The Capitol Pressroom

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.

October 31, 2025- New York Independent System Operator's Kevin Lanahan discusses a reliability assessment for the New York City area suggesting that the region's power supply and demand could be out of whack as early as next year.

October 31, 2025- We discuss the governor's new choice to lead the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, Kathy Moser, with Paul Steely White, executive director of Parks and Trails New York.

Oct. 31, 2025 - Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado talks about implementing the New York Health Act, providing relief to can and bottle redemption centers, and "Medical Aid in Dying" legislation allowing terminally ill New Yorkers to end their lives with the help of a doctor.