Power & Politics

Ray Brescia, who helped pen a recent commentary piece in SCOTUSBlog, discusses the impact of the most recent Supreme Court term, and what he believes it means for the balance of power in the Federal Government.

Intro & Setup – [0:00–0:42]

Roberts Court & Power Shift – [0:42–6:23]

Partisanship & Conservative Supermajority – [6:23–12:36]

History & Birthright Citizenship – [12:36–19:05]

Tariffs, Learning Resources & Executive Power – [19:05–27:26]

Court Reform, Term Limits & Wrap – [27:26–end]

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NYS Governor Kathy Hochul joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing her data center moratorium Executive Order.

"The brilliant people at these AI companies, and we welcome AI innovation, by the way, very much so, as we welcome all innovation in New York," she told CBS6's Tom Eschen in an exclusive interview. "You (AI companies) created a powerful force, a technology that has the possibility of changing civilization and how we work and how we communicate, how we live. Artificial intelligence. Why can't you harness that power and ask the question: Can you receive what you need without these huge hyperscale data centers. Can they be smaller? Can they go vertical? Can they use less power? Can they use less energy? Can they use less water and make less noise? I think that they should be at the table trying to innovate this. Given that all across the country, you know, Democrats, Republican, Independent doesn't matter your party. They're losing the public relations war, and they can be a lot smarter about how they handle this."

The Governor's Executive Order, in part, will establish a framework for municipalities to use while engaging with companies looking to build data centers in their area.

0:00 – Moratorium on Data Centers
Governor Hochul explains her new executive order and why New York is hitting pause on large data centers.

1:21 – Protecting Local Communities
How state agencies will set new rate structures, environmental standards, and a community investment framework.

3:23 – Pushing AI and Data Centers to Innovate
Hochul challenges AI companies to shrink power usage, bring their own power, and improve public perception.

4:14 – Who the Moratorium Actually Hits
Why only 50+ megawatt hyperscale facilities are targeted and concerns about grid readiness.

6:55 – No More Tax Breaks for Data Centers
Hochul on why profitable data center companies don’t need local tax subsidies and what communities should demand.

9:47 – Empire AI and Cutting Red Tape
Using the Empire AI public‑private partnership to review regulations, cut fees, and modernize state government.

12:46 – Final Word on Energy, Business, and AI
Hochul’s closing message on balancing economic growth, energy costs, and the promise of AI in New York
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Following his Democratic primary win, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli joined Power & Politics, discussing the campaign along with other big issues impacting New Yorkers right now.

He also is looking ahead to the general election in November, where he faces challenger Joseph Hernandez.

Hernandez provides his thoughts on the Democratic primary, and how he'd approach the office if elected in November

These interviews were taped on July 1st, 2026
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Rebecca Nagle, award winning journalist and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, joined Power & Politics this week.

Nagle is the host of the "First America" podcast, which she says tells a more complete story of the founding of America, the podcast launching alongside celebrations of America's 250th birthday. Nagle travels to a variety of places, telling the story of interactions between settlers and Native Americans, including Upstate New York.

00:00 – 01:00 | Intro & First America

01:00 – 05:30 | New York, Sullivan’s Campaign, and Genocide

05:30 – 10:30 | What We Were Never Taught About the Revolution

10:30 – 15:30 | Founding Myths, Racism, and Erased Histories

15:30 – 21:30 | From Boston Tea Party Costumes to Chiefs Tailgate

21:30 – 27:30 | Mascots, Harm to Native Youth, and Tribal Consent

27:30 – 31:20 | Fixing the Story: Schools, Memory, and Rebecca’s Story

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New York State Democratic Committee Chair Jay Jacobs joined Power & Politics this week, providing his reaction to the 2026 Primary Election.

Zohran Mamdani-endorsed candidates won three Congressional races in New York City, creating a stir throughout the State and Country.

Statewide, incumbent Comptroller Tom DiNapoli (D) soundly defeated his first primary challengers in nearly two decades in office, which stuck out to Jacobs.


Primary Results & DiNapoli’s Win


[0:00:00 – 0:02:01]Intro, Jay Jacobs’ role, what voters signaled, and Tom DiNapoli’s primary and validation.


Israel–Palestine, AIPAC & Voter Priorities


[0:02:01 – 0:05:28]Israel–Palestine as a factor in NYC races, losses of incumbents, AIPAC’s role, and why most voters still focus on pocketbook issues.


Republican Messaging & Democratic Response


[0:05:28 – 0:09:30]GOP “socialist city” rhetoric, Jacobs’ rebuttal, DSA’s growth, MAGA parallels, and the need for bold Democratic ideas.


Working-Class Identity & Big Reforms


[0:09:30 – 0:13:00]Are Democrats still the working-class party, party legacy (wages, Social Security, etc.), and crisis politics driving the need for large-scale reforms.


Fighting Trump & Using Power


[0:13:00 – 0:19:19]Frustration with “strongly worded letters,” Schumer/Jeffries/Hochul’s role, why impeachment without conviction votes is a mistake, and what Democrats would do with majorities.


DSA, NY-21 & Redistricting


[0:19:19 – 0:22:26]Zohran Mamdani and the big-tent argument, NY-21 and Blake Gendebien vs. “DSA” labeling, and closing thoughts on redistricting and public education.

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