New York NOW

Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her 2026 State of the State Address with a focus on affordability for New Yorkers. We dive into the reaction and rebuttals to the governor's address from lawmakers and political stakeholders. POLITICO's Jason Beeferman and Newsday's Keshia Clukey join us to provide political analysis on the major aspects of the address. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Governor Kathy Hochul delivers her 2026 State of the State address, outlining priorities in affordability, child care, public safety, housing, energy, and education. New York Now offers live coverage and expert analysis of political strategy, policy proposals, and what lawmakers and voters can expect next. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

This episode reviews the start of New York's new legislative session, where leaders addressed federal funding cuts and affordability challenges. Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled proposals to protect students online, curb 3D-printed and illegal firearms, and advance universal child care. The show also marks the fifth anniversary of the January 6 attack, featuring State Senator John Liu discussing his bill to require schools to teach its history. Assemblymember John McDonald explains the state’s efforts on prescription drug affordability, focusing on PBM transparency and pharmacy reimbursement reforms. The episode closes with a preview of the governor’s upcoming State of the State address. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

It's been quite the eventful year in New York politics - from a competitive mayoral race in New York City to controversial policy items and a late state budget debated at the state Capitol. We'll dive into the headlines that drove the year with POLITICO'S Katelyn Cordero, Bloomberg's Raga Justin and Jimmy Vielkind, of WNYC, Gothamist and the New York Public News Network. Explore More: nynow.org

Angie Pender-Fox, associate executive director of The Food Pantries for the Capital District, joins us to discuss federal challenges around SNAP benefits and what food insecurity looks like in the state. We dive into the state's winter holiday traditions — from holiday carriage rides and ice skating to musical performances and the world-famous Rockefeller Christmas tree. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

On This Week's Edition Catch this week's show on your local PBS member station, or watch on YouTube, Facebook, or using the free PBS app anytime after Friday. A podcast version is available wherever you normally get podcasts.

SUNY Chancellor John King joins us to discuss the second class of Empire Service Corps., student retention rates, and federal & state funding. New York was one of the first state to make Thanksgiving a holiday. We dive into the all of the historic thanksgiving facts about the state - from state proclamations to celebrations at the state museum. Explore More: nynow.org

We sit down with the NYS Department of Health Commissioner James McDonald to discuss the state's hospice and palliative care system and why utilization is so low. POLITICO's Nick Reisman joins us to discuss the results of the NYC mayoral race. Learn More: nynow.org

The chief medical officer of the NYS Office of Cannabis Management, Dr. June Chin, joins us to unpack the state's approach to medical cannabis and industry growth. An update on the latest news around New York state's election and campaign laws ahead of election day. Explore More: nynow.org

New York State is celebrating the Erie Canal's bicentennial anniversary. We discuss the history and legacy of the Erie Canal with Rebecca Hughes and Jackie Schillinger of the NYS Canal Corporation. To commemorate the anniversary, the Buffalo Maritime Center has constructed a full-sized replica of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief to travel on the canal. We take a trip to one of the tour stops in Waterford. WMHT Producer Catherine Rafferty shares an episode of her Reflections on the Erie Canal documentary series. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

State Budget Director Blake Washington joins us to discuss inflation refund checks and New York’s fiscal priorities as planning begins for next year’s budget. Plus, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—Kelli Owens, executive director of NY’s Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, explains why awareness and prevention efforts matter. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

We dive into the implementation process of the bell-to-bell cell phone ban in school districts across the state. POLITICO's Bill Mahoney joins us to discuss the current daily work of Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado after announcing his plans to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul next year. Explore More: nynow.org

State Sen. Samra Brouk (D-Rochester) discusses her efforts to address suicide prevention and Daniel’s Law, legislation aimed at creating crisis response alternatives. Later, the NYCLU unpacks book bans in New York, and Sen. Rachel May (D-Syracuse) talks about her school library standards bill. Learn More: nynow.org

Six months after the unsanctioned correctional officer strike, NY prisons face deep staffing shortages, HALT Act debates, and slow recruitment. We explore the fallout and speak with Sen. Lea Webb on her legislation to create an Ebony Alert system for missing Black youth in New York. Explore More: nynow.org

We sit down with Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy to discuss the demolition of the Central Warehouse and the history of the project. State Sen. Jabari Brisport (D-Bedford Stuyvesant) unpacks the calls from progressive lawmakers for a special legislative session to address federal cuts. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

We dive into the latest developments in the race for New York City Mayor and Democrat's positioning on whether or not to endorse Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani with Jimmy Vielkind of WNYC and the New York Public News Network. The New York NOW team takes a day trip to the 184th annual New York State Fair and highlights many of the new attractions as well as the crowd favorites this year. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal (D - Housing Committee Chair) joins us to unpack the newly-introduced legislative package aimed at increasing support for women dealing with menopause and perimenopause in the state. This summer, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law that would require public schools accross the state to implement emergency cadiac safety plans. We dive into the law's impact and the process of putting this plans in place. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

New York has its first ever Master Plan for Aging! We sat down with James McDonald, commissioner for the State Health Department, and Greg Olsen, acting director for the State Aging Office for a deep dive on the plan and its impact. We'll unpack the latest on the ongoing process of transitioning New Yorkers enrolled in the consumer directed personal assistance program, CDPAP, to using one fiscal intermediary: Public Partnerships LLC. Explore More: nynow.org

The New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy unpacks the decarbonization efforts for the Empire State Plaza, emission goals, and climate objectives in the state. State lawmakers have been pushing for a bill that would ban toxic chemicals in beauty products. We dive into the bill's history, regulations at the federal level, and the impact of toxic chemicals on consumers. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org

The New York Protect Our Courts Act prevents ICE from making courthouse arrests without a judicial warrant. But a lawsuit from the federal justice department is threatening to challenge that law. State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D - Senate Judiciary Committee Chair) joins us to unpack the bill and the lawsuit. In the final days of the legislative session, there was energy around the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. Assembly Member Deborah Glick (D -Environmental Conservation Committee) unpacks the support around the bill and plans to build on its momentum through the summer. EXPLORE MORE: nynow.org