Topics Explainers
A high-contrast photo of a rolled up graduation diploma closed with a tassel against an orange and black background.
New York High Schoolers Might Be Getting a New Diploma. Here’s What to Know.

At a Board of Regents meeting Monday, state officials proposed eliminating credit-based diploma requirements.

Melissa Manno   ·   June 19, 2026
What To Do If You’re Impacted By Changes to the Essential Plan

We’ve compiled information for the 450,000 New Yorkers who will lose health care coverage on July 1.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   June 15, 2026
The Haggle — a New York Focus breakdown of the state budget
The Haggle

In May, state lawmakers passed a $269 billion budget after haggling for months over thousands of line items and policies affecting New Yorkers.

New York Focus   ·   June 9, 2026
A photo collage of a shopping basket full of groceries, in front of a yellow-tinted photo of a calendar with "work" written in many of the days.
New SNAP Rules in NY: What To Know If You Lost Benefits

We’ve compiled information for SNAP recipients in New York on the changing work requirements.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   June 2, 2026
A photo collage of Governor Kathy Hochul over a yellow-tinted photo of many tall stacks of paper superimposed onto the New York state Capitol.
What’s in the 2026 State Budget? Here’s What To Know.

Our searchable database breaks down the most consequential decisions Albany politicians made on climate, immigration, housing, schools, taxes, and more.

New York Focus   ·   May 29, 2026
How the New York State Budget Works

We answer your questions on the state’s notoriously opaque budget process.

Sam Mellins   ·   April 15, 2026
A lock icon stands in between personal health data and a dollar sign representing profit.
Lawmakers Take Another Crack at Protecting New Yorkers’ Health Data

Amid abortion bans and rising digital surveillance, Albany lawmakers are revisiting an effort to stop companies from selling sensitive health information.

Leah Clark and Gabriella Limón   ·   March 26, 2026
A Pension Battle Is Heating Up in Albany. Here’s What to Know.

Unions want state leaders to sweeten their retirement packages. What would it cost, and what would it achieve?

Sam Mellins   ·   March 23, 2026
Putting a Price Tag on ‘Universal’ Pre-K

The state’s universal pre-K funding model is notoriously complex. How does it actually work, and can the governor’s plan fix it?

Melissa Manno   ·   March 20, 2026
Your Guide to the 2026 State Budget Fight

We read the governor’s, Senate’s, and Assembly’s budget proposals — so you don’t have to.

New York Focus   ·   March 12, 2026
What’s Behind the Escalating Fight Over New York’s Climate Law?

The legislature left the climate law untouched for now, but Governor Kathy Hochul could still push for changes in coming weeks.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   March 10, 2026
Hochul Proposed Banning ICE Collaboration Contracts. Here’s What You Need to Know.

The bill would dissolve contracts that allow federal immigration authorities to use county jails, but would leave more informal collaboration with local law enforcement untouched.

Liv Veazey   ·   January 31, 2026
Will New York City Drop BlackRock Over Climate?

Outgoing Comptroller Brad Lander wants the city’s pension funds to reconsider $42 billion in investments with the firm, but it may fall to his successor to take action.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   December 15, 2025
The main building of the Mt Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex near Lake Placid, NY.
What Is Ballot Proposal 1?

Voters across the state are scratching their chins about a question on their ballots concerning an Adirondacks winter sports facility. Here’s what’s going on.

Sam Mellins   ·   November 3, 2025
A calendar with November 1 circled, in front of a photo of the United States Capitol and a document showing the new SNAP work rules.
SNAP Is Set To Be Frozen in November. Here’s What New Yorkers Need to Know.

The federal government shutdown and new work requirements will throw New York’s food stamps program into chaos.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   October 30, 2025
Whatever Happened With the State’s ‘Migrant Relocation’ Program?

The initiative to resettle asylum seekers outside New York City reached half the targeted number of familes. ICE has deported some participants.

Isabelle Taft   ·   September 29, 2025
In Brief: New York’s Essential Plan

Massive changes are coming to the state’s comprehensive, low-cost healthcare plan.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   September 26, 2025
This ‘Best-Kept Secret’ in Health Care Can Shave Down Your Medical Debt

Nonprofit hospitals are required to help those struggling with medical debt, but critics say their policies are poorly advertised and underutilized.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   June 12, 2025
Need Help Paying Medical Bills? Here’s How Charity Care Works in New York.

Learn the income thresholds, deadlines, and free support services that help New Yorkers shave down or sometimes completely erase medical debt.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   June 11, 2025
What’s in the 2025 New York State Budget? Here’s Everything You Need to Know.

Our searchable database breaks down what was proposed and what made it in this year’s budget among key topics like education, family policy, criminal justice, climate, and more.

New York Focus   ·   May 10, 2025
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