Power & Politics

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Julie Tighe, President of New York League of Conservation Voters, broke down her stance on the Governor signing into law the rescinding of the 100-foot rule to end 2025, and the status of New York's energy policy, and CLCPA compliance, heading into 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Harris talks New Year's prep in Times Square, a new Times Square ball, and the impact of New Year's Eve on the district Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Santa Claus joins Power & Politics to answer the tough questions about Christmas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Kathy Hochul has until Friday, December 19, to sign or veto a package of 10 bills aimed at creating more oversight and transparency within New York State's corrections system. The omnibus package was created in the wake of the deaths of Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi while in custody, and on Wednesday, Senate sponsor Julia Salazar (D–18th Senate District) expressed optimism the Governor would sign the legislation into law, with some changes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NYS Senator Kristen Gonzalez discusses the LOADing Act extension she hopes the Governor signs by Friday, her legislation regarding data center accountability, cybersecurity in elections, and Zohran Mamdani Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the New York State FY2027 Executive Budget due in a little more than a month, New York State Budget Director Blake Washington joined Power & Politics this week. Right now, the Division of Budget is hearing budget recommendations for the next year, while also assessing the State's current fiscal status in FY2026. He says economics have changed since they adopted the FY2026 budget in late Spring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany Mayor Elect/Chief City Auditor Dorcey Applyrs and Tom Dworetsky of Camoin Associates break down the release of the City of Albany Housing Audit. The audit detailed the issues being faced by residents, organizations, developers and elected officials, and provides a tool for Applyrs, as Mayor-Elect, to utilize when she takes office in January. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Irwin Redlener, a pediatrician, discusses the CDC's revised vaccine safety statement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Eschen speaks with Jason Palmer, a venture capitalist and impact investor in this space, who says he has invested in eight companies where AI is a key part of their work. "The biggest reason is because AI is going to transform our economy," he says. "It's going to be more important than electricity, more important than oil and gas. It's actually going to really transform our society. And this is the very beginning of it, and it's the right time to get involved, when there's a new technology and there's so much potential." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dylan Hewitt, a South Glens Falls native who is running for New York's 21st Congressional District seat joined Power & Politics on Thursday. The conversation ranged from his stance on the Government shutdown, the Epstein files, tariffs and trade, immigration, agriculture, Elise Stefanik, and winning as a Democrat in a district dominated by the Republican party for the last decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a comprehensive exclusive interview, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman sat down with CBS6, discussing his potential run for New York Governor, which would include a primary of Elise Stefanik in order to potentially take on incumbent Kathy Hochul Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ken Girardin of the Manhattan Institute talks about Zohran Mamdani's proposals, and if they can be implemented in the midst of the State's current financial situation. He also provides his perspective on the calls to "Tax the Rich". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colin Seeberger, Senior Adviser at the Center for American Progress, joined Power & Politics on Thursday to discuss the 2025 General Election. The Center for American Progress is a progressive think tank based in Washington, D.C. Seeberger also discussed:-Wins for Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey-Impact of Government Shutdown/Donald Trump-Democrats not emulating Mamdani-Face of the Democratic Party-Redistricting Impact on 2026 Midterms-Impact on 2026 Midterms in general Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brett Eby, Republican Candidate for Saratoga County District Attorney, sat down with CBS6's Tom Eschen for a comprehensive conversation as Election Day approaches. Interview conducted 10/24/2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bobby Logan, Democratic Candidate for Saratoga County District Attorney, sat down with CBS6's Tom Eschen for a comprehensive conversation as Election Day gets closer. Interview conducted 10/24/2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the government shutdown began, the U.S. Travel Association website has featured an increasing "Travel Spending Lost Since the Government Shutdown" counter. As of Thursday's conversation, the number had breached $3 billion. Hansen says hotels, small businesses, and a variety