Podcasts about Common Council

OA1290 - Jenessa returns with a surveillance grab bag: a New York mayor declares a bizarre "emergency" to keep her city's Flock cameras running after the city council said no, and a state lawsuit arguing license plate readers are flatly unconstitutional, no federal court needed. Plus a federal bill that could make biased AI hiring and healthcare tools very expensive, and the surprisingly deadly reason some camera poles might already be illegal. Cases discussed: Common Council of Troy v. Mantello Umamoto v. Westchester County AI Civil Rights Act Check out the OA Linktree for all the places to go and things to do!

Mold. No heat. Crumbling infrastructure. Residents of Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority properties have been living in these conditions for decades — and the people in charge have largely looked the other way.In this episode of The Public Good, host Dejia James of Partnership for the Public Good (PPG) is joined by community activist Nate Boyd and organizer John Washington, co-founder of the National Tenant Union Federation, for a candid and powerful conversation on the ongoing crisis inside BMHA public housing. They trace the roots of public housing segregation and redlining, document the harrowing conditions residents face today, and detail their months-long fight to hold the BMHA executive director and Buffalo's Common Council accountable — with more action on the way.

Homer Blow, a longtime radio personality in Milwaukee, was recently honored by the Common Council for his decades-long career and service to the community.

Homer Blow has held many titles throughout his 35-year career in Milwaukee radio. On-air personality, talk show host, program director & music director. He even has his own online radio station. His career and his work in the community recently garnered him recognition by the Common Council. Blow spoke with WUWM's Race & Ethnicity Reporter Teran Powell about what the recognition means to him. Of course, he began the conversation with his signature radio introduction. 

Authorities are confirming that the bodies of two suburban kayakers were found in Lake Michigan in northern Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The City of London Corporation is developing a new internal procedure that could allow it to revoke Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Freedom of the City of London. Officials concluded that no existing legal mechanism permitted them to simply remove the status, which Andrew obtained through patrimony in 2012 because his father, Prince Philip, was a Freeman. The Corporation had previously asked Andrew to surrender the distinction voluntarily, but he refused, prompting members to pursue a formal process for taking it away.The effort represents another blow for Andrew after King Charles stripped him of his royal titles, dukedom and major honours in 2025 amid continuing scrutiny of his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The legal difficulty is that the Freedom is considered a property right rather than merely a ceremonial honour, giving it protections under British law and the European Convention on Human Rights. Once the new procedure is approved, the Court of Common Council would still need to hold a separate vote specifically determining whether Andrew's Freedom should be revoked.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor suffers fresh blow as legal officials creating mechanism to remove honour from him

The City of London Corporation is developing a new internal procedure that could allow it to revoke Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Freedom of the City of London. Officials concluded that no existing legal mechanism permitted them to simply remove the status, which Andrew obtained through patrimony in 2012 because his father, Prince Philip, was a Freeman. The Corporation had previously asked Andrew to surrender the distinction voluntarily, but he refused, prompting members to pursue a formal process for taking it away.The effort represents another blow for Andrew after King Charles stripped him of his royal titles, dukedom and major honours in 2025 amid continuing scrutiny of his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The legal difficulty is that the Freedom is considered a property right rather than merely a ceremonial honour, giving it protections under British law and the European Convention on Human Rights. Once the new procedure is approved, the Court of Common Council would still need to hold a separate vote specifically determining whether Andrew's Freedom should be revoked.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor suffers fresh blow as legal officials creating mechanism to remove honour from himBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

