Power & Politics

New York is launching the Energy Affordability Index, a tool Public Service Commission Chair Rory Christian says will help the commission guide decisions about rate increase proposals from companies. Christian talks about how those decisions will impact New Yorkers energy bills, and how those companies are using artificial intelligence. Andrew Morris, the Chair of the Union College Department of History, looks back 100 years at the City of Schenectady's Election of the first Socialist mayor in New York State, George Lunn. He discusses Lunn's politics, policies, and a look at how he compares with NYC Mayor and Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani 00:00 Intro: What's on This Week's Episode 01:17 PSC Chair Rory Christian on the Energy Affordability Index 11:52 AI at New York's Utilities — and Grid Cybersecurity 15:09 Schenectady's Socialist Mayor: Who Was George Lunn? 26:28 Lunn and Mamdani: Parallels a Century Apart Abridged version due to technical difficulties, this podcast will be updated with Holloway's Headlines and Power & Pop Culture on Friday afternoon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Power & Politics provides multiple perspectives on the release of thousands of documents regarding air quality in the days and weeks following the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center. Guests include Andrew Carboy, Attorney for 9/11 Health Watch, Congresswoman Laura Gillen and an excerpt of Tom Eschen's conversation with former Governor George Pataki. Power & Politics producer Olivia Holloway provides this week's Holloway Headlines: -Albany Sheriff investigator Flock misuse allegations -Neighborhood Street Teams legislation introduced -Artificial Intelligence as existential threat? -9/11 Ground Zero air quality documents released Here are suggested podcast chapters based on this episode: 00:00 – Opening & 25th Anniversary SetupTom introduces the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the focus on health impacts, and this week’s guests. 00:58 – Flock Cameras: Misuse, Privacy, and Public SafetyOlivia’s headlines on an Albany investigator’s alleged misuse of Flock data and the broader surveillance vs. safety debate. 05:11 – Senator Bottcher’s Neighborhood Street TeamsDiscussion of Bottcher’s bill to coordinate services for New Yorkers in crisis and balance information-sharing with privacy. 08:15 – AI Doom, Whistleblowers, and Election-Year PoliticsJacob Coxon’s warnings about AI risk, industry responsibility, and whether AI safety becomes a midterm campaign issue. 12:57 – New 9/11 Documents on Toxic Air in Lower ManhattanTom sets up the release of 170,000 NYC records on post-9/11 air quality and the focus on long-term health impacts. 14:47 – Inside the 9/11 Records Fight (Andrew Carboy)Attorney Andrew Carboy details the multi-decade legal battle to obtain NYC’s 9/11 air-quality archive and what it reveals. 33:36 – Governor George Pataki on 9/11 Illnesses & National UnityPataki reflects on toxic exposure at Ground Zero, caring for responders, how to teach 9/11, and the loss of post-9/11 unity. 40:41 – Rep. Laura Gillen on the WTC Health Program & JusticeCongresswoman Gillen discusses reappointing Dr. John Howard, expanding health coverage, and pushing Iran to pay 9/11 judgments. 48:57 – How We Remember: Generational Reflections on 9/11Tom and Olivia compare lived and inherited memories of 9/11, media’s evolution, fear, and what “never forget” means today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As mentioned on this week's Power & Politics podcast, Tom Eschen spoke with former NYS Governor George Pataki about the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. The full conversation will be available on the Anniversary, but this is the excerpt Tom was talking about in regards to the attendance for NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump at this year's 9/11 Memorial Ceremony. