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New York Focus
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.

June 9, 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.

May 29, 2026
New York Focus Adds Director of Growth and Climate Reporter

Thanks to the support of our readers, New York Focus is growing!

May 1, 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.

March 12, 2026
Meet Our Newest Reporters and Editors

We’re expanding our coverage of education, immigration, and politics.

January 24, 2026
Kathy Hochul holding up papers in each hand. One hand has an official State of New York document and the other is a Bingo game card that was illustrated.
BINGO! 2026 State of the State

Follow along with New York Focus as we cover the governor’s annual address.

January 12, 2026
Covering the 2026 State of the State

Here’s what our reporters will be watching for during Governor Kathy Hochul’s agenda-setting address that will kick off state budget negotiations.

January 12, 2026
New York Governor Kathy Hochul, seated, holds a document that has been edited to read "New York Focus Quiz!" in front of a background covered in question marks.
Who Ran New York in 2025?

You stuck with us through another rollercoaster year in New York politics. To show our gratitude, we’re giving you a test.

December 31, 2025
Here’s Every Bill That Kathy Hochul Vetoed in 2025

One hundred and forty laws that almost were.

December 23, 2025
Governor Hochul at a press conference
Hochul Vetoes Public Records Bill, Leaving ‘New Era of Transparency’ Still Pending

Governor Hochul vetoed a measure to speed up New York’s public records process, which is among the slowest in the nation. We asked our reporters about their most protracted records requests.

October 20, 2025
Will New York Focus Start Publishing Fact-Checks?

Yes. This claim is accurate.

July 29, 2025
New York Focus Honored for Coverage of Prison System

The Legislative Correspondents Alumni Association recognized Chris Gelardi with its award for the year’s best state government reporting — the second year in a row that Focus has earned the honor.

June 10, 2025
Five Highlights From Our Mayoral Forum

We teamed up with Hell Gate to grill leading Democratic candidates in a forum unlike any other. Here’s what they said.

May 20, 2025
NEW MAYOR, NEW MEDIA: A Democratic Mayoral Candidate Forum

New York Focus and Hell Gate have partnered to host a mayoral candidate forum. Watch it here.

May 14, 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.

May 10, 2025
Carl Heastie, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Kathy Hochul stand in front of a large pile of papers.
Your Guide to the 2025 State Budget Fight

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

March 17, 2025
A photo collage depicting a sign for social services and the Capitol building in Albany
Do You Work for a Social Service Department in New York?

We are expanding our coverage and want to hear from you.

February 14, 2025
Photo collage of a desk with a notepad and voice recorder in a newsroom.
Covering Governor Hochul’s 2025 State of the State

Our team will be descending upon Albany on Tuesday. Here’s what they’ll be watching.

January 13, 2025
Photo collage of Governor Kathy Hochul signing papers in front of the Capitol Building in Albany.
Here’s Every Bill That Kathy Hochul Vetoed in 2024

One hundred and twenty-four laws that almost were.

January 3, 2025
Photo collage of Governor Kathy Hochul signing papers in front of the Capitol Building in Albany.
Here’s Every Bill That Kathy Hochul Vetoed in 2024

One hundred and twenty-four laws that almost were.

January 3, 2025
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