The City of London Corporation is developing a new internal procedure that could allow it to revoke Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Freedom of the City of London. Officials concluded that no existing legal mechanism permitted them to simply remove the status, which Andrew obtained through patrimony in 2012 because his father, Prince Philip, was a Freeman. The Corporation had previously asked Andrew to surrender the distinction voluntarily, but he refused, prompting members to pursue a formal process for taking it away.The effort represents another blow for Andrew after King Charles stripped him of his royal titles, dukedom and major honours in 2025 amid continuing scrutiny of his association with Jeffrey Epstein. The legal difficulty is that the Freedom is considered a property right rather than merely a ceremonial honour, giving it protections under British law and the European Convention on Human Rights. Once the new procedure is approved, the Court of Common Council would still need to hold a separate vote specifically determining whether Andrew's Freedom should be revoked.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor suffers fresh blow as legal officials creating mechanism to remove honour from himBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Buffalo's Common Council has tabled a request from Bottoms Up for a special permit for 18+ college nights. Planning Board Chair James Morrell gives his take on the issues facing Chippewa.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage of Troy's Common Council where the council authorized $15.5 million in bonds to upgrade the city's water system and a resolution to upgrade 15 city cameras that pre-date FLOCK was passed. Then, Sina Basila Hickey talks to two artists part of Art Omi: Artists 2026 cohort . the artists held an open studio to mark the end of their residencies. Later on, Hugh Johnson joins us on air to discuss Floods, the El Nino and what to expect of the weather this week. After that, Sia Patel talks with Ruksana, Prof. of Communication at UAlbany who migrated to the Capital Region from Bangladesh, in this week's Everybody Moves segment. Finally, Marrow and Cricket talk with Front Stoop LLC, a native plant gardening company based in Troy NY. Co-hosts: Lennox Apudo and Sean Bernyk

The Finance Committee meets virtually using online conferencing software. They make recommendations to the Common Council regarding budget amendments and other matters with significant fiscal implications during the year.

The July 23rd meeting of the Common Council featured a number of issues. The Council designated several parcels at Monument Square as surplus, a needed step to sell it to local developers, who made a presentation to the council. The Council also authorized $15.5 million in bonds to upgrade the city's water system as it continues to replace lead pipes. The Council had questions for the administration about a potential ordinance for Battery Energy Storage Systems, which are presently subject to a six-month moratorium. The Council approved a resolution related to upgrading 15 security cameras in the city which pre-dated FLOCK Cameras and which are not shared by any entity other than the city. The Council also held another public hearing on changing the city charter related to how the Mayor can declare an emergency to give them additional powers to act. We hear about the Monument Square proposal, BESS, and emergency powers. Mark Dunlea reports.

North District Councilman Joe Golombek speaks on a resolution in the Buffalo Common Council that allows Buffalo police to have more discretion in deciding when to make an arrest instead of issuing appearance tickets for low-level crimes full 244 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 08:30:00 +0000 UwDGCfbQ8LSpenybpmzWU8C02AGebcGs buffalo,news,wben,buffalo common council,buffalo police,joe golombek WBEN Extras buffalo,news,wben,buffalo common council,buffalo police,joe golombek North District Councilman Joe Golombek speaks on a resolution in the Buffalo Common Council that allows Buffalo police to have more discretion in deciding when to make an arrest instead of issuing appearance tickets for low-level crimes Archive of various reports and news events 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc.

The Monday, July 20 public comment period of the Albany Common Council once again drew comments on Ranked Choice Voting, data centers, and Flock Cameras. Several people also spoke about the need to preserve the James Hall Office, a small one-story building that was the personal laboratory of James Hall, a leading 19th-century paleontologist. In this segment, we hear from former Councilmember Richard Conti; Wade Holina; Marianna Achlaoug of Albany Indivisible; and Ivette Alfonso of the Working Families Party. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.data

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buffalo Common Council members discuss diversion program for young car theft suspects, as well as a walkback of 2020 Executive Order limiting police officers discretion full 1429 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:30:00 +0000 ECqwYluuBgBtJbFgmJCD9FgcVUzZoPt5 buffalo,news,wben,buffalo common council,buffalo police,leah halton-pope,zeneta everhart,mitch nowakowski,rasheed wyatt,david rivera,joe golombek WBEN Extras buffalo,news,wben,buffalo common council,buffalo police,leah halton-pope,zeneta everhart,mitch nowakowski,rasheed wyatt,david rivera,joe golombek Buffalo Common Council members discuss diversion program for young car theft suspects, as well as a walkback of 2020 Executive Order limiting police officers discretion Archive of various reports and news events 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc.

The Madison Common Council convenes in the City-County Building. Some attendees, council members, and city staff may be participating virtually using online conferencing software. It is the policy-making body of the City of Madison representing the citizens of the City of Madison. The Common Council promotes the safety, health and general well-being of our community within the bounds of fiscal responsibility while preserving and advancing the quality of life resulting in exceptional civic pride.

