Topics Reporter's Notebook
Videos Reignite Fight Over Oswego County Border Patrol Calls

Footage published by New York Focus sparked a debate over deputies’ practice of calling Border Patrol on Spanish-speaking drivers.

Sammy Sussman   ·   May 21, 2026
A diptych of two photos: a DoorDash delivery worker and a photo of former Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
DoorDash Starts Super PAC to Repel Progressive Challengers to Assembly Incumbents

Also: Michael Bloomberg gives $1.5 million to a pro-charter school group.

Nick Garber and Chris Bragg   ·   May 14, 2026
Hochul Avoids Campaign Matching Funds — and a Fundraiser Disclosure Rule

Also: A super PAC targets Democratic Socialists.

Chris Bragg and Nick Garber   ·   April 28, 2026
The State Budget Is Late. Now Mamdani’s Might Be, Too

The mayor may delay his executive budget proposal while he awaits billions of dollars in potential Albany aid.

Nick Garber   ·   April 25, 2026
Harlem Assemblymember Gets a Super PAC to Fend Off DSA

Longtime Cuomo aide Charlie King has been involved in efforts to boost Assemblymember Jordan J.G. Wright.

Nick Garber   ·   April 3, 2026
Hochul Unveils Eleventh-Hour Push to Defang New York’s Climate Law

Under the governor’s proposal, the most concrete deadline for climate action would be pushed out to the end of her potential second term.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   March 20, 2026
Lawmakers Call for Investigation Into Women’s Prison, Citing New York Focus Article

Two women have died by suicide and a third from cancer at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, the reporting found.

Rebecca McCray   ·   March 10, 2026
Mamdani’s Small Business Czar Wants Economic Justice for Workers

As Small Business Services commissioner, Kenny Minaya will be charged with slashing fees and helping street vendors.

Nick Garber   ·   March 2, 2026
Photo collage of a desk with a notepad and voice recorder in a newsroom.
Hochul Seeks to Reverse Funding Increase for Prison Oversight Body

Last year, after prison guards were caught beating an incarcerated man to death, Governor Hochul allocated millions to a prison oversight body. This year, she doesn’t want to renew the grant.

Chris Gelardi   ·   February 17, 2026
How New York’s Court System Intertwines With Party Politics

A foreclosure case in Brooklyn highlights ties between the courts and political party clubhouses.

Chris Bragg   ·   February 6, 2026
Hochul, Unions Rally in Defense of Offshore Wind

New York’s building trade unions are turning out in force to try to save the mammoth energy projects from Trump’s latest attack.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   January 13, 2026
A man wearing a mask installs pink fiberglass insulation on the inside of a home.
New York Shores Up Funding for Key Energy Efficiency Program

The state plans to stabilize the Empower+ program with a record amount of money from the pollution pricing program RGGI.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   December 23, 2025
Photo collage of a desk with a notepad and voice recorder in a newsroom.
Hochul Pushes to Narrow Domestic Violence ‘Coerced Debt’ Bill

Eleventh-hour negotiations could decide the fate of legislation to make it easier for survivors to cancel debt caused by their abuse.

Chris Bragg   ·   December 19, 2025
One Year Since Robert Brooks’s Killing, Prison Chaos Has No End in Sight

The murder has led to more tumult than New York’s prison system has seen since the Attica prison uprising over five decades ago.

Chris Gelardi   ·   December 10, 2025
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
Documents Shed Light on Cuomo’s Five-Year-Old Donor

A child’s donation highlights New York’s City’s straw donor headaches.

Chris Bragg   ·   October 31, 2025
Climate Advocates ‘Haunt’ State Meeting, Demanding Energy Efficiency Funds

Governor Kathy Hochul has yet to indicate whether, or how, New York might plug a funding hole for Empower+, a key energy affordability program.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   October 23, 2025
Climate Hawks Vow Election Showdown If Hochul Greenlights Gas Pipeline

Pipeline opponents say that approving NESE could bite Hochul in next year’s elections.

Colin Kinniburgh   ·   September 26, 2025
Trump-Targeted Sheriff Did Not Rely on Sanctuary Law in High-Profile Case, Emails Show

GOP Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan blasted New York sanctuary policies during a June congressional hearing. Newly obtained emails tell a different story.

Julia Rock   ·   September 9, 2025
Photo collage of a desk with a notepad and voice recorder in a newsroom.
Home Care Employer Walks Back Testimony, Fueling Concerns of Rigged $11 Billion Contract

A PPL vice president admitted pre-contract talks between the company and New York’s health department, after denying it under oath last month.

Sam Mellins   ·   September 5, 2025
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