New York NOW

Astorino Begins Campaign for Governor

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino kicked off his campaign for governor this week citing his success as a Republican in a mostly Democratic county. We learn more about the candidate from a political reporter from Astorino's hometown paper. Also, we look at the legislative tug of war going on between Cuomo and NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio. Lastly, we sit down with longtime Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

North Country 'Rooftop Highway?'

Gov. Cuomo surprised some people in the North Country by reviving the idea of a 'rooftop highway' in his State of the State Address. We examine the debate on what the best course of action is for the long term economic prosperity in Northern NY. Also, we look at the fight at the Port of Albany where residents are concerned about the attempt by Global Companies to modify their air quality permit.

Scaffold Law Reform

For decades it's been one of the most fiercely fought battles in the halls of the State Capitol: Labor Law 240, better known as The Scaffold Law. We examine the arguments from each side. A reform bill has bipartisan support, but in the past it's always died in the Democrat-controlled Assembly Chamber. Is this the year we could see reform? Also, will Republican Rob Astorino run for governor?

Karim Camara on Priorities

An interview with the chair of the Black, Hispanic, Puerto Rican and Asian Caucus, Karim Camara. This weekend marks the annual conference for the NYS Association of Black and Puerto Rican legislators and Camara talks about the group's priorities in 2014. Also, Jessica Bakeman of Capital NY and Jim Odato of the Times Union discuss the universal pre-K funding packages being offered.

Education, Family, Race

Forty educators, politicians, parents, and community members came together for a discussion around the themes presented in P.O.V.'s film 'American Promise.' The film, nearly 14 years in the making, chronicles the lives of two African-American boys as they attend the prestigious Dalton School in New York City. Watch the powerful conversation about race, family, opportunity and privilege.

2014 Executive Budget Analysis

We sit down with Budget Director Bob Megna to discuss Gov. Andrew Cuomo's fourth executive budget. At our Reporters Roundtable we break down the numbers and analyze the $137.2 Billion spending plan. How does it all add up? Could the budget result in a surplus for the state? How does it differ from previous spending plans?

Drones in Central New York

Central New York was chosen by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct research on how best to safely fly drones in public airspace. Once thought to only be useful during wartime operations, the recent testing by companies like Amazon has made the possibility of drones becoming much more common a reality in the 21st Century. Also, the startling retirement of Rep. Bill Owens (D-Plattsburgh).

2014 State of the State Analysis

Andrew Cuomo's fourth State of the State Address was much different from his presentation last year. Gone was the controversial rhetoric involving gun control and the Women's Equality Act, instead he offered up ideas that were broadly agreeable. Proposals for cutting taxes, investing more in tourism and fixing up the state's infrastructure were just some of the ideas that Cuomo laid out.

2013 Year Review

New York NOW looks back at the stories and people that shaped 2013. The entire show is devoted to the Reporters Roundtable where Matt Ryan and Casey Seiler will be joined by Karen DeWitt of New York State Public Radio, Ken Lovett of The Daily News and Jimmy Vielkind of Capital New York. The NY Safe Act, corruption scandals, and more are discussed through out the episode.

Pulitzer Prize Winners Doris Kearns Goodwin & Robert Caro

Doris Kearns Goodwin's last work, Team of Rivals, has gone down as one of the most influential of the 21st Century, reportedly inspiring President Barack Obama to choose former adversary Hillary Clinton as his Secretary of State and the Steven Spielberg film Lincoln was partly based on it. Robert Caro discusses in-depth his exhaustive work on former President Lyndon Baines Johnson.