The Capitol Pressroom

Nov. 13, 2025 - Assemblymember Bill Conrad, a Buffalo Democrat, makes the case for pausing New York's All-Electric Buildings Act, which generally prohibits gas appliances in most new construction starting in 2026.

Nov. 11, 2025- New York State Office of Cannabis Management Chief Medical Officer Dr. June Chin talks about expanding access to medical marijuana and addresses health concerns associated with the legalization of recreational marijuana.

Nov. 11, 2025- In order to give New Yorkers time to grieve the death of a loved one, Assemblyman Patrick Carroll, a Hudson Valley Democrat, has proposed legislation expanding how sick leave can be used.

Nov. 12, 2025- We check in on the state's efforts to spur innovation and promote startups with Ben Verschueren, executive director of Empire State Development's Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Nov. 12, 2025- Assembly Higher Education Committee Chair Alicia Hyndman, a Queens Democrat, talks about the future of virtual learning in New York's colleges and universities.

Nov. 12, 2025- We explore the work of upstate utilities serving nearly 2 million New Yorkers, including upgrading their transmission capacity and investing in infrastructure. Our guest is Trish Nilsen, CEO of New York State Electric & Gas and Rochester Gas & Electric.

Nov. 10, 2025- Socialism is coming to the Gracie Mansion with the mayoral election of Zohran Mamdani, but could it ever become more widespread in New York. We consider the potential pitfalls of expansion with Ken Girardin, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of the report "Socialism on the Hudson."

Nov. 10, 2055- New York gambling regulators are looking to stop Kalshi, an online predictions market, from promoting and processing de facto sports wagers without a license. We explore the emergence of this platform and the showdown in the Empire State with Steve Ruddock, a gambling industry consultant and commentator.

Nov. 7, 2025 - We explore some of the recent headlines from the state Office of Cannabis Management, including their crackdown of a Long Island testing lab and a business accused of renting out its license. Our guest is Stephen Geskey, executive deputy director for compliance, labs, trade practices, and licensing at the OCM.

November 7, 2025- We get to know Patrick Mannion, a representative from central New York and the North Country on the state Board of Regents. He talks about his role and some of the important education issues being addressed by the state Education Department.

November 7, 2025- State Librarian Lauren Moore visits the studio to discuss the state's "Red Book," including a copy from more than 100 years ago, and makes the case for investing more in the preservation efforts at the state library in Albany.

November 6, 2025- If necessity is the mother of invention, could a tight state budget year lead to some creative ideas for doing more without spending more? That's what's being pitched for the delivery of addiction services in New York by Rob Kent, former counsel at the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

November 6, 2025- Assembly Judiciary Chair Charles Lavine, a Long Island Democrat, discusses the federal fraud charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Nov. 6, 2025 - Bryan Lesswing, a former adviser to Gov. Kathy Hochul, breaks down some of the headlines from Election Day and considers what the outcomes mean for 2026.

November 5, 2025- We check in with Debra Pantin, chair of New York State Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Board, for an update on the distribution of funds to combat the opioid epidemic and discuss the board's recommendations for 2026.

November 5, 2025-A gun control case before the US Supreme Court could have implications for New York's law restricting firearms on private property. We discuss the underlying law and what's at stake with Robert Spitzer, a member of the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium at the Rockefeller Institute of Government.

November 5, 2025- Gov. Kathy Hochul is committing to spend an additional $35 million on Planned Parenthood clinics in New York to make up a drop in federal funds pushed through by President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans. We discuss the support and next steps with Robin Chappelle Golston, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts.

November 5, 2025- The Trump administration is discontinuing an annual study that tracks food insecurity around the country, which comes as his administration initially refused to make SNAP benefits available. We discuss the importance of data and steps being taken to make up the lost food assistance with Natasha Pernicka, executive director for The Alliance for a Hunger Free New York.

November 4, 2025- Assembly Racing & Wagering Committee Chair Carrie Woerner, a capital region Democrat, discusses increased protections against problem gambling related to mobile sports wagering, including restrictions on marketing. We also talk about unregulated gambling options online and prohibiting certain bets prone to corruption.

November 4, 2025- Skipping a home inspection to sweeten a prospective buyer's offer has become more common in recent years, but home inspectors warn that this comes with great risk. We discuss this trend and potential safeguards with Larry Ames, a board director for the New York State Association of Home Inspectors.

November 4, 2025- Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, a Rochester-area Democrat, makes the case for her new allergen labeling requirement on food packaged and sold by New York retailers.

Nov. 3, 2025 - New York Focus reporter Isabelle Taft explores the successes and shortcomings of New York's Migrant Relocation Assistance Program, which has largely receded from the spotlight.

Nov. 3, 2025 - New York municipalities looking to grow their housing stock can look to the New York City suburb of New Rochelle for track record of what works. The city's mayor, Yadira Ramos-Herbert, explains how their multi-year commitment to new homes has paid dividends.

November 3, 2025- The Children's Agenda Chief Program Officer Brigit Hurley provides an update on the state's effort to deliver early intervention services in a timely fashion, including cuts to funding by the Hochul administration that prompted a lawsuit by service providers.

October 31, 2025- Paleontological Research Institution Director Dr. Warren Allmon talks about the work his organization does in the Finger Lakes and explains why they're in desperate need of funding to keep their door open, including a natural history museum.