Accusations against leader of legislature to launch wave of New York State corruption revelations

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New York’s flagship PBS station & public media provider. Parent company of public TV stations THIRTEEN, NJTV and WLIW21 and the new multi-platform news and culture magazine MetroFocus. Manager of NYC-ARTS, a multi-platform guide to the arts.

On Silver:

The powerful speaker of the New York State Assembly – Democrat Sheldon Silver – was arrested by the FBI early this morning and tonight he is facing federal corruption charges alleging that he used the power of his office to solicit millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks for more than a decade.

MetroFocus host Rafael Pi Roman talks to former federal prosecutor Jennifer Rodgers, executive director of the Center for the Advancement of Public Integrity at Columbia Law School, about the case and her reaction to U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara’s announcement of the arrest. Rodgers explains the charges against Silver and offers insight about whether Silver’s arrest may signal more corruption investigations in Albany and what could help prevent similar cases in the future.

This month New York City launched its new municipal ID card, which will not only act as a form of identification but will also provide free access to many of the city’s arts and cultural institutions. Tom Finkelpearl, commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs, joins MetroFocus host Rafael Pi Roman to discuss the cultural benefits of the municipal ID card and making arts and culture more accessible to all New Yorkers.

Contributing reporter Jenna Flanagan talks to 2014 MacArthur Genius Grant winner Ai-jen Poo, who was recognized for her ongoing efforts to secure equal rights for domestic workers through her organization the National Domestic Workers Alliance.