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.

Brookhaven residents are sick of the town landfill. Could Connecticut get rid of taxes on tips? A new documentary about the late U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut drops this weekend. Plus, for the bird nerds – it's the latest WSHU's Birdsong Break.

The final vision for Manresa Island's environmental cleanup has been unveiled. But first, Connecticut Democrats use an emergency procedure to pass a package of bills. Living in New York is expensive -- some lawmakers are blaming tariffs for that. Plus, snow removal continues in the region and now we're helping out our neighbors, too!

Lawmakers from our region react to last night's State of the Union. You can literally see Great South Bay through a hole in the Fire Island Inlet bridge. A new survey has good news for Governor Lamont. Plus, what exactly is geothermal energy?

More than half of Connecticut's federal delegation is skipping the president's State of the Union tonight. All the snow we got this winter has put a strain on our region's road salt supply. A bridge in Westport is yours if you want it — you'll just have to move it yourself! Plus, a long-lost whale song resurfaces.

Our region sees historic snowfall -- the latest on the blizzard. Plus, details from the former New Haven police chief's arrest warrant, and the latest from WSHU's The Making of U.S.

Researchers from Mystic Aquarium are headed to Canada to study beluga whales! But first, Connecticut Republicans say there's a “culture of corruption” in the state. Suffolk County needs more first responders. And let nature remind you to slow down through a new series from WSHU.

Connecticut lawmakers consider whether to restrict kids' access to social media. A bill in New York would erase the timeline for sex crime survivors to sue their abusers. Plus, New York's Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Caucus convenes to chart its course for the session.

Long Island environmental advocates say they'll fight EPA rollbacks. But first, Connecticut lawmakers consider a per-child tax break for some parents. Fire departments in the state say they're having trouble finding new staff. Plus, New York rolls out stronger penalties for some driving violations.

Suffolk's water authority is suing Riverhead over plans for a North Fork water pipeline. Connecticut transportation officials consider using diesel trains again to cut costs. Plus, how one local organization fights loneliness through the arts.

Opponents of Connecticut's affordable housing law plan to challenge a proposed enhancement. Pot holes are a big problem on Route 25 in Suffolk. The state of Connecticut will not help fund a Bridgeport soccer stadium. Plus, you can try this unique Olympic sport right here in our region.

The Department of Homeland Security is headed for a shutdown. Governor Lamont looks to open a loan program for future healthcare workers. Got a broken heart? Maritime Aquarium has a deliciously petty solution. Plus, Valentine's Day is around the corner — and so are online romance scams.

Bruce Blakeman vows to fight “the lunatic left” during his run for governor of New York. An investigation finds some Connecticut school districts send students with disabilities out of state for education. Plus, tracing the Revolution one Connecticut mile at a time.

Connecticut towns want more school funding — and a guarantee it keeps up with inflation. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is the Republican nominee for New York governor. Plus, Connecticut Republicans push for sweeping tax cuts.

Weeks after 9/11, the city prepared for fallout of a different kind, according to newly released documents. Connecticut Republicans say ICE activity in schools is a myth. Plus, how a proposed natural gas pipeline in Connecticut cuts across typical partisan politics.

River otters make a splash on Long Island! But first, Governor Hochul is officially New York's democratic nominee for governor. New data shows a troubling pattern inside Connecticut prisons. And our countdown to America 250 continues with a closer look at the U.S. Constitution.

It's about to get really cold in our region again this weekend. The latest in the saga over monopole construction in Fairfield County. A new measure expands NASA research on Long Island. Plus, breaking down the tech bills being discussed by Connecticut lawmakers.

ICE arrests on Long Island this week prompt some parents to keep their kids out of school. Governor Hochul announces her running mate. A train derailment in Connecticut's quiet corner forced nearby residents to shelter in place. Plus, your data could get more protection in Connecticut.

Governor Lamont gave his state of the state address this afternoon. Advocates celebrate a win for the future of the World Trade Center Health Program. Plus, could Connecticut ban smartphones in school?

The Connecticut legislative session starts tomorrow. A New York teachers union sues the state over proposed Long Island charter schools. Plus, how a stroke survivor found purpose helping others heal.

Officials break down a new Suffolk law to combat human trafficking. Fairfield will hold a special election tomorrow for the town's first selectperson. Plus, Marty Looney prepares for a record 11th year as a Connecticut Senate leader.

Governor Hochul moves to curb federal removals of undocumented immigrants. Connecticut lawmakers head back to Hartford next week. A settlement reached with the mother of eight year old Thomas Valva is uncertain. Plus, activists criticize the timing of the removal of a New Haven homeless encampment.

A preview of Government Lamont's state of the state address. Suffolk officials start to move ahead with a long awaited rebuild of a Smithtown dam. Plus, are we headed toward another government shutdown? Breaking down how we got here.

New York could roll back an environmental impact process to fast-track affordable housing. Environmental advocates want Connecticut to ban mini liquor bottles. New data reveals just how bad homelessness has gotten on Long Island. Connecticut service plaza workers ask for better pay after unionizing. Plus, a walk through Connecticut's only contemporary art museum.

Democrats look to expand a Connecticut civil rights law in response to recent ICE activity. Some big changes are coming to the New York DMV. Plus, a dietitian explains what new guidance from the federal government gets right and wrong about nutrition.

Our region digs itself out of yesterday's heavy snowfall. Local officials react to another shooting of a U.S. citizen by ICE. In Long Island waters and beyond, whales are sending warning signs. Plus, meet the woman behind Connecticut's budget process.

Our region will see some frigid temperatures and heavy snow this weekend -- what Connecticut and New York are doing to prepare. Plus, a Long Island school district is again getting national attention over a mascot debate. And the latest from WSHU's Good at Heart.

A conversation with Broadway's Susan Stroman. But first, get ready -- our region is in for some heavy snowfall this weekend. Governor Hochul explains on her plan to lower car insurance rates. Plus, Connecticut's AG wants folks to turn down the temperature online in the wake of recent ICE activity.

U.S. Senator Chris Murphy is denied entry to two ICE facilities this week. Some disabled veterans on Long Island could see property tax bills disappear. ICE arrested a man inside New Haven's courthouse this week. Plus, this New York library's shelves tell a different story.

A closer look at Governor Hochul's budget proposal. Governor Lamont freezes farm property tax assessments. A new report finds conditions at Connecticut prisons are dire. Plus, New England will be well represented at the winter Olympic games next month.

Environmental officials push back on plans for a new dam in Suffolk County. It's about to get really cold in our region tonight. Governor Hochul has a big cash lead over her gubernatorial challengers. Plus, should drivers be concerned about privacy with more speed cameras on the road?

A proposal in New York could limit environmental reviews for some development projects. The Empire Wind project off Long Island's south shore may resume construction. Connecticut Democrats look to a rainy-day fund as federal cuts loom. Plus, what a massive state investment in water quality infrastructure means for Long Island.

Connecticut farmers worry about a potential major tax hike. Long Islanders react to Governor Hochul's state of the state address. It's been three years since Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis -- a look at how things are going. Plus, New York disability advocates are look for signs of progress.

A deep dive into Governor Hochul's state of the state address. Brookhaven Town has an extra three months to submit plans for cleaning up its landfill. Plus, experts say Connecticut is unlikely to meet its greenhouse gas emissions goal by 2030.

Searching for seals in Long Island Sound with the Maritime Aquarium. But first, highlights from Governor Hochul's state of the state address this afternoon. An effort in Connecticut to help folks in need of food and shelter this winter. Plus, calling all musicians – if you enter NPR's tiny desk contest, and you might just be featured here on WSHU.

Governor Hochul touts investments in water infrastructure on Long Island. New Haven reaches an agreement with teachers over pay increases and benefits. A plan for a cannabis greenhouse in Riverhead is now in limbo. Plus, how Connecticut's Himes is using his limited power in Trump's America.

