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Legislative session winds down this week

POLITICS

Several issues are still on the table as the legislative session winds down this week. Capital Tonight's Nick Reisman is in Albany with more.

4:59 PM

Sit down with U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara

POLITICS

Governor Andrew Cuomo has been pushing hard for some sort of ethics and campaign finance reform since the string of lawmaker arrests earlier this spring. At the center of those investigations was U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara who called public corruption rampant in Albany Now, with legislators set to possibly pass some reform measures, our Capital Tonight host Liz Benjamin sat down with Bharara to talk about what he thinks is the best way to clean up Albany.

06/17/2013 10:10 PM

Obama salutes fathers; GOP focuses on student loan interest rates

POLITICS

President Obama took some time this weekend to salute the fathers all across America. Obama said being an involved parent is the most important job in the world. Meanwhile, republicans touched upon the student loan interest rates issue during their weekly address.

Updated 06/17/2013 09:44 PM

24th Congressional District candidates debate

YNN and the Campbell Public Affairs Institute at Syracuse University extended an invitation for the three candidates running for the 24th Congressional District to debate. Two of them accepted our offer: Republican incumbent Ann Marie Buerkle and Green Party candidate Ursula Rozum. Democrat Dan Maffei declined our invitation, citing concerns with the format we utilized. You can watch the debate between Buerkle and Rozum below

21st Congressional District Debate: Owens vs. Doheny

The candidates running for the newly drawn 21st Congressional District debated on Thursday night. You can watch the entire debate inside this story.

27th Congressional District Debate: Hochul vs. Collins

Click here to watch the 27th Congressional District debate between incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Chris Collins in its entirety.

U.S. Senate Debate: Gillibrand vs. Long

Watch the full U.S. Senate debate between Democratic incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand and Republican challenger Wendy Long. The exclusive YNN debate was held at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs.

18th Congressional District Debate: Hayworth vs. Maloney

Watch the YNN-sponsored debate at Marist College between Republican incumbent Nan Hayworth and Democratic challenger Sean Patrick Maloney in the race for the 18th Congressional District.

115th Assembly District: Three vying for Assembly seat

It's a three way race in the North Country in the battle for the 115th Assembly District. With just a few days before Election Day, our Barry Wygel breaks down the candidates.

48th State Senate race: Ritchie vs. Tresidder

It's a race between two women who both believe they're exactly what Albany needs. One, the incumbent, says in her two years there, the state has gotten back on its feet. The other, a newcomer to state politics, says the capital is no better than it was two years ago and the state needs an idealistic change. Our Brian Dwyer has more on the battle for New York's 48th State Senate seat.

Onondaga County Family Court Judge: Cecile vs. Kilmartin

Candidates are making their final pushes before the election Tuesday. In the race for Family Court Judge, candidates are vying to fill the seat vacated by Bryan Hedges in April. Family Court covers the juvenile court system and other domestic issues. It's Republican Pat Kilmartin versus Democrat Julie Cecile. Our Katie Gibas introduces us to both candidates and tells us where they stand on the issues.

101st Assembly District: Tenney facing Carter

Election day is less than a week away. The new 101st assembly district runs from the Mohawk Valley to the Hudson Valley. It creates a district with unique and diverse needs. Two people are running for the seat. Incumbent Republican Claudia Tenney and Democrat challenger Dan Carter. Cara Thomas introduces us to both candidates.

21st Congressional District: A closer look at the race for the new New York 21st

Stretching from Watertown to Glens Falls, through the Adirondacks and Plattsburgh, the newly drawn 21st Congressional District is the biggest in New York State. The battle for the seat is just as big. A rematch from two years ago will see Plattsburgh Democrat Bill Owens fighting to keep the job and Watertown businessman Matt Doheny hoping to do what he couldn't in 2010. Our Brian Dwyer takes a closer look at both men and examines how this race is much different than the previous one.

22nd Congressional District: Dan Lamb interview

Democrat Dan Lamb is vying for the 22nd Congressional District against Republican incumbent Richard Hanna. YNN offered both candidates an opportunity to debate, but Rep. Hanna declined. Since Lamb agreed, YNN offered the challenger the opportunity for a longer one-on-one interview. Our Bill Carey spoke with Lamb to find out where he stands on the issues.

Onondaga County Court Judge: Cuffy, Miller vying for position

Voters will be making important choices next week. In Onondaga County, two men are hoping to become the next County Court Judge. Our Iris St. Meran introduces us to the candidates who have a wealth of experience.

Battle for the 22nd Congressional District seat

Voters in the new 22nd Congressional District are preparing to make their decision next week on who their representative in Congress will be. The race pits republican incumbent Richard Hanna against democrat challenger Dan Lamb, a former aide to long time congressman Maurice Hinchey.

23rd Congressional District: Incumbent Reed takes on challenger Shinagawa

Voters in the newly formed 23rd Congressional District have just over a week to decide who they want to represent them in Washington. As our Bill Mich tells us, Congressman Tom Reed and his challenger Nate Shinagawa have been campaigning across the region with both keyed in on one crucial issue: Jobs.

22nd Congressional District: Hanna, Lamb square off

As for the race itself, Hanna and Lamb bring two very different backgrounds to the table.
Lamb, a long-time Congressional advisor, says his experience is what Washington needs.
Hanna, a career businessman, says he's only temporarily in Washington to affect change.
Our Andrew Sorensen outlines the differences between the two as they near closer to the finish.

Cortland Co. District Attorney: Candidates face off

The race for Cortland County District Attorney is heating up. The candidates met Tuesday for a final forum before the vote. Our Tamara Lindstrom has more.

123rd State Assembly District: Lupardo and Lewis debate issues

While the national presidential debates are making headlines, it's the battle for some state offices that could make a difference to you at home. In Broome County, the race for the newly created 123rd State Assembly District was the talker Tuesday. Incumbent Donna Lupardo faces a challenge from Republican Julie Lewis. The two faced off at the Binghamton Rotary Club. Our Melissa Kakareka was there.

Capital Tonight Preview

The final week of session, and the newest Siena poll.

06/17/2013 01:38 PM

Budget deal in the works

While there is a budget deal in the works, there is still some work to be done. Capital Tonight's Nick Reisman has been covering the budget talks. He has more from the capitol.

03/22/2013 03:22 PM

Cuomo refusing to budge on revising women's equality bill

Even with opposition to the abortion point of Governor Andrew Cuomo's women's equality bill mounting, Cuomo is refusing to budge. With the latest from the Capitol, here's YNN's Zack Fink.

06/17/2013 09:24 PM

Supreme Court issues decisions on two cases impacting criminal justice system

The Supreme Court on Monday issued decisions in two cases that have broad implications for the criminal justice system. Our Washington, D.C. bureau reporter Geoff Bennett has the story.

06/17/2013 09:09 PM

Supreme Court strikes down Arizona voting law

The Supreme Court struck down an Arizona law requiring prospective voters to prove they're citizens. It comes as voting rights advocates wait for a ruling on the fate of the Voting Rights Act. Michael Scotto has the story.

06/17/2013 08:34 PM

Lawsuit aims to bring "Happy Birthday" song back to public domain

16 little words are the cause of a big fight in court this week. One documentary company said the "Happy Birthday" song should be returned to the public domain, which means everyone, from TV shows to local restaurants, could use it. But Warner/Chappell Music, which claims the rights to the song, have their reason for fighting -- $2 million, which is how much they make on the song every year. Our very own Legal Eagle, Paul DerOhannesian is here this morning to sort through this court battle.

06/16/2013 02:10 PM

ACLU filed suit against government program for obtaining call records

The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit in New York this week over the government’s controversial program to collect call records of Americans. The group said the program violates both anti-terror laws, as well as the constitution. Our very own Legal Eagle, Paul DerOhannesian is here to sort through the battle.

06/16/2013 02:05 PM

Cuomo's tax free plan getting backlash from Texas' governor

Governor Andrew Cuomo's Tax Free New York proposal to decrease taxes for business owners and employees is getting some backlash from Texas Governor Rick Perry. Capital Tonight's Nick Reisman has more on the story.

06/14/2013 09:00 PM

Another lawsuit filed against Silver

Following the Vito Lopez scandal, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is now being sued for over $100,000 to reimburse taxpayers. YNN's Zack Fink explains.