On Wednesday July 15, Bob Welton of the Rensselaer Environmental Coalition spoke at the meeting of the Rensselaer Common Council to ask them to adopt a resolution urging the State Health Department to do air testing at the Dunn landfill. Bob talks with Mark Dunlea of the Hudson Mohawk Magazine. https://rensselaerenvironmentalcoalition.org/

The Alcohol License Review Committee convenes either in the Madison Municipal Building or City-County Building. Some attendees, committee members, and city staff may be participating virtually using online conferencing software. The mission of the Alcohol License Review Committee is to serve City's residents, businesses, and visitors by thoroughly and conscientiously reviewing license applications, establishing & maintaining standards, addressing violations, developing alcohol-related policies, and making recommendations to the Common Council.

The Finance Committee meets virtually using online conferencing software. They make recommendations to the Common Council regarding budget amendments and other matters with significant fiscal implications during the year.

There were a variety of issues raised during the Monday, July 6, public comment period of the Albany Common Council. A major focus was support for a resolution in favor of having Governor Hochul sign the legislation for a one-year moratorium on new data centers in the state, which the council approved. Speakers also urged the council to either adopt a local moratorium on data centers or outright reject the proposed data center at Kenwood Commons. That issue is not yet before the council. Several speakers also spoke in favor of the proposal for Ranked Choice Voting. However, the Council failed to take any action on this issue, which makes it unlikely that it would be approved in time for a public vote in the November election. One concern is the legality of ending primaries, which is included in the proposal. The end of primaries has generated opposition from the Democrats and Working Families Parties. Others spoke in opposition to the continued presence of Flock Cameras in the city to read license plates, which has generated concerns both about mass surveillance and its potential abuse by ICE. Several residents urged the Council to support the efforts by residents of the apartment buildings on Willett Avenue adjoining Washington Park – the so-called Hippie Hotel, to form a tenant's union and improve building conditions. We hear from Bryan Paz-Hernandez of Indivisible, Alexandra Armanino, Madeline Reilly, and Andrew M Co-Chair of the Capital District DSA. By Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

The Madison Common Council convenes in the City-County Building. Some attendees, council members, and city staff may be participating virtually using online conferencing software. It is the policy-making body of the City of Madison representing the citizens of the City of Madison. The Common Council promotes the safety, health and general well-being of our community within the bounds of fiscal responsibility while preserving and advancing the quality of life resulting in exceptional civic pride.

The Finance Committee meets virtually using online conferencing software. They make recommendations to the Common Council regarding budget amendments and other matters with significant fiscal implications during the year.

The Madison Common Council convenes in the City-County Building. Some attendees, council members, and city staff may be participating virtually using online conferencing software. It is the policy-making body of the City of Madison representing the citizens of the City of Madison. The Common Council promotes the safety, health and general well-being of our community within the bounds of fiscal responsibility while preserving and advancing the quality of life resulting in exceptional civic pride.

The Alcohol License Review Committee convenes either in the Madison Municipal Building or City-County Building. Some attendees, committee members, and city staff may be participating virtually using online conferencing software. The mission of the Alcohol License Review Committee is to serve City's residents, businesses, and visitors by thoroughly and conscientiously reviewing license applications, establishing & maintaining standards, addressing violations, developing alcohol-related policies, and making recommendations to the Common Council.

The mission of the Alcohol License Review Committee is to serve City's residents, businesses & visitors by thoroughly & conscientiously reviewing license applications, establishing & maintaining standards, addressing violations, developing alcohol-related policies, & making recommendations to the Common Council.

The Finance Committee meets virtually using online conferencing software. They make recommendations to the Common Council regarding budget amendments and other matters with significant fiscal implications during the year.

