Off Topic/On Politics

This week, tensions have risen at Columbia University as students continue protesting the Israel-Hamas War. Negotiations between students and faculty to dismantle the encampment that students have set up on campus have been ongoing. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, House Republicans joined Speaker Mike Johnson on campus to call for the resignation of Columbia University’s president, Minoushe Shafik. All this, as faculty and students of the university senate are expected to vote to censure Shafik. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena weigh in on the campus protests and how the NYPD and city have reacted to them. After that, Mayor Eric Adams released his executive budget on Wednesday, which included restorations of cuts made to the NYPD but did not include restored library funds.  Many city lawmakers pushed back and said the Adams administration’s budget announced months ago had too many unnecessary cuts, and library advocates warn these cuts will lead to reduced service. The “Off Topic” team discusses the budgeting dance between City Council and Adams, and what this means for libraries going forward. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

This week Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she finally “had the parameters of a conceptual agreement” for the $237 billion state budget, claiming that only minor details need to be negotiated. Some lawmakers said they were caught off guard by the announcement. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan and political reporter Bobby Cuza discuss the reaction on the legislative side to Hochul’s announcement, as well as the issue of what’s in and what's out of the deal. They also touch on the mysterious cyberattack that was directed at the New York State Bill Drafting Commission that may delay matters even further. After that, the commotion surrounding Donald Trump moved uptown this week when the former president visited a Harlem bodega while here in Manhattan for his hush money trial. Why was Trump in Harlem? And will this trial serve as an extended campaign stop for the Republican presidential candidate? The "Off Topic" team weighs in on the latest twists and turns of Trump’s stay in the city. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

For the first time in history, a former president will be sitting in a courtroom next week as a criminal defendant. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Ayana Harry and Kelly Mena weigh in on the upcoming trial of Donald Trump and what we should expect in a Manhattan courtroom in the weeks ahead. They also discuss how the trial may set a precedent for his other upcoming criminal cases. After that, the investigation into Mayor Adams’ campaign fundraising is once again making headlines. Federal prosecutors are reportedly looking into upgrades the mayor received on flights with Turkish Airlines. Adams this week was asked by reporters about the investigation and continued to dodge questions. The "Off Topic" team looks at the investigation and also discussed why the administration is requesting elected officials fill out a seven-page form to get an audience with city commissioners. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

This week, Mayor Eric Adams defended top police officials who went on social media repeatedly to attack Daily News columnist Harry Siegel for an op-ed he wrote about subway safety. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena weigh in on the NYPD’s fiery online attacks and the mayor’s defense of their behavior. After that, the New York state presidential primary found Joe Biden and Donald Trump easily winning their respective races. But as part of a protest against Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, some Democratic voters left their ballots blank. The “Off Topic” team looks at the results of the primary and these protest non-votes.  Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

This week, a series of shocking acts of violence occurred in the city, including the fatal shooting of a police officer in Queens. Mayor Eric Adams, who ran his 2021 campaign on a public safety message, continues to say crime is down, but as headline-grabbing incidents persist, New Yorkers understandably feel less safe. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political director Bob Hardt and political reporter Bobby Cuza weigh in on the recent surge of violence and the mayor’s proposal for "electromagnetic weapons detection systems" in New York City’s subways.  After that, the controversial congestion pricing plan got one step closer to going into effect this summer. The MTA board approved the plan this week — which will charge most drivers $15 a day to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. The “Off Topic” team looks at this massive change coming to our streets and the opposition it continues to face. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

This week, new details emerged from a sexual assault allegation against New York City Mayor Eric Adams by a former NYPD aide. The woman claims that Adams in 1993 demanded sexual acts in exchange for helping her with her career in the department. The mayor vehemently denied the allegations, saying he doesn’t even recall ever meeting the woman who filed the lawsuit. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Kelly Mena and Dan Rivoli weigh in on the allegations as well as the somewhat-muted reaction from city lawmakers. After that, a new survey from the Citizens Budget Commission found that just 30% of New Yorkers are happy with their quality of life – a sharp decline from when the poll was last taken in 2017. The “Off Topic” team looks at the poll and discusses why New York got a bad report card from so many residents. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

