5 Shocking Updates From The Journal News: What’s Really Happening In Westchester County In 2025

The Journal News, a cornerstone of journalism in the Lower Hudson Valley, continues to be the definitive source for the most critical developments shaping Westchester County. As of December 17, 2025, the publication, part of the USA TODAY Network, is navigating a dynamic media landscape while covering a region experiencing significant shifts in business, politics, and culture. The current reporting highlights a major economic boom driven by the film industry and key changes in the newspaper's own leadership, reinforcing its commitment to local, in-depth coverage across Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties. The ongoing transformation of the county, coupled with operational changes at the newspaper itself, makes The Journal News' coverage more vital than ever for residents seeking to understand the area's pulse. From major infrastructure investments to local justice issues, the paper's focus remains on delivering fresh, unique, and deeply relevant content to its digital and print subscribers.

The New Landscape: Top Stories Shaping Westchester in 2025

The year 2025 has marked a period of intense activity and transformation across Westchester County, with The Journal News (lohud.com) leading the coverage on several front-page stories. The narratives emerging from White Plains, Mount Vernon, and the broader region reflect a county in economic and cultural flux.

Westchester’s Booming Film and Entertainment Hub

One of the most significant and recent narratives is the county’s rise as a major hub for the film and television industry. Recent reports highlight that Westchester County productions have earned a remarkable 31 Golden Globe and Critics Choice nominations, signaling its growing role in the entertainment landscape. This surge has brought significant economic activity and prestige to the area. High-profile projects, such as HBO’s 'The Penguin,' have relied heavily on the county for production locations, further cementing this status. This development is a key focus for local business reporting, tracking the influx of jobs and investment.

Key Business and Infrastructure Developments

The business sector is also seeing major shifts. The Journal News has covered substantial financial news, including a $23.2 million allocation to Hudson Valley hospitals for critical information technology improvements. Conversely, the economic pressure points are also clear, with a Mount Vernon bus business recently signaling 832 layoffs, a story of major concern for local employment and the county’s labor force. These contrasting stories of investment and contraction paint a complex economic picture for 2025.

The 2025 Power and Influence Rankings

A perennial topic of high interest is the annual 'Westchester Power 100' list. The 2025 rankings have highlighted key figures like Timothy Jones, who has been instrumental in making Robert Martin the largest industrial property owner in the county and a major office landlord. These lists not only celebrate achievement but also provide a crucial look at the political and business entities shaping the region's future.

Behind the Headlines: Leadership and Digital Shifts at The Journal News

The operation of The Journal News itself is undergoing significant changes to meet the demands of modern digital journalism. These internal shifts are crucial for maintaining the paper's role as the primary news source for the Lower Hudson Valley.

New General Manager Takes the Helm

In a major leadership update, The Journal News/lohud.com recently announced that Wendy Green has been named its new General Manager. This appointment is a key internal development, as Green is tasked with working closely with the editorial and business teams to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a multi-platform news organization owned by Gannett. This leadership change signals a renewed focus on strategic growth and community engagement.

The Evolution of Digital Subscriptions

To support its in-depth local reporting, The Journal News has continued to refine its digital subscription model. The paper offers unlimited digital access, often starting with a promotional rate of $0.99 for the first four weeks, before moving to a monthly rate of $7.99. Subscribers gain access to unlimited news content, breaking news alerts, and updates via tablet and smartphone apps. This model is vital for sustaining the investigative journalism and local beat coverage that distinguishes the paper from national news cycles.

A Focus on Specialized Editorial Roles

The commitment to comprehensive coverage is evident in the paper's current hiring strategy, which includes seeking a Regional Opinion Editor for the USA TODAY Network Northeast, based at lohud.com and The Journal News. This focus on specialized editorial roles ensures that the paper continues to offer diverse perspectives and robust debate on local issues affecting Westchester and the surrounding counties.

The Legacy of Local Journalism: Impact and Past Controversies

The Journal News has a long history of impactful reporting, which sometimes places it at the center of public debate and controversy. Understanding its legacy is key to appreciating its current role in the community.

Reporting on Local Justice and Community Rallies

The paper remains a critical voice in reporting on local justice issues. Recent coverage has included community rallies demanding justice, such as a protest in the wake of a "troubling" arrest of a homeless man in Peekskill. Such stories underscore the paper's role in holding local authorities accountable and providing a platform for community concerns across the county. Other local crime coverage includes recent updates on a deadly shooting at a Long Island house party, demonstrating the paper's regional scope.

The Defining Gun Permit Map Controversy

One of the most defining and controversial moments in the paper’s recent history was the publication of a map showing the names and addresses of gun permit holders in Westchester and Rockland counties. This event, which occurred over a decade ago, sparked a national debate about the balance between public information, privacy rights, and Second Amendment issues. The fallout was significant, leading the New York state legislature to swiftly move to cut off public access to such data. This incident remains a powerful example of the profound impact and ethical challenges inherent in local investigative journalism.

The Broader Mission in the Lower Hudson Valley

Serving Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties, The Journal News is more than just a newspaper; it is a regional institution. Its mission is to deliver comprehensive news that touches on every aspect of life in the Lower Hudson Valley, from the latest on the Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, and Irvington communities covered by affiliates like River Journal Online, to crucial business and legal updates. By tracking everything from major corporate layoffs to local litigators taking on tax prep services, the paper ensures that the community is informed about the forces shaping their daily lives. The ongoing commitment to local news, evident in the recent coverage of the film industry boom and the appointment of new leadership like Wendy Green, ensures that The Journal News remains an essential resource for residents navigating the complexities of Westchester County in 2025.