Three hopefuls vie for Democratic line Beacon and Philipstown have not been represented by a Democratic state senator since 2015, and the party hopes this year to flip the seat, held by Rob Rolison, a Republican seeking his third 2-year term. First, there will be a primary on June 23 to decide which of three Democratic candidates will challenge him in November: Lisa Kaul, a Dutchess County legislator; Gay Lee, a former City of Newburgh council member; or Evan Menist, a member of the Poughkeepsie Common Council. Sue Serino, now the Dutchess County executive, represented Beacon and Philipstown in the state Senate for three terms. She took office in 2015 after defeating Terry Gipson, a Democrat who served one term. Rolison won the seat in 2022, defeating Julie Shiroishi, a Beacon resident who was then chief of staff to Assembly Member Jonathan Jacobson, whose district includes Beacon. In 2024, Rolison defeated Dutchess County Legislator Yvette Valdés Smith, whose district includes part of Beacon. She now chairs the Legislature after Democrats flipped the majority in 2025. Kaul is a native of India and Rhodes Scholar who moved to the U.S. in 2004. She spent five years as an administrator at Vassar College and served on the Arlington school board before defeating Republican Marc Pfeifer in 2023 to win a seat in the Legislature representing part of the Town of Poughkeepsie. She ran unopposed in 2025 for her second term and chairs the Environment Committee. Lee served for four years on the Newburgh City Council. She is a longtime clinical social worker and therapist with a private practice whose career includes stints with nonprofits that provide services to people who are homeless and have mental illnesses. She previously ran for the state Senate seat in 2014. Questions for Candidates Ahead of the Democratic primary on June 23, we gave each candidate 500 words to answer three questions. The responses are posted at highlandscurrent.org/senate-primary-39. Menist holds a master's degree in public administration from Marist University, where he played on and coached the men's rugby team. His resume includes working as a planner and researcher for Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, a policy organization based in the City of Newburgh, as a staffer for former state Sen. Elijah Reichlin-Melnick and as assistant deputy county executive for Ulster County. He first won election to the Common Council in 2019 and is now in his fourth 2-year term. He also works as co-executive director of the Poughkeepsie Farm Project, which produces fruits and vegetables for purchase and donation and educates farmers. Kaul has earned endorsements from the Dutchess County and Beacon Democratic Committees, and Menist from the Working Families Party. The Putnam Democratic Committee did not endorse a candidate; Jennifer Colamonico, its chair said the representatives from the two towns in District 39, including Philipstown, considered both Kaul and Menist to be "outstanding candidates." As of May 29, Kaul had $227,000 on hand and Menist, $133,000. Lee has not filed campaign finance reports. Rolison reported having $7,000 on hand. As of Wednesday (June 10), Kaul has received $268,479 from the state's Public Campaign Finance Board, which matches small donations, and Menist, $234,017. Rolison has received $160,219.

The Madison Common Council convenes in the City-County Building. Some attendees, council members, and city staff may be participating virtually using online conferencing software. It is the policy-making body of the City of Madison representing the citizens of the City of Madison. The Common Council promotes the safety, health and general well-being of our community within the bounds of fiscal responsibility while preserving and advancing the quality of life resulting in exceptional civic pride.

Buffalo's Common Council approved a $670 million budget for the City of Buffalo Tuesday. University District Councilman Rasheed Wyatt says he wants to give Mayor Ryan a chance with his first budget and shares more thoughts on what's included.

The Madison Common Council convenes in the City-County Building. Some attendees, council members, and city staff may be participating virtually using online conferencing software. It is the policy-making body of the City of Madison representing the citizens of the City of Madison. The Common Council promotes the safety, health and general well-being of our community within the bounds of fiscal responsibility while preserving and advancing the quality of life resulting in exceptional civic pride.

Joining Robert Pilot: Updates from the Circle News and Avina Martin, Polictal Consultant. Martin is the first Native person ever elected to Madison Wisconsin's Common Council and was elected Vice President in 2020 by her peers. Arvina is an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, is Stockbridge-Munsee. The post Native Roots Radio- May 6, 2026 first appeared on AM 950.

The Madison Common Council convenes in the City-County Building. Some attendees, council members, and city staff may be participating virtually using online conferencing software. It is the policy-making body of the City of Madison representing the citizens of the City of Madison. The Common Council promotes the safety, health and general well-being of our community within the bounds of fiscal responsibility while preserving and advancing the quality of life resulting in exceptional civic pride.

On April 20, the Albany Common Council voted unanimously to approve a new Office of Violence Prevention. The office will have seven members, four appointed by the mayor and three by the council. Before the unanimous vote, members of the community came to speak in favor of the city taking a new approach in the face of recent shootings and violence in the city.

Buffalo's Common Council voted 5-4 Tuesday to confirm Erika Shields' appointment to Police Commissioner. University District Councilman Rasheed Wyatt explains why he voted yes.