Saying he wants to return to Congress, George Santos sat down with NY1’s Ayana Harry for his first TV interview. The disgraced former lawmaker is targeting a different Long Island district for his comeback, even as he faces a 23-count federal indictment on corruption charges. Ayana is joined by NY1 political reporter Bobby Cuza and NY1 statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan to discuss Santos’ quasi-campaign. Also this week: Mayor Adams and Gov. Hochul appeared at a press conference together to take on “ghost cars” that use fake license plates. Their appearance comes after the two leaders were notably not on the same stage last week when talking about plans to fight crime in the subways. The “Off Topic’ team looks at this week’s show of solidarity between Hochul and Adams and explores their working relationship. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

This week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she will deploy the National Guard and New York State Police into the subway system to increase security and conduct bag checks following a spate of violent crimes in transit. The surprise announcement has been met with a mixed response by New Yorkers. The deployment is just one part of what the governor called a five-point plan to crack down on subway crime. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan and political reporter Bobby Cuza weigh in on the plan and lawmakers’ reaction to the governor’s announcement. After that, this week, the city's budget director said the massive jails complex on Rikers Island would not be closed by 2027, blowing a deadline to open four new borough-based jails.  The “Off Topic’ team looks at the potential consequences, or lack thereof, of the city not making this deadline. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

This week, Mayor Eric Adams made headlines when he announced that he thinks changes need to be made to New York’s sanctuary city laws. This time, the mayor called for expanded cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities, attacking the current city policies that limit such communication and calling them detrimental to public safety. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan and political reporter Bobby Cuza weigh in on the mayor’s remarks and how his comments have received support from Republican lawmakers throughout the city. After that, the seemingly endless redistricting story took another turn this week, as the state legislature approved new congressional district maps that made small changes to the lines but did not go nearly as far as they did in 2022. The “Off Topic” team looks at what this means for House races in the fall. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

The City Council filed a motion this week to intervene in a lawsuit against Mayor Eric Adams' administration over the city's housing voucher program, known as CityFHEPS. The Adams administration has been against implementing the new rules citing high costs, as officials believe “the law goes beyond the City Council's authority, and that it's actually preempted by existing state law”. Also, this week, Adams canceled more budget cuts that were slated for April. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan and political reporter Dan Rivoli weigh in on a busy week at City Hall, and how these developments may affect the mayor’s alarmingly low polling numbers. After that, Gov. Kathy Hochul has a plan to tackle retail theft, a major theme of her State of the State address in January. The “Off Topic” team discusses Hochul’s proposed joint efforts between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. They also talk about how businesses have been impacted by the steady rise in shoplifting across the state. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

Democrat Tom Suozzi emerged victorious against Republican newcomer Mazi Pillip in a special election to replace disgraced Congressman George Santos. Is there a national significance for Suozzi’s win or is his victory more of a lesson in local politics? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kevin Frey weigh in on the race and the implications it may have for the Democrats in an election year. After that, Mayor Adams is taking on social media companies including TikTok and YouTube for what he says is their damaging mental health impact on children. In an unprecedented move, the Adams administration is suing these companies to recover some of what it spends on mental health. The “Off Topic” team discusses the mayor’s actions and the possible outcome. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email us: yourstoryny1@charter.com

The special house election in New York House District 3 is upon us. The race to replace disgraced former Rep. George Santos is a tight one between Tom Suozzi, the veteran former Democratic congressman, and Mazi Pilip, the Nassau County lawmaker running for the Republicans. Winning this seat would be an important step toward Democrats regaining control of the House. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry, take a look at the matchup and break down where each candidate stands on the issues. They also discuss the national focus on NY-3 and how the migrant crisis is playing a central role in the contest. After that, a few weeks ago, two police officers were beaten while trying to break up what they described as a disorderly group near a migrant shelter in Times Square. The brawl has kicked off a political furor and renewed debate over bail reform as the video continues to circulate. The “Off Topic” team discusses the controversy. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

This week, Mayor Adams and the City Council faced off in what has been a months-long battle over two criminal justice bills. The City Council ultimately voted to override two mayoral vetoes, but Mayor Adams is still hoping members will revise the ‘How Many Stops Act.’ NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Dan Rivoli and Kelly Mena weigh in on the City Council’s actions and what it means for New York City politics. They also touch on a recent traffic stop involving Councilman Yusef Salaam, which became the center of the debate ahead of the vote.  After that, Councilwoman Gale Brewer is considering bringing back vendors to the Brooklyn Bridge – potentially reversing a decision by the Adams administration. Mayor Adams had vendors removed from the bridge last month, arguing it was overcrowded and becoming dangerous for pedestrians. This may be setting up yet another conflict, between Adams and council members. The “Off Topic” team discusses this recent development. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

