Off Topic/On Politics

This week, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced that he will keep NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch in her role when he takes office in January. Tisch, the department's 48th commissioner, has led the NYPD with what Mamdani's team calls a renewed focus on accountability and transparency, overseeing a historic drop in violent crime. The decision signals Mamdani's willingness to make top appointments based on experience rather than ideology. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry break down Mamdani's biggest decision so far.   After that, the midterms are already taking shape in our own backyard. This week, Chi Ossé, a progressive councilman, filed paperwork to challenge House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Mamdani has come out against the move, saying it's "not the time" for that kind of primary. The "Off Topic" team takes an early look at next year's races.

New York City is one week into the transition from Mayor Eric Adams to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, and the administration is starting to take shape. This week, Mamdani named Dean Fuleihan as first deputy mayor and Elle Bisgaard-Church as chief of staff. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down what we can expect from these changes at City Hall. After that, there's already another race to watch, the contest for City Council speaker. Five candidates are vying for the position held by Adrienne Adams. The "Off Topic" team will tell you where things stand.

Zohran Mamdani has been elected New York City's 111th mayor, making history as the city's first Muslim mayor and the youngest in more than a century. He defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in an election that drew the highest turnout for a New York City mayoral race in decades. Mamdani's meteoric rise was powered by a campaign focused on the city's affordability crisis, earning him more than one million votes, the most for a mayoral candidate since John Lindsay in 1969. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporters Bobby Cuza and political anchor Errol Louis break down a historic night in New York politics.

With new polls showing Zohran Mamdani holding a sizeable lead in the mayor's race, he's poised to become the city's first Muslim mayor. But with most polls being wrong about the Democratic primary in June, can they be trusted this time? NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down what the numbers could mean for the final stretch of the campaign. Then, the "Off Topic" team wraps up its special election series with a closer look at Mamdani in the final installment of their profile series on the leading candidates.

Just days before New Yorkers head to the polls, the three major candidates in the race for mayor squared off in a 90-minute debate sponsored by Spectrum News NY1, WNYC/Gothamist and THE CITY. Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, Democrat Zohran Mamdani and Republican Curtis Sliwa took part in a spirited exchange at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center in Queens. So how did the candidates do? NY1's Courtney Gross, Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry break down the final showdown in the race for mayor.

Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani apologized to the NYPD for making a social media post in 2020 in which he called the police force racist and homophobic. Meanwhile, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is changing his tune about Rikers Island and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa is promising to take off the beret if elected. As election day nears, can Cuomo close in on Mamdani with another mayoral debate next week? NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry break down the latest in the race for mayor. After that, as we hit the final stretch before Election Day, the "Off Topic" team takes a closer look at the leading candidates: their visions for New York City, the policies they're pushing and how each could reshape the city's future. This week's installment focuses on Andrew Cuomo, who Harry was been covering.

Fresh off dropping his reelection campaign, Mayor Eric Adams went on an unexpected trip to Albania. Back home, the three remaining major mayoral candidates marked the anniversary of Oct. 7, while former Gov. Andrew Cuomo surprised many by reversing course on his earlier support for closing Rikers Island. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli break down another eventful week in the race for mayor. Later, as we head into the final stretch before Election Day, the "Off Topic" team begins taking a closer look at the leading candidates and what they're proposing for New York City. The first installment focuses on Republican Curtis Sliwa.

This week, Mayor Eric Adams announced in a nearly nine-minute video that he was dropping his struggling reelection bid. While some were surprised, others saw it as inevitable. What does his exit mean for the rest of the field and how are the remaining candidates pivoting? The team also looks at how this move shapes Adams' legacy. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down the latest from the campaign trail. Later, the federal government shutdown continues with no end in sight, as the Trump administration looks to strip New York of billions in transportation funding. What impact will this have on the Empire State? The "Off Topic" team digs into the president's decision to withhold funds and what it means for New Yorkers.

This week, NY1 presented a special podcast event — "New York Decides: Live from Chelsea", featuring a crossover episode of its political podcasts "Off Topic/On Politics" and "You Decide." Hosted by Errol Louis, Courtney Gross and Bobby Cuza, the discussion centered on the latest developments in the New York City mayoral campaign, including the stunning announcement by Mayor Eric Adams that he's dropping out of the race. The program also featured interviews with Emmy Award–winning actress and activist Cynthia Nixon and J.C. Polanco, a professor of law and former president of the New York City Board of Elections — who had very different takes on Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani.  Rounding out the evening, Spectrum News New York political director Bob Hardt joined the panel to provide historical perspective on this year's race.

This week, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa leveled bribery accusations against rival Andrew Cuomo, while Mayor Eric Adams surprised many by repeatedly weighing in on the city's transgender bathroom policy. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down what it all means for the closing stretch of the campaign. Meanwhile, another high-stakes competition is playing out this fall: the race for three state-issued gaming licenses. Proposals for three Manhattan-based casinos have been rejected, but bids in Yonkers and Queens are advancing. The "Off Topic" team looks at the logistical challenges and neighborhood implications of placing casinos in these locations.

This week, Zohran Mamdani scored a key endorsement from Gov. Kathy Hochul, who had spent months on the fence about whether to fully embrace the Democratic candidate for mayor. State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie also lined up behind Mamdani, who is leading in the polls over his rivals. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Ayana Harry and Kelly Mena break down the latest developments and analyze Hochul's endorsement. Plus, the team discusses Andrew Cuomo's shifting views on the war in Gaza.  Then, Mayor Eric Adams announced an unexpected proposal to ban horse carriages in the city, something his predecessor, Bill de Blasio, promised but never delivered. The "Off Topic" team takes a closer look at Adams' sudden push to reign in the industry and the expected battle he will face by the City Council.

