The Capitol Pressroom

July 10, 2026- Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, a Queens Democrat, makes the case for legislation ensuring that people giving statements to the police are translated accurately when they aren't proficient in English.

July 10, 2026- We consider legislation that would ban a controversial herbicide that has been linked to Parkinson's Disease and has been restricted by countries. Our guest is Zach Hardy, senior state government relations manager at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

July 9, 2026- We get to know Samantha Kattan, a Democratic Socialist working at a housing nonprofit, who is the presumptive next representative for a western Queens Assembly District after winning an open primary in June.

July 9, 2026- Southern Brooklyn Democrat Chris McCreight explains why he is running for the Assembly again and weighs in on the future leadership of the Brooklyn Democrats.

July 9, 2026- A decade ago New York prohibited elephants from being part of circuses and now Gov. Kathy Hochul will have to decide whether other large animals can be part of traveling exhibitions. We discuss legislation approved at the Capitol with Brian Shapiro, state director in New York at the Humane World for Animals.

July 9, 2026- We talked with New York State Council of Professional Geologists Executive Director John Nadeau about legislation reshuffling the state's geological survey bureau and creating a state geologist post in order to make New York eligible for federal geology funds. We also consider how many geologists the state should have on staff.

July 8, 2026 - Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest, a Brooklyn Democrat, makes the case for legislation requiring private insurance companies cover name-brand drugs at the same price as generic alternatives when there is a shortage of the generic drug.

July 8, 2026 - SUNY Chancellor John King provides an update on the state's free community college initiative, discusses higher education in prison, the funding needs for a unique SUNY campus, and protections for college athletes.

July 8, 2026 - Assemblyman Patrick Carroll, a Rockland County Democrat, makes the case for updating New York's protections for consumers of new and used cars. We also reflect on his first term in office.

July 8, 2026 - We’re getting to know the politicians destined to join the state legislature, so we’re checking in with Christian Celeste Tate, a progressive Democrat who unseated a Brooklyn Assemblymember in the June primaries. We talk about his expectations for office and his commitment to being present in his district.