Cuomo administration surprises child care providers with mask mandate for...
May 20, 2021 – While mask mandates are being relaxed in most of the state, child care providers and camp operators got the news this week from the Cuomo administration that they’ll need to keep masks...
View ArticleState pandemic advisor warns that relaxing mask rules is a ‘blunder’
May 21, 2021 – New York passed a major milestone in the fight against COVID-19 this week, with Gov. Andrew Cuomo relaxing the state’s mask mandates, following the latest CDC guidance. But the decision...
View ArticleRetailers adapt to evolving mask rules
May 21, 2021 – Retail Council of New York State President and CEO Melissa O’Connor joins the show to explain how her members are adapting to this brave new world, where vaccinated New Yorkers won’t be...
View ArticlePolicing the murky world of quasi-governmental entities in New York
May 25, 2021 – State Authorities Budget Office Director Jeff Pearlman discusses pending legislation that could give his government watchdog additional teeth and reflects on his unique position as an...
View ArticleLegislative update with Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal
May 26, 2021 – Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, a Manhattan Democrat, joins the show to discuss some of her pending bills, including restrictions on plastic straws in restaurants, making it easier for...
View ArticleLong ignored septic systems endangers Lake George’s health
May 26, 2021 – The Queen of American Lakes appears to be under attack from failing nearby septic systems. Eric Siy, executive director of The Fund for Lake George, makes the case for more oversight and...
View ArticleDemocrats’ criminal justice agenda ‘up in the air’
May 26, 2021 – Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections Committee Chair Julia Salazar provides a status update on pending bills that would overhaul the parole system in New York and also advocates...
View ArticleBusinesses face major costs as unemployment bill comes due
May 26, 2021 – After paying out billions of dollars in unemployment benefits during the pandemic, the bill is coming due soon, and Business Council of New York State Vice President Ken Pokalsky has...
View ArticleSchool budget voting turnout returns to pre-pandemic lows
May 27, 2021 – New York State School Boards Association Executive Director Robert Schneider breaks down the school budget vote results from earlier this month, and discusses ways to increase the...
View ArticleNew York’s fiscal future takes shape
May 27, 2021 – The newly released (and late) state financial plan sheds new light on New York’s finances. Patrick Orecki, director of state studies for the Citizens Budget Commission, explains what...
View ArticlePet shops push back against ban on retail pet sales
May 27, 2021 – Legislation prohibiting the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits at retail pet shops is making its way through the Capitol, but proponents of the industry say this measure is misguided and...
View ArticleState intervention debated for ’21st Century Jim Crow’ school system
May 28, 2021 – Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, a Rockland County Democrat, discusses his legislation to address the inequities in the East Ramapo Central School District, where the private schools serving...
View ArticleCreation of state marijuana office faces personnel challenges
May 28, 2021 – Ryan Lepore, interim executive director of NYC NORML, which advocates for marijuana consumers in the five boroughs, talks about creating a new state office of cannabis management – as...
View ArticleCriminal defense lawyers oppose DA’s nomination to state’s top court
May 28, 2021 – New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers President Alice Fontier argues that the state senate should reject the nomination of Nassau County District Attorney Madeline...
View ArticleMemorial Day reflections with Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt
May 31, 2021 – Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt enlisted in the Army national Guard after 9/11 and is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The Niagara County Republican talks about...
View ArticleMemorial Day reflections with Derek Coy
May 31, 2021 – New York Health Foundation Veterans’ Health Officer Derek Coy, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, talks about what Memorial Day means to him and much more.
View ArticleMemorial Day reflections with Assemblyman Jake Ashby
May 31, 2021 – Assemblyman Jake Ashby was originally turned away from the Army, but he persisted and eventually earned his commission with the U.S. Army Reserve, rising to the rank of Captain. The...
View ArticleWhat’s a marijuana cooperative? Maybe the perfect fit for New York
June 1, 2021 – As New York gets closer and closer to launching a recreational marijuana market, it’s possible that marijuana cooperatives – owned by workers or shoppers – could be part of the...
View ArticleThe murky world of public relations advocacy
June 1, 2021 – New York Focus Managing Editor Lee Harris shares what she uncovered about a shadowy public relations campaign designed to kill a bill in the Capitol.
View ArticleYoung voters: The 26th Amendment and beyond
June 1, 2021 – In recognition of the upcoming 50th anniversary of the amendment allowing all 18-year-old Americans to vote, NYPIRG Executive Director Blair Horner reflects on what the change meant for...
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