This year, the holiday season in NYC has been shadowed by the nation’s massive economic downturn. Hear how the financial crunch might hurt both the MTA’s plans and struggling nonprofits. Get Congressman Rangel’s take on the expected stimulus package from DC. Check out Barneys’ holiday window designs. Watch program now.

In a collaboration with PBS’ Blueprint America, reporter Rick Karr goes underground to take a look at what the MTA’s financial crisis could mean in terms of service cuts, fare hikes, and the system’s major capital projects.
Should there be tolls on the East River bridges to pay for mass transit? Take Thirteen’s poll here.
Also: more interviews with MTA engineers.
Runtime: 0:08:50

Host Rafael Pi Roman sits down with Congressman Charles Rangel to discuss the stimulus plan expected from Washington, as well as the allegations of ethical lapses that have been swirling around him.
See the web-only, extended version of the interview here.
Runtime: 0:06:31

Society Reporter Amanda Gordon takes a look at the holiday galas that many charitable organizations depend on to survive, and how a decline in giving may affect these causes.
Runtime: 0:05:12

Barney’s creative director Simon Doonan shares his vision for this year’s holiday windows and how retailers need to be “more irresistible than ever”.
Runtime: 0:01:55

(Originally aired 12/16/2008)