Madison's Common Council has new leadership — and new tensions. Sabrina Madison and Carmella Glenn make history as the first two Black women to serve as council president and vice president. Meanwhile, a proposed ordinance amendment targeting the Police Civilian Oversight Board sparks a firestorm. Interim Independent Police Monitor Aeiramique Glass joins us to break down what's really behind the push to rein in the office she's finally gotten up and running — and why she says the resistance started the moment oversight actually started working. Plus: an update on the CAYA Clinic AI controversy, Barrio Dance heads to America's Got Talent, and Wisconsin's Black-owned bookstores. Links: Madison Common Council delays changes to independent police monitor ordinance Org recommended to run harm reduction center falsely claimed partnerships in proposal Madison dance crew takes the stage on America's Got Talent JustDane's Jazz for Justice returns April 30 at Atwood Music Hall Bookmark Madison365.com and follow Madison365 on Facebook, Blue Sky, LinkedIn and Instagram to keep up with the latest news.

On April 20, at their regular meeting, the Albany Common Council took up to the changes to the inclusionary zoning measure they had passed in 2025 at the request of the mayor. The old measure used a tiered system based on development size to enforce a percentage of affordable housing units. The new version uses a flat 5% of units and allows developers to buy out of the requirement for $50,000 per unit. We will hear excerpts from the debate and vote on the revised rules. For clarity, AMI stands for Area Median Income.

Members of Buffalo's Common Council questioned Erika Shields, Mayor Ryan's appointee for police commissioner, this week. Leah Halton-Pope tells us what she though of Shields' answers.

The Madison Common Council is the policy-making body of the City of Madison. Representing the citizens of the City of Madison, the Common Council will promote the safety, health and general well -being of our community within the bounds of fiscal responsibility while preserving and advancing the quality of life resulting in exceptional civic pride.

At the April 6 regular meeting, the Albany Common Council held a hearing about the proposed changes to their affordable housing ordinance. At the request of the mayor and the urging of the governor, the new rule would allow developers to buy out of the affordable housing requirements in the rule. Many from the community came to express their feelings and council members interjected with questions and comments.

On today's show, host Dana Pellebon is in conversation with Madison Common Council District 14 Candidates, Kate Blood and Noah Lieberman. District 14 encompasses parts of South Madison and is currently represented by Alder Isadore Knox Jr. The candidates speak about their priorities for their district, what they'd like to see in Madison, and how to reduce racial disparities in the city. Next Tuesday, April 7 is Election Day. Find out what's on your ballot here.  Common Council District 14 Candidate: Kate Blood Kate Blood says that she decided to run for office when a housing development was proposed in her neighborhood without the input of her Latinx neighbors. She supports restorative justice, restorative courts, and using diversion programs to keep people out of jails and prisons. Blood says that reducing racial disparities in Madison should start with supporting our students. That means reevaluating discipline formats using deescalation protocols. She says that fully funding the CARES program is a long-term investment in our community.  Kate Blood worked for WHEDA and the DOA providing affordable housing around the state. She now works as a chaplain.  Featured image: remix of a photo of Kate Blood with the Madison City Council district map by Sara Gabler/WORT. Common Council District 14 Candidate: Noah Lieberman Noah Lieberman is running for Common Council because local government is where community is put into practice, from parks and libraries to good roads and transportation. He wants to create home ownership opportunities for Black and Brown residents of his district to help address long-term racial disparities in the city. He also supports state-level changes to the minimum wage and wants to see the city build up tenants' rights in order to stop predatory landlords who he says are an impediment to making the city affordable. Noah Lieberman is a stay at home dad. He previously served as vice chair of the Dane County Democratic Party, helping to recruit and support progressive candidates around the county. He also served as chair of Madison’s Landlord Tenant Issues Committee. Featured image: remix of a photo of Noah Lieberman with the Madison City Council district map by Sara Gabler/WORT. Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Common Council District 14 Candidates: Kate Blood and Noah Lieberman appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

The Madison Common Council is the policy-making body of the City of Madison. Representing the citizens of the City of Madison, the Common Council will promote the safety, health and general well -being of our community within the bounds of fiscal responsibility while preserving and advancing the quality of life resulting in exceptional civic pride.

