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Through its news reporting and analysis, the nonprofit Adirondack Explorer furthers the wise stewardship, public enjoyment for all, community vitality, and lasting protection of the Adirondack park.

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James Odato

In a career rooted in watchdog reporting, former Explorer editor James M. Odato has been cited as one of New York’s top journalists covering state government, gambling, and abuse and waste of public money. He has written thousands of articles, his byline has appeared in numerous national publications and his investigative stories have spurred reforms. As a staff reporter for five daily newspapers, including the Albany Times Union and Buffalo News, Odato has received more than 30 awards from the Associated Press, New York Publishers Association, the New York Legislative Correspondents Association and other media organizations. In 2007, Investigative Reporters and Editors recognized his reporting with the Freedom of Information Award Medal. In October 2021, the University of Massachusetts Press released his book, This Brain Had a Mouth, Lucy Gwin and the Voice of Disability Nation.

Latest Story by James Odato

Gondola cars at Belleayre in the summer

Allegations of union busting surface at New York ski resort

By James Odato

ORDA vice president retires 6 months after promotion to oversee New York's three state-owned ski hills

Read more...

All Stories by James Odato

In a career rooted in watchdog reporting, Explorer editor James M. Odato has been cited as one of New York’s top journalists covering state government, gambling, and abuse and waste of public money. He has written thousands of articles, his byline has appeared in numerous national publications and his investigative stories have spurred reforms. As a staff reporter for five daily newspapers, including the Albany Times Union and Buffalo News, Odato has received more than 30 awards from the Associated Press, New York Publishers Association, the New York Legislative Correspondents Association and other media organizations. In 2007, Investigative Reporters and Editors recognized his reporting with the Freedom of Information Award Medal. In October 2021, the University of Massachusetts Press released his book, This Brain Had a Mouth, Lucy Gwin and the Voice of Disability Nation.

street view of a log cabin building in lake placid

Iconic building at Lake Placid’s Olympic Center to be torn down

By James Odato

Former bar, currently a gift shop to be razed to make room for expanded entrance to complex

osprey nest

Insurance co. backtracks on Audubon Society cancellation after public outcry

By James Odato

Audubon chapter rejects offer from The Hartford to reinstate coverage

warbler

Southern Adirondack Audubon chapter gets surprise insurance cancellation

By James Odato

Insurer cites Audubon's environmental advocacy as reason

olympic bobsled team

Inside New York state’s bid to host 2026 Olympic sliding events

By James Odato

Lake Placid still waiting for final answer from Italian committee about whether the village will be needed as backup site

Team Jamaica practices at Mt. Van Hoevenberg's Olympic Bobsled Run

Lake Placid’s chances of hosting Olympic events slide away, with successful test runs in Italy

By James Odato

Delegation reports successful test runs in Cortina in run up to 2026 Winter Olympics

whitney park aerial image

Whitney Park administrator says he’s ‘open to talking’ with state, land trusts regarding sale

By James Odato

Questions remain about whether the state or land trusts could play a role.

Man with beard and sunglasses in front of Trails End in Tupper Lake

Big Tupper’s new owner sets sights on next project: Transforming a Tupper Lake tavern

By James Odato

Trails End has been owned and operated by Mark “Beard” Sutliffe for nearly 40 years, and he's ready to sell

Aerial in the central Adirondacks, summer. Part of Whitney Park, a private inholding, is seen here with the Whitney camp on Little Forked Lake.

‘A profound gift’: How Long Lake will benefit from Whitney Park sale

By James Odato

When a buyer is found for the sprawling 36,600-acre Adirondack estate listed at $180 million, the town is poised to receive a windfall.

Amanda Lefton, photo courtesy of the State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Wind energy advocate named to lead New York environmental agency

By James Odato

Governor Kathy Hochul has named former state official Amanda Lefton as next in line to be Commissioner of NYS DEC.

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Through its news reporting and analysis, the nonprofit Adirondack Explorer furthers the wise stewardship, public enjoyment for all, community vitality, and lasting protection of the Adirondack Park.

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