Podcasts about politico new york

Artificial intelligence's growing thirst for power is putting New York's energy and climate goals under pressure by straining the state's power system, driving up costs and threatening its ambitious clean energy targets. POLITICO's Marie French breaks down how New York is trying to balance AI growth with its environmental goals and what this story means for other states facing similar challenges. Plus, the Ukrainian government is asking the United States to increase shipments of natural gas to stave off what it is calling a potential humanitarian crisis. Marie J. French covers energy and the environment for POLITICO New York.  Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.  Ben Lefebvre is the deputy energy editor at POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug. 28, 2025- Politico New York reporter Marie French unpacks a decision by the state utility regulator to put another nail in the coffin of a scrapped transmission project originally intended to serve New York City.

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's shutdown of the Indian Point nuclear plant years ago was seen as a safety win, but it's driven up emissions, raised electricity costs, and complicated New York's climate goals. Now, as Cuomo pursues a political comeback, critics say the closure left the grid dirtier and consumers paying more. POLITICO's Marie French breaks down what it means for New York's energy future and the Democratic debate over nuclear power. Plus, President Donald Trump pledged in a social media post Wednesday that the U.S. won't approve solar or wind projects that he says harm farmland. Marie J. French covers energy and the environment for POLITICO New York.  Josh Siegel is an energy reporter for POLITICO and the host of POLITICO Energy. Nirmal Mulaikal is the co-host and producer of POLITICO Energy.  Alex Keeney is a senior audio producer at POLITICO.  Gloria Gonzalez is the deputy energy editor for POLITICO.  Matt Daily is the energy editor for POLITICO. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper coverage and analysis, read our Morning Energy newsletter by subscribing to POLITICO Pro: https://subscriber.politicopro.com/newsletter-archive/morning-energy Our theme music is by Pran Bandi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 30, 2025 - Eight parties submitted applications for three New York City-area casinos, so we examine the proposals and how they'll be vetted with Jason Beeferman, a Capitol reporter with Politico New York.

Katie Honan, senior reporter at The City and co-host of FAQ NYC, recaps last night's Democratic mayoral primary debate, which was sponsored by NBC 4 NY, Telemundo and Politico New York.

June 4, 2025 - Politico New York reporter Marie French explains why two gas pipeline proposals, once left for dead, have new life after the Trump administration held a green energy priority of Gov. Kathy Hochul's hostage this spring.

Child care has become a big issue in the mayoral primary campaign as families with young children continually cite the cost as a major factor in whether they can stay in the City or not. Madina Touré, New York education policy and politics reporter for Politico New York, compares and contrasts the various policies Democratic candidates are pitching to try to help the youngest New Yorkers and their families. 

Longtime journalists Bill Hammond and Nick Reisman joined the show to discuss Andrew Cuomo's record as Governor of New York, with a focus on Cuomo's leadership style. Cuomo, leading the polls in the 2025 Democratic primary for Mayor of New York City, was Governor from January 2011 to August 2021. Hammond - formerly of the New York Daily News and now at the Empire Center - and Reisman, formerly of Capitol Tonight/State of Politics and now at Politico New York - have both covered Cuomo for many years and, in this discussion, help host Ben Max recap Cuomo's decade in power. This is the first in a series of Max Politics episodes that will examine Cuomo's record as Governor and bid to become Mayor. Cuomo has been invited to appear on the show himself but has yet to accept the invitation. Stay tuned for other episodes in this series. (Ep 498)

Mamdani momentum is monumental, but Cuomo remains a steep cliff to climb with time running short. Co-hosts Christina Greer, Katie Honan and Harry Siegel discuss that and much more, including Kathy Hochul's premature “budget deal” proclamation, Eric Adams' “best budget ever” proposal, and Donald Trump's brutal federal spending plan that neither New York leader seems to be taking into account. Plus, Maya Kaufman of Politico New York breaks down the landslide loss for longtime 1199 boss George Gresham in that union's election, and what that could mean for New York politics and the future of organized labor.

Nick Reisman, Politico New York reporter covering New York state government and politics and co-author of the New York Playbook, talks about the issues holding up the New York State budget negotiations, due April 1.

Ralph talks about his new book, “Civic Self Respect” which reminds us that our civic lives have different primary roles—not only voter, but also worker, taxpayer, consumer, sometimes soldier and sometimes parent—and how each one offers special opportunities for people to organize to make change. Plus, we welcome back former commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, John Koskinen, who tells us exactly how the Trump/Musk cabal is both gutting and weaponizing the IRS.John Koskinen served as the IRS Commissioner from 2013 to 2017.This is not a how-to book. It starts at a much more elementary level and therefore should interest a much greater number of people. Because, as I say, if you can expand your civic dimension as a part of your daily role without disrupting the rhythms of your daily life (in fact, actually making them more gratifying and more interesting, less boring), you're on your way.Ralph Nader author of Civic Self-RespectThe people who really fight for justice in this country have to fight for recognition, they have to fight for media, they have to fight an onslaught. And the people who lie and cheat and say the most terrible things and do the most terrible things are really the best-known people in the country. I mean, if you say who are the best-known people in Congress? They're the blowhards, the cruel and vicious people who've said things that are illegal, outrageous against innocent groups here and abroad.Ralph NaderI used to say to the Congress (trying to get appropriations) that the IRS is the only agency where if you give it money, it gives you more money back. Because the more you can actually audit people who aren't paying the proper amount or aren't filing at all, the better off you are. So no one has ever disagreed with that.John KoskinenGoing back a thousand years, tax collectors have never been particularly popular. And so when you talk about the IRS, people say, "Oh, the poor old IRS." In some ways, they don't understand just the points you're making about the impact on them, on the country, of an ineffective IRS going forward. And that's why my thought is this move toward using the IRS to attack people ought to be a way for everyone to say, "You know, I may not love paying taxes, but I certainly don't want the government and the president or the treasury secretary or somebody else ordering an audit of my taxes just because they don't like my political position or what I'm teaching in my course.”John KoskinenRalph Nader's new book Civic Self-respect is available now from Seven Stories Press.News 4/16/251. On Thursday April 17th, Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland departed for El Salvador in an effort to personally track down Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an immigrant who was arrested and deported to CECOT, the notorious Salvadoran prison camp, WUSA9 reports. Garcia was legally protected against deportation by a 2019 court order and a Trump administration official admitted in court that he “should never have been on that plane.” Last week, the Supreme Court unanimously ordered that he be returned to the U.S. Van Hollen is quoted saying “You go out, you get disappeared, they say they did it in error, but they're not helping bring you back…it's a very short road to tyranny.” Gracia has not been heard from since he was deported, raising concerns about his health and wellbeing. This comes after ICE Director Todd Lyons said he wanted to see a deportation process “like [Amazon] Prime, but with human beings,” per the Guardian. This episode is among the most chilling in American history and we are less than four months into a four-year term.2. Another gut-wrenching immigration story concerns Palestinian Columbia University student, Mohsen Mahdawi who was tricked, trapped, and abducted by ICE. The Intercept reports “Even before his friend and fellow Columbia activist Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by immigration authorities, Mahdawi asked university administrators to help him find a safe place to live so he would not be taken by ICE agents…The school did nothing.” Then, “After ICE abducted Khalil last month, Mahdawi sheltered in place for more than three weeks for fear of being picked up himself.” So, the immigration authorities apparently devised a scheme. “Instead of taking him off the street…immigration authorities scheduled the citizenship test at the Colchester USCIS office and took Mahdawi into custody when he arrived.” This action is clearly intended not only to capture Mahdawi but to frighten immigrants and discourage them from seeking citizenship through the legal immigration channels for fear of being deported. Not only that, Mahdawi will be sent back to Palestine, which continues to be the target of relentless Israeli bombing. Mahdawi is quoted saying, “It's kind of a death sentence…my people are being killed unjustly in an indiscriminate way.”3. In more international news, CNN reports China has “halted” its deliveries of Boeing planes. According to President Trump, will “‘not take possession' of fully committed to aircraft.” According to CNN, Boeing is particularly vulnerable in a trade war scenario because “Boeing builds all of its planes at US factories before sending nearly two-thirds of its commercial planes to customers outside the United States.” Boeing anticipated China purchasing 8,830 new planes over the next 20 years. The aircraft manufacturer's stock value fell in the wake of this announcement and is unlikely to fully recover unless some accommodation is reached with China.4. On the other side of the trade war, the Trump administration is preparing to roll out steep sectoral tariffs in addition to the country-specific tariffs already announced, per the Washington Post's Jeff Stein. Stein reports these will target imports of various "critical" products, including autos, steel and aluminum, copper, lumber and semiconductors. Yet, likely no sectoral tariff will bite American consumers more than the proposed tariff on pharmaceutical drugs. On April 8th, POLITICO reported that Trump told the RNC he is planning to impose “major” tariffs on pharmaceuticals. FIERCE, a healthcare news service, reports these could be as high as 25%. Coalition for a Prosperous America, an advocacy group opposed to free trade with China, reports that “Over 90% of all Generic Drugs [are] Dependent on Imports.”5. Turning to domestic matters, the Federal Trade Commission is proceeding with their anti-trust case against Facebook. According to the FTC, “The…Commission has sued Facebook, alleging that the company is illegally maintaining its personal social networking monopoly through a years-long course of anticompetitive conduct.” Further, “The complaint alleges that Facebook has engaged in a systematic strategy—including its 2012 acquisition of…Instagram, its 2014 acquisition…WhatsApp, and the imposition of anticompetitive conditions on software developers—to eliminate threats to its monopoly.” According to Ars Technica, “Daniel Matheson, the FTC's lead litigator, [started the trial with a bang] flagg[ing] a "smoking gun"—a 2012 email where Mark Zuckerberg suggested that Facebook could buy Instagram to ‘neutralize a potential competitor.'” It is hard to see how the company could argue this was not anticompetitive corporate misbehavior.6. A dubious tech industry scheme is also underway at the highest levels of the federal government. WIRED reports that the Social Security Administration is shifting their communications exclusively to Elon Musk's X app, formerly known as Twitter. Wired quotes SSA regional commissioner Linda Kerr-Davis, who said in a meeting with managers earlier this week, “We are no longer planning to issue press releases or…dear colleague letters to inform the media and public about programmatic and service changes…Instead, the agency will be using X to communicate to the press and the public … this will become our communication mechanism.” WIRED further reports that, “The regional [SSA] office workforce will soon be cut by roughly 87 percent,” going from an estimated 547 employees to 70. Musk has called Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time,” per the AP.7. Over at the National Labor Relations Board, a whistleblower claims Elon Musk and his cronies at DOGE may have extracted data including “sensitive information on unions, ongoing legal cases and corporate secrets,” per NPR. If that wasn't shady enough, “members of the DOGE team asked that their activities not be logged on the system and then appeared to try to cover their tracks…turning off monitoring tools and manually deleting records of their access.” This whistleblower took his concerns to Congress and the U.S. Office of Special Counsel – whistleblower activities that are protected by law – but faced retaliation in the form of someone, “'physically taping a threatening note' to his door that included sensitive personal information and overhead photos of him walking his dog that appeared to be taken with a drone,” clear attempts to intimidate and silence this employee. The Trump administrations have been rife with leaks at every level and instead of responding by addressing the issues raised, the administration has launched a permanent inquisition to plug the leaks by any means.8. In better news, the Independent reports that DOGE itself is finally being subjected to an audit. The audit is being undertaken by the Government Accountability Office at the urging of Congressional leaders after “'alarming' media reports of DOGE infiltrating federal systems,” according to a congressional aide. One DOGE worker has reportedly been identified by as “a 19-year-old high school graduate who was booted from an internship after leaking company information to a rival firm,” raising ever-deeper concerns about the purpose of the “fishing expeditions” DOGE is undergoing at every level of the federal government.9. Another uplifting story comes to us from New York City. In the latest round of public matching fund awards, Zohran Mamdani – the Democratic Socialist candidate surging from obscurity into second place in the polls – was granted nearly $4 million in public matching funds, “the largest single payment to any candidate in the 2025 Democratic mayoral primary race to date,” according to Gothamist. Meanwhile, former Governor Andrew Cuomo was awarded exactly $0. As Jeff Coltin of POLITICO New York explains, “Cuomo's campaign [was] scrambling to get the necessary info from donors to get matched…sending…dire warning to [his] entire email list, rather than…targeted outreach to donors.” If he had collected the necessary information, Cuomo would have been awarded $2.5 million in matching funds, Coltin reports. Cuomo still leads in the polls; as it becomes increasingly clear that Zohran is the only viable alternative, there will be increased pressure on other candidates to throw their support behind him.10. Finally, let's take a peek into the political climate's effect on Hollywood. New York Magazine, in an extensive profile of Warner Brothers-Discovery mogul David Zaslav, includes a piece about Zaslav seeking to ingratiate himself with Trump. According to this report, “a company representative recently reached out to the Trump0 orbit seeking advice about how the company might advantageously interact with the Whitte House.” Their answer: “look at the example of…Jeff Bezos paying Melania Trump $40 million to participate in a documentary about herself. Don Jr. might like a hunting and fishing show on the Discovery Channel, they were told.” Just like the Ivy League universities and the big law firms, if given an inch Trump will take a mile and use it for nothing short of extortion. Hollywood would be wise to steer clear. But wisdom has never been their strength.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

