged out fellow Republican John DeFrancisco (Syracuse) to become Senate Majority Leader after Dean Skelos stepped down following his arrest on federal corruption charges. We analyze the GOP's selection of Flanagan and what it may mean for the conference going forward.

The Skelos Scandal

Recap another hectic week at the State Capitol as Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) tries to desperately hang on to power after his arrest on federal corruption charges. We take a look back in a day-by-day recap, followed by extensive analysis by Mike Gormley of Newsday (Long Island's hometown newspaper), Ken Lovett of The Daily News and our own Jenna Flanagan.

Interview with Attorney General Eric Schneiderman

Karen DeWitt of public radio interviews Attorney General Eric Schneiderman about his current work, whether he supports the same-sex marriage movement, and whether or not he will run for Governor in 2018. Also, Yancey Roy of Newsday analyzes the week's news with Matt Ryan and Casey Seiler.

Nurse Practitioners Modernization Act Now Law

With the passing of the Nurse Practitioners Modernization Act, we look at the challenges it currently faces in gaining acceptance. Stephen Ferrara, the Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at Columbia University, joins us to talk about the obstacles, particularly from insurance companies. Also, at our Reporters Roundtable, we discuss Governor Cuomo's trip to Cuba.

Broadband Push in New York

Our Innovation Trail report looks at Connect New York, a program from the Cuomo administration with the goal to give high-speed internet access to under-served urban and rural parts of the state. Also, we preview a severe weather forum that will be held at the University at Albany. Lastly, we examine the recent news that Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos may be facing legal trouble.

New Cuomo Biography, Post-Budget Discussion

Michael Shnayerson of Vanity Fair has written a biography on the governor that casts 'The Contender' in a pretty harsh light. Casey Seiler interviews the author about the new controversial book. Also, a post-budget discussion with Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R-Glenville) who also discusses his 'Parental Opt-out' bill relating to the Common Core tests.

Budget Passes, Debate Continues

Amid the debate over standardized testing and 'failing' schools, we sit down with Tim Kremer, executive director of the New York State School Boards Association, to talk about what the new budget will mean for students, teachers and administrators. Also, at our Reports Roundtable, we discuss the new fiscal plan including the ethics deal and yacht tax break.

Budget Negotiations

The Roundtable discusses sticking points between the governor and lawmakers, including ethics reform. Mike Gormley of Newsday, Laura Nahmias of Capital New York and Karen DeWitt of New York State Public Radio break down the last week of negotiations. Also, in anticipation of the new controversial biography on Andrew Cuomo, the reporters give their take on 'The Contender.'

Purifying Maple Syrup in the Hudson Valley

Maple syrup may go hand-in-hand with pancakes, but at Madava Farms in Duchess County the people at Crown Maple are hoping to change the way we think about the all-natural sweetener. We also travel to Essex County for a dose of nostalgia. At our Reporters Roundtable, we discuss the week in news including a bilateral ethics agreement.

Carl Heastie: Exclusive Interview

New Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie sits down for an exclusive interview touching on his involvement in budget negotiations, the scrutiny he apparently drew from the now defunct Moreland Commission, and his priorities. We also travel to Lake Placid to take a look at the Olympic Training Center where combat-wounded veterans are taking their talents to the ice and snow.