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.

NY migrant relocation program quietly fades from spotlight

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.

State opioid settlement dollars slow to reach providers

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.

NY gun control law at risk in Supreme Court case

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.

Expanding addiction services at no extra cost

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

Assembly judiciary chair weighs in on indictment of AG Tish 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.

Democratic takeaways from Election Day

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.

State librarian preserving Capitol history

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.

Getting to know a member of the state Board of Regents

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.

State cannabis regulator discusses oversight compliance

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."

The downsides of an expansion of socialism

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.

NY migrant relocation program quietly fades from spotlight

The Capitol Pressroom