Jan. 8, 2026 - Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, a Hudson Valley Democrat, makes the case for a state takeover of an investor-owned utility with a suspect record in the Hudson Valley. We explore what the new entity would look like it and why she thinks drastic changes are necessary.

Jan. 8, 2026- The controversial transition of the administration of a popular home care program is complete, but how is it working now? Not well, according to Ilana Berger, the New York political director for Caring Majority Rising, which wants state policymakers to make changes to the status quo.

Jan. 8, 2026- In December, state law was strengthened to protect New Yorkers who request reasonable accommodations in public places, like at work. We explore the significance of this anti-retaliation measure and consider the merits of updating New York's paid medical leave program with Jesse Workman, a senior staff attorney with A Better Balance.

Jan. 7, 2026- A decade ago the state changed the way it administered Medicaid payments for behavioral health providers in order to save money and improve outcomes, but the plan hasn't worked according to providers. We consider returning to a fee-for-service model with Lauri Cole, executive director of the New York State Council for Community Behavioral Health Care.

Jan. 7, 2026 - Center for Effective Lawmaking co-Director Craig Volden discusses who were the effective state lawmakers during the legislative sessions in 2023 and 2024 in New York. This is an excerpt of a conversation for an upcoming Dispatches from Planet Albany episode.

Jan. 7, 2026- Progressive criminal justice activists are hoping this is the year that state policymakers take action to expand access to treatment courts. We discuss this diversion program with Casey Dalporto and Stephanie Bazell, senior policy attorneys with the New York County Defender Services.

Jan. 7, 2026- In advance of New York implementing a law allowing the terminally ill to legally end their lives with the help of a doctor, we check in with Medical Society of the State of New York President Dr. David Jakubowicz to explore how the program should be rolled out.

Jan. 6, 2026- Diane Eber, the executive director of the unique performing arts center at the Capitol complex, known as The Egg, discusses a major renovation of the venue and her vision for the future.

Jan 5. 2026- In the face of the Trump administration attempting to roll back Biden-era drinking water standards, environmental officials are calling on the Hochul administration to proactively backfill federal protections. We discuss the effort to increase state regulations of PFAS in drinking water with Rob Hayes, senior director of clean water at Environmental Advocates NY.

Jan. 5, 2026- Times Union Managing Editor Brendan Lyons talks about his coverage of the New York State Police and the union representing state troopers during 2025, which was a tumultuous year for both institutions.