Podcasts about Metro North

Women describe fear after January attack Police Chief Tom Figlia said this week that investigators have pored over "countless hours" of video as they try to identify the man who attacked a woman in Beacon five months ago. His comments revealed new details about an incident that many girls and women say has them living in fear. Police received a call from Dutchess County 911 on the morning of Jan. 14 to assist fire and emergency medical personnel with a report of an unconscious woman found near the intersection of Wolcott and Tioronda avenues. Figlia said it appeared to officers that the woman had been "seriously assaulted." Nearby Sargent Elementary School was placed on a lockout while officers searched the area. Police later told school officials that they believed the suspect had fled. The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was said at the time to be in stable condition at a local hospital. Police asked residents citywide to check doorbell or security cameras for footage of a white male wearing a black jacket or coat (not a puffy coat), a black knit hat and blue pants or jeans. The suspect was described as being in his 30s or 40s, about 5-foot-11, with a medium build and a "very close" brown beard. Breaking from protocol, Figlia issued updates in the weeks following the crime, explaining nuances of the investigation and addressing criticism that the department had not released enough information. "Crimes that appear to be sexually motivated, occurring in daylight hours, close to a busy street, where the perpetrator does not seem to be known to the victim, are rare to begin with," he said this week, confirming details that had previously been the subject of speculation. "That's one reason why it's rightly garnered so much concern from the public. I can't recall another incident like it in my time in the department," which he joined 20 years ago as a patrol officer. According to the department's 2024 annual report, the most recent available, Beacon police in 2022 responded to 21 reports of aggravated assault, defined as involving serious injury, use of a weapon or multiple perpetrators. Nine arrests were made. In 2023, there were 16 reports and 14 arrests. In 2024, there were 19 reports and 12 arrests. There was a rape reported in 2023, but no arrest was made. Most sexual assault cases are not solved by police, according to a study published in 2024 in the journal Trauma Violence Abuse, which found that only about 25 percent of reported sexual assaults over a 20-year period resulted in an arrest. Figlia said the department is waiting on responses to subpoenas for more video footage. Numerous items also have undergone DNA testing, and the police are working with outside agencies for assistance with digital forensic evidence. Nonetheless, every woman interviewed for this article said they remain fearful. Randi Keim, who travels into New York City several times a week, said she used to walk a 5-mile loop to the Metro-North station that took her near the area of the attack. "I have not done that walk since," she said. "I wouldn't walk it alone, even in daytime, now." Figlia advised that bulky headphones or other apparel that obstructs peripheral vision could make pedestrians vulnerable. "Being clear that you are looking around could be a deterrent," he said. Another resident, who asked not to be identified, said she, too, has changed her routine when taking the train. In the past, she walked home, sometimes late at night. Now, she schedules an Uber anytime her train arrives after sunset. Four other women, all mothers of teen daughters, declined to comment, even anonymously, for fear of saying something that could identify them or their children. Said one: "I don't even feel safe saying I feel unsafe."

Filmmaker drew inspiration from Philipstown Lily Weisberg, a 26-year-old filmmaker from New York City, has been directing and producing films in Philipstown since she was a student at Yale. Rare Birds, her most recent short film, was inspired by the natural beauty and "inherent intimacy" of rural Putnam County, she says. She spent many summers in Garrison, riding Metro-North from the city to attend camps at The Depot Theater. Her parents moved to Philipstown while she was in college. Weisberg's 10-minute film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 5 and will be shown again today (June 12) and Saturday. "It's a festival I've dreamed about having a movie in as long as I've been making movies," she said. In the film, a serial klutz named Jerry (Tony Macht) risks losing his job at a local antique store. "He's like a bull in a China shop," Weisberg said, with a laugh. "He obviously should not be working in an antique store." Jerry is also a camp counselor, and one of the campers, 12-year-old Candice (Zoe Ziegler), is a frequent visitor. She is determined to get Jerry fired so the friends can spend more time together. Their relationship, says Weisberg, is "the kind that can only really exist in a small town. They're both these oddball characters, but they're united because they are similar and from the same place." The film was shot at Bowen Barn, a shop in Stanfordville, but Weisberg and her team scouted antique stores in and near Philipstown and Beacon. "We used what we saw in our set design," she said. "I liked the idea of creating this sort of cocoon for them —a cozy, dark antique store where everything's fragile, but it's kind of desolate." Weisberg directed two previous short films, Studio 210 (2021) and Working Summer (2024), at her parents' home. Her mother's studio and gardens served as inspiration for the former, in which an aspiring artist spends a summer at his friend's mother's studio. "I wanted to make something that used all of this beauty that she'd created," said Weisberg of her mother, Deborah Needleman, a basketmaker. Achieving small-town authenticity has its challenges. Child labor laws limited how long Ziegler could be on set, and the Bowen Barn contains many fragile items that required caution when moving cameras and lights. On the plus side, "the energy is just so good with a crew that lives and works in the Hudson Valley," said Weisberg. "People are happy because they're surrounded by nature and beauty. "The fact of just loving a place comes through in a movie," she says. "I want to work in places that I love and have a relationship to." Rare Birds will be screened in New York City today (June 12) at 8:30 p.m. at Spring Studios (50 Varick St.) and on Saturday at 2:15 p.m. at AMC 19th St. East 6 (890 Broadway). See tribecafilm.com/films/rare-birds-2026. For Weisberg's earlier films, see dub.sh/weisberg-films.

Beacon considers five years of capital outlays The Beacon City Council will continue its review on Monday (June 1) of the city's five-year capital plan. Spending for 2027 purchases and projects must be approved before July 31. The city updates its five-year schedule annually; expenditures for the following year are approved, and estimates are calculated for future projects. A public hearing on the 2027 plan will be held on June 15. Next year's plan includes nearly $10 million in capital work and equipment purchases, although not all of it will be the city's responsibility. The most expensive project will be a $3.6 million rehabilitation of Beekman Street funded by grants. The street leading toward the Metro-North station will be repaved; sidewalks will be repaired and installed where there are gaps; and a bike lane will be added on the uphill side of the road. The next-highest expenditure is $1.9 million to construct a water-storage tank at the Mount Beacon Reservoir. The council approved $1.6 million for the project last year; the additional funding for 2027 will complete the work. The city plans to spend $500,000 in each of the next five years to mill and pave streets and install curb ramps to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Similarly, $400,000 is allotted in each of the next three years for improvements to the southwest corner of Memorial Park that tentatively will add pickleball courts, updated lighting and a second public restroom. In 2028, $3.3 million is budgeted for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant, although Deputy City Administrator Ben Swanson and Finance Director Susan Tucker stressed during the council's May 18 meeting that prices can change. A ladder truck for the Fire Department, authorized as a $1.7 million expenditure in 2025, is now more than $1.9 million, Tucker noted. Two proposed expenditures drew a lot of attention: $5.4 million in 2028 for a 3.3-mile rail trail from the waterfront to the Town of Fishkill and, in 2031, $5.3 million to create a community center. Many residents have advocated for a community center for years, but the idea has never moved from the final year of the rolling five-year plan, a pattern that irked Council Member Lastar Gorton. "Why is that not a priority when this is what the community has been continuously asking for?" Gorton said, calling the rail trail a project for tourists. Mayor Lee Kyriacou disagreed, saying the trail "has nothing to do with tourism" but will be a recreational asset for residents. Gorton argued that "many, many, many, many" community members have called for a community center, including the Beacon Community Collective, a nonprofit that says it is fundraising for such a facility. The organization says its mission is to help establish something in the spirit of the Martin Luther King Cultural Center, which operated on South Avenue from 1969 to 2011, and the Beacon Community Resource Center, which was located for decades in what is now the Recreation Department building on West Center Street. Kyriacou noted that recreation funding has grown from $304,000 in 2014 to $1.15 million this year, allowing the department to run its after-school program, Camp at the Camp and partnerships with Green Teen Beacon, among other initiatives. The programmatic funds, combined with $15 million in capital improvements to public parks over five years, are "far more important than any building," he said. Kyriacou said he is pitching funders on the rail trail and hopes the project "will be largely funded by other people's money." Conversely, funding for a community center would come from borrowing or taxes, he said. The city must "make choices as to what's most important and in what order we should be doing things," he said. "But most important to who?" Gorton asked. Council Member Carolyn Bennett Glauda added, "Seeing the community center all the way at the end really feels like we kicked it down the curb." The $5.3 million estimate for the project is...

Platform Chats host Walt Bleser sits down with Metro-North President Justin Vonashek, who turned a last-minute career fair resume into leading one of the nation's busiest commuter railroads. The conversation centers on a key shift: railroads don't just move trains—they move people, and those people don't have time for delays. Vonashek highlights Metro-North's post-pandemic rebound, strong on-time performance, safety culture, and continued operational improvements. He also points to major investments in new locomotives, infrastructure, and system upgrades, while maintaining service continuity. A strong emphasis is placed on workforce development, mentorship, and employee engagement—recognizing that even the most advanced systems depend on the people who keep them running. Bottom line: The future of rail isn't just infrastructure or technology—it's people. 

