have a beer on New York Focus!

This Data Center is Getting a $77 Million Tax Break to Create One Job No other project in the country has gotten such a large subsidy to create so few jobs, according to watchdogs.

America’s largest bank is expanding its data center in Orangeburg, NY, near the New Jersey border.

In exchange for $77 million in tax breaks from the state and county, the bank promises to create exactly one permanent job.

My story in @nysfocus.com: nysfocus.com/2026/04/20/d...

See you in Albany!

I turn 32 today. I know this because I recently learned how to count.
substack.com/home/post/p-...

I'm back from spring break today! emails incoming 💌

Rahm Emanuel is the candidate for the three people who find Gavin Newsom too likable.

Why These Reporters Are Suing New York's Prison System Journalists filed public records requests last year to find out how the agency handles allegations of sexual abuse. With prison officials stonewalling the requests, the reporters are going to court.

Some 1,600 people are suing NY prisons over sexual abuse they allege they suffered while in custody. Reporters at @nysfocus.bsky.social sought records to find out how the prison agency handles sex abuse allegations, but they met a stone wall.

Now they're suing.

happening now! ask your questions on Reddit - or drop them here and we'll share them.

Want Safer NY Prisons? Here's What Hochul and Legislature Should Do When the governor doesn't commute sentences, and the legislature won't act, the carrot-and-stick system of rehabilitation disintegrates.

Read his essay, published in partnership with The Marshall Project: nysfocus.com/2026/03/03/n...

From the IAmA community on Reddit Explore this post and more from the IAmA community

John J. Lennon is a journalist writing from behind bars at Sing Sing. Ask him anything! He'll answer on Reddit.
www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comme...

Careers New York's only statewide newsroom dedicated to holding Albany accountable.

We're hiring! ‼️ 🚨

It’s a pivotal moment in New York climate politics. New York Focus is seeking a temporary, full-time climate and environment reporter for five months to fill in for a staff reporter on parental leave.
nysfocus.com/hiring

The Senate and Assembly’s budget proposals include many of the mayor’s desired revenue-raisers and give the city a larger cut of state funds.

Will this be the year New York taxes the rich?

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.

The Assembly wants to freeze your energy bills, the Senate wants to stop police from working with ICE, and the governor wants to slash auto insurance premiums.

We’ve been working around the clock to break down the governor’s, Senate’s, and Assembly’s budget proposals.
nysfocus.com/2026/03/12/n...

well, I clicked

if anyone is taking the train to/from albany today or for the next few weeks...there is a secret surprise at the amtrak station. if you see it, text me.

about to send a newsletter with all our one-house budget coverage...read it outside in the park or perhaps on the lawn at the capitol!!

i'm glad she found a happy ending, but this is kind of painful. is it worth it
www.nytimes.com/2026/03/04/p...

I hate memes that involve attributing fake quotes to real people. haven't we learned enough about how gullible people are online

can I share these

I am the first woman in my bloodline that gets to decide...that gets to be a horse
substack.com/home/post/p-...

talk to strangers!

yes!

Three Journeys Through New York’s Asylum Maze It’s almost impossible to win an asylum case without an attorney. Finding one is a tall order.

“Asylum is your story."
nysfocus.com/2026/02/26/i...

A Secret Survey From Inside a Women’s Prison Tells Stories of Domestic Abuse Untold in Court From inside a women’s prison in Oklahoma, a domestic violence survivor began collecting other prisoners’ stories of abuse. Their accounts helped shape a new Oklahoma law intended to reduce their sente...

For @propublica.org’s weekly newsletter, @pamelacolloff.bsky.social shares stories that one incarcerated woman collected inside prison. The accounts speak to what they see as a link between domestic abuse and their convictions.

Powerful.

www.propublica.org/article/okla...

the world is so fucking small it genuinely pisses me off

I feel like skipping it would make a stronger statement at this point

and about the ethics of Elizabeth Bruenig's measles story in The Atlantic which was harrowing and ultimately...fictionalized.

"I didn't really think there was a non-fiction spectrum, but apparently in some writers minds there is."

It's also not just for local news nerds, but people interested in journalism and writing. In this episode they talk about AI: "I think that AI writes like JK Rowling. Too many adverbs" LOL

Nothing cultivates bipartisan consensus quite like screaming at media workers

and Focus bestie @jute12834.bsky.social!!