New York NOW

Cuomo's Final Legislative Push

In the final days of the legislative session, we have analysis of Gov. Cuomo's latest push including his program bill for campaign finance reform & the Women's Equality Act. Also, almost 8 months after Superstorm Sandy we go to lower Manhattan to hear about infrastructure lessons learned. We also look at an architectural curiosity at the capitol: Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Memorial Therapy Pool.

Reaction to Proposed Women's Equality Act

This week Gov. Cuomo rolled out his Women's Equality Act which includes a 10 point agenda. Hear reaction to the agenda including the point that's stirred the most discussion - the abortion plank. Also, Syracuse State Senator and Finance Chairman John DeFrancisco talks with us about what he expects to get done in the final weeks of session and if the WEA can pass the senate.

Civil Rights Pioneer John Lewis

Georgia Congressman John Lewis, a pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement and the last surviving speaker from the 1963 March on Washington, talks with us about the struggles during the 1960s. He recalls the March on Washington, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, and the March from Selma, AL to the State Capitol now infamously known as 'Bloody Sunday.' Also, analysis of this week's news.

Savino on IDC Governing Strategy

Independent Democratic Conference member Senator Diane Savino talks about goals, scandals, and the IDC's governing strategy. At our Reporters Roundtable we discuss Speaker Sheldon Silver's apology on how he handled the Vito Lopez sexual harassment scandal and the latest on casino gambling. We also sit down with Tim Kremer of the NYS School Boards Association to discuss school budget votes.

Oneida Nation Thanks Cooperstown CSD

An upstate school's decision to change what it believed was its offensive nickname for their sports teams drew the attention of the Oneida Nation. Ray Halbritter, CEO of Oneida Indian Enterprises, presented the Cooperstown Central School District a check for $10,000 in appreciation for them dropping the moniker 'Redskins.' Also, sexual harassment allegations against Assemblyman Vito Lopez.

Skelos on End of Session Debates

With the end of the legislative session two months away, Republican Conference Leader Dean Skelos discusses the top debates including his resistance to the abortion part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's women's agenda. Skelos also weighs in on casino gambling, election reform proposals, and his regrets on how gun control laws were handled.

Will MMA be Legalized in NY?

A bill to legalize the controversial sport of Mixed Martial Arts has passed the state senate each of the last 4 years. However, it's never been brought to the floor for a vote in the Assembly chamber. Momentum seems to be in MMA's favor this year & Rochester Assemblyman Joe Morelle, the sponsor in his chamber, is now second in command. Also, we discuss the latest news at the Reporters Roundtable.

Air Quality Concerns in WNY

Over the last five years, the Dept of Health & the Dept of Environmental Conservation released studies that the air Tonawanda residents were breathing could be hazardous to their health. To draw attention to what they call a 'cancer crisis,' residents have formed the Clean Air Coalition of Western New York. Also, state business leaders discuss the budget & how it affects the people they represent.

Ravitch on Fiscal Crises Facing NY

Former Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch joins us to discuss the financial crisis facing New York's towns and cities. Ravitch explains what troubles him the most and weighs in on the state budget. Also, Jonathan Soros, founder of the Super PAC 'Friends of Democracy' and son of the billionaire hedge fund manager George Soros, makes his case for campaign finance reform.

NY Safe Act Controversy

The NY Safe Act has upset a lot of New Yorkers and spurred multiple lawsuits to overturn it. We take a look at the stricter gun control measures, define the key sections of the bill, and go to a shooting range to learn more about which rifles are legal and which are not. Also, at the Reporters Roundtable, we examine the arrests of three state legislators and the ethical questions raised.