Sept. 1, 2026- Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, a Queens Democrat, makes the case for state financial regulators to dramatically reduce the health insurance premiums proposed for the state's health insurance marketplace. We discuss concerns about excessive profits and administration costs and consider what the Hochul administration is doing to address health insurance costs.

Sept. 1, 2026- Met Council CEO David Greenfield explains how New York is using Medicaid dollars to address the social determinants of health and argues that this experiment, which needs federal approval, should continue beyond 2027.

Sept. 1, 2026- We explore legislation designed to ensure members of the media can access encrypted police radio communications. Our guest is Mickey Osterreicher, general counsel of the National Press Photographers Association.

August 31, 2026- Assemblymember John McDonald, a capital region Democrat, talks about his legislation helping businesses navigate cash transactions without a penny and his campaign to prevent the recreational use of nitrous oxide.

August 31. 2026- We're sharing an excerpt of our Dispatches from Planet Albany conversation with Politico New York reporter Jason Beeferman, who highlighted the rising political star of two-term Democratic Congressman Pat Ryan.

Aug. 28, 2026 - Genealogists are hoping the governor will approve a bill increasing the accessibility of mental health records for deceased New Yorkers under the care of the state. Our guest is Alex Green, who teaches at the Harvard Kennedy School and is a scholar of disability rights.

Aug. 28, 2026 - We check in with Katherine Nadeau, deputy executive director for Environmental Advocates NY, to discuss the group's scorecards for state lawmakers, including their methodology. We also look ahead to their 2027 legislative agenda and how they'll get it done.

This is an excerpt from an upcoming episode of Dispatches from Planet Albany.

Aug. 27, 2026 - We unpack a legislative effort to regulate the practice of listing properties for sale in exclusive marketplaces. Our guest is Mike Kelly, vice president and chief lobbyist for the New York State Association of REALTORS.

Aug. 27, 2026 - New York State Sheriffs' Association Executive Director Peter Kehoe discusses a controversial law restricting formal collaboration between police departments and federal immigration officials. He also explains why more than a dozen sheriffs are suing to block the measure.

Aug. 27, 2026 - State environmental officials could soon gain the authority to issue deer management permits across northern New York. We discuss the issue with Brian Bird, field operations coordinator for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.