Ronnie and election and voting rights attorney, Jerry Goldfeder discuss what’s going on today, asking if only a constitutional scholar can follow events. Though Americans have never experienced anything like it, Goldfeder believes they can see it and feel it. Mr. Goldfeder senses that they can recognize a power grab - with no respect for the constitution, for Congress, for the courts.

Happily the number of children in foster care has decreased dramatically, yet Ronald Richter, JCCA’s leadership notes challenges today’s kids face, entering foster care: many have never been to a dentist, have had inadequate medical care, family violence; difficulties that bring these children closer to the criminal justice system. JCCA and fellow agencies work towards stability, life skills, job skills, education support. Cuts in Medicaid will affect agencies ability to lead kids out of foster care!

In memory of Tom Robbins, Ronnie Eldridge reminds us that he “...could not abide injustice or deceit, nor corruption and greed.” In an earlier conversation,Tom describes his long career as a reporter/journalist as “the greatest job in the world. You get to talk to people, to ask questions; doors may be slammed in your face but the bearer has a ‘passport’ to any place you may want to go.” Mr. Robbins describes has dedication to core issues: promoting good government and criminal justice.

Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) a new way for NYC to vote in municipal elections may be different/complicated: but it’s the form used on the June 2025, Primary Election to select a candidate for mayor. RCV avoids re-runs, and lets people vote their conscience

Oligarch’s money and voters’ support elected Pres.Trump for a second term. Mark Green asks will people leave him when their parents can’t rely on a social security check; when children’s public schools sink; and a nephew can’t marry the man of his choice.

Steve Zeidman’s op-ed on redemption/mercy/clemency/reevaluating sentences and how- with the support of law students, letters from inmates sentenced, at 16 to 75 years to life; and as aging prisoners die in prison, led to the SecondLookProjectNY: CUNY Law.

Carol Shapiro, an advocate and activist works to reform how we view criminal justice-with programs like La Bodega de la Familia, to help strengthen the family to overcome drug abuse and poverty- and, most importantly, to meet those in prison with respect.

Ronnie and Robert Polner, writer with Michael Tubridy of “An Irish Passion for Justice,” discuss the life and career of Paul O’Dwyer, an Irish immigrant, an advocate for social justice-the familiar face, welcome on many picket lines in support of workers.

Lisa Gugenheim brings us to the NY Hall of Science (NYSCI): its history, its innovative Design, Make, Play exhibits, for all learners, programs-STEM Comes to Life, promoting STEM skills in collaboration with families, local schools and the community.

Dorchen Leidholdt tells us that big problems of abused women: surveillance, retaliation and being controled as victims are intensified by the internet. Sanctuary For Families urges governments-city/state/federal to work together to help vulnerable people.

Discussing the 2044 election and America’s democratic process, Jerry Goldfeder sites radical conservatism’s attempts to suppress the vote, to deny women’s health care, to deny election results and more. Yet Goldfeder is hopeful: VOTE and we’ll be OK!

Activist/scholar Michelle Fine dedicated to justice, solidarity and empathy working with incarcerated women, domestic abuse victims of violence, discusses CUNY’s unique role in higher education: We promote education equity and we’re part of the community.

Beth Finkel, leader of AARP New York, advocates for many millions of New Yorkers - 50 and older - who are seeking help with various issues: health/health insurance, home care, nursing homes, and loneliness. “Age just happens but making things better for the aged needs help,” welcome AARP New York.

Every presidential candidate, always assuming that he/she will win the election, must prepare and present a transition plan. A transfer of power plan, to be presented every four years was formalized in 1963 and is a characteristic of American democracy.

Ronnie Eldridge and a friend for the past 60 years, Jerry Kretchmer, discuss politics from their “new point of view,” that of an “older person”..unhappy with what’s happening in the world,” especially with what’s happening in the presidential election.

Welcoming Mary Brosnahan, an ardent and passionate advocate for the homeless, a 30-year veteran heading the Coalition for the Homeless, Ronnie notes-almost with disbelief, the number of people who need housing - and the significant number of people who are without any.

Journalist, writer - 30 year veteran of The New York Times Editorial Board and a former fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice - Dorothy Samuels is the best person to talk with about federal courts, the Supreme Court’s recent activities, and politics.

The Alliance of Families for Justice works to end mass incarceration by empowering families with formerly incarcerated loved ones seeking legal support, skills and voting rights. Soffiyah Elijah, afj’s tireless leader, discusses programs and campaigns.

Jerry Goldfeder makes clear the importance of NY’s vote this year, as it will determine who controls the House of Representatives. Gerrymandering, term-limits vs. for-life appointments for Supreme Court Justices discussed. Goldfeder urges all “Just Vote!”