New York NOW

Community Built Around Guns Questions Future

With the quick passage of new gun control legislation, the NY SAFE ACT, many towns and businesses are bracing for impact. We take a look at what's in the new legislation and head to Ilion, NY, a community that was built around guns, whose residents are starting to worry about the future.

Senator Against More Gun Control

Analysis of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's 2013 State of the State address where he focused on upstate development, women's rights and more controversially, stricter gun control laws. A strong voice against stricter gun control laws, Hudson Valley Senator Greg Ball, sat down with us to discuss the governor's proposals and recent controversy involving The Journal News in the lower Hudson Valley.

Legacy of Nelson Rockefeller

During Nelson Rockefeller's term as NY's 49th governor he tackled some big projects, none bigger than the massive Empire State Plaza adjacent to the Capitol. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the former governor from two men who worked for him & one man who covered him as a reporter. Also, discussion of the week's news including Sandy aid, gun legislation, & the upcoming State of the State Address.

Year-End Review in State Politics

Legislative reporters gather for an extended roundtable discussion on our year-ending program. We take a look back at 2012 to review what was accomplished legislatively, discuss some of the surprises that happened on Election Day, and look forward to 2013 to consider what may be on tap for legislators.

UAlbany Expands RNA Research

Most of us know about DNA, the genetic building blocks that make us unique. But in recent years, there's been interest in RNA- a molecule that controls how our genes are expressed. The Innovation Trail takes a look into the million dollar RNA research project at the University at Albany. Also, Senators Dean Skelos & Mike Gianaris talk about the new GOP/IDC coalition in the chamber.

Klein, Diaz: Conflicting Views on Chamber Alliance

The Independent Democratic Conference is forming a coalition government with the GOP. Under the agreement Bronx State Senator Jeff Klein, head of the IDC, will share the title of president with Majority Leader Dean Skelos. Klein sits down to discuss this agreement with us. Also, Klein's fellow State Senator from the Bronx, Ruben Diaz, explains why he feels vindicated by the IDC's move.

Kolb Proposes Thruway Authority Merger

Republican Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb details his proposal to consolidate the Thruway Authority by merging it with the NYS Department of Transportation in an effort to save money and create transparency. At an extended Reporters Roundtable we analyze Kolb's plan and discuss the uncertainty of the future leadership of the state senate.

The Forgotten War of 1812

Advocates have been asking for a bicentennial commission commemorating the War of 1812 for years, but proposals have been vetoed by multiple governors. This year a small amount of funding was appropriated, but some historians believe there is still a lack of support. We examine the problem & tour 3 historic sites where people continue to remember defining moments in their local & national history.

Rockaways Begin Healing After Sandy

Hurricane Sandy wrought havoc on many communities in Long Island including the Rockaways. Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder takes us on a tour of the famous beach town whose residents are slowly picking up the pieces. Also, discussion Gov. Cuomo's Moreland Commission investigation in the wake of poor storm response by utility companies, battle for state senate, & the latest with the Thruway Authority.

Impact of Hurricane Sandy

Despite warnings, Hurricane Sandy devastated New York City, Long Island, & the northern suburbs of Westchester County. The Innovation Trail reports from Breezy Point in Queens, a community that's suffered immense loss. At the Reporters Roundtable we discuss recovery efforts, impact on budget, & whether severe storms in the northeast can be attributed to climate change. Also, Election Day analysis.