06/14/2013 07:17 PM

Espada sentenced to five years in prison on tax fraud charges

Former senator Pedro Espada will spend five years in prison. The one time Majority Leader was sentenced Friday on tax fraud charges. This is a separate case from his conviction on corruption and embezzlement charges for stealing from his taxpayer funded health care clinic. And after Friday's court appearance, the judge offered up a very harsh assessment of Espada. Grace Rauh reports.

06/14/2013 07:14 PM

Supreme Court rules that genes can't be patented

The Supreme Court has not yet ruled on same-sex marriage or Affirmative Action, but on Thursday, it did rule that human genes cannot be patented. It's a major decision that could have a sweeping impact on scientific research and lead to cheaper genetic testing. Michael Scotto has the story.

06/13/2013 09:48 PM

New developments in Women's Equality Act legislation

It appears as though there will be some changes to Governor Andrew Cuomo's Women's Equality Act. The women's groups that have been working on the bill say they are willing to include a ban on partial-birth abortion in the bill, even though it's already illegal at the federal level. But it's not clear if this will change any senator's minds about voting in favor of the act. Capital Tonight's Nick Reisman reports.

Updated 06/13/2013 07:52 PM

Gillibrand's bill on cracking down on military sexual assaults in trouble

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is vowing to fight on, after a top Senate Democrat killed legislation she spearheaded aimed at cracking down on military sexual assaults. Washington, D.C. bureau reporter Michael Scotto has the story.

06/12/2013 07:49 PM

Cuomo introduces proposal aimed at regaining public trust

Governor Andrew Cuomo has unveiled a proposal aimed at regaining that public trust. It focuses on fighting public corruption, voting reform and most notably, campaign finance reform. It calls for the state to adopt a system that parallels New York City's. Zack Fink explains.

06/11/2013 09:29 PM

Immigration reform being voted on in Washington, D.C.

The immigration reform bill survived two key procedural votes Tuesday, paving the way for debate on legislation that aims to strengthen the border and put 11 million undocumented immigrants on a pathway to citizenship. Washington, D.C. bureau reporter Michael Scotto has the story.

Updated 06/11/2013 08:58 PM

Women's rights agenda still being discussed

With session ending in Albany next week, advocates are stepping up the pressure when it comes to lobbying for issues, particularly when it comes to Governor Andrew Cuomo's women's rights agenda. But the ongoing fallout from a sexual harassment scandal in the Assembly has complicated things. Capital Tonight's Nick Reisman reports.

06/10/2013 08:55 PM

Obama facing criticism for high tech government snooping

President Obama is unapologetic about revelations over high tech government snooping. He said the government is just gathering phone numbers and duration of calls and insists the program only targets foreigners. But it's opened him up to criticism and jokes President Bush faced when the surveillance programs first came to light in 2006. Our very own Legal Eagle, Paul DerOhannesian, has more.

06/09/2013 01:52 PM

Jury selection begins for Zimmerman case on Monday

It's been 16 months since George Zimmerman shot and killed Trayvon Martin in Florida. On Monday, jury selection begins for Zimmerman's second-degree murder trial. Our very own Legal Eagle, Paul DerOhannesian, has more.

06/09/2013 01:48 PM

Obama urges lawmakers to pass immigration reform, GOP focuses on student debt

President Barack Obama is calling on lawmakers in his weekly address to act quickly on immigration reform. The President said our current system is out of date, and not only threatens national security, but also hurts our economy.

06/08/2013 05:28 PM

Push to expand Governor’s tax free proposal

There's a new push to expand Governor Andrew Cuomo's tax free proposal beyond upstate. Zack Fink explains.

06/06/2013 09:12 PM

Senate blocks two measures aimed at keeping student loan interest rates from doubling

The Senate blocked two measures Thursday aimed at keeping interest rates on student loans from doubling on July 1st. As Washington, D.C. bureau reporter Michael Scotto reports, there's no fix in sight, like the one reached during an election year deal last June.

06/06/2013 08:23 PM

Lopez scandal still making headlines in Albany

While many Albany lawmakers are still trying to put the Vito Lopez sexual harassment scandal behind them, new explosive details in the story are coming to light. As Zack fink explains, the handling of the case by State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver continues to be a major issue in the State Capitol.

06/05/2013 07:31 PM