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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.

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.

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.

oval wood dish factory in tupper lake

Revitalization of former Tupper Lake factory moves closer to reality

By James Odato

The long-vacant Oval Wood Dish factory in Tupper Lake is set for redevelopment with an additional $3 million state grant.

Athlete mounting their skeleton bobsled.

Olympic facilities leader restacks the authority

By James Odato

There are some changes afoot at Olympic Regional Development Authority amid leadership and operational challenges

Assemblyman Chris Tague is in the process of meeting with the Republican committee chairs for each of NY-21's counties as he tries to gain their support to run for the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik.

Assemblyman Chris Tague emerges as leading GOP candidate to replace Elise Stefanik

By James Odato

Sources say Schoharie County representative is seen as likely pick to run in special election for NY-21 congressional seat

people skiing in north creek

Septic system added to $40M North Creek Ski Bowl project

By James Odato

ORDA takes charge of constructing its own wastewater treatment system, as town funds fall short of goal for municipal system

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