The Roundtable

Technology is changing our lives at a breathtaking pace. But who’s making sure it’s changing them for the better? Trailblazing computer scientist Fran Berman has spent her career exploring the intersection of technology and society.In her new book, 'Better Tech: Putting People First in Cyberspace,' she argues that innovation must come with responsibility. From artificial intelligence to the growing power of big tech, Berman offers a practical roadmap for creating technologies that serve humanity rather than threaten it.I spoke with her at a recent NYSWI event where she discussed the need for such a book to discuss how we can build a safer, fairer digital future.

Jay Rogoff begins 2026 with is knee-deep into two-year stint as Saratoga Springs poet laureate. Tonight, at Walt & Whitman Brewery in Saratoga Springs, he will be leading: 'An Evening of Scary and Haunted Poetry.'

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are:John Faso - Former New York 19th Congressman and NY Assemblyman.March Gallagher - The Ulster County Comptroller and the former president and CEO of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.Robert Griffin - Dean of the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity at the University at Albany.Nic Rangel - Executive Director of The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York.

This week's Book Picks comes from Tara Ludwin from Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs, NY and Manchester Center, VT and we also welcome Kira Wizner from Merritt Bookstore in Millbrook, NY.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are: JP Miller - The Empire Report’s founder and publisher.Donna Welton - Diplomat in Residence at Bard College. She retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2025 after over 30 years in public service. Her last post was ambassador to the SE Asian country, Timor-Leste.Warren Whitlock - a former federal senior executive having served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Diversity & Leadership, and Associate Administrator for Civil Rights at the Federal Highway Administration.Mark Wittman - Investment Banker on Wall St.

Robert Pape is a political scientist at the University of Chicago and the founding director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats, where he has spent years studying political violence and its causes.In his new book, 'Our Own Worst Enemies: America in the Age of Violent Populism,' Pape examines the growing acceptance of political violence in the United States. Drawing on historical research, surveys, and interviews, he argues that the danger extends beyond organized extremist groups to ordinary Americans who increasingly see violence as a legitimate political tool.Pape looks at the forces driving this shift, including demographic change, economic inequality, and declining trust in institutions, and considers what it will take to restore the norms of peaceful political disagreement

New York Times bestselling novelist and Northshire Bookstore’s own Kim Van Alkemade is celebrating the release of her latest novel, 'Upstate.' It’s a moving story about found family, second chances, an abandoned bookstore, and the surprising ways our past can shape our future.Known for her richly drawn characters and compelling storytelling, Van Alkemade will discuss the new book with fellow novelist Kate Fagan at Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs on Tuesday, October 27th, at 6 p.m. The evening will be a lively conversation about writing, relationships, and the healing power of stories.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are: Libby Post - Political Consultant and lobbyist.Robert Pondiscio - Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.Mike Spain - Former Times Union Associate Editor.

What happens when a photographer returns to one of the world's great wine regions more than fifty years after his first visit? The new book, 'Bordeaux Chronicle,' tells that story through stunning photographs from 1969 and 2024.Peter Aaron is an acclaimed architectural photographer whose work has appeared in Architectural Digest and other major publications. He's joined by Jane Anson, one of the world's leading Bordeaux experts, a longtime wine journalist, and author of 'Inside Bordeaux.'Together, they explore the vineyards, châteaux, winemaking families, and remarkable changes that have transformed Bordeaux while preserving the traditions that make its wines so celebrated.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are: Chris Gibson - a writer and analyst. He recently retired from the presidency of Siena College and was a former NY Congressman. His new book is “The Spirit of Philadelphia.”Kevin Gaugler - the Assistant Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Professor of Spanish at Marist University. He is the chair of the task force on AI and World Languages for the Modern Language Association.Heather Mulligan - CEO of The Business Council of New York State.Catherine Tan - an Associate Professor in the department of sociology at Vassar College. Her research is on health, wellness, and medical knowledge.