Shantel Destra

On This Week's Edition - New York elected officials traveled to Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention. We sit down with Jasmine Gripper, co-director of the New York Working Families Party, to unpack the Working Families Part decision to support Vice President Kamala Harris. State Sen. Julia Salazar, Chair of the Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, joins us to discuss the decision by DOCCS to close 2 upstate prisons.

On This Week's Edition - Under newly-signed legislation, small craft manufacturers will be able to ship cider, spirts and meads directly to consumers across the state. We discuss the impact of this legislation and its path to getting signed with State Sen. James Skoufis (D-Flushing).T he Hudson River is one of New York's treasure but its treatment is far from perfect. In the latest episode of NY&Climate, Producer Dana Wright unpacks how climate change and pollution are impacting the historic river.

On this Week's Edition - Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo testified before Congress on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and nursing homes. The presidential race is in full swing. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump had their first debate - complete with personal jabs and sparring over immigration, the economy and reproductive rights. New York State Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs joins us to discuss the energy around the Harris campaign and plans for the final weeks ahead of election day. It was the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attack on the twin towers in New York City. Reporter Elise Kline spoke with survivors and experts to unpack the tragic event and its lingering effects

On This Week's Edition - Apart from the historic presidential election, New Yorkers also have an important decision to make on the ballot this year with the Equal Rights Amendment. To discuss the impact of the measure and plans to educate voters ahead of election day, we spoke with State Sen. Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan). The new school year is officially underway. SUNY Chancellor John King talks how the vision will come to life this year and plans to secure financial aid for SUNY next year.

On This Week's Edition - New York City Mayor Eric Adams faces criminal charges of conspiracy, bribery and fraud. State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D-Senate Health Committee) talks his bill to stop the changes to CDPAP and improve the program. New York state is not on track to meet it's environmental goals set forth by the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Act.

On This Week's Edition - Election Day is in less that one week! NY&Voting examines the factors that discourage people from voting and how the state is working to improve access to the ballots. A New York Supreme Court Judge ruled that the state's even-year election law was unconstitutional. We spoke with State Sen. James Skoufis (D-Orange County) to discuss the ruling and plans for appeal. Casting one's ballot comes with preparation and planning. Elise Kline shares some tips from her trip to the board of elections for a comprehensive voter guide.

Former President Donald Trump will be the 47th President after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in a decisive victory. Austin Jefferson, of City and State, Raga Justin, of the Times Union and David Lombardo of the Capitol Pressroom joins us to discuss results for the presidential and NY congressional races. A deep dive on voter turnout in New York State from the polls on election day

On This Week's Edition - Congestion Pricing is back! This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new congestion pricing plan in New York City set to begin in January. New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang joins us to unpack the work of the office, including a report calling on the state department of correction and community supervision to modernize its record-keeping practices to comply with the HALT Act. It's been over a year since the October 7th attack, marking the start of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. We dive into the state's response to student protests of the war on college campuses.

In This Week's Edition - President-elect Donald Trump plans to eliminate the federal education department and send all education needs back to the states. Meanwhile, the Rockefeller Institute is looking at ways to modernize the foundation aid formula and issue a report on December 1st. Melinda Person, President of the New York State United Teachers, joins us to discuss. Catalytic converter theft has been an ongoing issue across the country and here in New York State. State Sen. Sean Ryan (D-Buffalo) joins us to unpack a bill that would require converters be marked with serial numbers.

In this episode of New York NOW, we explore 100 years of New York State Parks and look at their legacy through the lens of conservation, diversity, and history. Commissioner Randy Simons reflects on the evolution and future of New York State Parks, while Chief Diversity Officer Yolanda Bostic Williams discusses the "All Are Welcome" campaign and efforts to make parks more inclusive and accessible.