New York Republicans say affordability is their top priority this legislative session. A Hartford protest turned chaotic last night, with one person being hit by a car. Connecticut workers now have one of the highest minimum wages in the country. A Long Island school district ranks among the best in the state. Plus, some New England scientists want you to rethink what's on your seafood plate.

Senator Murphy says he wants the government to return focus to domestic issues. On the agenda in New York this year -- a crackdown on illegal guns. Avelo Airlines will end deportation flights at the end of the month. Plus, meet the local librarians creating spaces where community comes together.

Governor Hochul backs a plan to limit protests near houses of worship. Wegmans' use of facial recognition sparks questions about how retailers use biometric data. Plus, an investigation looks into how politics, proximity, and public dollars are colliding in Hartford.

January is peak viewing time for bald eagles in Connecticut. New Haven's police chief has stepped down amid reports of theft and misuse of funds. Governor Hochul celebrates one year of congestion pricing. Connecticut's GOP launches the party's 2026 campaign. Plus, New Yorkers want universal childcare, but does the math add up?

We're taking a look at some of the laws that will go into effect in our region this year. Plus, LIPA can extend its contract with PSEG. And Connecticut's AG sued the Trump Administration 45 times in 2025 -- a look at where some of those cases stand.

The minimum wage in both Connecticut and New York will get a bump on January 1. New York is changing how child abuse reports are made. New research finds migrating birds will arrive in our region earlier this upcoming spring. Plus, the latest from WSHU's Good at Heart.

Crews are still working on major water main fixes in Waterbury. It's been almost one year since New York enacted congestion pricing. An iconic Connecticut restaurant is about to go nationwide. Plus, a Stefanik campaign insider discusses her decision to leave the race for governor of New York.

Offshore wind projects in our region have been suspended by the Trump administration. The flu is ripping through Long Island. Governor Hochul signs a bill eliminating the so-called “100 foot rule”. Plus, an effort in Connecticut to keep foster kids with family.

New York bans the harvest of horseshoe crabs. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik drops out of the race for governor of New York. The Houston Rockets are in talks to buy the Connecticut Sun. The results are in from a series of town halls on bear encounters in Connecticut. Plus, the luge athletes from around the world were in upstate New York this weekend.

As federal support faces uncertainty, Connecticut turns to rainy-day resources. On Long Island, good intentions for the environment are running up against old lawn habits. Our region reacts to the mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. Plus, survivors of domestic abuse are calling on Albany to act.

Connecticut is putting $28 million toward transforming blighted properties. A Montauk dredging project gets a boost with a second machine, after the first broke down. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribe partners with Hartford HealthCare on a new wellness center. Plus, a lost city, a fading faith, and tragedy that struck twice – that's the latest from WSHU's Off the Path.

New York unveils new actions to address PFAS contamination. Water has been restored to the majority of Waterbury residents. Breaking down Suffolk's settlement of a decade-long lawsuit over sewers. Governor Hochul signs a controversial aid in dying bill. Plus, 2025 was the year of AI -- a review of the laws on its use in our region and beyond.

A Supreme Court ruling clears the way for Connecticut coastal cities to plan for disasters. Governor Hochul touts New York's free school meals program. Could this be the year New York bans the harvest of horseshoe crabs? Plus, after two abuse cases, Connecticut is rethinking how it tracks homeschooled children.

Connecticut will cover rising healthcare costs for some residents. This weekend is the 13th anniversary of the Sandy Hook shooting. Pollution has decreased in New York City — and even on Long Island — since the start of congestion pricing. Plus, the story of a formerly enslaved man from Trumbull -- and how his family is honoring his memory.

Connecticut invests $10 billion to address pension debt. Governor Hochul tackles a mountain of bills to either sign or veto. Mystic Aquarium says new tech is improving care for their animals. Plus, the local program reshaping recovery one workout at a time.