of other industries have been impacted. "A billion dollars a week every hour the shutdown goes on," Hansen told CBS6. "It comes from a number of different things, delays, cancelations that we've seen historically during the shutdown, modeling what it's costing us. It's due to government and federal workers not traveling, contractors not traveling, and historically, the largest purchaser of travel services anywhere in the country is the federal government, national parks, which have a huge economic cost as well. And these are just piling up all across the country." The conversation also touched on:-Air traffic controllers-current technology in the airline industry-international travel-Visa Process improvements-major events in next year (2026 World Cup, 250th Anniversary, 2028 Olympics) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Election Day less than two weeks away, Rensselaer County Executive Democratic candidate Tiffani Silverman joined CBS6 for a Town Hall on Wednesday evening. Rensselaer County Executive Republican Steve McLaughlin, who is running for reelection, was invited, but did not participate. CBS6 has opened the invitation for him to field questions from voters up until Election Day. Silverman addressed questions regarding:-Her priorities if elected-County budgeting and taxes-Her financial history-Dunn Landfill-Route 7 traffic solutions-Child Care-And more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trent Griffin-Braaf, a Capital Region business leader and entrepreneur, joined Power & Politics on Thursday. Griffin-Braaf shared his journey of incarceration to his escalation in the business world, founding several successful initiatives along the way. He discussed ventures like the Tech Valley Shuttle and Success Map Initiative, which includes his work with justice-impacted individuals. He also touched on the business climate in Albany, New York State, and impact of policies like the Clean Slate Act. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saratoga Springs Incumbent Mayor John Safford (R) and challenger Saratoga County Supervisor Michele Madigan (D) debate inside the CBS6 Studios on Thursday, October 9th, 2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A day after proposing the final budget of her 12-year tenure as the Mayor of the City of Albany, Kathy Sheehan joined Power & Politics this week. At the same time, the Mayor is also advocating for the Common Council to go back to the pre-2023 inclusionary zoning ordinance, writing a letter to the Council to reconsider their veto override in 2023. Then, the Council approved a measure expanding inclusionary zoning requirements. The discussion also included:-Mayor Sheehan's reaction to the confession, and arrest, of Lorenz Kraus-$500,000 proposed for a Youth Support Hub Pilot Program-Crisis Caseworker Police Officer positions, and new "Director of Wellness" Police Department position-Proposed increases to city official salaries, and positions ahead of new administration in January Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Federal Government is on the verge of a shutdown, as Congressional leaders will need to agree on a stopgap funding plan by midnight on Tuesday. CBS6 spoke with NY-17 Congressman Mike Lawler (R) on Monday: "What's a non negotiable for you at this point that you think you need to hold the line?" "We have passed Continuing Resolutions to keep the government funded year after year after year when Republicans and Democrats have been in charge. This is a straightforward, clean CR to keep the government funded through November 21 so that Congress can finish its appropriations negotiations between the House and the Senate and the White House to pass a final Fiscal Year 26 appropriations package. What has changed here is that Democrats in Washington, and in particular Senate [Minority] Leader Chuck Schumer, have changed their position. They no longer believe in clean CRs. They want to demand a pound of flesh in exchange for their votes, and that's just not the way that government should function. We have a responsibility, as my Democratic colleagues have said, time and again, to keep the government funded to ensure there are no disruptions to things like Social Security or veterans benefits or border security or our military, and to make sure that we are doing the work of the American people. We do not want to have a government shutdown which will create chaos in the marketplace and in our economy, which is totally unwarranted and unnecessary. There is a clean CR on the table that already passed the house. All the Senate has to do is follow their own rules. You need 60 votes to break the filibuster and pass a clean CR, which the Democrats did every time during Joe Biden's presidency. The only difference now is that Donald Trump is president, and Chuck Schumer seemingly is worried about a primary from his left." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the 2026 legislative session approaches, Tom Tatun, Executive Director of the Retired Public Employees Association discusses their legislative priorities. Those include enhanced pension and healthcare benefits, along with COLA increases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Natasha Pernicka discusses the rising service levels at food pantries in the Capital Region, up five percent this year from already record levels last year. She discusses the impact of rising food costs, inflation, and the impending SNAP benefit changes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NYS Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) discusses the recent efforts by Governor Kathy Hochul to have bipartisan stance against political violence, and Walsh's role as Assembly Minority floor leader in that aspect. Also a Family Court attorney, she also discusses the potential for changes to New York's Raise the Age and Bail Reform. We also touch on her involvement in calls for changes to the process of the New York State Draft Energy Plan, and the 2019 Climate Law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite multiple meetings with community leaders, advocates, organizations, & those with experience inside Albany County Correctional Facility claim their voices are not being heard. Silenced Behind Bars discusses the conditions inside Albany Correctional Facility. Participants: Pastor Jim Ketcham The New York State Council of Churches Ta-Sean Murdock, Executive Director of The Center for Law and Justice Roni Minter, Founder The Freedom Unshackled Coalition Lameka King-- family member Gary Ferrand -- Formerly incarcerated Sam Fein-Albany County Legislator (D) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morgan Hook, Democratic Consultant and Partner at BlueJacket Strategies, analyzes Governor Kathy Hochul's endorsement of Zohran Mamdani Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Lizzie Andrus, who took up a project as a high school Sophomore at Shenendehowa to help push for Universal School Meals to its eventual implementation, joined Power & Politics on Thursday. "Growing up in my family we talked so much at the dinner table, so [civics] really had piqued my interest from a young age," Andrus said. "And then I focused on Universal Free Meals, specifically an effort at the end of my sophomore year of high school, because that was when Congress decided, in June of 2022, to end pandemic era federal funding for free meals. And I had noticed that in my transition to high school, throughout freshman and sophomore year, that I had benefited long with a lot of my friends, had benefited with having free breakfast and lunch in school. And so it was more an effort of if this had such high success rates and such great accolades brought forth because of it, why not continue to work?" Andrus, who also won the Gold Award as a part of the Girl Scouts, is currently a Sophomore at Ithaca College Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terry Strada, who lost her husband in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, shares her story on the day of the attacks, and the years since. She also speaks of her advocacy, fighting for accountability and justice for her, and the hundreds of families impacted by the terror attack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

YS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli joined Power & Politics this week, discussing his most recent analysis of the State FY2026 Budget. He touched on the impact of the economic outlook, the potential for federal budget cuts, and the impacts of changes to SNAP and Medicaid at the federal level. DiNapoli also addressed the weight of the New York City Mayoral election on the rest of the State's finances, and how Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani's proposals would make an impact if elected. They also discussed Raise the Age funding along with his perspective on the recent Master Plan for Aging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Eschen speaks with Author Christina Keim about her new book, “UNWANTED: The Causes and Effects of America’s Horse Population Crisis”. Keim discusses her deep dive into the perception of horses, and horse racing, not only in New York State, but across the country and even the world. She talks about what happens after a horse's "work" is done, and what resources are available for long-term quality of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WNYC and Gothamist Reporter Jon Campbell joined Power & Politics this week, discussing his recent reporting on the aftermath of the viral death of social media-famous Peanut the Squirrel. To listen to Jon's reporting on NYC Now, click here.To read Jon's reporting in Gothamist, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A step forward at the State Capitol this week for a mother still grieving the murder of her 2-year-old daughter, which happened in the middle of a custody battle. Ever since that day in 2016, Jacqueline Franchetti has worked to pass Kyra's Law, which she says will save lives. This week, she says she was able to speak with members of Kathy Hochul's administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lieutenant Governor, and now Gubernatorial candidate, Antonio Delgado, rallied with other lawmakers and advocates on Wednesday calling for a Special Session. They also discussed:-Public Service Commission's approval of utility company rate increases-Trump sending National Guard into D.C., Hochul sending National Guard into subways-Congressional District Gerrymandering in New York Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Commissioner of the NYS Department of Health Dr. James McDonald speaks with Briana Supardi about the