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Democracy requires watchdogs, but who's watching Albany? In this conversation with Akash Mehta, Editor-in-Chief of New York Focus, I uncover the hidden machinery of power in New York State.

Research shows that geographic isolation breeds corruption - when state capitals sit far from population centers, accountability suffers. While New York City teems with journalists, few eyes focus on the capital, where the real power resides.

Launched in 2020, New York Focus answers the crucial question: "Who runs New York?" Their investigations have revealed family dynasties controlling the prison system, secretive legislative committees determining which bills live or die, and law firms involved in judicial appointments. Most importantly, they've proven that when journalists expose these hidden mechanisms, change happens quickly.

As Akash explains, power in New York takes many forms - from predictable corporate influence to dysfunctional bureaucracies where "no one runs New York" and problems persist due to institutional neglect rather than malice. But their work also reveals the power of informed citizens to drive accountability when armed with knowledge.

Ready to understand who's really pulling the strings in your state? Subscribe now to hear what happens when fearless journalism meets democratic dysfunction. Then visit nyfocus.com to support their essential work uncovering the stories that shape our lives but seldom make headlines.