The feud between Mayor Eric Adams and the Council Speaker Adrienne Adams hit new heights this week, despite the smiles and pleasantries exchanged at the mayor’s annual State of the City address. The two sides of City Hall are clashing over two controversial pieces of legislation – including one called the “How Many Stops” Act which requires more record-keeping by cops on the beat. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena discuss the clash, including the City Council’s vow to override the mayor’s veto of the bill. After that, the mayor temporarily put aside the infighting and delivered his third State of the City address in the Bronx on Wednesday. The speech promised more affordable housing and new jobs while playing down the migrant crisis and the city’s issues with crime. The mayor highlighted his accomplishments over the last twelve months, claiming the city was “back from the brink.” The “Off Topic” team looks at the mayor's agenda and whether his positivity is justified. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

This week, both Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams unveiled their budgets on the same day. The city and state will spend billions of dollars on the migrant crisis, and neither is proposing any increase in taxes. Here in New York City, Mayor Adams says the financial picture may not be as catastrophic as he told us a few months back. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena discuss the ins-and-outs of both budget proposals. They also look at the reasons why the city may no longer be in dire straits. After that, the “Off Topic” team looks at the Mayor's recent fundraising for his legal defense fund, and they also discuss the surprise announcement that he may face a new challenger in the mayoral primary, former City Comptroller Scott Stringer.

Gov. Kathy Hochul this week gave her annual State of the State address, a sprawling speech that addressed crime, housing and even artificial intelligence.  But it was also notable that she did not address one of the biggest issues confronting New York: the migrant crisis. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan weigh-in on the governor’s address and whether or not her goals can be achieved by working with the legislature. Mayor Eric Adams was also at the speech and later outlined what he hopes to receive this year from state leaders. The ‘Off Topic’ team takes a look at Adams’ specific asks and discusses whether the former state senator has finally found his mayoral footing in Albany. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

It’s a new year, meaning it’s time for state lawmakers to make some resolutions of their own up in Albany. Among them, they’ll try to address a housing shortage and funding for migrants. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political director Bob Hardt, and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss what Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature are facing in this upcoming legislative session. After that, Mayor Adams is once again struggling with the migrant crisis, fighting with bus companies and the state of Texas over transporting migrants here. The “Off Topic” team looks at Mayor Adams’ latest attempts to control the flow of migrants into the city. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

Good tidings? Well, not exactly. The mayor and local lawmakers are not seeing eye to eye -- with the City Council banning solitary confinement in city jails and also passing a bill requiring police officers to log every investigative encounter with civilians. Mayor Adams is against both of these measures and may veto them. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan weigh in on these bills, as well as the mayor's fierce opposition to them. After that, 2023 is coming to a close so it’s time to reflect. The “Off Topic” team looks at the highs and lows of the city and state’s political year and shares some of their favorite stories that they reported on. They also look ahead to 2024.     Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

New York's highest court is ordering the state to redraw its congressional lines. The decision could ultimately help Democrats who look to retake control of the House of Representatives in 2024. For battleground districts, including possibly Staten Island, it could mean bringing in voters from more liberal, Democratic parts of Brooklyn. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza, and political director Bob Hardt discuss the map mess and what could come next. After that, Mayor Adams recently announced massive budget cuts to offset the financial hit the city has taken because of the migrant crisis. The “Off Topic '' team takes a detailed look at these cuts and which programs and services they will affect. They also touch on how slashing the budget may potentially damage Adams politically. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

After aborting his trip to Washington last month because of a fundraising investigation, Mayor Eric Adams returned to the nation’s capital this week to ask for help in the migrant crisis. The trip came as a new Quinnipiac University poll showed that the mayor's approval numbers have fallen to 28%, the lowest for any NYC mayor since the poll began in 1996. But what do the poll numbers really mean? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, and Dan Rivoli discuss yet another chaotic week for Adams. After that, the MTA board has approved a tentative long-discussed congestion pricing plan that will toll drivers who come into much of Manhattan. The “Off Topic” team takes a detailed look at the plan, which is in a four-month public comment period. They also discuss how this will affect New Yorkers in so-called transit deserts. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com