Shows / The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Episodes
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Composers Misha Swersey and Elias Valle
Tonight, host Alexa Smith features music by two rising young composers: Misha Swersey and Elias Valle. Misha Swersey is a New York City-based composer whose…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgInternal email shines light on focus of New York AG
Sept. 2, 2026- Times Union Executive Managing Editor Brendan Lyons discusses his reporting into an internal email at the state attorney general's office…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgState regulators urged to aggressively police health insurance rates
Sept. 1, 2026- Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, a Queens Democrat, makes the case for state financial regulators to dramatically reduce the health…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgThe case for using Medicaid dollars on social determinants of health
Sept. 1, 2026- Met Council CEO David Greenfield explains how New York is using Medicaid dollars to address the social determinants of health and argues that…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgEnsuring media access to police radio communications
Sept. 1, 2026- We explore legislation designed to ensure members of the media can access encrypted police radio communications. Our guest is Mickey…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgPlanning for life after the penny
August 31, 2026- Assemblymember John McDonald, a capital region Democrat, talks about his legislation helping businesses navigate cash transactions without a…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgCould Congressman Pat Ryan run statewide in New York?
August 31. 2026- We're sharing an excerpt of our Dispatches from Planet Albany conversation with Politico New York reporter Jason Beeferman, who highlighted…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeff's Retirement
WQXR's Jeff Spurgeon is retiring. Now what? We're here to answer your questions about Jeff's retirement and what comes next. If your question wasn't answered…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
The Illustrious Career of Jeff Spurgeon
Jeff Spurgeon retires on Friday, September 4th, 2026, after an illustrious fifty-year career in radio and thirty years as a host on WQXR. He didn't start out…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Your Messages for Jeff
Thanks to everyone who sent in a message of thanks and best wishes for Jeff! We'll be sharing more each day right here and throughout the week on-air, so join…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
The Wonderful Waltz, Part 4
This week, David Dubal concludes his exploration of the waltz, tracing its history from country to country across piano keyboards. In this final segment…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Strauss II's Die Fledermaus
Listen Saturday, August 29th, at 1pm. Program notes courtesy of WFMT. Tune in to hear a production of Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II from Vienna State…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Maxim Vengerov and Friends
An encore broadcast of this concert will play on August 28, 2026 at 9pm EDT. This concert was originally recorded on December 16, 2025. Program notes courtesy…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgGenealogists hope to access records of New Yorkers under state care
Aug. 28, 2026 - Genealogists are hoping the governor will approve a bill increasing the accessibility of mental health records for deceased New Yorkers under…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgLawmakers get graded on environmental priorities
Aug. 28, 2026 - We check in with Katherine Nadeau, deputy executive director for Environmental Advocates NY, to discuss the group's scorecards for state…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgMore transparency planned for exclusive home sale listings
Aug. 27, 2026 - We unpack a legislative effort to regulate the practice of listing properties for sale in exclusive marketplaces. Our guest is Mike Kelly, vice…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgSheriffs balk at state restrictions on ICE agreements
Aug. 27, 2026 - New York State Sheriffs' Association Executive Director Peter Kehoe discusses a controversial law restricting formal collaboration between…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgMore aggressive deer management envisioned for northern NY
Aug. 27, 2026 - State environmental officials could soon gain the authority to issue deer management permits across northern New York. We discuss the issue…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgSmoothing the path to becoming a licensed social worker
Aug. 27, 2026 - We explore two bills designed to smooth out the licensure process for aspiring social workers. Our guest is Todd Karlin, chief program officer…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Encore: World Premieres from the Sounds of Us Festival Part 2
This broadcast originally aired on February 19th, 2025. In the conclusion of this 2-part series, host Alexa Smith features student composers from The Juilliard…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgBusinesses offered personalized sustainability tips
Aug. 26, 2026- A new state initiative is offering one-on-one sustainability counseling for small businesses in New York. We discuss the program with NY DEC…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgRegional greenhouse program could be roadmap for New York
Aug. 26, 2026- We get an update on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and consider how it could be a roadmap for economy-wide carbon restrictions in New…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgStructural foundations undermine New York watchdogs
Aug. 26, 2026- A new report highlights the abundance of watchdogs for New York's state government, but questions whether they're setup to succeed. We explore…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgNew York continues to dole out opioid settlement dollars
Aug. 25, 2026- State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham discusses the flow and destination of money intended to…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgPreventing noncitizen voting in New York
Aug. 25, 2026- This summer it was revealed that thousands of noncitizens were registered to vote in New Jersey, prompting questions about New York's voter…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgSenate deputy leader retires from public office
Aug. 25, 2026- In a Dispatches from Planet Albany excerpt, former Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris talks about his accomplishments in office.
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgEnergy utilities look to develop green power plants
Aug. 25, 2026- Politico New York reporter Marie French unpacks the campaign by energy utilities to get back into the business of operating power plants, which…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Leonard Bernstein: Through His Daughter's Eyes
Leonard Bernstein was born on August 25, 1918. He had an illustrious career as a conductor, composer, pianist, music educator, author, and humanitarian, and…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Peter van de Graaff Takes Over "Exploring Music" on August 24
Press release courtesy of WFMT. For more than two decades, Exploring Music has been a cornerstone of classical radio – a treasured presence that inspires…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgHochul administration sued over implementation of lead paint exposure law
Aug. 24, 2026- The Hochul administration is being sued by environmental groups alleging state health officials aren't doing enough to reduce child lead…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgSenate Republicans look to hold seats and hopefully grow
Aug. 24, 2026- State Sen. George Borrello, a western New York Republican, talks about his role leading the political campaign arm of the state Senate…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgNew York could be leader in gene synthesis regulations
Aug. 24, 2026- Assemblymember Alex Bores, a Manhattan Democrat, makes the case for New York to lay down some guardrails and best practices for gene synthesis…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
The Wonderful Waltz, Part 3
In his third program exploring the waltz and its particularly fruitful manifestation in piano music, David Dubal traces the dance's history around the globe…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Verdi’s Luisa Miller
Listen Saturday, August 22nd, at 1pm. Program notes courtesy of WFMT. Tune in to hear a production of Verdi’s Luisa Miller from Vienna State Opera. The…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgRestricting toxic chemicals in playground materials
Aug, 21, 2026- Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, a Rochester-area Democrat, explains her bill that would restrict the use of toxic chemicals in playground surface…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgJustice Center lays out road map for the future
Aug, 21, 2026- The Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs has a new five-year strategic plan, which emphasizes quantitative analysis…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
An encore broadcast of this concert will play on August 21, 2026 at 9pm EDT. This broadcast originally aired on December 3, 2025. Program notes courtesy of…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Encore: World Premieres from the Sounds of Us Festival Part 1
This broadcast originally aired on February 12th, 2025. In part one of this two-part series, host Alexa Smith features student composers from The Juilliard…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgLimiting ATM fees on New Yorkers using EBT cards
Aug. 18, 2026 - Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia, a Bronx Democrat, explains why she wants to stop state-chartered banks from charging ATM fees to New Yorkers…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgA local check on state economic development subsidies
Aug. 18, 2026- Assemblymember Pat Burke, a Buffalo-area Democrat, makes the case for giving municipalities a check on state economic development officials…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgState's top court poised for shakup
Aug. 17, 2026 - The state's top court is poised for a makeover in the next gubernatorial term, a majority of the seats possibly getting new justices. We…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgRequiring e-bikes to be equipped with lights
Aug. 17, 2026 - State lawmakers are looking to require e-bikes and e-scooters sold or leased in New York to be equipped with lights on the front and back. We…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Gounod's Faust
Listen Saturday, August 15th, at 1pm. Program notes courtesy of WFMT. Tune in to hear a production of Gounod's Faust from the Bavarian State Opera in Munich…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgHeading to Albany: Gun violence shapes new member's outlook
Aug. 14, 2026- We get to know Nathaniel Hezekiah III, who won a Democratic primary for an open Southeast Queens Assembly seat where they are the presumptive…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgDispatches: A stroke can't stop Liz Krueger the 'anarchist'
Aug. 14, 2026 - In a Dispatches from Planet Albany excerpt, State Sen. Liz Krueger, a Manhattan Democrat, discusses her experience recovering from a stroke and…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgGOP AG candidate builds campaign around fighting crime
Aug. 14, 2026- We check in with Saritha Komatireddy, the Republican hopeful for state attorney general this year, who is hoping to use the office for more…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgUpdating the process of recouping legal fees
Aug. 14, 2026- Defendants in frivolous personal injury lawsuits face a statutory limitation on what they can easily recoup in legal fees and the amount hasn't…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Beatrice Rana
An encore broadcast of this concert will play on August 14, 2026 at 9pm EDT. This concert was originally recorded on November 12, 2025. Program notes courtesy…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgEnding 80s era restrictions on sex areas in public bathhouses
Aug. 13, 2026- State Sen. Erik Bottcher, a Manhattan Democrat, makes the case for legalizing and regulating private rooms for sexual activity at public spas…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgPollster surveys race for gov and data center moratorium
Aug. 13, 2026- Siena Research Institute pollster Steve Greenberg gives a status update on the race for governor based on likely voters. We also explore…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgNYSERDA victory lap on clean energy jobs, green investments and utility savings
Aug. 13, 2026- New York State Energy Research & Development Authority President and CEO Doreen Harris talks about the creation of clean energy jobs…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgNew York at odds with feds over immigration enforcement
Aug. 13, 2026- We highlight increased activity by ICE agents in New York with Jimmy Vielkind, a Capitol reporter for Gothamist & WNYC. We also discuss the…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
5 Notable Performances from Bayreuth's Long History
The Richard Wagner Festival at Bayreuth in Germany has been thrilling audiences since 1876. With such a deep past and the 2026 edition (and 150th anniversary!)…
- The latest stories from www.wqxr.org
Encore: Salon de Virtuosi 2024 Career Grant Winners Part 2
This broadcast originally aired on January 22nd, 2025. Tonight, host Emi Ferguson concludes our 2-part series on the 2024 Salon de Virtuosi Career Grant…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgEnsuring internet connectivity in homeless shelters
Aug. 12, 2026- We explore legislation requiring homeless shelters provide access to high-speed wireless internet. Our guests are Daniel Schwarz, senior privacy…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgNursing home chain fails to meet legal settlement expectations
Aug. 12, 2026- We talk to New York Focus senior reporter Sam Mellins about a nursing home operator that appears to be falling short of a legal settlement it…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgDisclosing the 'repairability' of new electronics
Aug. 12, 2026- Assemblymember Bobby Carroll, a Brooklyn Democrat, wants to require retailers to disclose the repair scores of electronics to help consumers…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgOnline casinos could be next frontier in gambling
Aug. 11, 2026- National Association Against iGaming Government Relations Director Oliver Barie makes the case for the continued prohibition of online casino…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgNew York vs Kalshi
Aug. 11, 2026- We unpack the battle between New York Attorney General Letitia James and Kalshi, including the broader fate of predictions markets offering…
The latest stories from www.wqxr.orgExpanding New York marine life protections
Aug. 11, 2026- The Nature Conservancy New York Ocean Programs Director Carl LoBue makes the case for expanding the authority of state environmental officials…