Topics New York State
Hochul Buys Time on Pollution Rules

New York is ready to collect data on emissions, but is fighting a court order to cut them.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   December 3, 2025
Big Banks Accused of ‘Systematic Fraud’ in New York Foreclosure Auctions

An investigation by New York Focus and Gothamist found lenders are using a disputed method of calculating debts in thousands of foreclosures and taking money from hundreds of former homeowners.

Chris Bragg and David Brand   ·   December 3, 2025
Renewable Developers Press Hochul to Settle Tax Dispute Before Key Deadline

New Yorkers will pay more for wind and solar if Hochul doesn’t sign property tax legislation in the coming days, the industry says.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   December 1, 2025
Health Care Sticker Shock Coming for 450,000 New Yorkers

Federal budget cuts will force hundreds of thousands off New York’s free Essential Plan, with some families facing $10,000 annual premium increases.

Clara Hemphill   ·   December 1, 2025
Why Did Hochul Back Down on New York’s Gas Ban?

Just last month, the state argued in court that it couldn’t halt the all-electric buildings law even if it wanted to. Then it abruptly changed course.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   November 26, 2025
In This Buffalo Suburb, a Brush With Mall Security Can Lead to Arrest by Border Patrol

In at least one case, police may have violated a state court ruling prohibiting local law enforcement from conducting civil immigration enforcement.

Isabelle Taft   ·   November 26, 2025
Trump Administration Illegally Scrapped Protections for Abused Immigrant Youth, Judge Finds

The ruling allows young immigrants who have suffered abuse and neglect to apply for protections from deportation — at least for now.

Isabelle Taft   ·   November 20, 2025
A photograph of a Yates County Sheriff car parked in front of the Yates County Public Safety Building.
An Officer Bungled a Teen Rape Case. The Victim Was Abused Again.

The investigator, who did not believe the teen, faced little punishment, illustrating the different ways that officers in New York State are disciplined for misconduct.

Sammy Sussman   ·   November 17, 2025
Heating Assistance Still on Hold as Federal Government Reopens

Federal HEAP funding will not reach New Yorkers until at least November 24, state officials say.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   November 15, 2025
Prison Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III stands in front of prison bars.
Prison Agency Seeks to Dramatically Narrow Solitary Confinement Law

Prison officials are using a novel legal reading to argue that the HALT Solitary Confinement Act doesn’t apply to units where most people are incarcerated.

Chris Gelardi   ·   November 13, 2025
‘Blindsided’ Counties Struggle to Implement Trump’s SNAP Work Rules

Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers could lose their food benefits due to new SNAP work requirements, after the Trump administration phased them in months earlier than expected.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   November 10, 2025
Three checks for an unknown amount fanned out across the logo for the Office of Addiction Services and Supports.
Opioid Settlement Advisors Say Hochul Administration is Keeping Them in the Dark

The board overseeing opioid lawsuit settlements is raising the alarm that New York could use the funds, which are meant to expand substance abuse initiatives, to backfill federal cuts.

Jie Jenny Zou   ·   November 7, 2025
A map of New York state, with some headshots of successful candidates
It’s Not Just Mamdani: Democrats, Progressives Rack Up Victories Upstate

Working Families Party–backed candidates flipped county legislatures, won big-city mayoralties, and secured an Assembly seat in Elise Stefanik’s backyard.

Colin Kinniburgh and Isabelle Taft   ·   November 6, 2025
A photo collage of Zohran Mamdani in front of the New York state Capital.
Zohran Mamdani’s Next Big Battle is in Albany

Mamdani convinced New York City voters to back his agenda. Now he needs to convince Albany politicians.

Sam Mellins and Chris Bragg   ·   November 5, 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
New York Teen Returns Home After Judge Rules His ICE Detention Illegal

After nearly three months behind bars, Carlos Guerra Leon spent an extra night in a Louisiana detention center after officers and local ICE officials said they didn’t get the court’s order.

Isabelle Taft   ·   November 1, 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
A photo collage of Kathy Hochul standing in front of the Ulster County Courthouse.
A Court Ordered New York to Issue Major Climate Rules. What’s Next?

“We have time to work it out,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   October 30, 2025
Close-up of the corner of a prison cell.
‘This Place Is a Circus’: Eight Months Since a Guard Strike, State Prisons Remain in Crisis

Many incarcerated New Yorkers say the new normal is endless lock-in.

Chris Gelardi   ·   October 30, 2025
Cupped hands giving or receiving a kidney, surrounded by an outline of New York state.
Health Department Launches First-in-the-Nation Program to Boost Organ Donations

The rollout follows years of reporting by New York Focus on delays and missed deadlines.

Sam Mellins   ·   October 28, 2025
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