In response to this winter's energy bills, Planet Albany is rife with discussion about how to give ratepayers some relief. To cut through all the rhetoric and empty promises, we're checking in with Marie French, the energy and environment reporter for Politico New York.

In addition to throwing cold water on the rate relief ideas from Democrats and Republicans, we also consider whether Gov. Kathy Hochul may insert amendments to the CLCPA down the stretch in the budget process and why a new forecasting discussion by the state electric grid monitor has stakeholders worked up.

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New York Working Families Part Director Jasmine Gripper joins the show to discuss the liberal third party's decision not to endorse a primary challenge to Gov. Kathy Hochul, which may have been the final straw for Antonio Delgado's longshot gubernatorial bid.

We also talk about the consolidation of power at the WFP, their relationship with the DSA, and how they'll get involved in the state comptroller's race.

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In less than two years as the head of the New York Apartment Association, Kenny Burgos has cemented himself as the social media alternative to his former Capitol colleague Zohran Mamdani on housing issues (although on a much smaller scale).

We sat down with the former Bronx Assembly member to discuss his commitment to short videos and how he makes them, their ability to change the narrative on housing issues in Planet Albany, and the big issue he's hoping for action on in 2026.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

The decision by Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris not to run for re-election in 2026 could have a dramatic impact on the faces in state senate leadership. And not just on the government side, as he was also head of the Senate Democrat's political arm.

Tusk Strategies Partner Shontell Plummer, who used to work closely with Gianaris in her previous life, discusses the internal roles held by the Queens Democrat for more than a decade and considers what might happen with his posts.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

Redistricting is traditionally supposed to be on the menu once a decade, but it has become a recurring staple in New York, where Democrats are exploring options to redraw congressional lines before 2032.

Host David Lombardo breaks down the potential outcomes from a court case challenging the NY-11 boundaries with the help of Jeff Wice, a senior fellow and distinguished adjunct professor with the New York Law School's Census and Redistricting Institute. He also discusses the outstanding constitutional amendment to rewrite New York's redistricting process and an effort to get an early start on the Census count for 2030.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

Wednesday was a big day for Gov. Kathy Hochul's election campaign. The incumbent Democrat identified former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her running mate and almost immediately lost the support of the Brooklyn Democratic Committee as a result. Then it was leaked out that NYC Mayora Zohran Mamdani would be endorsing her re-election.

To understand all of these Big Apple based developments we checked in with Jeff Coltin, the editor-in-chief for City & State New York.

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Gov. Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani have largely been able to paper over their ideological differences, but the financial situation in the Big Apple could test that dynamic.

Host David Lombardo and Tusk Strategies Partner Shontell Plummer consider whether the mayor and governor's unholy alliance can withstand this public disagreement and if the ultimate outcome is increasing taxes or some other solution to fund New York City's budget.

We also reflect on how interest groups in Albany had to change their lobbying approach when the state Senate flipped hands in 2019 and how much influence the trial lawyers still have at the Capitol.

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Assemblymember Brian Cunningham's public profile has gone up a notch or two since making a short list of running mates for Gov. Kathy Hochul, but the Brooklyn Democrat is still far from a household name (even among Albany insiders).

So host David Lombardo sat down with Cunningham in the studio at the Capitol to discuss his background (he interned with Sen. Kevin Parker), whether he's been vetted for the LG role (he hasn't), and the untold story behind his first name (you'll have to listen for that one).

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).