Brad Racino
@bradracino.bsky.social
Managing Editor at @nysfocus.bsky.social
Board Member, NY Coalition for Open Government
Past: Editor/Publisher/Reporter/Director: Advance Media, @syracuse.com, @inewsource.org
Board Member, NY Coalition for Open Government
Past: Editor/Publisher/Reporter/Director: Advance Media, @syracuse.com, @inewsource.org
Reposted by Brad Racino
I just did this and found some uncertain amount of money due me, fwiw
There’s an easy way to see if any of the New York State Comptroller’s $20 billion in funds is yours. nysfocus.com/2025/06/18/h...
Here’s How to Check If You’re Owed Money in New York
New York is sitting on a $20 billion pot of unclaimed money, and some of it might be yours. Here's how to see if you're on the list.
nysfocus.com
August 19, 2025 at 4:53 PM
I just did this and found some uncertain amount of money due me, fwiw
Reposted by Brad Racino
I've been reporting on New York's troubled home care program for months.
On Thursday, lawmakers are holding a hearing to understand its recent turmoil.
Here are 5 questions I'd like answers to:
nysfocus.com/2025/08/19/n...
On Thursday, lawmakers are holding a hearing to understand its recent turmoil.
Here are 5 questions I'd like answers to:
nysfocus.com/2025/08/19/n...
New York Lawmakers Are Scrutinizing Home Care. We’ve Got Questions.
With a hearing on New York’s troubled home care program set for Thursday, here are five questions we’d like answered.
nysfocus.com
August 19, 2025 at 4:54 PM
I've been reporting on New York's troubled home care program for months.
On Thursday, lawmakers are holding a hearing to understand its recent turmoil.
Here are 5 questions I'd like answers to:
nysfocus.com/2025/08/19/n...
On Thursday, lawmakers are holding a hearing to understand its recent turmoil.
Here are 5 questions I'd like answers to:
nysfocus.com/2025/08/19/n...
The NYC mayor claimed during a press conference in late July that he built more affordable housing than Bloomberg and de Blasio combined. Is that true?
--Part of our ongoing partnership with @gigafactproject.bsky.social
nysfocus.com/2025/08/19/e...
--Part of our ongoing partnership with @gigafactproject.bsky.social
nysfocus.com/2025/08/19/e...
Has Mayor Eric Adams Built More Affordable Housing Than Bloomberg and…
The New York City mayor made the claim during a press conference in late July.
nysfocus.com
August 19, 2025 at 12:13 PM
The NYC mayor claimed during a press conference in late July that he built more affordable housing than Bloomberg and de Blasio combined. Is that true?
--Part of our ongoing partnership with @gigafactproject.bsky.social
nysfocus.com/2025/08/19/e...
--Part of our ongoing partnership with @gigafactproject.bsky.social
nysfocus.com/2025/08/19/e...
We broke a pretty big story yesterday about a clandestine surveillance network set up at NYC public housing developments. Here's what we still don't know.
nysfocus.com/2025/08/12/u...
nysfocus.com/2025/08/12/u...
Five Unanswered Questions About Eric Adams’s Expanded Surveillance at…
Big Apple Connect, the mayor’s flagship free internet service for public housing residents, is quietly being used to expand the NYPD’s real-time, remote…
nysfocus.com
August 12, 2025 at 2:50 PM
We broke a pretty big story yesterday about a clandestine surveillance network set up at NYC public housing developments. Here's what we still don't know.
nysfocus.com/2025/08/12/u...
nysfocus.com/2025/08/12/u...
Reposted by Brad Racino
NEW: Eric Adams’s free internet program for NYCHA is also linking public housing cameras directly to the NYPD’s surveillance hub — without telling residents.
Adams Quietly Uses Free Internet at NYCHA to Expand Police…
The Adams administration is using its flagship broadband program to give police real-time access to NYCHA camera feeds — without telling anyone.
nysfocus.com
August 11, 2025 at 12:56 PM
NEW: Eric Adams’s free internet program for NYCHA is also linking public housing cameras directly to the NYPD’s surveillance hub — without telling residents.
Reposted by Brad Racino
CLAIM: We've partnered with Gigafact to produce weekly “fact briefs” verifying or debunking claims relevant to New Yorkers.
VERDICT: True.
SOURCE: nysfocus.com/2025/07/29/n...
VERDICT: True.
SOURCE: nysfocus.com/2025/07/29/n...
July 29, 2025 at 3:35 PM
CLAIM: We've partnered with Gigafact to produce weekly “fact briefs” verifying or debunking claims relevant to New Yorkers.
VERDICT: True.
SOURCE: nysfocus.com/2025/07/29/n...
VERDICT: True.
SOURCE: nysfocus.com/2025/07/29/n...