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Tom Eschen speaks to a variety of stakeholders in the world of climate science and policy, discussing attribution science, FEMA funding, and the New York Climate Change Superfund Act. Power & Politics producer Olivia Holloway provides Holloway's Headlines: Pataki and Mamdani, Hochul and federal funding, Climate Superfund Act struck down. Tom breaks down former NYS Governor George Pataki's comments to him about NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and attending this year's 9/11 Memorial Ceremony. Following the interviews, Tom and Olivia discuss the impact of Gloria Steinem 00:01:18 – Holloway’s Headlines: 25th 9/11 Anniversary Politics00:07:42 – Counterterrorism & Disaster Aid Funding Fights00:12:16 – Climate Superfund Act, Extreme Weather & UN Warning00:18:35 – Andrew Morris: Disaster Relief, Partisanship & Climate Blame00:32:23 – Kevin Reed: Attribution Science & Extreme Weather00:58:50 – Business Council vs. NY Climate Superfund: Ken Pokalsky01:12:11 – Sen. Liz Krueger Defends the Climate Superfund & Next Steps01:20:36 – Remembering Gloria Steinem & Women’s Place in Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Eschen speaks with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and President & CEO of the Air Traffic Control Association Stephen Creamer. Tom and producer Olivia Holloway discuss the top stories of the week via Holloway's Headlines. 00:00 – Intro and Show Rundown 01:16 – Meta Kids Settlement and New York’s Safe for Kids Act 06:29 – Hochul’s ICE Policy, 287(g) and Local Control Fight 12:34 – Previewing Sec. Sean Duffy Interview, Congestion pricing 17:42 – Trump Renames Lake Ontario, Canada Tensions and Upstate Reaction 21:46 – Interview: Sec. Sean Duffy on Air Traffic Control, AI and Delays 35:00 – Interview: ATCA President Stephen Creamer on Modernization and Staffing 51:46 – Power and Pop Culture: Dolly Parton’s Legacy and Dream Concerts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

00:00:00 Intro to Power and Politics; preview of Capitol threat, data centers, Albany deficit, and the “upstate NY” debate. 00:01:00 Thwarted Capitol Plot – FBI complaint against Jessica Bowie, alleged ISIS support, and targets from the NYS Capitol to Times Square and beyond. 00:04:34 Data Centers, NDAs, and Public Pushback – Pennsylvania’s executive order on data centers, local approval power, NDA ban, and parallels to New York’s data center and transparency debates. 00:08:21 Albany’s $22 Million Budget Hole – How the deficit went from 22 million to 7 and back again, driven by healthcare under-projections, higher pensions, and a revenue shortfall. 00:11:40 Capitol Security with John McDonald – McDonald on tightened security at the Capitol, active-threat training, home protection for lawmakers, and coordination across law enforcement. 00:20:08 Mayor Applyrs and Bob Ward on Fixing Albany’s Finances – Multi-year plan to stabilize Albany: realistic numbers, state aid, bond rating hit, rising debt costs, and what’s on the table for taxes and cuts. 00:46:25 Power and Pop Culture: Where Is Upstate New York? – Tom and Olivia debate where “Upstate” starts—Rockland, Albany, Syracuse—and how Long Island and city perspectives shape the map. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Several voices in the data center conversation joined Power & Politics this week: Empire AI Director of Research Computing Kiran Keshav, NYS Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D-Queens) and David Flynn, leader of Phillips Lytle’s Environmental Law Practice Team. EmpireAI is one of the exceptions to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul's Executive Order implementing a one-year moratorium on new data center development above 50MW. Keshav speaks to their work and growth since implemented in 2024 (now EmpireAI Beta), and why it's exempt. This week, New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez announced a statewide tour, visiting 13 communities across New York where data centers, or data center proposals are happening. That includes Albany's Kenwood Commons proposal. Gonzalez is the Senate sponsor of the Responsible Data Center Development Act, which passed the State legislature in bipartisan fashion during this year's legislative session. She's pushing the Governor to sign it into law as a part of the data center omnibus. David Flynn, leader of Phillips Lytle’s Environmental Law Practice Team, works with clients who have considered data center construction in New York, saying Governor Hochul's Executive Order of a One-year Moratorium has a "bit of a chilling effect" across the industry. He speaks to the challenges developers would face in complying with a potential framework set forth when the Moratorium is lifted in July 2027...something he's concerned won't happen by then. 0:00-17:27 Introduction and Headlines 17:32-32:36 Empire AI Director of Research Computing Kiran Keshav 32:37-44:24 NYS Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D-Queens) 44:45-1:00:54 David Flynn, leader of Phillips Lytle’s Environmental Law Practice Team 1:00:55-1:09:07 Closing Thoughts, Power & Politics & Pop Culture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former New York State Governor George Pataki appeared on Power & Politics this week, speaking with Tom Eschen on the heels of the dedication of the "Governor George E. Pataki Center" on Spring Street in Albany. The conversation, taking place in a room adorned with photos of Pataki from his tenure as Governor, covered portions of his time in the State Legislature, as Governor, discussing the dynamic of politics and government at play then, and now too. They also discussed 9/11, and what he believes has changed since then. New York State Acting Chief Cyber Officer Michaela Lee also joins the show, discussing $9 million will be awarded to 153 local water projects on the heels of cyber attacks in other States. 00:00 – Pataki Building & Public Service 01:45 – Governing vs. Partisan Politics 05:10 – Silver v. Pataki & Governor Power 06:40 – 9/11, Unity & Division Today 09:25 – Lock One & Reviving Downtown Albany 10:20 – Cyber Grants for NY Water Systems 15:10 – Nation-State Threats & Critical Infrastructure 17:55 – Outro & Subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ray Brescia, who helped pen a recent commentary piece in SCOTUSBlog, discusses the impact of the most recent Supreme Court term, and what he believes it means for the balance of power in the Federal Government. Intro & Setup – [0:00–0:42] Roberts Court & Power Shift – [0:42–6:23] Partisanship & Conservative Supermajority – [6:23–12:36] History & Birthright Citizenship – [12:36–19:05] Tariffs, Learning Resources & Executive Power – [19:05–27:26] Court Reform, Term Limits & Wrap – [27:26–end] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NYS Governor Kathy Hochul joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing her data center moratorium Executive Order. "The brilliant people at these AI companies, and we welcome AI innovation, by the way, very much so, as we welcome all innovation in New York," she told CBS6's Tom Eschen in an exclusive interview. "You (AI companies) created a powerful force, a technology that has the possibility of changing civilization and how we work and how we communicate, how we live. Artificial intelligence. Why can't you harness that power and ask the question: Can you receive what you need without these huge hyperscale data centers. Can they be smaller? Can they go vertical? Can they use less power? Can they use less energy? Can they use less water and make less noise? I think that they should be at the table trying to innovate this. Given that all across the country, you know, Democrats, Republican, Independent doesn't matter your party. They're losing the public relations war, and they can be a lot smarter about how they handle this." The Governor's Executive Order, in part, will establish a framework for municipalities to use while engaging with companies looking to build data centers in their area. 0:00 – Moratorium on Data Centers Governor Hochul explains her new executive order and why New York is hitting pause on large data centers. 1:21 – Protecting Local Communities How state agencies will set new rate structures, environmental standards, and a community investment framework. 3:23 – Pushing AI and Data Centers to Innovate Hochul challenges AI companies to shrink power usage, bring their own power, and improve public perception. 4:14 – Who the Moratorium Actually Hits Why only 50+ megawatt hyperscale facilities are targeted and concerns about grid readiness. 6:55 – No More Tax Breaks for Data Centers Hochul on why profitable data center companies don’t need local tax subsidies and what communities should demand. 9:47 – Empire AI and Cutting Red Tape Using the Empire AI public‑private partnership to review regulations, cut fees, and modernize state government. 12:46 – Final Word on Energy, Business, and AI Hochul’s closing message on balancing economic growth, energy costs, and the promise of AI in New York Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following his Democratic primary win, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli joined Power & Politics, discussing the campaign along with other big issues impacting New Yorkers right now. He also is looking ahead to the general election in November, where he faces challenger Joseph Hernandez. Hernandez provides his thoughts on the Democratic primary, and how he'd approach the office if elected in November These interviews were taped on July 1st, 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rebecca Nagle, award winning journalist and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, joined Power & Politics this week. Nagle is the host of the "First America" podcast, which she says tells a more complete story of the founding of America, the podcast launching alongside celebrations of America's 250th birthday. Nagle travels to a variety of places, telling the story of interactions between settlers and Native Americans, including Upstate New York. 00:00 – 01:00 | Intro & First America 01:00 – 05:30 | New York, Sullivan’s Campaign, and Genocide 05:30 – 10:30 | What We Were Never Taught About the Revolution 10:30 – 15:30 | Founding Myths, Racism, and Erased Histories 15:30 – 21:30 | From Boston Tea Party Costumes to Chiefs Tailgate 21:30 – 27:30 | Mascots, Harm to Native Youth, and Tribal Consent 27:30 – 31:20 | Fixing the Story: Schools, Memory, and Rebecca’s Story Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New York State Democratic Committee Chair Jay Jacobs joined Power & Politics this week, providing his reaction to the 2026 Primary Election. Zohran Mamdani-endorsed candidates won three Congressional races in New York City, creating a stir throughout the State and Country. Statewide, incumbent Comptroller Tom DiNapoli (D) soundly defeated his first primary challengers in nearly two decades in office, which stuck out to Jacobs. Primary Results & DiNapoli’s Win [0:00:00 – 0:02:01]Intro, Jay Jacobs’ role, what voters signaled, and Tom DiNapoli’s primary and validation. Israel–Palestine, AIPAC & Voter Priorities [0:02:01 – 0:05:28]Israel–Palestine as a factor in NYC races, losses of incumbents, AIPAC’s role, and why most voters still focus on pocketbook issues. Republican Messaging & Democratic Response [0:05:28 – 0:09:30]GOP “socialist city” rhetoric, Jacobs’ rebuttal, DSA’s growth, MAGA parallels, and the need for bold Democratic ideas. Working-Class Identity & Big Reforms [0:09:30 – 0:13:00]Are Democrats still the working-class party, party legacy (wages, Social Security, etc.), and crisis politics driving the need for large-scale reforms. Fighting Trump & Using Power [0:13:00 – 0:19:19]Frustration with “strongly worded letters,” Schumer/Jeffries/Hochul’s role, why impeachment without conviction votes is a mistake, and what Democrats would do with majorities. DSA, NY-21 & Redistricting [0:19:19 – 0:22:26]Zohran Mamdani and the big-tent argument, NY-21 and Blake Gendebien vs. “DSA” labeling, and closing thoughts on redistricting and public education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter Guidarelli, a GOP political strategist and former Schenectady County Legislative Chairman along with Jason Palmer, Founder of Together! and former Democratic Presidential candidate, join Tom Eschen to discuss Tuesday's primary election results 0:00 – Introduction and overviewNew York primary results; NY-21 setup and guest introductions 0:56 – Peter Guidarelli on Constantino vs. SmullenTrump endorsement, money, and outsider vs. insider framing 4:00 – Organization, county committees, and turnoutHow money plus Trump shaped the primary 7:03 – Positioning for the general in NY-21Constantino’s message, independents, DSA label on Democrats, partisan lean of the district 9:48 – Solar farms and upstate backlashClimate policy, farmland preservation, and risks for Democrats in the North Country 12:10 – “Man of the district” questionsConstantino’s business background, energy prices, and tying costs to Democratic climate policy 15:22 – Constantino’s demeanor and “reset”Tone in the primary, rap videos, why NY-21 may become a national race 17:41 – General election money dynamicsGOP strategy, Constantino’s spending, and Democratic identity crisis after DSA gains 23:54 – Younger voters and socialismAppeal of democratic socialism, GOP opportunity on environment, generational shifts in both parties 24:10 – Governor’s race: Hochul vs. BlakemanAffordability, climate policies, Trump alignment, and the Vote Affordable line 28:31 – Transition to Jason PalmerNational lens on NY primaries and DSA’s surge 28:44 – A “political earthquake” on the leftDSA wins, Mondami’s influence, party tensions among Democrats 30:31 – Person vs. label and DSA’s growthComparisons to Tea Party/MAGA and what Democrats should learn 32:22 – NY-21 from the Democratic sideModerates vs. “socialist” caricatures and messaging challenges 34:27 – Future of the Democratic PartyBig-tent vs. left insurgency and reclaiming working-class voters 35:37 – Together’s strategyYounger, centrist candidates in purple districts and a shrinking political center 36:36 – The Trump factorPrimary strength, general-election liability, and how endorsements shape both parties 39:13 – AI and politicsRegulation, backlash to data centers, and why Congress needs AI-literate members 40:23 – AI on the issue agenda & closeWhere AI ranks among voter concerns, and podcast subscribe CTA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blair Horner provides his perspective on this year's legislative session, discussing Governor Hochul's approach to the budget process, the legislature's power, the bills that passed (redistricting), the ones that didn't (lobbying), and Zohran Mamdani 00:00 – Cold open and introduction to Blair Horner, NYPIRG00:29 – Hochul’s budget “hostage” strategy and compressed legislative calendar01:33 – Primaries, pay pressure, and why lawmakers left Albany02:04 – Governor’s constitutional budget power and late-budget leverage04:05 – Pros and cons of strong executive power and secretive budget add-ons05:34 – Lobbying muscle in Albany: Uber, auto insurance, and rising spending06:19 – What needs to change: extenders, reforms, and an independent budget office07:17 – Legislative leadership, lack of political will, and fear of courts09:19 – Missed transparency bills and why “no-brainer” reforms stalled11:21 – Packaging bill, floor debate time, and organized industry opposition12:03 – Redistricting fight, partisan gerrymandering, and the 2014 reforms rollback15:28 – How “independent” is the IRC and what’s really at stake15:57 – Governor–NYC mayor alliance, city influence, and Democratic unity17:18 – Urban aid, tradeoffs, and looming budget crunch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blake Gendebien and Stuart Amoriell are competing in the New York 21st Congressional District Democratic Primary, and debated at the CBS6 studios prior to the election. The moderator is CBS6's Tom Eschen. 00:00:00 – Introduction and Debate Rules00:01:31 – Stuart Amoriell Opening Statement00:03:11 – Blake Gendebien Opening Statement00:04:41 – “What Kind of Democrat Are You?” – Ideology and Coalition-Building00:09:04 – Key Differences Between the Candidates00:12:07 – Immigration Policy: Border Security, ICE, and Guest Workers00:21:56 – Farmers, Gas Prices, and the Iran War Debate00:29:25 – “Showing Up”: Constituent Services and Presence in the District00:34:34 – Trump Administration, Checks and Balances, and Use of Power00:41:33 – Establishment vs. Grassroots: Endorsements, Money in Politics, and Motivation to Run00:45:43 – Green Energy vs. Farmland: Solar, Hydro, and Local Rates00:49:43 – Rapid Fire: Biden 2024, 2028 Democratic Field, and the Olympics in Lake Placid00:51:10 – Blake Gendebien Closing Statement00:52:41 – Stuart Amoriell Closing Statement and Sign-off This debate was recorded on June 11, 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albany County Executive Dan McCoy joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing his decision to pull the plan for a new bus terminal in Albany's South End. The decision came less than 24 hours after McCoy posted an update on the project on social media, saying: "The Advance Albany County Alliance, in partnership with Albany County, is advancing plans for the development of a new Intercity Bus Terminal at 106 South Pearl Street." As for what changed, McCoy said it was a buildup of certain opposition to the project. 00:00 – IntroTom Eschen introduces Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and the South End bus terminal debate. 00:29 – Why this siteMcCoy explains why bus companies wanted the former McDonald’s site and his vision to fix an “eyesore.” 03:53 – Pushback and pivotHe describes local opposition and shifting the property toward arena overflow and a potential sale. 13:21 – Timeline and fundingMcCoy talks about timeline of project and lays out how the project fit into a larger downtown funding package. 17:41 – Dropping the planHe explains why he’s walking away to focus on other county priorities and projects. 19:40 – Was it worth it?Tom Eschen asks if the process was a waste; McCoy reflects on loud voices versus broader community sentiment. 21:37 – What should go there?He recounts alternative ideas and argues the bus terminal was one of few viable options. 23:08 – Working with the new mayorMcCoy says future city projects will follow the new mayor’s vision, with the county in a supporting role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Warshaw and Raj Goyle, Democratic candidates for NYS Comptroller, discuss their priorities and motivations in running for office at the CBS6 Studios in Schenectady. NYS Incumbent Comptroller Tom DiNapoli was invited, but declined the invitation. 0:00 – Introduction and Debate Setup0:24 – Opening Statements: Goyle2:38 – Opening Statements: Warshaw4:11 – Why Run Now? Trump, ICE, and Pension Politics8:23 – Palantir, ICE, and Israel Bonds Debate10:35 – What Is the Comptroller’s Job? Competing Definitions and Powers13:18 – Pension Fund, Housing Crisis, and Investing Outside New York19:24 – State Budget Growth, Tier 6, and Taxing the Rich21:44 – Medicaid, Utility Bills, and “Value for Money” in State Spending32:01 – Upstate Cities in Crisis, Bandwidth, and Municipal Audits (Buffalo Focus)37:16 – Is the Pension Fund Being Politicized? Fossil Fuels, Israel Bonds, Palantir45:13 – Candidate Contrast: Experience, Records, and Progressive Cred49:02 – Rapid-Fire Round: Refund Checks, AI, and Unclaimed Funds53:37 – Closing Statements and Final Appeals to Voters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NYSUT President Melinda Person discusses the organizations recent resolution calling for more restrictions regarding technology and Artificial Intelligence in schools in New York State. 00:00 – Introduction and NYSUT ed tech resolution00:16 – Parent concerns, screen time, and attention research01:31 – Assumption that more tech = more learning challenged03:29 – Computer-based testing vs. paper and pencil options04:28 – AI in classrooms, foundational learning, and guardrails06:07 – Companion chat bots, mental health apps, and student relationships07:05 – Teacher voice in ed tech decisions and AI-detected work09:48 – Technology balance, phone-free schools, and Albany next steps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saratoga Springs, NY — Following an update on the city's finances, displaying a potential $5.1 million budget deficit, the Saratoga City Council approved a hiring freeze on Tuesday night. Finance Commissioner JoAnne Kiernan, who started her term in January 2026, showed the Council a powerpoint presentation detailing the City's financial situation. Kiernan tied the deficit in part to increasing overtime costs, health insurance, retirement and liability insurance. "Our employees and their benefits are 83% of our budget, so any employee-related thing is very expensive," Kiernan told CBS6 on Wednesday. "Everyone is seeing increased utility costs, increased material costs. It's just everything we're in an inflationary period, everything's more expensive." She says the hiring freeze is an "interim solution", giving them time to look deeper into the budget itself. They will now form a recovery leadership team, review vacant positions, identify critical positions and review purchasing, all while developing a revised 2026 budget. 0:00 – Intro & Fiscal SnapshotSetup of the interview and basic outline of the deficit. 1:30 – Deficit Numbers & Unsound BudgetHow the gap grew and why 2025’s budget was a problem. 3:00 – Message to TaxpayersWhy residents need to understand the situation. 4:45 – Public Safety Costs & OvertimeFire/police staffing, overtime, and SAFER grant impact. 8:50 – Structural Budget IssuesOne-year budgeting and missing long-term projections. 10:45 – Hiring Freeze & Immediate ControlsFire hiring freeze and early cost-containment steps. 14:10 – Revenue & BelmontSales, occupancy, parking, cannabis, and Belmont’s net effect. 20:40 – Fund Balance RisksDrawdown of reserves and charter minimum concerns. 23:10 – Looking AheadVacancy review, contract talks, efficiencies, and audits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices