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Episodes
- The path to zero-emission school buses in New York
New York State aims to transition to zero-emission school buses by 2035, a mandate that is being implemented and discussed with Adam Ruder, director of clean transportation for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
- Environmentalist want to curb pollution around warehouses
Environmentalists are concerned about pollution from delivery vehicles servicing the growing number of warehouses. Pending legislation seeks to address these environmental risks.
- Checking in with Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi
Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, Chair of the Assembly Children and Families Committee, spoke about regulatory changes aimed at improving behavioral health services for children. He also discussed the state budget and the budget process.
- Preserving the sturgeon in the Hudson River
The latest stories from features an exploration of the efforts to preserve and grow the Atlantic and Shortnose sturgeon populations in the Hudson River. The episode includes insights from fisheries biologist Amanda Higgs.
- Some non-profit cemeteries at risk of abandonment
The episode features David Fleming discussing issues facing non-profit cemeteries in New York State, focusing on long-term financing and operational challenges.
- Promoting specialized sickle cell disease treatment
The Latest Stories From discusses ongoing legislation aimed at promoting specialized sickle cell disease treatment for New Yorkers. Ginger Davis, president of the Sickle Cell Thalassemia Patients Network, shares insights on the legislative…
- State budget kind of, sort of comes together
Dan Clark, author of Capitol Confidential, details the state budget's progress on May 8, 2026. Despite ongoing questions from lawmakers, the budget is nearing completion.
- Assessing the landscape of mental health care in New York
New York Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan talks about the need for mental health services in New York and the Hochul administration's response to meet demand, in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month.
- Financial industry leery of state's 'buy now, pay later' rules
State financial regulators are developing rules for the "buy now, pay later" lending sector. Miranda Margowsky, head of communications for the Financial Technology Association, discusses what these regulations might entail.
- Vicious cycle at intersection of criminal justice and mental health
This episode examines the cycle experienced by individuals facing criminal charges who are found not guilty due to a mental health condition. Guests Garrett Smith and Jayette Lansbury discuss reforms for the mental health system.
- Jeffrey Epstein victims make pitch for state law update
State Senator Zellnor Myrie discusses proposed updates to New York's sex trafficking laws, incorporating feedback from victims of Jeffrey Epstein during a legislative committee meeting.
- State looks for new green power projects to promote
New York State is initiating a solicitation to find new large-scale solar and wind power projects. These projects could be eligible for ratepayer subsidies, with discussions involving Doreen Harris, president and CEO of NYSERDA.
- Democrat vying for red Assembly seat pushes progressive agenda
Democrat Mary Finneran discusses her campaign for a deep-red Assembly seat, detailing her path to victory and the progressive policies she would champion if elected.
- Keith Powers looks to take on new challenges in Albany
Assemblymember Keith Powers, a Manhattan Democrat, is featured in this episode. He won a special election earlier in the year and previously served eight years on the New York City Council. Powers is now looking to take on new challenges i…
- Majority politics hinders idea to recruit volunteer first responders
Assemblymember Joe Angelino explains his initiative to encourage volunteer first responders and the difficulties in advancing legislation from the minority party.
- Uncertain regulatory future of online prediction markets
The episode discusses the evolving regulatory landscape for online prediction markets, which are drawing attention from New York state regulators and lawmakers. Guest Jimmy Vielkind, a Capitol reporter, provides context on the situation.
- Assemblymember Reyes promotes healthy food choices
Assemblymember Karines Reyes discusses a package of bills designed to help New Yorkers make healthy food decisions.
- Bruce Blakeman on energy costs, child poverty and the art of compromise
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman outlines his plans for lowering energy costs and addressing child poverty. He also details his strategy for working with the Democratic majorities in the state legislature.
- State taps major events czar to oversee New York's busy events calendar
New York's Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed former NYC Council Member Justin Brannan as her senior director for major event operations. He will oversee the state's event calendar, focusing on upcoming events like the World Cup and Ameri…
- More transparency considered for state government lobbying
This episode discusses potential legislation that would require lobbyists and their clients to provide greater detail on their positions regarding pending legislation. The discussion is an excerpt from Dispatches from Planet Albany.
- Coalition calls for more train options north of Poughkeepsie
Steve Strauss, Executive Director of the Empire State Passengers Association, advocates for extending Metro North train service north of Poughkeepsie, discussing potential implementation strategies.
- Federal weatherization dollars at risk of diversion by state
New York State Community Action Association CEO Tim Nichols is asking the state to reconsider diverting federal funds designated for home weatherization. This program helps low-income New Yorkers reduce energy consumption and utility bills.
- State supports to prevent child abuse
Melanie Hartzog, President and CEO of The New York Foundling, explains programs aimed at preventing child abuse and the support systems necessary for survivors.
- Strengthening rent protections for mobile park residents
A pending state measure aims to enhance rent increase limitations for mobile park residents. The potential update's progress and implications are discussed with Yvonne Maldonado, a former New York organizer for Manufactured Housing Action.
