Jesse Coburn
Jesse Coburn was an investigative reporter at Streetsblog from 2021 to 2024. His series on the black market for temporary license plates led to enacted or proposed laws in three states and won the George Polk Award. The series was also a finalist for the Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting. His work has also received awards from IRE, the Overseas Press Club Foundation, the Sidney Hillman Foundation, the Deadline Club, the Sigma Awards, and the Silurians Press Club.
‘Betrayal’: Adams Caves to Opposition, Abandons Bus Improvement Plan on Fordham Road
The capitulation on Fordham Road is the latest episode in which the mayor has delayed or watered down a transportation project in deference to powerful interests.
‘A Very Dangerous Job’: Dozens of NYC School Crossing Guards Injured by Drivers Since 2012, Records Show
As thousands of guards returned to street corners across the city last week for the reopening of public schools, records obtained by Streetsblog reveal the dangers that guards face on the job.
Another Street Redesign Delayed After City Hall Intervenes on Behalf of Powerful Private Interests
Officials from the Adams administration have held up part of yet another long-planned street redesign at the behest of a major local business opposed to part of the plan, three officials told Streetsblog.
City Council Requests Federal Help in Fight Against Black Market for Temporary License Plates
Most of the illegal paper tags in New York are from out of state, making a federal solution necessary to fight temp tag fraud, Council members argued in a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Thursday.
Rep. Adriano Espaillat Rallying Bronx Pols Against Fordham Road Bus Lane Fixes: Sources
While he’s said nothing about the issue publicly, the congressman has been quietly assembling opposition to proposed bus lane upgrades in recent weeks, four officials told Streetsblog.
New Jersey Proposes Sweeping Reforms That Would Deal a Blow to Illegal Temp Tag Industry
The proposal, which follows a Streetsblog investigation, would be the most significant revision of the state's dealer regulations in more than a decade.
‘Law-and-Order’ Council Member Had Fake, Illegal License Plate in Her Driveway
The bogus temporary tag was on a luxury sports car outside the home of Queens lawmaker Vickie Paladino. The car belongs to her son and spokesman, Thomas Paladino Jr.
Mayor Yields to Opposition, Orders Alternatives to DOT Plan for Deadly McGuinness Blvd
Adams's reversal represents the latest episode in which his administration has delayed or watered down transportation projects because of politically powerful opponents.
‘Duped’: A Harlem 20-Something Blows the Whistle on an Illegal Temporary License Plate Business
Kareem found out the hard way that his Craigslist gig delivering temp tags was illegal. Now he's exposing the operation that employed him, revealing clues about his anonymous bosses that all trace back to the same place.
N.J. Legislator Proposes New Charges for Selling, Driving With Illegal Temporary License Plates
"For those that want to misuse and abuse our laws, the penalties should be much higher, and the potential for criminal penalties should be a disincentive as well," a Jersey Assembly member said.