October 8, 2025- In an excerpt from Dispatches from Planet Albany, we explore how advocates for New Yorkers with disabilities are hoping to wield more clout at the Capitol. Our guest is Mike Schweinsburg, president of the 504 Democratic club, which endorsed Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado's bid for governor.

Disability advocates look to flex political power

October 28, 2025- Assemblymember Jake Blumencranz, a Long Island Republican, explains why he thinks the high-profile seizure and euthanasia of Peanut the squirrel in 2024 warrants reforming the procedures for state environmental conservation officers.

'Peanut's Law' would reform animal seizure practices

October 28, 2025- We explore how the state's system of reimbursing domestic violence shelters could be updated to help more families in crisis. Our guests is Joan Gerhardt director of Public Policy and Advocacy for New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

State payment system impedes domestic violence services

October 29, 2025- Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, a Hudson Valley Democrat, discusses legislation making it easier for communities outside of New York City to demonstrate a housing crisis in order to implement pro-tenant protections.

Paving the way for tenant protections outside of NYC

October 29, 2025- A new law responding to the threat of foreclosures by homeowners' associations and condo boards could have been designed with more consumer protections, according to Jacob Inwald, director of litigation for economic justice at Legal Services NYC.

State adopts expanded foreclosure notice

October 29, 2025- State Sen. Pamela Helming, a Finger Lakes Republican, makes the case for creating a risk-assessment tool that judges can use for making pre-trial detention decisions about criminal defendants.

Risk assessment proposed for pre-trial detention decisions

October 29, 2025- State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara Guinn explains what's at stake for nearly three million New Yorkers because of the Trump administration's decision to halt food assistance for low-income families. She also outlines the state's initial response to this crisis and considers future steps.

Trump administration pausing SNAP benefits in November

October 30, 2025- State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon talks about an increase in maximum unemployment benefits and responds to concerns about the administration of New York's unemployment system.

State labor commissioner discusses unemployment benefits

October 30, 2025- Assemblymember Karines Reyes, a Bronx Democrat and registered nurse, discusses her legislation to define a role for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in New York's health care system.

Letting highly-trained nurses work to their full extent

October 30, 2025- After years of lobbying and legislative wins in Albany, consumer advocates are celebrating a reduction in medical debt being amassed by New Yorkers. We explore the landscape and future steps to reduce health care costs with Elisabeth Benjamin, vice president of Health Initiatives for the Community Service Society of New York.

Shrinking the medical debt of New Yorkers

October 30, 2025- Democratic state lawmakers and mental health advocates are pushing a package of bills to make mental health services more accessible for New Yorkers using commercial insurance. We discuss the legislation with David Lloyd, chief policy officer for the advocacy group Inseparable.

Disability advocates look to flex political power

The Capitol Pressroom