Before NY can start work on its next #nuclear plant, its power authority will need to pick what kind of reactor tech to pursue, find a site, select contractors, and potentially bring in a private co-financing partner.
--New from @alexckaufman.bsky.social
nysfocus.com/2025/07/26/n...
--New from @alexckaufman.bsky.social
nysfocus.com/2025/07/26/n...
Kathy Hochul’s Nuclear Vision Faces Big Questions and Bottlenecks
Building nuclear will test whether New York state is still capable of constructing megaprojects as it has done in the past.
nysfocus.com
July 26, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Before NY can start work on its next #nuclear plant, its power authority will need to pick what kind of reactor tech to pursue, find a site, select contractors, and potentially bring in a private co-financing partner.
--New from @alexckaufman.bsky.social
nysfocus.com/2025/07/26/n...
--New from @alexckaufman.bsky.social
nysfocus.com/2025/07/26/n...
The last special session took place in 2022 ... when lawmakers convened to give themselves raises. The current crisis, apparently, isn't as important.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/24/n...
nysfocus.com/2025/07/24/n...
Why Won’t New York Lawmakers Call a Special Session to Address…
Fiscal advocates warn the governor and state lawmakers against punting a difficult discussion on how to deal with imminent cuts.
nysfocus.com
July 24, 2025 at 11:54 AM
The last special session took place in 2022 ... when lawmakers convened to give themselves raises. The current crisis, apparently, isn't as important.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/24/n...
nysfocus.com/2025/07/24/n...
Reposted by Brad Racino
New for @nysfocus: Two companies managing NY's home health program could pocket millions 💰💰💰 meant for low-wage care aides every year.
That's because they're offering "benefits" that many workers can't actually use, but are forced to pay for.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/21/n...
That's because they're offering "benefits" that many workers can't actually use, but are forced to pay for.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/21/n...
New York’s Health Companies Could Pocket Millions Meant for Low-Wage…
Offering hard-to-use benefits instead of cash could help two state-funded companies dodge a 2011 law meant to boost care workers’ pay.
nysfocus.com
July 21, 2025 at 12:36 PM
New for @nysfocus: Two companies managing NY's home health program could pocket millions 💰💰💰 meant for low-wage care aides every year.
That's because they're offering "benefits" that many workers can't actually use, but are forced to pay for.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/21/n...
That's because they're offering "benefits" that many workers can't actually use, but are forced to pay for.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/21/n...
I'm genuinely curious who vets public appearances by elected officials. And what does that process look like? Do pols just say yes, or do some of them do their own vetting after being booked for something? Anyone know?
nysfocus.com/2025/07/10/e...
nysfocus.com/2025/07/10/e...
Eric Adams Withdraws From Event Honoring Anti-Muslim Activist
He was slated to be the guest of honor at an event featuring a Hindu nationalist activist who has called for violence and boycotts against Muslims.
nysfocus.com
July 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM
I'm genuinely curious who vets public appearances by elected officials. And what does that process look like? Do pols just say yes, or do some of them do their own vetting after being booked for something? Anyone know?
nysfocus.com/2025/07/10/e...
nysfocus.com/2025/07/10/e...
"Developers now have less than a year to start digging if they want the subsidies. The impending deadline is lighting a fire under the industry — and, developers hope, under New York’s leaders, too."
An in-depth look from @colinreports.bsky.social on the race to build.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/11/t...
An in-depth look from @colinreports.bsky.social on the race to build.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/11/t...
The Race to Build Solar and Wind Before Trump's Tax Credit Deadline
Trump’s megabill gives wind and solar companies one year to put as many shovels in the ground as possible. They want New York officials to help.
nysfocus.com
July 11, 2025 at 11:47 AM
"Developers now have less than a year to start digging if they want the subsidies. The impending deadline is lighting a fire under the industry — and, developers hope, under New York’s leaders, too."
An in-depth look from @colinreports.bsky.social on the race to build.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/11/t...
An in-depth look from @colinreports.bsky.social on the race to build.
nysfocus.com/2025/07/11/t...
Super solid reporting week from @nysfocus covering the gamut: NYC mayoral election, how Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" will affect New Yorkers, prison system updates, homeless hotels, and more. Take a look .... 🧵
July 5, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Super solid reporting week from @nysfocus covering the gamut: NYC mayoral election, how Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" will affect New Yorkers, prison system updates, homeless hotels, and more. Take a look .... 🧵
“It’s completely devastating,” said Rob Feuer, owner of Geothermal Works in New Rochelle. “It’s like you turned off a faucet.”
nysfocus.com/2025/07/03/c...
nysfocus.com/2025/07/03/c...
How Congress is Reversing New York’s Progress on Clean Energy
Already, the state’s green energy businesses are feeling the impact of the pending Congressional spending bill that includes phasing out Inflation…
nysfocus.com
July 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM
“It’s completely devastating,” said Rob Feuer, owner of Geothermal Works in New Rochelle. “It’s like you turned off a faucet.”
nysfocus.com/2025/07/03/c...
nysfocus.com/2025/07/03/c...
We spoke with New Yorkers across the state to learn more about how Trump's Medicaid & SNAP cuts could affect them.
“I’ve never seen the government move so fast about anything."
nysfocus.com/2025/07/03/t...
“I’ve never seen the government move so fast about anything."
nysfocus.com/2025/07/03/t...
How Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Could Impact Disabled and Hungry…
New Yorkers across the state describe how sweeping federal cuts to Medicaid and food assistance could derail their lives.
nysfocus.com
July 3, 2025 at 1:06 PM
We spoke with New Yorkers across the state to learn more about how Trump's Medicaid & SNAP cuts could affect them.
“I’ve never seen the government move so fast about anything."
nysfocus.com/2025/07/03/t...
“I’ve never seen the government move so fast about anything."
nysfocus.com/2025/07/03/t...
The one Cuomo story I can almost guarantee you've never heard about.
This one came from @sammellins.bsky.social' research into "sewer service" — or fraudulent process serving — in New York.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/22/a...
This one came from @sammellins.bsky.social' research into "sewer service" — or fraudulent process serving — in New York.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/22/a...
Cuomo Tried to Stop a $550 Million Debt Scam. It Didn't Go as Planned.
As Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo put fraudulent debt collection firms on notice. He may have strengthened their hand.
nysfocus.com
June 22, 2025 at 1:17 PM
The one Cuomo story I can almost guarantee you've never heard about.
This one came from @sammellins.bsky.social' research into "sewer service" — or fraudulent process serving — in New York.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/22/a...
This one came from @sammellins.bsky.social' research into "sewer service" — or fraudulent process serving — in New York.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/22/a...
If this bill suddenly became due, @chrisbragg1.bsky.social reports, it could blow a massive hole in the New York state budget.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/18/w...
nysfocus.com/2025/06/18/w...
New York Owes $20 Billion in Lost Cash. An Upstart Challenger Says…
Drew Warshaw is taking on Comptroller Tom DiNapoli with a pledge to repay the entire pot of unclaimed funds as soon as 'humanly possible.'
nysfocus.com
June 18, 2025 at 12:24 PM
If this bill suddenly became due, @chrisbragg1.bsky.social reports, it could blow a massive hole in the New York state budget.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/18/w...
nysfocus.com/2025/06/18/w...
No time to read @sammellins.bsky.social's investigation into Leading Edge, the company now providing health insurance coverage to hundreds of thousands of NY's home care workers? We got you.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/13/5...
nysfocus.com/2025/06/13/5...
5 Key Takeaways From Our Investigation Into Health Insurer Leading…
The little-known company recently won a huge taxpayer-funded contract. It has a record of not paying doctors and leaving patients on the hook for the…
nysfocus.com
June 13, 2025 at 11:59 AM
No time to read @sammellins.bsky.social's investigation into Leading Edge, the company now providing health insurance coverage to hundreds of thousands of NY's home care workers? We got you.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/13/5...
nysfocus.com/2025/06/13/5...
Reposted by Brad Racino
To keep their tax-exempt status, nonprofit hospitals must provide free or discounted health care to patients who fall under certain income limits. The catch? Figuring out charity care exists in the first place.
New from @jiejennyzou.bsky.social
nysfocus.com/2025/06/12/n...
New from @jiejennyzou.bsky.social
nysfocus.com/2025/06/12/n...
This ‘Best-Kept Secret’ in Health Care Can Shave Down Your Medical…
Nonprofit hospitals are required to help those struggling with medical debt, but critics say their policies are poorly advertised and underutilized.
nysfocus.com
June 12, 2025 at 7:07 PM
To keep their tax-exempt status, nonprofit hospitals must provide free or discounted health care to patients who fall under certain income limits. The catch? Figuring out charity care exists in the first place.
New from @jiejennyzou.bsky.social
nysfocus.com/2025/06/12/n...
New from @jiejennyzou.bsky.social
nysfocus.com/2025/06/12/n...
An important and infuriating read — and a damn fine investigation.
This is the company that is now providing health insurance to hundreds of thousands of New York's home care workers, who care for the state's elderly and disabled. Please give it a read and share.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/12/l...
This is the company that is now providing health insurance to hundreds of thousands of New York's home care workers, who care for the state's elderly and disabled. Please give it a read and share.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/12/l...
The Insurance Scheme That Could Leave New Yorkers With Massive Debt
A company with a history of lawsuits and unpaid claims is now managing health insurance for thousands of New Yorkers on the taxpayers’ dime.
nysfocus.com
June 12, 2025 at 2:14 PM
An important and infuriating read — and a damn fine investigation.
This is the company that is now providing health insurance to hundreds of thousands of New York's home care workers, who care for the state's elderly and disabled. Please give it a read and share.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/12/l...
This is the company that is now providing health insurance to hundreds of thousands of New York's home care workers, who care for the state's elderly and disabled. Please give it a read and share.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/12/l...
New York's state agencies are training law enforcement officers on a debunked medical condition — and one that's proven to be a catalyst for police violence — according to documents obtained by @chrisgelardi.bsky.social. nysfocus.com/2025/06/11/e...
New York Police Agencies Train Officers on a Discredited Medical…
Documents show that six county sheriffs’ offices and two state agencies have recently included excited delirium in their training.
nysfocus.com
June 11, 2025 at 1:10 PM
New York's state agencies are training law enforcement officers on a debunked medical condition — and one that's proven to be a catalyst for police violence — according to documents obtained by @chrisgelardi.bsky.social. nysfocus.com/2025/06/11/e...
Lawyers have a term for when process servers lie about delivering papers to defendants: sewer service. @juliarock.bsky.social & @sammellins.bsky.social spent months diving into the scope of the problem in NYC. nysfocus.com/2025/06/10/n...
Have You Been Sued for Credit Card Debt? Your Fake Relative Might…
Collectors claim they serve people who don't exist, yet regulators rarely bar repeat offenders from the industry.
nysfocus.com
June 10, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Lawyers have a term for when process servers lie about delivering papers to defendants: sewer service. @juliarock.bsky.social & @sammellins.bsky.social spent months diving into the scope of the problem in NYC. nysfocus.com/2025/06/10/n...
Bronx Councilmember Rafael Salamanca has raised $244,000 for an obscure, unpaid party position — and reported spending even more on everything from pricey dinners to his wife’s work as a campaign treasurer.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/05/r...
nysfocus.com/2025/06/05/r...
A Powerful Bronx Politician Dines on Developers’ Double Donations
An expert calls the six-figure haul “extraordinary” for an unpaid party seat whose powers are picking judges, poll workers, and party officers.
nysfocus.com
June 5, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Bronx Councilmember Rafael Salamanca has raised $244,000 for an obscure, unpaid party position — and reported spending even more on everything from pricey dinners to his wife’s work as a campaign treasurer.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/05/r...
nysfocus.com/2025/06/05/r...
"Funds have adopted strategies of buying distressed sovereign debt and then aggressively suing for repayment when countries default, often in New York courts."
---This story will make you smarter.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/04/n...
---This story will make you smarter.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/04/n...
Amid Global Debt Crisis, Albany Advances Bill to Rein In Hedge Funds…
Half of sovereign bonds are issued under New York law, giving Albany the power to shape how countries face off with creditors.
nysfocus.com
June 4, 2025 at 11:53 AM
"Funds have adopted strategies of buying distressed sovereign debt and then aggressively suing for repayment when countries default, often in New York courts."
---This story will make you smarter.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/04/n...
---This story will make you smarter.
nysfocus.com/2025/06/04/n...
Reposted by Brad Racino
Federal cuts in health care spending — projected at $715 billion over the next 10 years — could have a devastating impact, not just on the New Yorkers who will lose insurance, but also on the rural hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics that rely on Medicaid payments.
nysfocus.com/2025/05/29/m...
nysfocus.com/2025/05/29/m...
Small Towns, Big Stakes: How Medicaid Cuts Threaten Health Care in…
From nursing homes to Planned Parenthood clinics, rural health care in Upstate New York could collapse under proposed Republican budget changes.
nysfocus.com
May 29, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Federal cuts in health care spending — projected at $715 billion over the next 10 years — could have a devastating impact, not just on the New Yorkers who will lose insurance, but also on the rural hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics that rely on Medicaid payments.
nysfocus.com/2025/05/29/m...
nysfocus.com/2025/05/29/m...
Reposted by Brad Racino
New York’s farm labor law was meant to transform life for agricultural workers. One apple farm shows how hard that may be.
nysfocus.com/2025/05/27/n...
nysfocus.com/2025/05/27/n...
An Upstate Orchard Is Putting New Farmworker Protections to the Test
New York’s farm labor law was meant to transform life for agricultural workers. One apple farm shows how hard that may be.
nysfocus.com
May 27, 2025 at 11:14 PM
New York’s farm labor law was meant to transform life for agricultural workers. One apple farm shows how hard that may be.
nysfocus.com/2025/05/27/n...
nysfocus.com/2025/05/27/n...