New York NOW

President Joe Biden announced the end of his re-election bid and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. We discuss the presidential race and elections in New York with Jack O'Donnell, political analyst and managing partner of O'Donnell & Associates. New York Civil Liberties Union filed a class action federal lawsuit to challenge the Sexual Assault Reform Act in New York State. We spoke with Daniel Lambright, senior staff attorney with the union, to learn more.

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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.

On This Week's Edition:

• Elected officials in New York and around the country are reeling from the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump.

We unpack the competitive state legislature primaries and races to watch. Jon Campbell, of WNYC and Gothamist, joins us to discuss. State Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Carroll Gardens) discuss the impact of child social media privacy legislation, the path to garnering support and the possibility of legal challenges.

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Tuesday was primary day in New York! We unpack the competitive congressional primaries races with Austin Jefferson, of City and State New York. We discuss the availiable resources in the state for LGBTQ+ older adults who have looking for support with MJ Okma, Senior Manager for Advocacy and Government Relations at SAGE. In collaboration with the Colonie Senior Service Center and the Pride Center of the Capital Region, LGBTQ+ older adults with Aging with Pride took a trip to SUNY University at Albany to look through historic archives of the pride center of the capitol region.

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SUNY Chancellor John King joins us to discuss his vision for the university, goals for the coming school year and SUNY's position on protests. After more than three decades covering state politics in New York, Karen DeWitt, Capitol bureau chief for the New York Public News Network, is retiring. We sit down with Karen to unpack her career and legacy.

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We'll unpack the governor's announcement essentially pulling the plug on congestion pricing plan for New York City. Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (D-Queens County) discusses the importance of disaggregating data for Middle Eastern and Northern African New Yorkers and the path forward to getting her bill over the finish line. Now more than ever, forest management is vitally important in helping the state reaches it's climate goals. Producer Dana Wright shares a deep dive as part of WMHT's NY& Climate series. As part of WMHT series focusing on Aging New Yorkers, we dive into the work of the Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NNORC) to ensure seniors over the age of 60 maintain their quality of life and stay connected.

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Recent court rulings in New York state may threaten the legitimacy of the state's ethics watchdog and an equal rights ballot referendum. Bill Mahoney, of POLITICO, joins us to discuss the impact of these court cases. Doreen Harris, President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, joins us to discuss the challenge of expanding renewable energy across the state and the possibility of using nuclear power.

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With just a few days before the end of session, Gov. Kathy Hochul and lawmakers are pushing to get two social media child privacy bills over the finish line. The state Senate Transportation Committee officially has a new chair. State Sen. Jeremy Cooney joins us to discuss his vision for the committee and the legacy he's hoping to have. While FY25 state budget allocated funding for combating retail theft and protecting retail workers, but labor advocates and lawmakers argue that may not be enough. As part of WMHT series focusing on Aging New Yorkers, we dive into the work an organization is doing to support aging New Yorkers with home delivered meals.

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In this episode of "New York Now," we delve into the state's housing crisis with Senator Brian Kavanagh, who shares insights on the latest budget plan to boost affordable housing.

Additionally, Natasha Pernicka, Executive Director of the Food Pantries of the Capitol District, addresses the growing issue of food insecurity and the challenges food pantries face due to stagnant funding.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month! We catch up with the New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan about funding in the state budget and youth mental health priorities. Democratic Lawmakers have been prioritizing the maternal and mental health of mothers. We caught up with State Senate Mental Health Chair Samra Brouk (D-Rochester) about doula care access and supporting the mental health of expectant mothers.

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