- Assemblyman Michael Cashman talks safety in prisons
Assemblymember Michael Cashman, representing Plattsburgh, shared his ideas for improving safety within New York
- Doctors defend out-of-network billing resolution process
The Latest Stories revisits the dispute resolution process for determining reimbursement rates for out-of-network emergency services. Guest Dr. Thomas Lee, executive vice president of the Medical Society of the State of New York, discusses…
- 3-Minute Opera: Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin
In this episode, WQXR host Jeff Spurgeon summarizes Tchaikovsky's opera Eugene Onegin in three minutes. The summary focuses on the tragic aspects of the opera.
- The wild wild west of automated license plate readers
Assemblymember Pamela Hunter discusses the need for rules and regulations governing the use and data storage of automated license plate readers, highlighting concerns about the current unregulated landscape.
- Push to preemptively ban octopus farming
Allie Taylor, President of Voters for Animal Rights, explains the reasoning behind New York potentially banning octopus farming before it becomes a commercial practice.
- Got a capital project? Robert Rodriguez might finance it
The episode features Robert Rodriguez, president and CEO of the New York State Dormitory Authority, discussing the financing of the state government's capital priorities. Topics include the evolution of mandates, experience with marijuana…
- Cookware companies rally against Teflon restrictions in New York
The latest stories from discusses proposed legislation in New York that would restrict the sale of nonstick pots and pans made with Teflon. Kevin Messner, a representative of the Cookware Sustainability Alliance and Groupe SEB, shares insi…
- LGBTQ advocates wary of Hochul's child online safety agenda
New York lawmakers' plan to protect children online may have unintended consequences for the LGBTQ community, according to Shae Gardner of LGBT Tech. The policy director voiced concerns about the potential negative effects on LGBTQ New Yor…
- Formula restrictions eyed for beauty products in New York
New York is considering legislation to restrict chemicals in beauty products from April 27, 2026. Oriene Shin, a safety advocate at Consumer Reports, discusses the potential restrictions.
- The challenge of taxing high-end, second homes in NYC
Governor Kathy Hochul supports a surcharge on NYC homes valued over $5 million to aid city finances. Martha Stark, former NYC finance commissioner, joins to discuss the logistical challenges of this proposal.
- Senate transportation chair discusses dangerous drivers
State Senate Transportation Committee Chair Jeremy Cooney was interviewed about keeping New Yorkers safe from dangerous drivers. Topics included speed camera deployment, penalties for injuring road workers, and restrictions for "super spee…
- Shortening prison sentences with good behavior
This episode discusses legislation that would allow incarcerated New Yorkers to shorten their prison sentences by demonstrating good behavior. Guests include Katie Schaffer, director of advocacy and organizing at Center for Community Alter…
- Senate GOP champion wishes of crime victims
New York State Senator Dean Murray is proposing a package of bills aimed at supporting crime victims, asserting that current policies could better reflect the desires of victims and their families.
- Report prompts debate on High Peaks crowd management
Keene Town Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson discusses a report recommending attendance caps for the High Peaks region and how to manage visitors.
- New York Inspector General discusses workers' compensation fraud
New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang discusses the findings of her office's 2025 report on workers' compensation fraud.
- Federal lawsuit looks to revive fracking in New York
A federal lawsuit has been filed aiming to potentially revive fracking in New York's Southern Tier region, where it has been prohibited for over ten years. The details of this legal challenge are explored with Yvonne Hennessey, a partner a…
- State weighs future of R&D tax credit tied to federal credit
New York policymakers are deciding whether to separate the state
- Prolific 'forever chemicals' find their way into produce
Adrienne Esposito addresses the issue of toxic forever chemicals found in produce, emphasizing the need to stop their spread at the origin.
- Charter schools invite concern from public school stakeholders
The episode addresses concerns from New York's teachers' union and the Council of School Superintendents regarding the authorization process for charter schools. Bob Lowry, deputy director for advocacy, research, and communications, provid…
- New York's government makes municipalities beholden to Albany
John Kaehny, Executive Director of Reinvent Albany, discusses the power dynamics between New York's municipalities and state government. He argues for granting more authority to local governments.
- Assemblymember Woerner looks to prevent problem gambling
Assemblymember Carrie Woerner addressed potential state actions to prevent problem gambling as gambling opportunities expand. The discussion took place on April 22, 2026.
- Legislation would curb involuntary drug tests for pregnant women
Legislation is being proposed to curb involuntary drug tests for pregnant women, emphasizing the need for informed consent. Dr. Erinma Ukoha, an OB-GYN, discusses the issue.
- State regulators urged to preserve Adirondack remoteness
John Sheehan, Communications Director for the Adirondack Council, presented arguments on April 22, 2026, advocating for state regulators to implement measures that would preserve the remote qualities of the Adirondack Park.
- Limited labor protections for high-level college athletes
College athletes can now be paid, but government regulations have not advanced at the same pace. This episode features Richard Winsten discussing potential rules.
- Hochul wants 'probable cause' standard for ICE engagement
Senator Andrew Gounardes explains his concerns regarding Governor Kathy Hochul's initiative to change the criteria for federal immigration officials' interaction with local law enforcement.
- Checking in with the state Office of Victims Services
State Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson discusses challenges from the Trump administration, new support avenues for crime victims, and funding difficulties for community organizations.