We're now less than two months from Election Day, and a new round of polls shows Zohran Mamdani holding a comfortable lead over Andrew Cuomo. But a lot can shift in the weeks ahead and the numbers suggest Mamdani's margin would narrow considerably in a one-on-one matchup with Cuomo. So the big question is: can anyone catch Mamdani? NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry are joined by political director Bob Hardt to weigh in on whether Mamdani is truly untouchable. Plus, straight from the campaign trail: will Mayor Eric Adams actually drop out of the race? How is Andrew Cuomo trying to turn the 9/11 anniversary into a political moment? And what's behind Mamdani's viral video of him playing soccer? The "Off Topic" team breaks down another busy week in the mayor's race.

This week, there were two separate reports that Trump administration officials are considering offering Mayor Eric Adams a job if he drops his reelection bid, possibly helping Andrew Cuomo against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani in the mayoral race. But after Mamdani soundly defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary, would such a move even work? And where does Republican Curtis Sliwa fit into this unpredictable mayoral mix? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down a chaotic week in the mayor's race. After that, Manhattan Rep. Jerry Nadler, a liberal lion and Capitol Hill veteran, announced his retirement after more than three decades in office. What does this mean for the future of Democratic leadership in New York and who might step up to fill his shoes? The "Off Topic" team looks at Nadler's lengthy career in New York politics.

As summer winds down, the mayoral campaign season is kicking into high gear. This week, Mayor Eric Adams is trying to resuscitate his campaign following last week's indictment of a former top aide. Meanwhile, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani met with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, though no endorsement came from the meeting. And, focusing on Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo held an entire press conference to attack the frontrunner. Looking at all of the developments, NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza, and Statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss what voters should watch for this fall as the general election approaches. After that, President Donald Trump is hinting that the National Guard needs to patrol New York. How is Gov. Kathy Hochul responding to Trump's threats? The "Off Topic" team discusses the working relationship between two "frenemies" — the governor and the president.

This week saw another political bombshell at City Hall. Mayor Eric Adams' former top aide, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, was hit with four new indictments tied to sweeping bribery schemes during her time in the administration. Six others were charged as well, including Lewis-Martin's son, another Adams aide and real estate developers. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down how this latest wave of scandal could shape the mayor's chances in the November general election. Then, the "Off Topic" team dives into the rest of the campaign trail, from the debate over legalizing sex work to President Donald Trump's potential involvement in the race.

The New York City mayor's race continued to heat up this week with a rent-stabilized apartment showdown between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo; former Governor David Paterson throwing his support behind Mayor Eric Adams; and Mamdani hitting all five boroughs on an anti-Trump tour. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss a scorcher of a week in the dog days of summer.   After that, the focus shifts to Albany, where Gov. Kathy Hochul's approval numbers are ticking upward in a new Siena University poll, even as her lead over likely challenger Elise Stefanik narrows. The "Off Topic" team breaks down what the numbers could mean for Hochul's reelection strategy more than a year out from the vote.

Mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo unveiled a comprehensive public safety plan this week, pledging to bolster the NYPD through increased starting salaries, performance bonuses and stronger community policing efforts. He also criticized his opponent, Zohran Mamdani, citing Mamdani's past criticism of the NYPD. Meanwhile, Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorsed Mamdani, calling him the future of the Democratic Party. Speculation also began to swirl about former President Donald Trump's possible involvement in the race, raising the stakes even higher. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down how these developments could reshape the crowded race ahead of the November general election. After that, the "Off Topic" team examines Gov. Kathy Hochul's response to Texas' congressional redistricting by suggesting that New York might consider similar moves, despite constitutional hurdles. They also assess Hochul's broader national strategy and the growing buzz around a potential challenge from Rep. Elise Stefanik in next year's election.

This week, in New York City's deadliest shooting in decades, a Las Vegas resident entered a Midtown office building and shot multiple people with an automatic weapon. That includes NYPD officer Didarul Islam, who was laid to rest Thursday. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss the broader political ramifications of the tragedy and how it affects the race for mayor.   After that, the Office of Cannabis Management's failure to properly oversee legal cannabis dispensaries accidentally allowed dozens of stores to open too close to schools and churches. This mistake is causing a major disruption for small business owners in the cannabis industry. The "Off Topic" team looks at the impact of these regulatory missteps.

This week, the Democratic nominee for mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is thousands of miles away from New York City, vacationing in his native Uganda. Back in the city, Mayor Eric Adams is creating distance between himself and the Trump administration. His recent remarks questioning the conditions at a federal immigration center in Lower Manhattan have put him on a collision course with federal authorities. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Kelly Mena and Bobby Cuza unpack the race for mayor.  After that, there's another high-stakes battle heating up this summer — the race for one of three coveted downstate casino licenses. The "Off Topic" team looks at who the winners and potential losers may be.

This week, former governor Andrew Cuomo announced he is officially back in the race for mayor as an independent candidate, but is it too late for him? Meanwhile, Democratic primary winner Zohran Mamdani met with business leaders and Democrats in Washington looking to shore up support. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Kelly Mena and Ayana Harry have the latest news and analysis in the race for mayor.   After that, five major lawsuits have been filed against Mayor Eric Adams in the last two weeks, alleging corruption, cronyism and promotions for sale at the NYPD. The "Off Topic" team examines the lawsuits and what it means for Mayor Adams' reelection prospects.