New York NOW

The 2012 Reporter's Roundtable debut begins with analysis of Gov. Cuomo's second State of the State Address. The reporters discuss Gov. Cuomo's effort to 'effuse good feelings' by avoiding controversial issues like hydrofracking and redistricting by instead focusing on building and growth. Feedback from lawmakers reflects questions as well as hope regarding Gov. Cuomo's goals for New York.

2011 proved to be a transformative year in New York state politics with Gov. Cuomo taking control and accomplishing many goals including legalizing same sex marriage, establishing a more 'open' government, and creating an on-time budget, among other successes. Karen DeWitt, Fred Dicker and Ken Lovett join New York NOW to analyze the past year and declare their political 'winners and losers.'

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert Caro, recently honored with the 2011 Empire State Archives and History Award in Albany, sits down with Casey Seiler on 'New York NOW' to discuss his acclaimed biography series on former President Lyndon B. Johnson and his acclaimed book on New York 'master builder' Robert Moses. Caro's fourth book on Johnson, 'The Passage of Power,' will be released soon.

Saranac Lake, a village of less than 5,000 people, is a popular vacation spot but, despite a vibrant main street, it lacked a department store. 'New York NOW' meets with Saranac Lake residents who wished to avoid bringing in a large retail chain and have now opened their own community-funded store. Also, Capitol reporters discuss the recent tax deal struck between Gov. Cuomo and the legislature.

New York Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens answers questions from 'New York NOW' viewers and listeners about the proposal to engage in hydraulic fracturing ('hydrofracking') drilling in New York. In the in-depth interview, Martens responds to questions about hydrofracking problems in other states. We also explore the recent history of the hydrofracking controversy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.