Much of the nation held its breath, sighed in relief then erupted in joy and Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Kamala Harris took their oaths of office on Wednesday.

When fears of a possible domestic terror attack dissipated, the new administration took its place, celebrated by musical superstars, a surprisingly brilliant young poet and a massive fireworks display.

Then the real work began. The COVID-19 crisis, the economic meltdown, the fight for racial justice and immigration reform didn't disappear at noon. 

New York is now waiting to see if the Biden administration will succeed where the last administration failed. 

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand joined In Focus to talk about the issues facing New Yorkers, issues that will not go away without federal help: dwindling vaccine supplies are causing centers to close and those in need to be turned away. Unemployment, small business closures, rampant food insecurity and an outcry for police reform are all plaguing the city and the state. It looks like the feds are already stepping up, raising SNAP allowances and creating a COVID-19 plan, but will help come soon enough?