New York NOW

Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, joins us to unpack ICE harassment and immigration policies signed into law earlier this year that could have an impact. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we examine what discrimination looks like for Hispanic small businesses today, including challenges in the state's Minority Women-Owned Business Enterprise or MWBE program. 

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Assembly Member John McDonald (D - Parts of Albany, Rensselaer and Saratoga Counties) joins us to unpack a bill that would help the state navigate the elimination of pennies and another bill prohibiting the sale of nitrous oxide. The lack of affordable housing has become a pertinent issue across the state. We examine how state lawmakers are hoping to provide legislative support to New Yorkers feeling the burden of housing costs.

New York is one of eleven states in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, RGGI. Jon Binder, executive director of the Model Climate Laws Initiative, joins us to unpack the impact of the program and the latest updates. About 8 million New York households will receive utility rebate checks - an initiative from this year's enacted state budget. Samuel King, of WXXI and the NYPNN, joins us to discuss the measure's journey through budget negotiations and utility priorities next year.

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This week marks the 25th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks. We connect with 9/11 survivors to understand the severity of long-lasting health issues from the attacks and dive into the challenges with the federal 9.11 World Trade Center Health Program. David Lombardo, of WCNY's The Capitol Pressroom, sat down with POLITICO's Marie French to understand the coordinated effort from utility companies to gain control of power plants across the state.

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David Lombardo, of WCNY's The Capitol Pressroom, sits down with Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, to unpack the state's opioid settlement funds and the work to help with addiction recovery efforts. The Great New York State Fair is back! Shantel Destra and Elise Kline take a day trip to Syracuse to experience the fun fair traditions and new attractions.

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Watch 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.

New York State Lawmakers and Child Abuse Advocates are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign Kyra's Law. The bill's sponsor, Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi (D-Child and Families Committee Chair)  joins us to unpack the bill and how the state can expand support for victims. David Lombardo, of the WCNY's The Capitol Pressroom, and POLITICO'S Nick Reisman have an in-depth roundtable discussion on the potential impact of the incoming progressive and DSA members to the state legislature.

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New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara Guinn unpacks the issue of EBT benefit fraud, the rollout of chip based benefit cards and funding for the office. We dive into the challenges of the legal cannabis industry and the New York State Office of Cannabis Management - including lack of regulation and the enforcement of licenses. New York lawmakers have passed legislation to help crack down on illegal cannabis shops and provide better support to the workforce.

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Gov. Kathy Hochul and State Attorney General Letitia James announce the standards for the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act. Assembly Member Phil Steck (D - 110th A.D., Colonie) unpacks legislation requiring social media companies to comply with law enforcement warrants within 72 hours. Rory Christian, Chair and CEO of the New York State Public Service Commission, details the changes to reporting standards for the rate hikes for utility companies and the expanded powers of the commission from the enacted state budget.

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It's been one year since New York unveiled the Master Plan for Aging - a comprehensive roadmap for the state's efforts in supporting elder adults. Sebrina Barrett, President and CEO of LeadingAge New York, joins us to discuss the impact of the plan and state progress so far. State lawmakers and health advocates are hoping Gov. Kathy Hochul will sign legislation to improve health data privacy in the state by expanding the definition of health data to include sensitive information on phone applications and devices.

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