The Long Island Rail Road strike is over after MTA reached a tentative agreement with the labor unions. Why does this matter to Connecticut residents and Metro North riders? Jim Cameron who writes Talking Transportation in CTMirror explains.To read Jim's article: https://ctmirror.org/2026/05/17/could-metro-north-face-a-strike/Image Credit: Reuters

Also, updates on parking, historic properties Beacon residents will be able to apply later this year to serve on a committee tasked with updating the city's comprehensive plan. New York State recommends that municipalities update their plans — the blueprint for how a city will grow — every 10 years; Beacon's was last revised in 2017. That document was drafted by a consulting firm with input from a committee of residents and city officials. Public workshops were held in the fall of 2016. There has been a general shift from doing "everything and the kitchen sink" rewrites of comprehensive plans to focusing on priorities, planning consultant Natalie Quinn told the City Council on Monday (May 4). The 2017 update focused on the waterfront and Metro-North train station area. Council members should begin thinking about important areas, because the 2027 plan will guide future councils as they enact zoning laws, said City Attorney Jennifer Gray. Topics mentioned Monday included non-vehicular transportation, smaller housing units as an affordability tool, climate adaptation and protected scenic views. Council Member Lastar Gorton disagreed with the approach, saying she would prefer a review of the entire plan. "Beacon is completely different now" than in 2017, she said. "Let the community have its say." Historic properties A public hearing on properties nominated for Beacon's historic district, scheduled to continue on May 18, will likely be adjourned to June 1. In the meantime, the city is creating an FAQ to explain the program. Many residents who spoke during the first part of the hearing last month seemed uncertain about the details. Properties added to the district will be required to obtain approval from the Planning Board before making alterations to certain historic features, but there are tax and assessment benefits that come with the designation, Mayor Lee Kyriacou said. Parking requirements It's too soon to say whether Beacon's new parking requirements for developments will affect the number of apartments being built in the city. In August 2024, the City Council eliminated minimum parking requirements for new developments and substantial reconstructions in "core" walkable areas, such as Main Street and parts of the waterfront. Instead, there is now a maximum number of spaces developers may provide. Studies have concluded that minimum parking requirements added to the cost of new housing and hindered the development of affordable units. A report by the Planning Board looked at 10 projects approved by the end of last year. In that time, four applicants provided the same parking as would have previously been required, three provided one to three fewer spaces, and two provided as many as 40 fewer spaces. In several cases, the report said, applicants voluntarily provided on-site parking because of design considerations and anticipated demand. But developments on Main Street provided fewer spaces. The Planning Board said it's too soon to know how reduced supply will impact demand for on-street spaces, because the developments have not been built. Moving forward, the board said it will monitor applications that provide no parking but rely on municipal lots, to avoid over-allocating or "double-counting." In addition, overuse of city lots could be an issue during snowstorms. As for the new parking regulations and the density of development, "unit counts" are affected by factors other than parking, Quinn told the council. Future data will provide more clarity, she said. Council Member Carolyn Bennett Glauda remarked: "If we want to encourage people to come here and not have cars, we need to talk about our bike comprehensive plan, and we need to talk about public transportation as viable options." Meeting schedule The City Council seems ready to continue meeting on the first and third Monday of each month, instead of weekly, as it had done for decades. The shift to every other week (except during months with five Mondays) has allowed ...

Activists have a plan for weekend service A year after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority discontinued a commuter ferry on the Hudson River between Beacon and Newburgh, activists are hoping to raise $200,000 to launch their own weekend service. The Save the Ferry coalition, whose members live on both sides of the river, envisions a free boat running 10 hours on each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from mid-June through October. They hope to demonstrate that demand still exists for the route, which the MTA has replaced with shuttle buses. The service would rely on the Nellie Bly, a 40-person vessel supplied by the New York Boat Co., which runs charter cruises from Peekskill. The coalition said it is in talks to use the Sloop Club dock in Beacon and the Riverfront Marina in Newburgh. The MTA suspended ferry service in January 2025 due to river ice. During the hiatus, the agency said it discovered damage to the floating dock it used in Beacon. Because ridership had also been declining — from an average of nearly 250 people per day in 2008 to 62 in 2024, according to the MTA — the agency officially canceled the service in June, before it ever restarted. If the coalition can secure funding, weekend service "would be one incremental step in the whole restoration of that regional transportation link," said Victoria Manning, a Newburgh resident. Organizers wouldn't say what they have raised so far, but they are asking Hudson Valley legislators to push for funding for their ferry pilot in the 2026-27 state budget. They estimate the $200,000 will cover marketing, insurance, permitting, docking fees and a crew for the season. If funding doesn't materialize, the coalition says it will try again in 2027-28. While the MTA ferry ran only during commuting hours, bringing Newburgh residents to Beacon's Metro-North station to catch trains toward Poughkeepsie or Grand Central Station, the coalition believes a weekend boat would attract casual riders as well as people who work on Saturday and Sunday. "Businesses and individuals have been clamoring for this," Manning said. An MTA spokesperson said on Wednesday (May 6) that the agency has no plans to restart a ferry between Beacon and Newburgh. The bus shuttles are free through 2026; an express route to New York Stewart International Airport has been added. For the third year, the agency will also operate a seasonal weekend ferry between Haverstraw in Rockland County and Ossining in Westchester County beginning this month. Members of the coalition don't understand why that can't happen farther north. Amanda Brown, a Beacon resident and professional mediator, said the MTA told her it shut down the Newburgh crossing because of low ridership. But she believes the agency didn't do enough to examine the reasons behind it. In January, Brown began surveying Main Street business owners in Beacon. Some told her, she writes in a report she hopes to share with the Beacon and Newburgh city councils, that they are certain some customers come from Newburgh. Others said that "anything that could draw people to the area in general would be good for them," said Brown, who plans more interviews. Based on 2024 state tourism statistics, the coalition says its conservative estimate is that 60 passengers on a weekend ferry would generate $187,000 in retail revenue in the two cities over the season. At the high end, they said, with more passengers spending more money, it could reach $750,000. "Newburgh does not have the same level of weekend tourism as Beacon, so our small business community needs this connection," said Manning, a museum registrar who rides the train into New York City three or four times a week. According to the state Department of Transportation, usage of the Newburgh-Beacon bus shuttle more than doubled in the past year. But the numbers don't reflect an important difference between the bus and the ferry, said Manning, who takes a 6 a.m. shuttle to Beacon. On the return trip over the Newburgh-Be...

May 4, 2026- Empire State Passengers Association Executive Director Steve Strauss makes the case for Metro North to offer train service north of Poughkeepsie and discusses how it could be implemented.

Amtrak sues Metro North. Connecticut's AG backs tougher penalties for deepfake sexual abuse. Advocates call on New Haven officials to do more for the unhoused. Plus, the state makes moves to impose more oversight over homeschool families.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation is launching a statewide driving awareness and enforcement campaign to crack down on distracted drivers. We spoke with Josh Morgan from the DOT about this as well as local matters like the Cribari Bridge in Westport and millions of dollars for upgrades to certain Metro North branch lines.Public Comment for Cribari Bridge until April 17th: Public EngagementImage Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Former Cold Spring resident pleads guilty to minor charge The proverb that begins, "The wheels of justice turn slowly…" certainly could be applied to the prosecution of former Cold Spring resident Alexander Welsh, who was arrested in May 2023 but didn't see his case resolved for nearly three years. Just after noon on Friday, May 19, 2023, a Putnam County Sheriff's deputy stationed at the Haldane school reported hearing what sounded like gunshots. The sounds startled elementary students and staff on the playground and prompted a law enforcement response that included additional deputies and officers from the state police and the Cold Spring, Kent and Metro-North departments. School administrators locked down the campus for about 90 minutes. After a resident told police they had seen smoke outside a nearby home, police found what appeared to be recently exploded fireworks in the yard at 34 Mountain Ave. When the occupants were uncooperative, officers returned at 7 p.m. with a search warrant. Welsh, then 28, was arrested and charged with felony criminal possession of cannabis, misdemeanor criminal possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor criminal nuisance. He was given a ticket to appear in the Town of Philipstown Court; the case was later transferred to the Cold Spring Justice Court. Two weeks later, on June 6, a Poughkeepsie-based attorney, Kevin MacKay, notified the court that he represented Welsh. The clerk sent MacKay the case documents, and a hearing was scheduled for June 14. What followed was 33 months of delays, frequently due to adjournments requested by MacKay, who said he had conflicting court dates in Dutchess County. Further delays were caused by procedural details and, most recently, the retirements last year of Justice Thomas Costello and clerk Cathy Costello. Welsh, who last appeared in person in court in May 2023, pleaded not guilty to all three charges. On March 11, MacKay submitted a signed affidavit in which Welsh pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct. Justice Luke Hilpert fined Welsh $250 plus a $125 fee. Under state law, the sentence could have included up to 15 days in jail. MacKay did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Putnam County district attorney, Robert Tendy, said he offered a plea deal because Welsh has stayed out of trouble since his arrest and that MacKay had kept his office apprised of his client's progress. "Mr. Welsh is now living in California and is leading a law-abiding life," Tendy said. "Given that he has no prior convictions, and is continuing to do well, I thought it appropriate to permit him to plead to a violation instead of holding him to a criminal conviction." Tendy said it appeared Welsh didn't intend to cause chaos when he lit fireworks near the school, "though it was certainly thoughtless and potentially dangerous."

When you're exploring New York City, you will be quite reliant on your phone for navigating, finding restaurants, and buying tickets for attractions and events.Make sure you download some essential apps to avoid long lines, save money, and make the most of your time in the city.1. CitymapperCitymapper is a fan favorite for effectively getting around New York City. Many users highlight its feature of calling out exactly which car to ride in for transfers and fastest exits. 2. Google MapsGoogle Maps is our personal go-to app for getting around NYC. I love having all my saved spots (access all our Google Maps lists for free here), transit options, and reviews in one spot.3. MyMTA and/or TrainTimeMyMTA is great for the subway. TrainTime is vital when using Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road. You can even buy and activate/use train tickets within the app!4. CurbCurb makes it easy to pair and pay for taxi rides. You can also hail taxis from within the Curb app, though we don't do it often.5. Uber & Lyft (for bikes, too)Uber & Lyft are great apps for New York City. Most people are familiar with the concept, but it allows you to hail rides from any location at any time. If you're new to Uber, you can get 50% off your first two rides here!

Snow and wind expected on Sunday and overnight The National Weather Service is predicting blizzard conditions in the Highlands on Sunday (Feb. 22) and overnight into Monday. A blizzard warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for Putnam County from 1 p.m. Sunday until 6 p.m. Monday and for Dutchess from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday. Forecasters expect winds of up to 45 mph to be accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow, resulting in reduced visibility. The NWS defines a blizzard as a storm that contains large amounts of snow or blowing snow, with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibility of less than a quarter-mile for at least three hours. Putnam is expected to receive 14 to 22 inches of snow, with rates reaching 2 inches per hour. Dutchess is expected to receive 10 to 20 inches. Temperatures will drop to feel as low as 14 degrees. Wind gusts could reach 45 mph, it said, and the wind and the weight of snow may bring down trees and power lines. Dutchess County has issued travel restrictions for all non-essential personnel starting at 9 p.m. Sunday at 9 p.m. through 4 p.m. Monday. County and Beacon city offices will open at 11 a.m. on Monday. Putnam County also restricted all non-essential travel from 9 p.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Monday. Metro-North will operate on an hourly service schedule on Monday, with weekend schedules in place on the branch lines. The Hudson Rail Link connecting bus will be suspended. On Saturday, Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in 20 counties, including Putnam and Dutchess. Beginning Sunday, 100 members of the New York National Guard with 25 vehicles will be staged across the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island to assist first responders, and the State Emergency Operations Center activated Sunday morning. The Village of Cold Spring has restricted parking from 5 p.m. Sunday until 7 a.m. Tuesday. Alternative parking is available at the American Legion lot on Cedar Street (south end only; do not use the Ambulance Corps spaces); the Haldane ballfields lot on Route 9D (no permit is required during snow emergencies); the village lots on Kemble Avenue, The Boulevard and New Street; and the Fair Street municipal lot. For updates, call 845-747-7669. [Update: On Tuesday, temporary no parking signs will be placed throughout the village to allow crews to remove snow.] The Village of Nelsonville announced parking restrictions from noon Sunday through 4 p.m. Monday. Parking will be prohibited on village streets, including on Main Street/Route 301. Designated winter parking spots are available on Adams Avenue and the west side of the Secor Street lot. In Beacon, after the accumulation of 2 inches of snow, vehicles cannot be parked on public streets between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Vehicles can be moved to any city public parking lot, but vehicles must be moved from the lots 24 hours after the snow stops falling. See our online calendar for cancelations. For updates, see our Storm Resource Page.

Embracing Compassion: A Journey through Mindfulness and Resilience Welcome.This conversation is one I've been sitting with for a while. It was originally published in November on World Compassion Day in 2025. I had the chance to be interviewed by Jesse Spurr and Liz Crowe, from the 5 Things Podcast at Metro North, and together we explored compassion - not as a theory or a nice idea, but as something deeply practical. Something we come back to again and again when life is painful, uncertain, or overwhelming. I joined the conversation as a consumer representative and lived‑experience advocate, and also as someone who's still very much learning what it means to meet myself with kindness in the middle of real life. What unfolded was a grounded, honest exploration of what it means to be human.   Noticing suffering, instead of running from it One of the things we spent time with was our relationship to suffering. So often, our instinct is to push discomfort away - to distract, override, or judge ourselves for feeling what we feel. And I get that. I do it too. But what we talked about was what happens when we pause long enough to actually notice our experience. When we let fear, anxiety, or sadness be there without immediately trying to fix it or make it go away. When we approach suffering with curiosity instead of resistance, something shifts. The stress around the emotion softens. We remember that these feelings aren't showing up because we're broken or failing, but because we're human, living on the earth at this moment in time. Mindfulness, in this sense, isn't about calming down. It's about turning toward what's already here.   Choosing self‑kindness over self‑judgment Self‑compassion sits at the heart of how I think about emotional resilience. Through many conversations over the years, one thing keeps becoming clearer: harsh self‑judgment doesn't lead to lasting growth. Kindness does. When we meet ourselves with warmth, especially when things aren't going well, we create the conditions for real change. Not forced improvement, but sustainable wellbeing. The kind that allows us to keep showing up for our lives and for the people around us. This isn't about letting ourselves off the hook. It's about recognising that shame and self‑criticism are heavy loads to carry, and that we don't actually do our best work from that place.   Remembering our common humanity Another thread we explored was the idea of common humanity. There's something profoundly regulating about remembering that we're not alone in our struggles. That others, in their own ways, are navigating pain, uncertainty, chronic illness, emotional distress, or loss. When we intentionally connect with that shared experience, isolation loosens its grip. Even just a little. Whether the pain is physical or emotional, recognising that this is part of being human can bring a sense of steadiness and belonging, especially during moments when life feels relentless.   The power of simple, supportive touch We also talked about touch, something so simple, and yet so powerful. Appropriate, supportive touch, including touch we offer ourselves, can help calm the nervous system. It can release chemicals associated with safety and connection. It can remind the body that it's not alone. If you're open to it, you might even try this now: placing a hand gently on your heart. Let it rest there for about 20 seconds. There's no need to analyse what you feel. No need to label it. Just notice the sensations that are present. Sometimes compassion doesn't need words. Sometimes it's just a felt sense.   Turning inward so we can meet others more fully One thing that feels increasingly clear to me is this: our capacity to be compassionate with others begins with how we relate to ourselves. When we tend to our own inner world, when we slow down, practice presence, and respond rather than react, we create a more stable foundation. From there, kindness flows more naturally outward. We talked about mindfulness and self‑compassion practices not as self‑improvement tools, but as ways of becoming more available. More grounded. Less pulled around by reactivity.   A moment to pause together We closed the conversation with a short mindfulness practice. Just ninety seconds. A hand on the heart. A few slow breaths. Noticing the stillness between each inhale and exhale. It's a small reminder that even in busy, noisy lives, moments of grounding are always available. Mental clarity isn't something we earn, it's something we return to.   Thank you for being here. As you reflect on this conversation, I hope you're able to offer yourself the same compassion you so readily extend to others. May you find steadiness in your own experience, and a sense of connection in knowing you don't have to navigate any of this alone. We're all learning how to meet life as it is together.

Breakneck Ridge to Cold Spring delayed at least two years Don't expect the Fjord Trail to reach Cold Spring anytime soon. In addition to announcing a $450,000 grant to the village and Philipstown for the building of sidewalks on Fair Street, Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Inc. said on Monday (Feb. 9) that it will "prioritize" the northern section of the trail from Breakneck Ridge to Long Dock Park in Beacon. The state's recently released environmental impact statement included a timeline stating that construction on the northern and southern sections (Breakneck to Cold Spring) would begin this year. But HHFT Executive Director Amy Kacala and President Peter Mullan said on Tuesday that construction will begin on the northern section this year, and work on the southern portion will be pushed back at least two years. They said a major factor in the delay is that HHFT and the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will be gathering more data on the stretch of the Hudson River where an elevated boardwalk would be built. Despite overall improvements in the river's health since the 1970s, many fish species have been declining. The DEC and the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are also in the midst of a yearslong project to determine the extent of PCB contamination in the lower Hudson River caused by industrial dumping by General Electric. In its public comment on the impact statement, the environmental group Riverkeeper raised concerns that the endangered shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon species would be harmed by construction in the stretch of river that runs through the Highlands. "We're committed to being sensitive to the ecology of the river," said Mullan. "We want to use this time to make sure that we are developing the design as sensitively as possible and look for ways to repair the ecology of the shallow water river habitat, because we're seeing the ecosystem function of that habitat actually going down." Kacala said that the data collection will take at least two years. "We want to do this right, and sometimes that takes time," she said. In the meantime, HHFT will push forward with the northern section, much to the delight of Beacon Mayor Lee Kyriacou, who has long advocated for the project. "I'm very excited about this, and I think that most people in Beacon are, too," he said on Tuesday. Kacala said that construction along the northern part of the trail would begin on state-owned land. "There are still some conversations we need to have with private landowners," she said. The first phase will include the Wade's Hill lot and trail, followed by a trail north of the Breakneck Connector to an overlook of Bannerman's Island. Many residents who live near Breakneck have had problems with hikers trespassing in their yards to get a better view of the ruined castle in the river. "We're hoping to help them out by alleviating that pressure and putting that part forward first," said Kacala. "Then people have a safe and predictable way where they know they can get to that view." Beacon Rail Trail Update While the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail is being constructed, Mayor Lee Kyriacou said Beacon will be pushing forward with the segment of a larger trail that would connect the Metro-North station to Hopewell Junction along an abandoned rail line. "The pricing for the whole line is fairly expensive, but the Beacon section is fairly doable and doable quickly," he said on Tuesday (Feb. 9), referring to the section that would begin at the train station and stop at the city line near Route 52. "We're hoping to get bids done this year and construction next year." The Beacon trail, which will be paved and mostly flat, will give residents who commute a safe way to reach the train station without a car, said Kyriacou, noting that the city plans on installing more bike lockers. The trail would cross the Fjord Trail near Dennings Point. "This is going to be transformational to Beacon's quality of life," said Kyriacou. "It...

This is a special edition of Five Things recorded in front of a live audience at the Metro North Health Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Showcase in November 2025. In this episode, Jesse flew solo as host and was joined by Kim Alexander a Professor of Cancer Nursing with Metro North and Queensland University of Technology. Kim's abstract for the showcase was related to her research work into nurses position in genomics and future individualised therapies. We used this as a case study to explore nurses role in innovation and adapting to unprecedented pace of change. Please enjoy Kim's Five Things: 1. The importance of embracing innovation 2. Evidence-based evaluation 3. Stakeholder engagement 4. Contextual fit and value 5. Implementation and evaluation

Report included responses to comments New York State finalized its environmental review on Tuesday (Jan. 20) of the proposed Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, summarizing the findings of a report released two weeks earlier. The findings statement concludes that the trail "will achieve a balance between the protection of the environment and the need to accommodate social and economic considerations" and that "the project is consistent with the coastal policies identified in the City of Beacon's approved Local Waterfront Revitalization Program to the maximum extent practicable." Notably, it does not mention Cold Spring's Local Waterfront Revitalization Strategy. The environmental group Riverkeeper, which serves on the HHFT's ecological working group, believes the project conflicts with both Beacon's and Cold Spring's strategies. That conclusion is unlikely to placate residents who believe that instead of mitigating overtourism, the 7.5-mile linear park between Cold Spring and Beacon will make the problem worse. Cold Spring has requested a public hearing to discuss the final environmental report. The parks department received over 650 public comments on the draft environmental review. The 12th and final appendix of the review issued two weeks ago, at 957 pages, includes agency replies to nearly every comment, some of which were hundreds of pages long and not reproduced in full. If a commentator praised the trail, the state typically replied, "comment noted." For those who raised concerns, the parks department often cross-referenced responses because many grievances were common. Here's a look at some of the common concerns and responses: More specifics Some commenters argued that a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) was not right for the project, which needed a more-specific Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). "Unlike an EIS, a GEIS may be broader, analyze impacts generally and include assessment of site-specific impacts only if they are available, and be based on conceptual information," wrote the law firm Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna, representing Protect the Highlands, which opposes the project. The Philipstown Town Board wrote that "the proposal as presented is conceptual in nature and certain thresholds must be met when the final design of the project is complete. … However, the document is vague at best about the particulars. … It is not possible to fully evaluate the extent of potential impacts or assess whether proposed mitigation measures will be effective." State response: The parks department replied that, even with a conceptual design, a GEIS was "appropriate to evaluate this action." HHFT must continue to check in with the state during the process, it said, and the agency "will determine whether any design modifications would warrant supplemental environmental review." Avoiding Cold Spring Many Philipstown commenters said the trail should end at Little Stony Point or Breakneck rather than connecting to Cold Spring. "We believe that the HHFT could be successful if its limits were from the City of Beacon to the Breakneck Ridge train station, where pedestrians could use the train to return to Beacon or points south," wrote the Town of Philipstown Conservation Board. "Allowing the HHFT into Philipstown would only exacerbate vehicular and pedestrian traffic." State response: The parks department replied that a Beacon-to-Breakneck trail would defeat the project's purpose, which is to "address increasing visitation to [Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve] and the surrounding communities and related public safety, quality of life and maintenance concerns arising from such increased visitation" as well as "reduce pedestrian crowding in Cold Spring by offering a more direct route" from the Metro-North station to the trailhead at Dockside Park. With the trail starting at Dockside, visitors arriving by train would be encouraged to walk through the lower village instead of Main Street, the state said. Otherwise, they w...

Outlines precautionary measures and plans After receiving more than 650 comments on a draft, New York State on Jan. 7 released its final environmental impact report for the proposed Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, a 7.5-mile linear park connecting Beacon and Cold Spring. The Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement, at 833 pages plus appendices, adds precautionary measures to minimize the trail's impact on the environment, as well as the development of an emergency management plan, a natural resource management program and a commitment to monitor traffic and visitation. Like the draft, the final report concludes that the trail, including a section south of Little Stony Point in Philipstown that would have a boardwalk on pylons in the Hudson River, is the best way to address the effects of increasing visitation to the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve and nearby communities. In one 957-page appendix, the state responded to nearly every public comment received on the draft, including from those who believe the HHFT should begin at Little Stony Point rather than Dockside Park in Cold Spring, which the state owns. In response, the state said eliminating that section "would defeat the project's purpose of addressing pedestrian safety issues in this important geographic area." Of the proposed paths the trail could take from Cold Spring, the state says only one is feasible: starting at the Metro-North station and following the east side of the tracks to Little Stony Point. It has its downsides, according to the state: It would be narrower and steeper, require two pedestrian bridges and "limit the [trail's] ability to highlight the natural beauty of the Hudson River shoreline." The final report also examined "The Upland Alternative," an alignment proposed by Protect the Highlands, that would replace the Dockside-to-Little Stony Point route with one that runs along the east side of Route 9D and through the Breakneck Tunnel. The report concluded that the Upland Alternative has too many downsides, including passing over private driveways, rebuilding hiking trails to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the construction of a 300-foot retaining wall along Fair Street near the tidal pond. "This alignment also would be counter to prior public opposition to the Fjord Trail traveling along these streets," the report states. It says that renovations to the Breakneck Tunnel by the state Department of Transportation are not designed to accommodate large numbers of pedestrians. The report does not examine proposed changes to the former Dutchess Manor on Route 9D, which will become a visitor center. Because those renovations have "independent utility" from the rest of the trail, they are undergoing a separate environmental review led by the Town of Fishkill Planning Board. But the report does include updated traffic projections related to Dutchess Manor. The report also does not address the costs of the trail, which the state said is beyond what is required in its environmental review. (The construction costs of the alternate paths were considered in the earlier scoping document.) The report states that "HHFT is required to provide reasonably satisfactory evidence to the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation commissioner that it has financing or financial commitments sufficient to cover the full cost of construction before each phase of construction may begin." Other notable changes from the draft include: The report lists several steps to minimize the impact of construction. Flags would be placed atop cranes and other equipment to prevent golden eagles and other raptors from attempting to build nests. Wildlife crossings, in the form of culverts and elevated trail sections, would allow passage for wildlife such as timber rattlesnakes, making it less likely that hikers would encounter them. And HHFT has told the state it will undertake a "comprehensive natural resource management program" led by an ecologist....

Project designed to increase climate resilience New York State announced on Jan. 2 that it is sending $2 million to the City of Beacon, which will cover about half the cost of fortifying the Melzingah Reservoir Dam against increasingly frequent extreme weather. Melzingah, along with the Mount Beacon and Cargill reservoirs and three wells, provides drinking water for Beacon, parts of the Town of Fishkill and the Fishkill Correctional Facility. The grant is part of $22.7 million awarded by the state to Climate Smart Communities. The Beacon City Council has authorized spending $1.9 million to complete the $3.9 million project, which should go out to bid this year, City Administrator Chris White said. The dam is considered a Class C High Hazard structure, meaning that if it fails, the "uncontrolled release" of up to 58 million gallons of water would likely cause deaths and widespread property damage. In July 1897, the first Melzingah dam did burst, sending a 15-foot wave down the mountain. Three adults and four children were killed. In 1924, the current dam was constructed nearby. Even if the dam held during extreme weather, flooding caused by overflow could cover the Metro-North tracks or Route 9D. The land surrounding the dam is part of Fahnestock State Park, including portions of the proposed Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail. The hazard classification won't change because of the repair work, but the dam likely will no longer be considered by the state to be in "poor" condition, White said. "This is one of the adaptations to make sure that the water supply remains available and that we don't adversely affect the people downstream," he said. The grant, announced by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, will raise the dam's crest and increase its spillway capacity to better absorb runoff during storms, such as the one that hit in July 2023, dumping 8 inches on the Highlands. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted in a study that year that the Hudson Valley could experience such "100-year storms" every 11 to 25 years. The city completed a similar project in 2023 at the Mount Beacon Dam and in 2022 made repairs to prevent leaks at the smaller Pocket Road Dam. Engineering recently began on repairs to the transmission line of the Cargill Dam, which is owned by the city but located in Philipstown. According to the DEC, the remediation will allow the Melzingah Dam to safely handle 50 percent of the "probable maximum precipitation," adjusted for climate scenarios projected for the next 10, 20 and 30 years. Before the award, Beacon had received more than $891,000 in grants through the state's Clean Energy Communities program. This is the first Climate Smart Communities grant for the city. Among other state grants announced on Jan. 2, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, based in Beacon, received $675,000 to restore the sloop's topsides and transom; the City of Newburgh got $6.9 million to create 209 mixed-income downtown apartments and $2 million to build a deep-water pier for river cruise ships; and the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in Peekskill was awarded $1.78 million to upgrade its HVAC system to create a community cooling center. There were no grants to entities in Putnam County.

In his most recent column Talking Transportation, Jim Cameron touched on the entities that handle all train-related matters in our state. From parking, to tracks, the train cars and much more; it's complicated who's in charge of what, to say the least. We did a deep dive into this and recapped the new rules for Metro North ticketing in effect for 2026.

Sunday January 4th, and three major stories are colliding right now.TESLA'S PHYSICAL TURING TEST:On New Year's Day, Tesla owner David Moss completed the world's first verified "zero-disengagement" cross-country trip. 2,732.4 miles from Los Angeles to South Carolina in a Model 3 with FSD v14.2.1.25. Two days and 20 hours. Not a single human intervention.The car handled highways, city streets, extreme weather, nighttime driving, and automatic parking at Superchargers. This isn't a carefully mapped Waymo route – this is end-to-end autonomy that works anywhere there's a road.But while everyone focused on FSD, Musk quietly pre-installed Grok AI in every Tesla delivered after July 12, 2025. Grok is now the "brain" layer on top of FSD's "muscles." Owners report it:Plans dynamic routes based on real-time preferencesExplains driving decisions ("I'm switching to defensive mode because there's a large puddle ahead")Diagnoses and fixes system errorsSyncs with X accounts for personalized contentThis is Musk's "trinity empire": FSD gave machines muscles and reactions, Grok gave them brains and personality, Optimus gave intelligence a body for action.OpenAI's GPT is trapped in the digital world. Musk has 7 million Teslas collecting real-world data daily, feeding it into Grok, then transferring that knowledge to Optimus robots working in Tesla factories.In November 2025, shareholders approved a compensation package worth up to $1 trillion for Musk over the next decade – 75%+ voted yes. These are true believers.Cybercab production starts April 2026. Using the "Unboxed" manufacturing process, Tesla could reduce cost per vehicle below $20,000. With zero-disengagement FSD, no safety drivers are needed. The business model shifts from "selling cars to users" to "cars making money FOR users" through Robotaxi networks.The computing power moat is real: Musk's xAI Colossus cluster reached 200,000 NVIDIA H100/H200 GPUs by end of 2025, moving toward 1 million. Traditional automakers can't match this. They can't process petabytes of daily video data or iterate algorithms in days instead of weeks.THE WORK TIME WARS:The Return-to-Office wars shifted. It's no longer about WHERE you work – it's about WHEN you work.JLL's 2025 Workforce Preference Barometer surveyed 8,700 workers across 31 countries. Key finding: work-life balance has overtaken salary as the top priority for office workers globally (65%, up from 59% in 2022).High salary is still why people SWITCH jobs. But control over schedule is why they STAY.The "flexibility gap": 57% of employees say flexible hours would improve their quality of life, but only 49% have access to this benefit. That 8-point gap threatens the "psychological contract" between workers and employers.Nearly 40% of global office workers report feeling overwhelmed. Among employees considering quitting in the next 12 months, 57% report suffering from burnout.Management expert Suzy Welch (former Bain consultant, ex-Harvard Business Review editor-in-chief) argues this is generational: "Gen Z thinks, 'I watched my parents and older sister work very hard and still get laid off.' They shouldn't give up too much of their time, because it just may not be rewarded."Smart companies are moving toward "tailored flexibility" – emphasizing autonomy over working hours, not just counting days at a desk. Workers accepted WHERE. Now they're demanding WHEN.NYC FARE HIKES - THE SQUEEZE:Starting today, January 4th, MTA fare hikes went into effect:Base subway/bus fare increased from $2.90 to $3.00Single-ride tickets jumped from $3.25 to $3.50Express bus fares rose from $7.00 to $7.25LIRR and Metro-North monthly tickets up 4.5%For round-trip subway commuters five days a week, that's $5 more per week than in 2015 – about $260 more per year.As of January 1st, you can no longer buy or refill MetroCards. Full transition to OMNY tap-and-go. Later in 2026, MetroCards won't be accepted at all.

Since Silvia teaches as a business school, I'll address a leadership aspect of our interaction. I skimped on a leadership step, so we did an episode 1.5, which is my lingo for redoing episode 1 when the person wasn't able to fulfill his or her commitment. That's my responsibility as leader of the interaction.Silvia and I had a wonderful first conversation that led to a commitment that sounded like she'd enjoy it and doable, but in the end wasn't quite. Even if a quick hike north of the city would be enjoyable, catching a Metro-North train from Columbia University isn't that convenient and her schedule may not have bee as flexible as she suspected in our first conversation.For those listening to these conversations to learn the Spodek Method, in our first conversation I didn't check with her how practical the commitment was given her constraints. As the leader of the interaction, I should have asked ahead to imagine her schedule, the logistics of catching the train, and so on. The key measure the first time someone acts on their intrinsic motivation isn't how big it is. It's if they person does it.When someone acts on intrinsic motivation, they'll find it rewarding. If they feel reward, they'll want to do it again and the next time will be bigger, especially if they've always considered acting on sustainability a sacrifice or something that has to be big or any of the other myths people propagate. Sadly, even ardent environmentalists lead people to think of acting more sustainably as something they won't like or won't find rewarding when they use tactics like trying to convince, cajole, coerce, or seek compliance.In this double episode we hear how she did something more practical. At the end, note that she's open to doing more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Long Island Tea Podcast, Sharon and Stacy pack up the mics and head to the Northport Hotel, where the twinkling lights, charming Main Street views, and cozy North Shore vibes feel like stepping straight into a Hallmark holiday movie. From organization updates to festive happenings across Long Island, it's a warm, merry episode full of community, cheer, and plenty of hot tea. #TasteOfLongIslandWe're recording remotely at The Northport Hotel, a 26-room luxury boutique stay in the heart of downtown Northport, offering an intimate and elevated escape just steps from the harbor, shopping, and the John W. Engeman Theater.Joining us on the show are Kevin O'Neill, owner of The Northport Hotel, and Michael Ross, Executive Chef, sharing what makes the property special and what's ahead in the New Year.Learn more or plan your stay: thenorthporthotel.com#LongIslandLifeCelebrating a Long Island Legend: Billy Joel Symposium AnnouncedThe Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame will host its first-ever Billy Joel Symposium June 6–7 at Stony Brook University, celebrating Billy Joel's lasting impact and deep Long Island roots.

Metro-North changing prices, policies Metro-North train commuters will pay higher fares beginning Jan. 4, and unused paper or mobile tickets will expire the next day at 4 a.m., instead of 60 days later. The latter is intended to prevent fare evasion; currently, passengers can wait to activate mobile tickets until a conductor appears, which may not happen during short trips. Monthly and weekly tickets will increase by up to 4.5 percent, and all other tickets will rise by up to 8 percent, changes approved earlier this year by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board. Other changes include: The surcharge for tickets purchased from a conductor or through the TrainTime app but not activated before departure will increase from $6 to $8. Mobile customers will receive a few initial warnings. Round-trip tickets will become passes that expire at 4 a.m. the next day. Weekday passes will cost 10 percent less than two one-way peak tickets; weekend tickets will cost the same. After 10 trips in 14 days, mobile ticketholders will receive an 11th ride free in the same period. Reduced fares will be available 24/7 for seniors, people with disabilities and Medicare recipients, including during the morning peak hours. Children aged 5 to 17 can ride for $1 each when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, including during the morning peak hours. The MTA is upgrading its vending machines to offer change in $5 and $10 bills instead of coins and provide translations in nine languages instead of three. The project is scheduled for completion by summer 2026.

We're not talking price hikes…but we are talking about a total rewire of how Metro North train tickets will work starting in January. Jim Cameron, author of the "Talking Transportation" column runs in CTMirror gave us the details. Original article: https://ctmirror.org/2025/12/14/metro-north-ticket-turmoil/

Council expected to hire consulting firm Beacon is wasting no time getting started on the first leg of a proposed 13-mile rail trail from the city to Hopewell Junction. The City Council is expected to vote on Monday (Dec. 15) to approve spending $350,000 to hire a Westchester County firm to design a 3.3-mile section from the Beacon waterfront to the Town of Fishkill line. The trail could eventually connect to the planned Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail and, in Hopewell, the Dutchess Rail Trail and 750-mile Empire State Trail. If the council approves the request, City Administrator Chris White said that Barton & Loguidice, which conducted a feasibility study on the trail for the Dutchess County Transportation Council, could begin design and engineering work as early as January. The city's goal is to put the project out to bid by November and construct the 12- to 14-foot-wide multi-use segment in 2027. "What we've been doing in the last couple of months is figuring out how we can start our piece and accelerate it and go forward," Mayor Lee Kyriacou said during the council's Monday (Dec. 8) meeting. In October, the Barton & Loguidice report recommended a "rail-to-trail" conversion of the abandoned line, which begins at the Hudson River. The line, which has not been active for 30 years, runs through Beacon and along the east end of Main Street before crossing back and forth over Fishkill Creek on its way through the Village of Fishkill and the towns of Fishkill and East Fishkill. The line is owned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. In 2024, Metro-North, an MTA agency, "railbanked" the tracks, reserving its right to revive service, although an agency representative said it had no plans to do so. The Dutchess Transportation report estimated that it would cost $46 million to $56 million to construct the entire trail; Beacon officials anticipate the first segment will be $4.5 million. There are two bridges (near Dennings Avenue and at South and Tioronda avenues) and an overpass at Wolcott Avenue, but otherwise, the paved trail will be "basically a road project," White said. The city has requested a "sizeable" grant from the governor's office to link the project to a proposed development at the Beacon train station that is part of Gov. Kathy Hochul's housing agenda. It is also seeking funds from Dutchess County and two private organizations. In other business scheduled for Monday: The council is expected to vote on an update to the city's fee schedule. Beacon charges fees for dozens of services, including dog licenses, building inspections, record searches and permits for backyard chickens. Not all fees are increasing, and some that are no longer applicable, such as for junk dealers and amusement parks, will be removed. Some fees have not changed since 2010, White said. Council members will consider a request from the developer of the Edgewater apartment complex for a two-year extension to the special-use permit issued for the project in 2018. Phase 2 of the 246-unit development is underway; three of seven residential buildings have been completed. Ben Swanson, the mayor's assistant, will be appointed Beacon's deputy city administrator, a new position. Since he was hired in 2021, Swanson's duties "went from being primarily clerical to really being supervisory and much more executive," White said. His new responsibilities will include coordinating housing and food resources and filling in if White is unavailable. The council will vote on a 10-year renewal of the city's franchise agreement with Optimum, aka Cablevision of Wappingers Falls. The non-exclusive agreement allows Optimum to provide cable and internet service in Beacon in exchange for a franchise fee equal to 5 percent of its gross revenue from the previous year. In 2024, Optimum paid the city $172,393. As in years past, the council will consider $10,000 spending proposals from students in the Participation in Government class at Beacon High School. Emilio Guerra an...

This is the All Local Podcast for Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Early voting is underway in New York City mayor and turnout has far exceeded previous election cycles. Meanwhile, the MTA says a major project to bring Metro North service to the East Bronx will be delayed by three years. And finally, New Yorkers get a say in the future of housing in New York City.

The New York City Council is working on a plan to protect the city from the Trump Administration's immigration policies. WFUV's Xenia Gonikberg has more. New York's Metro-North extension to Penn Station is delayed by three years. WFUV's Nick Verone explains what the hold up is. Election season is upon us. WFUV's reporters are looking into what New Yorkers will see on the ballot. WFUV's Sienna Reinders explains Proposal 2 which fast-tracks affordable housing. Host/Producer: Lainey Nguyen and Xenia Gonikberg Editor: Robin Shannon Reporter: Xenia Gonikberg Reporter: Sienna Reinders Reporter: Nick Verone Theme Music: Joe Bergsieker

Why Long Island stand-up crowds are tough but loyal Tom's Best of LI nomination and why he's counting on YOU The eternal war: LIRR vs. Metro North (spoiler: Janette is Team Connecticut) Losing keys in New Haven, surviving Penn Station, and a surprise Uber rescue mission Hilarious stories of dating, aging, and performing on the Island

MTA Chair Janno Lieber is accusing Amtrak of delaying a major rail expansion that would add four Metro North stations in the East Bronx and bring service to Penn Station for the first time. Meanwhile, police say a 60-year-old woman was killed after two men riding the same e-bike crashed into her near the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Also, the Rangers, Islanders, and Devils are all set to open their new hockey seasons this week.

East Harlem leaders want to repurpose a long-forgotten rail station to link the incoming Second Avenue subway to the neighborhood's Metro North stop. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has floated federal control of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and WNYC's Hannah Frishberg reports on how local officials and first responders are reacting. Plus, GrowNYC will host a free Fermentation Fest at the Union Square Greenmarket on Friday, with fermentation expert Sandor Katz and Norwich Meadows Farm co-owner Zaid Kurdieh joining us to preview the event.

Waterbury, CT, is transforming transit! In this episode, we explore how the CTDOT and the City of Waterbury are modernizing buses, shelters, and the Metro-North station with expanded parking, ADA access, and updated platforms. Mayor Paul Pernerewski joins to share how these upgrades improve commutes, local business, and equity - paving the way for a sustainable future.

On the heels of his February appointment, Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek sits down with Paul Comfort to break down a banner year for the MTA's northern commuter powerhouse. From 98 percent on-time performance to new “Super-Express” trains that shave up to 50 minutes a day off the New Haven run, Justin walks through the big wins, bigger capital program, and the three metrics he believes define rail's future in North America: reliability, frequency, and trip time.In This EpisodeThe 98% standard — how Metro-North elevated on-time performance across 230k daily tripsSuper-Express strategy — six AM/PM trains, revamped signaling, and a 90-minute New Haven–GCT targetGrand Central Terminal as a “temple to transit”Their nearly $8 billion capital plan (2025-29) — dual-mode Siemens Chargers, battery-electric locos, signal renewals, ADA station upgrades, and the Grand Central arteryPenn Station Access for Bronx riders and reverse-commute opportunities into Connecticut Resources & LinksMetro-North Railroad — https://new.mta.info/agency/metro-north-railroadMTA Capital Program 2025-2029 overview https://future.mta.info/capitalplan/Transit Unplugged episode archive — https://transitunplugged.comSubscribe & Stay ConnectedLike what you hear? Subscribe to Transit Unplugged on your favorite podcast app, or sign up for the newsletter at TransitUnplugged.com for weekly field notes from across the industry.Podcast CreditsTransit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world's people.Creator, Host & Producer — Paul ComfortExecutive Producer — Julie GatesProducer & Newsletter Editor — Chris O'KeefeAssociate Producer — Cyndi RaskinPodcast Intern — Desmond Gates Special thanks to:Brand Design — Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media — Tatyana MechkarovaGot a question or comment? Email us at info@transitunplugged.comDisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent. This production belongs to Modaxo and may contain information subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual-property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it

It's official: Metro North train ticket prices are going up in September and again in July 2026. How much will it cost you to take the train? We asked Josh Morgan of the Department of Transportation. We also talked about the use of automated flagging to push for more road worker safety in the state. For more information: https://portal.ct.gov/dot?language=en_US IMAGE CREDIT: Melissa Sheketoff

Metro North fares will increase by 10% over the next year. Long Island faces a volunteer firefighter shortage. Lawmakers from our region react to the “BBB.” Plus, how one small business in Connecticut is bracing for tariff impact.

Host Paul Pacelli opened Monday's "Connecticut Today" with his thoughts on billionaire Elon Musk's promise to form what he's calling the "America Party" (00:30). Former GOP state legislator Joe Markley dropped by to chat about next year's Connecticut gubernatorial race (14:57), while commuter advocate Jim Cameron detailed the next fare increase for Metro-North rail commuters (25:00) Image Credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus

This Day in Legal History:  Frederic William Maitland BornOn this day in legal history, May 28, 1850, Frederic William Maitland was born in London. Maitland would go on to become one of the most influential legal historians of the 19th century, widely regarded as the father of modern English legal history. Educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, Maitland initially studied moral sciences before turning to the law. He was called to the bar in 1876 but soon found his true calling in historical scholarship. In 1888, he was appointed Downing Professor of the Laws of England at Cambridge, a post he held until his death in 1906.Maitland's most enduring contribution came through his collaboration with Sir Frederick Pollock on The History of English Law before the Time of Edward I, published in 1895. This seminal work remains a cornerstone of English legal historiography, notable for its rigorous use of original sources and its narrative clarity. Maitland brought a historian's eye to legal development, emphasizing the role of institutions and the evolution of legal ideas over time. His scholarship reshaped the understanding of English common law, highlighting its medieval roots and its organic, often non-linear, development.Beyond his academic writings, Maitland played a critical role in editing and publishing primary legal texts, including year books and medieval court rolls, through his work with the Selden Society, of which he was a founding member. His meticulous editing practices set new standards for legal historical methodology. Despite a relatively short life—he died at 56—Maitland's intellectual legacy continues to influence the study of common law traditions worldwide.A federal judge ruled that a lawsuit brought by 14 states against Elon Musk and the federal agency DOGE could proceed, while dismissing claims against President Donald Trump. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan found that the states had presented a plausible argument that Musk's aggressive cost-cutting measures lacked legal authorization, though she emphasized that courts cannot interfere with a president's official duties.The lawsuit, initiated in February by attorneys general from states including Oregon and New Mexico, argues that Musk has been given sweeping, unchecked authority over federal operations without Senate confirmation or congressional authorization. The states contend this violates constitutional requirements, as Musk has not been formally appointed or confirmed for any federal office.DOGE, a newly formed government efficiency agency led by Musk, has been rapidly eliminating jobs and programs deemed wasteful, sparking significant legal pushback. Since its inception under Trump's second-term reforms, roughly 20 related lawsuits have emerged, with courts issuing mixed rulings. Critics argue the agency operates outside constitutional bounds, while supporters claim it is essential to fiscal reform.US judge allows states' lawsuit against DOGE to proceed | ReutersA federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump's executive order against law firm WilmerHale was unconstitutional, marking the third time courts have rejected such orders targeting legal opponents. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon concluded that Trump's order retaliated against WilmerHale for hiring Robert Mueller, violating the firm's rights to free speech and due process. Mueller, a former special counsel, led the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election—a probe Trump has long criticized.The executive order sought to strip WilmerHale's attorneys of security clearances, ban the firm from federal buildings, and block its clients from receiving government contracts. Judge Leon described the move as a “staggering punishment” that undermined the firm's ability to function and penalized it for protected political expression. WilmerHale celebrated the ruling, asserting that it upholds critical constitutional principles.This decision follows similar rulings by Judges Beryl Howell and John Bates, who struck down Trump's executive orders targeting Perkins Coie and Jenner & Block, respectively. A fourth ruling is pending regarding Susman Godfrey. The Department of Justice has defended the orders, insisting they fall within the president's authority, and may appeal Leon's decision.Some firms, such as Paul Weiss and Latham & Watkins, reached agreements with the Trump administration to avoid penalties by pledging nearly $1 billion in pro bono services. These deals have sparked concern within the legal industry, with critics warning they reflect dangerous capitulation to political pressure.Judge bars Trump order against law firm tied to Robert Mueller | ReutersWilmerHale Wins Quick Ruling Against Trump's Executive Order (2)U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman temporarily blocked the Trump administration from rescinding federal approval and funding related to New York City's congestion pricing program. The judge's order came just one day before the U.S. Department of Transportation, under Secretary Sean Duffy, was set to begin withholding environmental approvals and project funds from the city and state. The Trump administration had revoked the program's federal green light in February, arguing it unfairly burdened drivers and lacked a free highway alternative. New York officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), sued to stop the federal rollback, calling the move politically motivated and unconstitutional.The congestion pricing program, which began in January, charges most vehicles $9 during peak hours to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. Designed to reduce traffic and fund transit improvements, the initiative has shown clear signs of success in its first 100 days. Traffic congestion has dropped significantly, with up to 6 million fewer cars entering lower Manhattan compared to the same period a year ago. Commutes through bottlenecks like the Holland Tunnel have seen delays cut by nearly half, and traffic-related injuries in the zone have also declined by about 50%.Other measurable benefits include a 70% drop in complaints about excessive car-honking and improved bus speeds to the point that some drivers have to slow down to stay on schedule. Economic indicators like Broadway ticket sales and pedestrian foot traffic are up, suggesting that the tolls haven't deterred business as critics warned. Public transit ridership has also increased, particularly on the LIRR and Metro-North, reinforcing that many former drivers are switching to trains.Despite early skepticism and political backlash—including Trump's own social media mockery of the program—the numbers show that congestion pricing is working. The MTA expects to raise about $500 million this year, funding upgrades like subway elevators, electric buses, and the next phase of the Second Avenue Subway. While final legal outcomes remain uncertain, for now, both traffic and funding are moving in the right direction.US judge temporarily blocks Trump administration from killing New York congestion program | ReutersHow Well Is Congestion Pricing Doing? Very. This is a public episode. 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A Connecticut judge overturned a controversial Connecticut Siting Council decision to install monopoles along the Metro-North railroad in Bridgeport and Fairfield. Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim commented on the lawsuit and what happens now with the proposed plan from United Illuminating. Image Credit: Getty Images

Metro-North's New Haven Line had a record-breaking year—with an all-time high on-time performance, rising customer satisfaction, and faster travel times! Join us as former Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi and new President Justin Vonashek share insights on these achievements and what's next for one of the busiest rail lines in the country. Don't miss this inside look at the future of rail travel between Connecticut and New York City!

"We're walking them out on a tightrope. We keep walking them out, and finally, when we push, they fall into the canyon of doom. There is no escape." Ben Rubinowitz shares his masterful approach to cross-examination with host Dan Ambrose. Drawing from over three decades of trial experience, Ben reveals the strategies that make him one of New York's most formidable trial lawyers. Learn how proper witness setup creates powerful impeachment opportunities, why "voice of reason" questions establish credibility with jurors, and how to handle conditional answers from evasive witnesses. Ben will teach these techniques at TLU Beach (June 4-7), along with specialized workshops on voir dire for wrongful death cases and lectures on the bridge between cross-examination and closing arguments.Train and Connect with the Titans☑️ Ben Rubinowitz | LinkedIn☑️ Gair Gair Conason | LinkedIn | X | Facebook | YouTube☑️ TLU Beach☑️ Trial Lawyers University☑️ TLU On Demand Instant access to live lectures, case analysis, and skills training videos☑️ TLU on X | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeEpisode SnapshotBen recently tried a Metro North crash case in Valhalla, NY, securing a liability verdict against Metro North at 71% responsibility, with damages trials now proceeding separately.Ben emphasizes the importance of "voice of reason" questions to establish credibility and set up witnesses before impeachment, especially when cross-examining doctors and other expert witnesses.For effective cross-examination, Ben recommends using the words "full,” “fair,” “thorough,” and “complete" to establish standards that witnesses must later admit they failed to meet.Ben advocates for carefully using "low-risk...

