Episodes

  • Broken Bolts

    Broken Bolts
    Mar 8 2021
    The Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge is a 3-mile span over the Hudson river that connects Rockland and Westchester counties, just 25 miles north of New York City. It's a major commuter route, and bears hundreds of thousands of vehicle crossings each day. It replaced the long-ailing Tappan Zee Bridge in 2017, amid much fanfare from state and local officials. Now a comprehensive report from Brendan Lyons, the Times Union's managing editor for investigations, details a whistleblower’s account of the alleged coverup of potential structural flaws in the construction of the bridge — a dispute at the heart of a court case that remains under seal.  On this episode of the Capitol Confidential podcast, Times Union Editor Casey Seiler speaks to Lyons about the story, and its implications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • A Perfect Storm over Albany

    A Perfect Storm over Albany
    Mar 5 2021
    New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is facing perfect storm of threats to his administration, finding himself both in the crosshairs of an investigation by the FBI and the Justice Department into his handling of nursing home deaths due to COVID-19, and accused of sexual harassment by multiple women. Cuomo addressed the sexual harassment allegations during a press conference this week, in which he apologized for his behavior. On this episode of Capitol Confidential, Times Union Capitol Bureau Managing Editor Brendan Lyons speaks to an alleged victim of sexual harassment, who says Cuomo's apology falls short and he should resign immediately. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 mins
  • Nursing home scandal roils Cuomo administration

    Nursing home scandal roils Cuomo administration
    Feb 19 2021
    A recent admission by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s top aide, Secretary Melissa DeRosa, that they withheld nursing home coronavirus data to state legislators over fear that President Donald J. Trump would use the data against New York continues to roil the governor’s administration. In turn, a federal investigation into Cuomo’s handling of the virus in the long-term care facilities is on the docket and legislators are seeking to impeach the governor. On this episode of the Capitol Confidential Podcast, Times Union Capitol Bureau Managing Editor Brendan Lyons and reporters Amanda Fries and Ed McKinley discuss the latest news surrounding Cuomo and his administration, and the legislature's unrest. We also hear from Assembly Minority Leader William Barclay and Assemblyman John McDonald and get their take on the nursing home controversy that has engulfed New York.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • A Scathing Report

    A Scathing Report
    Jan 29 2021
    New York Attorney General Letitia James released a searing report this week finding that the state Department of Health underreported the deaths of nursing home residents who died from COVID-19 by as much as 50 percent. The 76-page report follows a months-long investigation by the attorney general’s office into allegations of patient neglect and other conduct that jeopardized the health and safety of residents and employees. State health officials responded by again defending their actions, and pointed to specifics in James’ report that reaffirm the findings in a state-commissioned study released in July. On this episode of the Capitol Confidential Podcast, Times Union Capitol Bureau Managing Editor Brendan Lyons and reporters Amanda Fries and Chris Bragg break down the report and its implications.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • A Tale of Two Budget Proposals

    A Tale of Two Budget Proposals
    Jan 22 2021
    This week, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled two budget proposals. Both are contingent upon how much New York state receives from the federal government. Cuomo even threatened to sue if the state doesn't get the $15 billion in federal aid that he has requested. That's enough to fill the budget gap that the governor and budget officials have cited for months. Capital Confidential host Amanda Fries talks with reporters about what the executive budget means for the region. What happens if the state doesn't get the requested federal aid? Capital reporter Edward McKinley answers that question and the possible revenue generators that could help close the gap. The executive budget paints a bleak picture for localities – especially those that rely on state aid. Albany reporter Steve Hughes shares what this means for the region's cities, and how they're preparing for the reduction in state aid. There are some promising elements in the proposal that would help revive the economy and support small businesses, business reporter Larry Rulison says. Even though the state has rolled back its financial support of schools, education reporter Rachel Silberstein says federal relief funds from the last stimulus will be directed to school districts. Read more about the highlights in the executive budget proposal.       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • Stefanik's Red Wall

    Stefanik's Red Wall
    Jan 15 2021
    North Country Representative Elise Stefanik has been a steadily rising star in the Republican party since she joined Congress in 2014. Her stock rose sharply during the Trump presidency, when she aligned herself with the administration and actively supported its policies. She won a fourth term representing New York's 21st district handily this past November, with widespread support from local leaders and lawmakers. Yet more than a week after a violent siege at the U.S. Capitol and the second impeachment of Donald Trump, she remains steadfastly supportive of the outgoing president and his unfounded claims of election fraud. And that stance has produced blowback from both inside and outside of her district—signaling potential cracks in a previously sound red wall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • A Tale of Two Violent Capitol protests

    A Tale of Two Violent Capitol protests
    Jan 8 2021
    As a violent mob of President Trump's supporters broke into the United States Capitol Wednesday afternoon, a smaller protest also turned violent outside the New York State Capitol. Times Union Managing Editor Brendan Lyons, Washington correspondent Emilie Munson and State reporter Ed McKinley discuss the events of this week, New York lawmakers' reactions, and what it all means for government at both the federal and state levels.   *This podcast was recorded on Thursday, a day after the protests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • New York's first dose

    New York's first dose
    Dec 15 2020
    The first FDA-approved coronavirus vaccines have arrived in New York this week, and the state has started vaccinating front-line healthcare workers. Times Union Capitol Bureau reporter Amanda Fries leads a discussion of the state's plan for the initial doses with reporter Ed McKinley and Washington correspondent Emilie Munson.  Also on this episode, the latest on sexual harassment allegations leveled against Governor Andrew Cuomo this week, and an interview with State Senate-elect Michelle Hinchey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins