Senate gambling chair on New York's racing and casino landscape

State wants drivers to 'Give Turtles a Brake'

June 5, 2026 - New York environmental officials are encouraging drivers to "Give Turtles a Brake," as the reptiles may be on the road this month in search of a nesting location. We discuss how to handle these situations with Brianna Denoncour, the state Wildlife Action Plan coordinator, and Sandy Van Vraken, a wildlife biologist in the land management section of the state DEC.

Stagnant state funding for opioid epidemic fight

June 5, 2026 - We examine the top line spending on combatting the opioid epidemic in the recently adopted state budget with Rob Kent, former general counsel at the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports. We also consider regulatory reform to improve the state's capacity.

Senate examines unemployment rates for New Yorkers with disabilities

June 4, 2026- New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation President and CEO Michael Seereiter highlights the high unemployment rates for New Yorkers with disabilities and discusses the policy and cultural changes needed to address the problem.

Traffic camera operator in New York pitches safety benefits

June 4, 2026- We explore the expanded use of red-light and speed cameras in New York with Melba Rivera-Irizarry, vice president of strategic accounts for Verra Mobility, which operates hundreds of red light cameras in New York City.

State budget grapples with federal health care changes

June 4, 2026- Politico New York reporter Katelyn Cordero talks about the health care funding that made it into the state budget and what got left out of the final deal.