April 16, 2025 - We get an update on the transition of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program from Katelyn Cordero, a health care reporter with Politico New York.

April 15, 2025 - Politico New York health care reporter Maya Kaufman shares her findings from a deep dive into the spending of 1199 SEIU. Her reporting exposes how the union's president, George Gresham, and his close associates have personally benefited from the organization.

After eight Black elected officials from Southeast Queens put out a joint statement saying they were endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor, three of them said that, actually, they're not doing that (and, in one case, won't be ranking Cuomo at all). Guest Jeff Coltin of Politico New York, who broke that story over the weekend, talks with hosts Christina Greer and Katie Honan about how the powerful and controversial ex-governor is making things weird for elected officials and voters alike — and why the Democratic ranked choice primary might present particular challenges for him amid a wave of "Cuomo killed grandma" attacks from his campaign rivals.

More purges underway at CIA and FBI as USAID is shut down, Media organizations exposed for MILLIONS in government funds, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna joins the show. Check Out Our Partners: American Financing: Save with https://www.americanfinancing.net/benny NMLS: 182334, http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org Blackout Coffee: http://www.blackoutcoffee.com/benny and use coupon code BENNY for 20% OFF your first order Brickhouse Nutrition: Go to https://www.FieldofGreens.com and use Code BENNY for 20% OFF your first order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The nation's largest health care union, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers, is in the midst of a succession battle to unseat its long term president. Maya Kaufman, health care reporter for POLITICO New York in New York City, explains what's the driver behind the battle and what New Yorkers stand to gain, and lose, depending on the outcome.

Dec. 12, 2024 - 1199SEIU may be a vocal advocate for their union members, but the organization's leadership is not warmly welcoming a unionization effort by their own staff. We discuss this campaign, as well as the future leadership of the union, with Maya Kaufman, a health care reporter for Politico New York.

Nov. 12, 2024 - Politico New York health care reporter Katelyn Cordero provides an update on the effort to revitalize SUNY Downstate, a teaching hospital in Brooklyn that is running massive deficits and has deteriorating facilities.

Nick Reisman, Politico New York reporter covering New York state government and politics and co-author of the New York Playbook, talks about the closing arguments of the candidates in New York's swing Congressional districts and why Democratic Party leaders are nervous about Proposition 1. Plus, Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist and WNYC reporter, talks about the mayor's press conference this week, including what the city is doing regarding Election Day security, and more.

Sept. 9, 2024 - Politico New York's Marie French explains what we learned about the state's future energy generation plans from a summit convened in Syracuse by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who appears poised to embrace new nuclear power projects.

June 6, 2024 - A state fund designed to limit malpractice insurance costs for hospitals is headed toward financial insolvency, according to Maya Kaufman, health care reporter for Politico New York.

May 3, 2024 - Politico New York education reporters Katelyn Cordero and Madina Touré discuss the continuation of mayoral control of New York City schools that was approved in the budget.

Marie French, reporter covering energy and the environment for POLITICO New York, discusses the collapse of three key wind farm projects in New York and their broader implications for the state's climate goals.

March 25, 2024 - Politico New York's Marie French talks about personnel changes at the state Public Service Commission and explains why the shakeup could matter.

On Thursday, the South Fork Wind project was completed, comprised of 12 turbines about 30 miles off Montauk, that have the ability to power 70,000 homes. Marie French, who covers energy and the environment for POLITICO New York, talks about the impact of New York's first wind farm.

Hosts Chrissy, Katie and Harry talk subway scares and safety, and Politico New York health care reporter Maya Kaufman breaks down her reporting on Beth Israel transferring out seriously ill ER patients and much more.

After New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy gave their State of the State addresses last week, Marie French, reporter who covers energy and the environment for POLITICO New York, and Ry Rivard, reporter who covers energy, the environment and transportation in New Jersey for Politico, break down how both governors plan to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis in their states.

Rebecca Lewis, senior state politics reporter at City & State NY, and Nick Reisman, Politico New York reporter covering New York state government and politics and co-author of the New York Playbook, compare notes on how Tom Suozzi and Mazi Pilip are campaigning, and their policy differences, in the special election to replace George Santos in New York's third Congressional district.

This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her third State of the State address, focusing on housing proposals and plans to make the state a safer and more affordable place to live by addressing mental health care — especially in young New Yorkers. Her agenda is much more scaled back than in previous years, as the state faces a $4 billion budget gap and state lawmakers seek reelection. NY1's Errol Louis was joined by Nick Reisman, state politics reporter of Politico New York, and Ian Pickus, WAMC radio news director, for a detailed look at the address. They analyzed the governor's focus on crime and public safety, and the notable decision to exclude the migrant crisis from her speech. They also talked about how lawmakers will react to her priorities and how previous administrations have failed to tackle issues like artificial intelligence. And, they discussed Hochul's other initiatives, such as an investment in swimming lessons and improving access to pools.  Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Dec. 29 - Politico New York reporter Bill Mahoney discusses a shakeup at the state Board of Elections, where the long-serving top Democratic official has quietly ousted by his party's legislative leaders.

December 11, 2023 - POLITICO New York health care reporter Maya Kaufman explains how a western New York hospital system is facing a fine from the Hochul administration for failing to adequately respond to the governor's directive to restore inpatient psychiatric beds.

December 8, 2023 - POLITICO New York reporters Katelyn Cordero and Janaki Chadha discuss the arduous and time consuming process asylum seekers go through in order to obtain federal work permits so they can be legally employed

Marie French, who covers energy and the environment for Politico New York, and Ry Rivard, who covers energy, the environment and transportation in New Jersey for Politico, talk about the challenges to New York and New Jersey's wind energy projects and where they go from here.

Demonstrations, faculty letters and other on-campus politics around the conflict in the Middle East have sparked uncomfortable discussions and tensions for students and educators.  On Today's Show:Madina Touré, New York City education policy and politics reporter for POLITICO New York, breaks down the latest as pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian college students clash on campuses around the city and the country.

Demonstrations, faculty letters and other on-campus politics around the conflict in the Middle East have sparked uncomfortable discussions and tensions for students and educators.  On Today's Show:Madina Touré, New York City education policy and politics reporter for POLITICO New York, breaks down the latest as pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian college students clash on campuses around the city and the country.

Nick Reisman, Politico New York reporter covering New York state government and politics and co-author of the New York Playbook, talks about the political calculations New York's Republican members of the House are making when it comes to who they're voting for in the speaker's race, especially those in districts on Long Island and the Hudson Valley that President Biden won in 2020.  

The number of cases in The Big Apple is on pace to hit the city's highest levels in more than a decade. Host Katherine Ellen Foley talks with POLITICO New York health care reporter Maya Kaufman about the rise in infections and the implications.

July 28, 2023 - Politico New York's campaign finance guru, Bill Mahoney, considers what the latest fundraising figures from state politicians tells us about the emphasis on collecting small, local campaign contributions.

July 7, 2023 - Politico New York reporter Maya Kaufman explains the investments made by the state – and not made by the state – into abortion services for non-New Yorkers.

On this week's edition of New York NOW (5/05/2023): After more than a month of delays, a new state budget was approved this week by lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul. We'll have details. Anna Gronewold from Politico New York and Yancey Roy from Newsday join us with analysis and more news from the week. Patrick Orecki from the Citizens Budget Commission joins us to go over the financial side of the budget. A new edition of On The Bill looks at legislation that would ban certain pesticides that environmentalists oppose, but that many farmers depend on. Explore More: nynow.org

May 5, 2023 - Politico New York reporter Bill Mahoney explains how the fate of the state's ethics watchdog is up in the air, as former-Gov. Andrew Cuomo is challenging the constitutionality of the nascent entity, as it attempts to wrest away the money he got paid writing his pandemic memoir.

On this week's edition of New York NOW (4/21/2023): A deal on New York's state budget between Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature appears to be near. We'll tell you more. Michael Gormley from Newsday and Joe Spector from Politico New York join this week's panel with analysis. New York has a new chief judge: Rowan Wilson, who is the first person of color to hold the role. We'll tell you about him, and get analysis from Vin Bonventre, an expert on the high court from Albany Law School. Explore More: nynow.org

March 22, 2023 - With time running out on budget negotiations, we're joined by Politico New York reporter Marie J. French to consider the major environmental initiatives that could be included in a final deal between the legislative leaders and Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Feb. 22, 2023 - Politico New York health care reporter Maya Kaufman discusses state regulations imposing minimum staffing levels in intensive care and critical care units at hospitals and provides a broader update on the ongoing campaign to mandate staffing levels at health care facilities.

Jan. 16, 2023 - More than 7,000 nurses at two New York City-area hospitals went on strike last week, ending their work stoppage after three days when they secured commitments for higher wages and increased staffing levels. Politico New York health care reporter Maya Kaufman explains what led to this showdown, how hospitals coped during the strike and the concessions labor secured.

Sept. 16, 2022 - Politico New York reporter Marie French highlights the vision for two Capital Region ports as part of the supply chain for offshore wind projects on Long Island and explains the challenges in realizing that future.

Aug. 23, 2022 - Politico New York reporter Bill Mahoney provides an update on the legal battle over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's compensation package for writing a pandemic memoir.

Aug. 18, 2022 - Manhattan inched a little closer this summer to implementing congestion pricing, according to Politico New York's Danielle Muoio Dunn, who provides an update on this evolving situation.

Bill Mahoney, reporter at POLITICO New York's Albany bureau and Candice Ferrette, politics reporter at Newsday, talk about the competitive primaries in key congressional districts outside NYC.

Politico New York City Hall bureau chief Sally Goldenberg and City Hall reporter Joe Anuta talk about the latest news from the Adams administration, including the mayor's somewhat rocky relationship with the press so far, and more city news. Plus, Bill Mahoney, a reporter at Politico New York's Albany bureau, shares the latest on the state budget negotiations.