State's 2025-2030 Prevention Agenda, saying it's their "State Health Improvement Plan". He says it's a partnership between stakeholders throughout the healthcare field in the efforts of improving public health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morgan Hook, a partner at Bluejacket Strategies and Democratic consultant, sat down with Tom Eschen to take a look at where, and how, New York lawmakers would gerrymander Congressional districts to flip seats from red to blue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Cynthia Leifer, an immunologist at Cornell University, provided her reaction on Thursday to RFK Jr.'s plan to cancel $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Elias Zerhouni was the NIH Director during the Bush Administration, and discusses his journey to that role, keeping politics out of his work, his task of reconstructing the NIH from within, the COVID-19 pandemic, the state of health care today, and more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany Interim Police Chief Brendan Cox joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing the Department's role in combatting a recent issue of juvenile crime in the city. This conversation comes on the heels of our special broadcast Tackling Youth Violence: A Community Discussion, which featured several community leaders and organizations in the City of Albany. Chief Cox says he watched the hour-plus long dialogue, responding to a variety of issues the individuals at the table brought up over the course of the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A group of leaders, organizations and voices participated in a lengthy, layered discussion regarding juvenile crime in the City of Albany this week, participating in a process aimed at diagnosing and solving the trend of young individuals engaging in violent behavior. The discussion involved: Pastor Charlie Muller of Victory Church, Executive Director Ta-Sean Murdock of the Center for Law and Justice, Founder/CEO Eva Bass of Bridge Tha Gap Community Outreach and Resource, Co-Founder Lukee Forbes of We Are Revolutionary and Business owner Jesse Sommer of New Scotland Spirits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NYS Commissioner of Health Dr. James McDonald and NYS Office of Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen broke down the recently unveiled Master Plan for Aging this week. The plan included hundreds of stakeholders, nearly two dozen public events and thousands of survey responses. They discussed the plan's "Nine Pillars", which include technology, healthcare workforce, housing, and community integration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NYS Senator Julia Salazar discusses her experience accompanying individuals to immigration court in New York City, recent public hearings over utility rate increases (and responds to calls to revoke NY's Climate law), recent discussions on allocation of Raise the Age funding, and the State's response to the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" passage and the potential cuts to come along with it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republican Congressman from the Hudson Valley Mike Lawler discusses the passage of Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill", including its impact on Medicaid, immigration, the SALT Cap, and on New Yorkers in general Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York State Assemblyman John McDonald, who sits on the Assembly's Ways and Means Committee, discusses the long-term effects of Medicaid cuts on the healthcare system, especially in rural areas. He also discusses the potential for a special session for the legislature to re-do the Budget with the "Big Beautiful Bill" in mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany Congressman Paul Tonko joins Tom Eschen to provide his perspective on the US's involvement in the Middle East, the impacts on healthcare in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act", the reactions of Republicans and Democrats to the victory of Zohran Mamdani, and recent Supreme Court Decisions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hudson Valley Republican Congressman Mike Lawler joins Tom Eschen to provide his perspective on the US's involvement in the Middle East, the SALT cap negotiations in the midst of the debate over the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act", the Democratic Party's stance on Zoran Mamdani's candidacy for NYC Mayor, and the impact of the Working Families Party line's success in the 2025 primaries on the 2026 Gubernatorial election Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morgan Hook, Partner at Blue Jacket strategies, a Democratic consultant who also worked with David Patterson, joins Power & Politics to discuss the 2025 June Primary election in New York City, along with the rest of the State. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dorcey Applyrs speaks with Tom Eschen about her Albany Mayoral Democratic primary victory live at her watch party Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Fein, who won the Albany Chief City Auditor Democratic Primary on Tuesday night, says he's committed to providing the oversight the position requires, and that voters saw that in his campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices