A daily news podcast from the Connecticut-New York region, with a focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. Hosted by WSHU’s Sabrina Garone. Publishing evenings, Monday through Friday.

WSHU's Off the Path takes to New York Harbor for an annual midnight cruise of the undead. But first, our region reacts to the end of SNAP benefits for millions of Americans tomorrow. Plus, Connecticut's U.S. senators co-sponsor a bill to protect kids from AI chatbots.

Governor Lamont weighs in on the New York City mayoral race. Groups around the region gear up to help those impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Plus, a Halloween icon that calls our region home needs our help!

Connecticut and New York sue to keep SNAP payments coming. The Nassau County Executive loses the latest round of a court battle over deputized civilians. Connecticut will bring in outside help to fix issues in Bridgeport public schools. Plus, a look at a New Haven book store with a mission beyond books.

The U.S. Geological Survey will monitor five rivers in Suffolk County for potential toxins from storm runoff. Connecticut launches a free online civics course for residents. A new report finds Suffolk is a leader in severe weather response. Connecticut will spend $3 million on food aid amid the government shutdown. Plus, a conversation with an expert on all things WWE.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced $30 million will go to emergency food relief amid the government shutdown. Connecticut's congressional delegation heads to D.C. to negotiate an end to the shutdown. Early voting kicked off this weekend on Long Island. Plus, the view of Connecticut's energy future remains cloudy.

Mariners celebrate a Coast Guard decision to abandon plans to remove navigation buoys from New England waters. Long Island's aquaculture industry gets a state boost. Connecticut will rework an affordable housing bill that was vetoed by the governor this year. Plus, New York marks the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal.

The candidates for Nassau County Executive square off in a contentious debate. Connecticut could soon have another professional sports team. Creditors approve the latest settlement plan from Purdue Pharma. Plus, the troubling trend for our region's forests.

Kosta Diamantis is found guilty on all 21 counts in a federal trial today. The government shutdown threatens energy assistance for low-income Long Islanders. Activists say Hamden police knew about an ICE raid last week before it happened. Plus, Connecticut's NHL team may be long gone, but there are plenty of other local teams to cheer on.

Connecticut Republicans want to increase the state's property tax credit, but Democrats want to use the same money on social services. One of four newly nominated PURA commissioners will replace the outgoing chair. Suffolk rolls out a new program to help residents with mental health issues. A Connecticut state senator gets national attention for a controversial No Kings post. Plus, advocates continue to push for an aid in dying bill in New York.

No Kings protests took place around the country this weekend, including right here in our region. George Santos is out of prison. Connecticut and New York join in on a lawsuit against the EPA. Plus, Long Island Sound lobstermen reflect on their loss, 26 years after a devastating lobster die-off.

UI will not be allowed to put taller monopoles in Fairfield County. The governors of New York and Connecticut launch a public health alliance. New York AG Letitia James vows to defend herself over mortgage fraud allegations. Plus, the first ever Latina Rockette shares her story in a new book, and she speaks to WSHU.

Major renovations are underway at Belmont Park on Long Island. Local elections in New York will now be held in even-numbered years. Connecticut schools continue to battle chronic absenteeism. Water officials in Suffolk step up efforts in Calverton. Plus, meet Frankie Focus!

Volunteers join Save the Sound in a unique effort to restore eelgrass meadows. But first, Connecticut starts construction on a redevelopment of the Waterbury Train Station. A vote is scheduled for tomorrow on monopoles in Fairfield County. Long Island police get $2 million for crime-fighting tech. Plus, prosecutors will wrap up their case against Kosta Diamantis today.

A state judge says a candidate for the Nassau County Legislature must remain on the ballot even though he's been missing for months. Connecticut teams up with another New England state on clean energy. Governor Hochul breaks out her veto pen. Plus, how two local high school students lift up their community.

Today's nor'easter knocked out power for thousands in our region. Connecticut will give grants to select towns to convert brownfields into parks. New York budget negotiations explained. Plus, some towns in Connecticut have second thoughts on solar energy.

Our region could be hit with a nor'easter this weekend. Advocates want Governor Hochul to sign aid in dying legislation. Environmental officials say interactions with black bears are on the rise in Connecticut. Plus, the debate over banned books in the state.

U.S. Representative Nick LaLota of New York says Democrats are to blame for the government shutdown. Connecticut's Republican minority want stricter scrutiny for recipients of grants earmarked by majority Democrats. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine signed an executive order this week to connect victims of domestic violence with support. And, how kids in Maine get life lessons outside of the classroom that they could never get in school -- from potatoes.

Connecticut has dipped into reserves to ensure the federal government shutdown does not affect residents who receive WIC benefits. Environmental groups in New York want Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a bill to protect horseshoe crabs. President Donald Trump wants an investigation into U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut. In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy accused Trump of orchestrating what he called an authoritarian takeover of the federal government. Plus, how one New England organization is pushing to keep kids off smartphones.

A judge will allow Nassau County to ban transgender girls and women from playing women's sports on county property. Connecticut is closing its 2025 fiscal year with a better-than-expected operating surplus.Federal officials say the Brookhaven National Laboratory is currently operating at normal capacity despite the federal shutdown. And, a once in a 200-year museum is winding its way through Central New York this month.

President Donald Trump's administration has reversed a major cut to New York state's counterterrorism funding. Connecticut nonprofit social service providers are facing an insurance crisis that could force them out of business. The federal government says it intends to reconsider building permits already granted to Empire Wind. And, when will Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announce that he's running for a third term?

A burn ban is in effect for Long Island. Connecticut residents can use a new tool to see if their property is a risk from natural disasters. The federal criminal trial for Connecticut's former deputy budget director starts today. Plus, the unique way New York farmers are using apples this season.

Maritime Aquarium gets part of a federal grant for a lobster trap recovery program. Most VA services in the region will continue under the government shutdown. New Yorkers will have to pay income taxes on those rebate checks arriving soon. Plus, Connecticut's Clean Slate law gets back on track after a pause.

Long Islanders weigh in on the state's energy plan. Governor Lamont says the most immediate impact of the government shutdown is on WIC. Brace for heavier traffic on the LIE this month. Plus, the debate in Connecticut over protests on highway overpasses.

Waterfront businesses in Suffolk County just got a big boost. The MTA has withdrawn a controversial proposal to reduce railroad ticket validity. Governor Lamont signs a law that establishes November as Veteran's month in Connecticut. Plus, the looming government shutdown explained.

Connecticut makes a huge investment into a New Haven tech hub. Inflation rebate checks will be mailed to New Yorkers over the next two months. More than 80 new laws will take effect in Connecticut on October 1. Plus, how one Ukrainian family made Connecticut feel like home.

Connecticut now oversees its own use of radioactive materials under a new federal agreement. A former top LIPA official speaks out after being fired. An infamous powerplant in Bridgeport will come down this weekend. Plus, a local ABC affiliate is among those no longer airing Jimmy Kimmel.

The Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve receives a boost from the state. Connecticut officials clarify guidance on vaccines amid federal changes. LIPA will extend its contract with PSEG. Connecticut ranks dead last in New England for air quality. Plus, summer may be over, but experts say you should still be wearing bug spray.

The legal battle over who will operate Long Island's power grid ramped up this week. What a government shutdown could mean for our region. You're not going crazy -- spotted lantern flies are everywhere! Plus, prisons in New York remain understaffed after a strike earlier this year.

Revolution Wind is back on track. A look at how another wind farm in our region is doing, South Fork Wind. The alleged Long Island serial killer will face one trial rather than the several his lawyers pushed for. Plus, a program to help new homebuyers in Connecticut gets a boost.

The upcoming Ryder Cup golf tournament is expected to rake in $150 million for Long Island businesses. Connecticut cities crack down on street takeovers. A proposed budget for Suffolk County includes a property tax increase. Geologists will map out parts of Connecticut over the next few months. Plus, text messages reveal Governor Lamont supported an affordable housing bill before he vetoed it.

Embattled PURA chair Marissa Gillett resigns. An ICE detainee dies at a Long Island correctional center. Senator Gillibrand announces the super popular “No Stock Act.” Connecticut is on track for a very colorful fall. Plus, New York's utility regulator leaves the door open for a natural gas pipeline.

From animal encounters to apple picking -- farms in the region are getting creative to boost revenue. But first, local energy officials say they're open to negotiate with the Trump administration on Revolution Wind. Connecticut Republicans say the state shouldn't get involved in the sale of the Connecticut Sun. Plus, New York will make a huge investment in quantum computing.

Governor Lamont wants to delay a vote on UI monopole construction in Fairfield. Lawmakers from our region look to create a national paid leave program. Two major golf events will come to Long Island after this month's Ryder Cup. Plus, today is Constitution Day -- a conversation about the man considered the Father of the Constitution, James Madison.

Long Island Railroad workers will not go on strike this week, but ask President Trump to intervene. Homelessness in Connecticut continues to rise. New York will crack down on what kids can see on social media. A look at Connecticut's new data privacy law. Plus, New York's role in the underground railroad.

A triennial survey finds osprey on the East End continue to thrive. Fairfield will hold a special election for first selectman. How a rollback on PFAS standards could impact Long Island. A local publication gets pushback on a political cartoon about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Plus, SUNY researchers discover a new species of bee in the region.

Governor Lamont celebrates a recent effort towards more affordable housing. LIRR commuters are urged to make a back-up plan to get to work next week. A Connecticut executive order ensures access to COVID shots for residents. Plus, the latest from WSHU's Off The Path.

Our region remembers the September 11th terror attacks. A conversation on how professors teach 9/11 to students who weren't yet born. Plus, a group of Long Island volunteers clean the graves of fallen veterans in honor of Patriots Day.

Connecticut officials look to make state parks more of a tourism destination through unique outdoor recreation. Lawmakers again push for permanent funding for the World Trade Center Health Program. Connecticut towns will get a boost in funding for local road maintenance. The Connecticut River serves as the backdrop for one of nature's most spectacular migrations. Plus, how local universities plan to regulate student use of AI.

A lawsuit alleges Northrop Grumman tried to cover up ground contamination in Bethpage. The fight to keep the CT Sun in Connecticut continues. New York's top court is weighing a change to local elections. Plus, meet a 9/11 first responder whose commitment extends far beyond that day.

The Long Island Soundkeeper highlights conservation wins at a recent webinar. The federal government might hand Plum Island over to Suffolk County. Governor Lamont touts a new pre-k plan for low-income families. Suffolk waterfront businesses could be eligible for new protections. Plus, how Connecticut schools will split $30 million in additional funding for special education this year.

Connecticut business leaders say their costs are going way up. Connetquot schools will settle its lawsuit against New York State over its mascot. UI is closer to installing monopoles in the Fairfield area despite community pushback. Plus, the story of the Podunk — a tribe whose name came to mean "nowhere," but once meant home along the Connecticut River.

Parents express concerns over New York's ban on cellphones in school. Connecticut sues the federal government over the stop work order on Revolution Wind. Drowning deaths are up in Suffolk County. Stamford officials consider banning leaf blowers from fall cleanup this year. Plus, Connecticut's AI Academy sees high enrollment.

It's probably too soon to get excited about fall colors in our region, but drive a few hours north and it's a different story. But first, a man was fatally shot by Nassau police this early morning. Connecticut's minimum wage will be close to $17 an hour by January 1. Plus, intense heat may be over for the summer, but brush fire risk is still high in the region.

Connecticut's AG will defend Revolution Wind in court this week. Early voting for a few primaries begins today in a handful of Connecticut towns. An effort in Huntington is already gearing up for America's 250th anniversary. Plus, the latest from WSHU's Long Story Short.

Much of northern New England is in a drought. Nassau officials create a task force on school safety. Travel around the region is about to get a little faster. President Trump unveils the new timeline for a Penn Station makeover. Plus, New York could join an effort towards more accurate voter enrollment records.

The U.S. Interior Secretary weighs in on Connecticut's cancelled offshore wind farm. A new lawsuit could kick-start a rebuild of a Long Island bridge washed out by historic flooding. Plus, are efforts to clean up drinking water in New York actually working?

Governor Lamont celebrates state efforts towards more affordable housing. All but a handful of New York schools have submitted plans to implement a ban on cell phones. Connecticut fights to keep its only professional sports team in the state. Plus, shellfish might not be what comes to mind when you think about farming in the region, but officials want to change that.

A hometown parade celebrated Fairfield National's historic Little League run. Connecticut State Representative Jillian Gilchrest announces a run for the U.S. House. It's been two years since police arrested the alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer. The National Guard will stay in the New York City subway system, at least for now. Plus, the latest from WSHU's Long Story Short.

The federal government tells Revolution Wind to stop construction. The Connetquot school district might keep a part of its Native American mascot despite a statewide ban. Party leaders say Bridgeport Democrats violated state and local rules. Plus, New York looks to promote safer roads.

Senator Murphy says Connecticut should ban private equity ownership of hospitals. How many kids are really taking advantage of New York's free lunch program? That infamous smokestack in Bridgeport will come down in phases. Plus, New York Democrats talk redistricting.

Long Island safety officials say they're ready for hurricane season. ICE arrests 65 undocumented immigrants in Connecticut as part of a four-day sweep. Connecticut could reverse an affordable housing requirement. Plus, kids in the region head back to school over the next few weeks.