New York NOW

School Districts Grapple with Possibilities

With reduction in state aid and the continued dreary economic forecast, school districts are forced to find new ways to survive including possible consolidations or mergers. New York State Education Commissioner John King explains why he is a proponent of multi-district mergers, addresses concerns from the communities, and discusses his relationships with the decision-making parties involved.

Soares Won't Prosecute Occupy Group

As demonstrators flock to the state Capitol, Albany County District Attorney David Soares reaffirms that he will not prosecute Occupy Albany, saying his position is based on a concern for public safety, not politics. Karen DeWitt sits down with Soares to discuss this position, which Gov. Cuomo calls 'less than ideal.' Also, we take you inside the recent hydrofracking hearings in Upstate New York.

Niagara Falls Eyes Comeback

With more than eight million annual visitors, Niagara Falls is the most popular state park tourist destination in America, yet the surrounding area--on the American side of the falls--has had trouble attracting tourists. Matt Ryan examines the booming past, sputtering present and potential future of Niagara Falls. Also, Casey Seiler presents a tour of the new Hall of Governors at the Capitol.

Kolb Decries 'Millionaire's Tax'

With Occupy Wall Street returning the 'millionaire's tax' to the forefront, Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb (R-Canandaigua) denounces what he labels the 'success tax,' saying it will drive people out of New York. Also, reporters check in on residents rebuilding after Tropical Storms Irene and Lee and analyze the contract agreement between the Public Employees Federation (PEF) and Gov. Cuomo.

Anti-Violence Program Defunded

Legislators from ten New York cities ask Gov. Cuomo to restore funding to Operation SNUG ('guns' spelled backwards), which advocates say makes a positive impact by enlisting ex-convicts in preventing gun violence among high-risk youth and young adults. Also, Ben Lawsky, Department of Financial Services superintendent, discusses the merger of state banking and insurance regulatory departments.

Burke Addresses Institutional Abuse

Courtney Burke, the commissioner of the New York Office of People With Developmental Disabilities, discusses changes in the wake of New York Times reports documenting widespread abuse at privately-run and state-run group homes and institutions. Also, members of the Public Employees Federation (PEF) consider a new contract offer from Gov. Cuomo, and the push for a 'millionaire's tax' is renewed.

Occupy Wall Street Ranks Swell

'New York NOW' explores the goals and strategies of Occupy Wall Street demonstrators in Manhattan, who have sparked a growing movement in many other U.S. cities. In our featured interview, ACLU President Susan Herman says that President Obama's time in office has been a disappointment to civil liberties advocates. Also, Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald discusses infrastructure repairs.

Cry for Champlain Bridge Escalates

Since 2009, the Crown Point Bridge closing has cut off a lifeline to travelers and local business in the southern Champlain Valley. While the new bridge didn't open as scheduled on October 9, 2011, Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald offers a guarantee on the bridge's timeline for completion. Also, 'New York NOW' presents a special Reporters' Roundtable from the North Country.

New Jobs Dawn as Others Are Cut

Upstate New York receives major news, both good and bad, on the employment front. First, technology companies IBM, Intel and Samsung announce they will invest $4.4 billion in the region, creating or retaining approximately 7,000 jobs. Meanwhile, the Public Employees Federation votes down the contract their leadership made with the governor, triggering layoff notices to approximately 3,500 people.

Redistricting Begins in Controversy

As New York prepares for the once-a-decade redistricting process based on census data, Gov. Cuomo has proposed that the electoral map be redrawn by an independent commission, as opposed to the legislature, which has created some highly-gerrymandered districts in the past. Assemblyman Jack McEneny (D), co-chair of the redistricting task force, joins 'New York NOW' to discuss this important process.