Power & Politics

WRGB CBS6, Power And Politics, Tom Eschen

A Murrow Award winning podcast that brings you inside the issues impacting our communities. Every week, Tom Eschen sits down with local leaders and power brokers for a frank, sometimes blunt, conversation about the current political environment and how their decisions and stances shape and alter all of our lives. Whether it’s your tax bill, public safety, schools, immigration, or healthcare – politics affects every day and every aspect of your life. From the corridors of power to the heart of the debate, this podcast aims to ask the tough questions you want answered – to hold leaders accountable, to cut through the rhetoric and the canned responses. It’s a conversation that really matters.

  1. 2D AGO ·  BONUS

    Former U.S. IG Mark Mark Greenblatt on impact of Minnesota's IG addition, oversight, Epstein Files audit, May 18th, 2026

    Former United States Department of the Interior Inspector General Mark Greenblatt speaks with Tom Eschen about the State of Minnesota moving forward with adding a Statewide Inspector General, and how that impacts the rest of the country when it comes to taxpayer money, especially regarding Medicaid. He also discusses the recent letter from the Department of Health and Human Services to States to prosecute Medicaid fraud. He discusses the DOJ's audit of the release of the Epstein files as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    24 min

  2. 5D AGO

    NYS Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D-Queens) and John Thickstun, Assistant Professor at Cornell University, on Artificial Intelligence, May 15th, 2026

    In the midst of her 3rd annual "AI Week", NYS Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D-Queens) joined Power & Politics.  Gonzalez discussed her legislation targeting chatbots and data centers, along with the current dynamic between the federal government and state government when it comes to regulating artificial intelligence.  The second half of the podcast features John Thickstun, Assistant Professor at Cornell University. He discusses the fears surrounding AI, where the U.S. stacks up in the world when it comes to this technology, data centers, and who should craft policy in this industry. 00:00–00:52Opening: AI Week at the NY Capitol 00:52–05:37Guardrails for Chatbots 05:37–09:29AI Literacy, Surveillance Concerns & Corporate Responsibility 09:29–13:51Hyper-Scale Data Centers, Climate Law & Energy Grid Stress 13:51–18:12Worker Protection, Federal Overreach & New York’s AI Agenda 18:12–19:38Transition: From Statehouse to Lab – Introducing Cornell’s Perspective 19:38–27:06John Thickstun on AI’s Evolution, Economic Shocks & Historical Parallels 27:06–35:08Regulation, Copyright, US–China Competition & Energy for AI 35:08–39:30Data Center Debates, AI Efficiency & How People Should Prepare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min

  3. 6D AGO ·  BONUS

    Bonus: Lara Bryn discusses Hantavirus with NYS Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald

    Lara Bryn sits down with NYS Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald for a one-on-one interview about Hantavirus and how the state is coordinating with federal health agencies to manage the outbreak. They discuss the risk level for New Yorkers, how the exposed New Yorkers are handling their quarantine in Nebraska and how monitoring will continue moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    16 min

  4. MAY 8

    Lara Blume McGee, Jeffrey Epstein Sex Trafficking Ring Survivor, and Jordan Merson, Representing Jeffrey Epstein Sex Trafficking Ring Survivors, May 8th, 2026

    Lara Blume McGee and Jordan Merson discuss their trip to the New York State Capital, advocating for legislation to hold offenders accountable, and eliminate the statute of limitations. 00:00:00–00:01:40 – Testimony at the Capitol00:01:40–00:03:25 – Breaking Silence After 20 Years00:03:25–00:05:20 – Statutes of Limitations vs. Justice00:05:20–00:07:10 – Federal Inaction and Holding on to Hope00:07:10–00:08:40 – Grooming in the Modeling Industry00:08:40–00:10:15 – From Constant Fear to Empowerment00:10:15–00:12:10 – The Adult Survivors Act and What’s Still Missing00:12:10–00:14:19 – Epstein Files, Accountability, and Men Speaking Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    17 min

  5. MAY 1

    NYS Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D) and NYS Asm. Phil Palmesano (R-Corning), May 1st, 2026

    NYS Senator Jeremy Cooney discusses his legislation aimed at creating more State regulation around prediction markets, while NYS Assemblymember Phil Palmesano talks about the late State budget, and his remarks on the floor. [0:00:00] NYS Senator Jeremy Cooney [0:00:52] What Are Prediction Markets? – Popularity, NYC mayoral race, consumer risk [0:02:52] Cooney’s Proposal – DFS oversight, licensing, comparison to other financial products [0:04:12] Sports Betting Angle – Role of Gaming Commission, federal-state turf issues [0:07:49] Ethics and State Worker Ban – Hochul’s order, insider info, need for consistent rules [0:12:24] Asm Phil Palmesano and the late NYS Budget [0:12:39] Palmesano on Energy Bills – Disconnect with voters, push for direct ratepayer relief [0:15:51] Climate Law and Costs – Natural gas vs renewables, NYSERDA memo, cost impacts [0:19:01] Transparency and Power Balance – One-party control, governor vs legislature, delays [0:21:30] Utility Deferment Bill – Asm. Hooks’ proposal, optics of benefiting lawmakers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    26 min

  6. APR 30

    Rikki Shaw, Former Jane Doe NYS Capital sexual assault victim discusses why she came forward, April 30, 2026

    More than 20 years after she was a victim of gender-based violence at the New York State Capital, a former Jane Doe discussed her decision to step forward and reveal her identity on Power & Politics this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min

  7. APR 27 ·  BONUS

    Walter Masterson on being arrested at the NYS Capitol, April 27th, 2026

    Walter Masterson is one of 18 people arrested at the New York State Capitol with a court date in Albany this week, charged with 2nd degree Obstructing Governmental Administration.  Masterson has about 5 million followers on social media, known for his political satire, street interviews and poking fun at a variety of political ideals.   "I don't really get a lot of views off of this," Masterson told CBS6. "I just felt like this is something where I wanted to be on the right side of history." He said business-wise, between a speeding ticket on I87 and the Summons to Albany City Court, he may lose money on the endeavor. Arrest and Inside the Capitol Protest – [0:00:13 – 0:00:30]Tom introduces Walter Masterson, fresh off his arrest at the New York State Capitol, and sets up the protest inside Governor Hochul’s office. Why Protest Hochul: CLCPA, Pipelines, Data Centers – [0:00:30 – 0:02:11]Walter explains the sit‑in at Hochul’s office, New York’s climate law (CLCPA), and how pipelines and AI data centers fit into the fight. Gutting the CLCPA: Drilling, Data Centers, Tariffs, Trump – [0:02:11 – 0:04:25]Walter outlines how weakening the CLCPA enables more drilling and data centers, and argues Hochul is using tariffs and Trump as political cover. From Climate Progress to Climate Backslide – [0:04:25 – 0:06:45]They question whether New York ever fully implemented the CLCPA and warn that Hochul’s moves could undo existing climate progress. Jobs, Fossil Fuels, and Hochul’s Political Identity – [0:06:45 – 0:09:11]Walter disputes the jobs case for oil and gas, says renewables are cheaper long‑term, and claims Hochul is governing more like a Republican. Protest Size, Public Opinion, and Donor Politics – [0:09:11 – 0:12:22]Walter reflects on only 18 arrests, unexpected support from some MAGA voters, and argues Hochul is mainly serving donors, not the public. Moral Stand and Challenging the Duopoly – [0:12:22 – 0:16:43]He frames his arrest as a moral stand that hurts his business, then broadens out to criticize unchecked power and the two‑party duopoly. Platforming Voices and What Comes Next – [0:16:43 – end]Walter explains how he uses interviews to amplify populist, working‑class voices, expose insidious actors, and previews future protest plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    22 min

  8. APR 24

    NYS Inspector General Lucy Lang breaks down 2025 Workers Compensation Fraud Report, April 24th, 2026

    The New York State Inspector General's annual Workers Compensation Fraud Report was released this week, with 22 arrests, and $1.9 million identified ($1.7 million recovered) in fraudulent activity in 2025. The 22 arrests are more than double the 2024 total, with six of the 22 coming from Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. While the Office of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Fraud Inspector General (WCFIG) covers all state agencies along with businesses across the State, DOCCS continues to be an agency fraught with fraud. The issues date back to a 2023 report identifying the same issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    13 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A Murrow Award winning podcast that brings you inside the issues impacting our communities. Every week, Tom Eschen sits down with local leaders and power brokers for a frank, sometimes blunt, conversation about the current political environment and how their decisions and stances shape and alter all of our lives. Whether it’s your tax bill, public safety, schools, immigration, or healthcare – politics affects every day and every aspect of your life. From the corridors of power to the heart of the debate, this podcast aims to ask the tough questions you want answered – to hold leaders accountable, to cut through the rhetoric and the canned responses. It’s a conversation that really matters.

Information

  • Creator
    WRGB CBS6, Power And Politics, Tom Eschen
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sinclair Broadcast Group
  • Show Website
    Power & Politics

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