Friday Newsletter
October 9, 2025 - We’ve got several Citizens Union-related stories, from quelling even-year election fears, to small victories in the City Council, to 5BORO’s upcoming Childcare Summit. We also spotlight a troubling example of why AI regulation in elections is urgently needed and wrap up with some fun reads to close out your week. Enjoy!
October 3, 2025 - We’re entering the final stretch of the mayoral race and that means the movers and shakers of NYC are attempting a final frenzied push to shape the outcome of the election before voters head to the polls. This week, Mayor Adams dropped out of the race, Council Members are jockeying to be the next Speaker, and even community boards are being fought over! Read it all and more in this week’s Watchdog.
September 26, 2025 - Good afternoon! It’s Friday, and those barks you hear in the distance? That’s your Weekly Watchdog at your door! We've got a good rundown of stories for you this week, from Citizens Union saving the day to some interesting city stats you may like to peruse. Enjoy!
September 19, 2025 - Good afternoon! Happy Friday. Welcome to the Watchdog. We’ve got a lot on our plate today, including our positions on the ballot questions, drama in the world of good government nonprofits, and what it may mean for our local democracy if Mayor Adams drops out of the race. Enjoy!
September 12, 2025 - Good morning from the Weekly Watchdog! This week we witnessed a big battle over ballots — and Citizens Union was right in the middle of it, fighting for democracy and the rights of New York voters. Spoiler alert: we won. Which really means you won. We all won! Enjoy the weekend.
September 5, 2025 - Good morning! Happy Friday. Hope you enjoyed the shortened week. We have quite a lot going on in the land of power and corruption within New York this week, none of which has been resolved. Take a look and stay up to date with this week's Weekly Watchdog.
August 29 2005 - Happy Friday and happy Labor Day Weekend! As you prepare to kick-off your long weekend why don't you start it with us and the latest in NYC corruption and good government? Enjoy this week's Weekly Watchdog
August 22, 2025 - It’s Eric Adams’ world, and we’re still living in it apparently, or at least according to all these headlines about him and his associates. Where do we even start? We’re not sure, but we’re gonna try! So, grab a bag of popcorn (or a Herr’s bag of sour cream and onion potato chips with more than a hundred bucks hidden inside) and dive into this week’s Weekly Watchdog
August 15, 2025 - It’s Eric Adams’ world, and we’re still living in it apparently, or at least according to all these headlines about him and his associates. Where do we even start? We’re not sure, but we’re gonna try! So, grab a bag of popcorn (or a Herr’s bag of sour cream and onion potato chips with more than a hundred bucks hidden inside) and dive into this week’s Weekly Watchdog.
August 8, 2025 - Which former official is suing the police this week? Who's promising to undo New York's anti-gerrymandering protections? And where did all the outside money in the primary election go to? Read below to find out
August 1, 2025 - It’s been a scorching week in New York City — in more ways than one. We saw record heat, flash flooding, and a horrific and heartbreaking Midtown shooting. But the political temperature rose too, as New York looks to prepare itself for a national redistricting fight and the results of a very strange and very close Republican primary race in Brooklyn were certified. Here’s what you need to know:
July 25, 2025 - It wasn’t long ago that Mayor Adams was making peace with the Trump administration—appearing to cut a deal to dodge those pesky federal corruption charges. Now? The feds are suing him
July 18th, 2025 - We thought our last edition of the Watchdog was a one-time NYPD special. Ah, we have so much to learn! And you can learn, too. Want to know how to make tracking devices disappear from your squad car? Curious who gets taxpayer-funded security while teeing off with Trump? Wondering how to bankroll a campaign when the city cuts off your public funds? Or who’s pitching City Hall access at a crypto conference? We’ve got answers.
July 11, 2025 - Sure, the city’s boiling — but the real heat is coming from the bombshell lawsuits from former high-ranking chiefs at One Police Plaza. In this week’s watchdog, we bring you allegations of corruption at the highest levels of the NYPD, potential straw donors linked to a certain mayoral campaign, and taxpayer spending on personal legal battels. We’ve even got some potential City Charter violations as a bonus. Enjoy!
July 4, 2025 - Happy fourth of July! As you wait for your hot dogs, burgers, or tofu on the grill (how long does it take, anyway?), here’s your quick recap of this week’s biggest news on ethics, democracy, and policy in New York City. Backroom deals, whistleblowers, big money, and loyal donors await you below
June 27, 2025 - A shocking upset, record-breaking turnout, millions of campaign dollars going up in smoke. Guess it really is summer
June 22, 2025 - You’re not going to believe it, but this head-spinning election cycle is coming to an end on Tuesday.
June 15, 2025 - Find your early vote poll site here. If you haven't voted yet, check out our Voters Guide on the way to the polls and read on below for some other opinions on issues you should consider.
June 8, 2025 - Rise and shine! Welcome to this week's Weekly Watchdog. We have a good batch of stories this week, from Citizens Union's continued momentum with both Charter Revision Commissions to some sketchy politicking in the Bronx.
The Weekly Watchdog - June 1st
CU had a fun week announcing our new Executive Director Grace Rauh and beginning the launch of our new website.
Welcome to the Weekly Watchdog. It's a beautiful day out so make sure you get your daily dose of vitamin D from the sun. But first, we have to give you your weekly dose of what is what in good government reform. Enjoy!
The Weekly Watchdog - How many phones does it take to evade the feds? Seven apparently!
May 4, 2025, The Weekly Watchdog
April 27, 2025 - Lots of news surrounding anti-corruption and good government policy this week, from policy proposals to holding the powerful accountable to the Mayor's race, we got it all. We hope you enjoy the latest installment of the Weekly Watchdog.