Representative Rob Wittman is a Republican representing Virginia's 1st Congressional district in the US House of Representatives. Representative Pat Ryan is a Democrat representing New York's 18th Congressional district, and is a former Army intelligence officer who deployed to Iraq.  Together, they formed the House Modernization Caucus, driving key policies in national security innovation. On this episode of the Defense Tech Underground, Representative Wittman and Representative Ryan discuss the launch of the bipartisan Defense Modernization Caucus and early wins from the caucus in the 2025 NDAA. They explain the challenges for the Pentagon to move from a hardware centric organization to a software centric one, and discuss opportunities for the caucus to drive impact in defense innovation.  This episode is hosted by Jeff Phaneuf and Helen Phillips.    Congressman Wittman:  Congressman Rob Wittman was first elected to the United States Congress to serve Virginia's First Congressional District in 2007. While in office, he has focused on strengthening our military and supporting our nation's veterans, promoting a flourishing economy through fiscal responsibility and pro-growth policies, fixing our crumbling infrastructure, increasing access to high-speed internet, and promoting workforce development through Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs. In the U.S. Congress, Congressman Wittman serves as vice chairman of both the House Armed Services Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee, where he is well-positioned to represent the needs of Virginia's First District. He has earned a strong reputation for being an advocate for our men and women in uniform and for being a champion of the Chesapeake Bay. Congressman Wittman was re-elected for his ninth full term in the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2024 and prior to that, he served in several levels of government. Congressman Wittman won his first campaign for public office in 1986 when he was elected to the Montross Town Council, where he served for 10 years, four of them as mayor. In 1995, he was elected to the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors and was elected its chairman in 2003. In 2005, voters in the 99th Legislative District elected Rob to the Virginia House of Delegates, where he served until his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2007. Prior to his election to Congress, Rob spent 26 years working in state government, most recently as field director for the Virginia Health Department's Division of Shellfish Sanitation. Earlier in his career, he worked as an environmental health specialist for local health departments in Virginia's Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Public Health degree in Health Policy and Administration from the University of North Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Virginia Tech.   Congressman Ryan:  Congressman Pat Ryan is a fifth-generation Hudson Valley native, proud Kingston High School alum, and the first West Point graduate to represent the Academy in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ryan served two combat tours in Iraq, earning two Bronze Stars. Prior to his 2022 election to Congress, Ryan served the community that raised him as Ulster County Executive. There, Ryan led the County through the COVID-19 pandemic and spearheaded policies that delivered relief to working families while never raising taxes. He led the charge to revitalize the former IBM site, now known as iPark 87, helped put money back in small business owners and residents' pockets, took on corporate special interests, and delivered new investments in mental health services. In Congress, Ryan is focused on defending fundamental freedoms and delivering relief for Hudson Valley families. Serving on the House Armed Services Committee, Ryan is working on issues of military preparedness, countering the threat of a rising China, and investing in the United States Military Academy and the next generation of military leaders. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Ryan is committed to improving the daily lives of all residents in NY-18. Whether you commute to work on Metro North, travel Route 17 through Orange County, or need broadband access in Dutchess County, he will fight every day to improve our region's infrastructure. Ryan has also championed efforts to expand access to affordable health care, support local law enforcement, preserve Social Security and Medicare, prevent gun violence, and protect a woman's right to choose. Ryan lives in Gardiner, NY with his wife, Rebecca, and their two young sons, Theo and Cameron.

Real estate website Zillow says Milford, Connecticut was the country's most popular coastal city with its users in 2024. The LIRR had its best “on time” rate in its history last year. Connecticut Democrats say two major utilities are intimidating lawmakers for rate increases. New York City police make efforts to crack down on toll evasion. Plus, Governor Hochul looks to cut travel times on Metro-North.

Gov. Hochul is expected to propose a “major investment” in Metro-North's Hudson Line in her annual State of the State address next week. Meanwhile, Mayor Adams will deliver his State of the City address on Thursday. Plus, New York Giants President John Mara confirms General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll will remain in their roles. Finally, drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street are now paying a $9 congestion pricing toll. WNYC's Stephen Nessen has more on the plan's implementation.

We did it!!  This is our 200th episode of Grating the Nutmeg! Thanks to our listeners, we have travelled across the state during every time period to bring you vivid, fascinating stories from our state's history. Become a podcast subscriber to get notified every time there's a new episode!   During this holiday season, it seemed like the perfect time to bring you the story of Connecticut's biggest toymaker!    Of all the toys that are enshrined in the National Toy of Fame, two stand out as having solid Connecticut connections, the Cabbage Patch doll and the Erector Set. In this episode, we're going to find out how A.C. Gilbert, a Yale educated doctor, became a millionaire with an idea he got while riding the Metro North train from New Haven to New York City. His construction toy, the Erector Set, sold in the millions and helped to educate generations of scientists and engineers. He came up with dozens of best-selling toys that were all manufactured at his factory in New Haven, Connecticut. We'll also interview Walter Zawalich, Gilbert Trains Curator, at the Eli Whitney Museum about their holiday Gilbert train show. Co-host Patrick O'Sullivan will share his information on 1965's James Bond slot car toy that helped to push the company into closing.   Much of today's information comes from the book The Man Who Changed How Boys and Toys Were Made, The Life and Times of A.C. Gilbert, the Man Who Saved Christmas by Bruce Watson and the website of the Eli Whitney Museum in Hamden, Connecticut. The Whitney Museum collects and studies the products and legacy of A.C. Gilbert and his company.   Find out more here: https://www.eliwhitney.org/museum/-gilbert-project/-man/a-c-gilbert-scientific-toymaker-essays-arts-and-sciences-october   The information on the Eli Whitney Train Show is here: https://www.eliwhitney.org/exhibitions/train-display-2024-25   Other museums with train shows: Connecticut River Museum https://ctrivermuseum.org/events/steve-cryans-31st-annual-train-show/   Wilton Historical Society https://wiltonhistorical.org/events/great-train-holiday-show/   To get information about how to  visit Erector Square, the A.C.Gilbert Factory complex now adaptively reused as artist studios, go to their website at https://erectorsquarestudios.com/   -------------------------------------------------------   To celebrate reaching 200 episodes, we're asking listeners to donate $20 a month or $200 annually to help us continue to bring you new episodes every two weeks. It's easy to set up a monthly donation on the Connecticut Explored website at ctexplored.org    Click the donate button at the top and look for the Grating the Nutmeg link. We appreciate your support! Subscribe to get your copy of our beautiful magazine Connecticut Explored delivered to your mailbox or your inbox-subscribe at  https://simplecirc.com/subscribe/connecticut-explored Our current issue is on food-find out where to get the best ice cream sundaes in West Hartford.   This episode of Grating the Nutmeg was produced by Mary Donohue and engineered by Patrick O'Sullivan at https://www.highwattagemedia.com/   Follow GTN on our socials-Facebook, Instagram , Threads, and BlueSky.   Follow host Mary Donohue on Facebook and Instagram at WeHa Sidewalk Historian. Join us in two weeks for our next episode of Grating the Nutmeg, the podcast of Connecticut history. Thank you for listening!      

20: An Obesity Update, a Cabinet of Quacks, Rail Woes & Another Woke Assault on BroadwayWelcome to episode twenty of David & Stu… Unhinged! As always, we'd like to thank Clara Wang for creating the fantastic artwork for this podcast. Here is what is on deck for this week's milestone episode.1) New statistics on the obesity epidemic and the health concerns it raises for Americans;2) A discussion of some of the terrible choices for Trump's cabinet, including Matt Gaetz, who has an undistinguished record in the House and is under an ethical cloud for sex trafficking and other offenses, Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator with no experience in national defense and checkered personal history of three marriages and sexual misconduct; Kristi Noem, a dog killer, and Tulsi Gabbard, who cozied up to our enemies, including Putin;3) Stu's ride home on Metro North from Pelham, where the ride was interrupted by a scumbag fare beater who was tossed from the train.4) The woke hysteria directed towards Nicole Scherzinger, who is getting rave reviews for her performance in a revival of Sunset Boulevard, for liking Russel Brand's Jesus hat on InstagramConnect with David & Stu: • Email David & Stu: davidandstuunhinged@gmail.com and share your comments, concerns, and questions.The views expressed on air during David & Stu... Unhinged! do not represent the views of the RAGE Works staff, partners, or affiliates. Listener discretion is advised.

Honestly, we just felt like talking about “Unfaithful” this week! It's got strong fall vibes, an Oscar nominated Diane Lane, Kate Burton in the Friend role, a face journey on the Metro North, wind machines at a 27, that song in the trailer and two beloved BSAs in practically nonexistent cameos. Join us for The Best Supporting Aftershow and early access to main episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bsapod Email: thebsapod@gmail.com Instagram: @bsapod Colin Drucker - Instagram: @colindrucker_ Nick Kochanov - Instagram: @nickkochanov

The Centers for Disease Control is urging doctors to offer patients a range of pain relief options before they get an IUD which is a long-term birth control. In other news, the City of Newark is concluding Peace Week with a free community event called "24 Hours of Peace." Plus, thousands of new homes are planned for the East Bronx after the city council passed a rezoning proposal earlier this month near two new Metro-North stations. WNYC's Sean Carlson speaks with John Doyle, a district leader in Northeast Bronx, to learn more.

Mayor Adams holds one off-topic press conference per week, where reporters can ask him questions on any subject. Michelle Bocanegra, WNYC and Gothamist political reporter focused on campaigns and the New York City Council, recaps what he talked about at this week's event, including the new Bronx Metro North rezoning that will allow roughly 7,000 new housing units around two of the new Metro North stations, his plans to go to the DNC and more.