Ta-Sean Murdock is the Executive Director of Albany's Center for Law and Justice. He has concerns about the state of the city's Common Council and Community Police Review Board, and is calling on them to regain the public's trust. Murdock spoke with Sina Basila Hickey and Doug Bierend for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Buffalo Common Council unanimously supports an investigation into the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam full 214 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000 p8qzDy0UF4UuVFFjSnQAKC0cOOYjHF9i buffalo,news,wben,buffalo common council,joe golombek,nurul amin shah alam WBEN Extras buffalo,news,wben,buffalo common council,joe golombek,nurul amin shah alam Buffalo Common Council unanimously supports an investigation into the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam Archive of various reports and news events 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News False

Madison's Common Council is composed of 20 part-time alders. But should it be? Recently, the conversation over the size and makeup of our city council has been revived and residents have varying thoughts on the matter. Today, executive producer Hayley Sperling digs into the arguments for and against a smaller council with City Cast Madison producer Jade Iseri-Ramos. Plus, we hear what you have to say about the idea!

Joining Robert Pilot: Arvina Martin political analyst, first Native person ever elected to Madison Wisconsin's Common Council and was elected Vice President in 2020 by her peers. Arvina is an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, is Stockbridge-Munsee, and has worked with Native communities throughout her entire career. Wendy Pilot Scared Animal segment.

Today is the deadline for candidate filings in the state of Wisconsin. To break down the races in this busy election year, host Dana Pellebon speaks with three powerhouse local journalists, Christina Lieffring, Enjoyiana Nururdin, and Faye Parks.  There was a general sense of surprise and excitement at the number of contested races. Nururdin says that she's noticed more people wanting to be active at the local level, including with the school board and Dane County Board. And Parks has noticed people getting engaged on topics like housing, school referendums, and other issues that affect their daily lives. Lieffring says that when things are going well, people tend to ignore local government, but things aren't going well right now.  Change is on the horizon in the city of Madison as a number of Common Council seats are up for grabs as the city adjusts to its new staggered terms. And in Dane County there are more unopposed races. Nururdin wants to see more debate and constituent feedback about Dane County Board positions, but this is challenging because newsrooms struggle to devote a lot of time and energy to smaller races, says Lieffring. The Governor's race may be the hottest line on the ballot with a large primary field of Democratic candidates but only two Republican contenders. Nururdin says that people want to see candidates who are active in the community, not just at press opportunities. And Lieffring wants to see the candidates go beyond political slogans.  Christina Lieffring is Tone Madison's Managing Editor, a free-wheelin' freelancer, and lifelong Midwesterner. Enjoyiana Nururdin is a Madisonian and the local government reporter at the Cap Times Newspaper where she covers the ins and outs of City Hall and politics in Dane County. A graduate of UW-Madison’s School of Journalism and Columbia University in New York, Enjoyiana brings experience covering homelessness, government transparency and uplifting community voices in her work. Faye Parks is the Producer of WORT’s 6pm Local News. Featured image of a person voting via Pexels. Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Local Journalists Weigh-In on Upcoming 2026 Elections appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

At the Albany Common Council's meeting on December 15, a public hearing took place on a proposed new transfer station and landfill. The old location will be full by 2027 so the need for a new site is urgent. However the proposal has met some opposition from environmental groups and from the current residents of the property the city wants to use. Here are some excerpts from the hearing.

We lead-off with Milwaukee Area Labor Council President Pam Fendt to discuss a successful organizing campaign by union workers at the City of Milwaukee to win a Common Council vote to override the Mayor's budget vetoes, including his effort to scale backe to pay increases for city employees who live in Milwaukee. We connect this worker-led union effort to the possibility of the 2026 state elections leading to a Democratic trifecta which could set the stage to overturn Act 10 and other anti-worker policies in Wisconsin. Will a new Democratic majority be ready to raise the additional revenue to make up for all the lost ground caused by Scott Walker's union busting? We update the co-sponsor count for the Utility Rate Cap bill, bringing the total of sponsors to 19. We encourage our listeners to contact your state Senators and Representatives next week before the December 5th co-sponsorship deadline. Robert updates us on the latest indications of an AI data center superpowered stock market bubble that could generate another financial meltdown, and leave Wisconsinites deal with abandoned data centers and unneeded methane gas plants. Citizen Action is an early supporter of Clean Wisconsin's petition to pause AI Data Centers until a comprehensive plan to deal with climate emissions, water, and energy costs for consumers is developed. We discuss why this is so important, especially considering the potential for a historic AI data center bubble bursting and leaving us holding the bag. Robert helps us better understand the policy question embroiling federal politics: Is Trump really trying to extend ACA subsidies as he announced this week? And will WisconsinEye halt its unique coverage of state politics on December 15th without more funds, further reducing the transparency and accountability of state government.