Off Topic/On Politics

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We dug into Mamdani's new housing plan. Here's what we learned May 29, 2026

Show notes

This week Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced his "Block by Block" housing initiative, a sweeping plan to build 200,000 new affordable, rent-stabilized units and preserve another 200,000 existing units over the next decade. How does the proposal differ from the housing plans rolled out by previous mayors? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down the mayor's ambitious housing agenda.

Then, sports take center stage as the New York Knicks chase their first championship in 53 years while the 2026 FIFA World Cup prepares to arrive in New Jersey. Meanwhile, Gov. Kathy Hochul, with support from Brooklyn Assemblyman Robert Carroll, is lobbying for another Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. The "Off Topic" team weighs in on an action-packed start to the summer for New York sports fans.

The fight to become the face of New York City in Washington May 22, 2026

Show notes

Several closely contested congressional races are developing across New York before next month's primaries. District 7 in Brooklyn and Queens has emerged as a focal point following Nydia Velázquez's announcement that she will retire, while District 10 in Brooklyn and Manhattan features a prominent challenge by Brad Lander against Dan Goldman. Manhattan's NY-12 is also attracting significant attention with Jerry Nadler's impending retirement.

NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli analyze those races, as well as the primary challenges confronting Grace Meng and Adriano Espaillat, in addition to a pivotal swing district in the Hudson Valley.

Did Mamdani actually solve New York City's budget crisis? May 15, 2026

Show notes

This week, Mayor Mamdani unveiled his executive budget, turning a projected multibillion-dollar deficit into a balanced plan without major service cuts, a property tax hike, or tapping a rainy-day fund.

The plan relies largely on help from Albany and a $2.3 billion pension plan restructuring that would push costs from 2032 to 2037, but it still requires approval from the state, retirement funds and unions. The city budget must also still be negotiated with the City Council.

NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza, and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down what's in, what's out, and how the mayor got it done.

After that, the re-introduced Community Opportunity to Purchase Act, or COPA, would give some nonprofit groups the first chance to buy certain distressed multifamily buildings. Supporters, including Council member Sandy Nurse, say the proposal would help preserve affordability. Opponents say it may be illegal.

The "Off Topic" team looks at the bill, which was vetoed by former Mayor Eric Adams and has now been revived despite fierce opposition from the real estate industry.

Hochul says there's a budget deal; Albany says not so fast May 08, 2026

Show notes

This morning, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced there was a "general agreement" between her office and Albany legislators on a $268 billion state budget. The spending plan includes auto insurance reforms, immigration protections, an energy rebate and more. However, state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie called the announcement "premature," saying there is no final deal in place. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry discuss the latest drama surrounding the negotiations.

After that, a viral video posted several weeks ago by Mayor Zohran Mamdani targeting hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin continues to generate blowback. Griffin says he will add thousands of jobs in Miami instead of New York City amid the mayor's push to tax wealthy earners and corporations. The "Off Topic/On Politics" team breaks down the political fallout from Mamdani's social media strategy and examines whether he is taking the wrong approach with some of the city's wealthiest business leaders.

Mamdani, Menin unite around tax plan as Hochul shoots them down May 01, 2026

Show notes

This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin appeared to set aside their differences to advance a new budget solution: scaling back a lucrative tax credit used by wealthy business owners to help close the city's budget gap. The proposal, which targets what's known as the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) credit, was swiftly rejected by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down how the tax credit works, who benefits most, and why the governor pushed back.

Plus: Did Mayor Mamdani take a political hit? His endorsement of Lindsey Boylan fell short in a special election for a Manhattan City Council seat, raising questions about his influence. Meanwhile, the mayor waded into international controversy after appearing to pick a fight with the King over a disputed gem. The "Off Topic" team looks at Mamdani's busy week.

A new NYPD controversy: How will Mamdani respond to a council member's arrest? Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

This week, Brooklyn City Council member Chi Ossé was arrested during a protest in Bedford-Stuyvesant aimed at stopping the eviction of a woman amid disputed allegations of deed theft. Video of the arrest quickly went viral, and Ossé has since raised concerns about his treatment by police during the incident. Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the footage as "concerning" and said he reached out to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch in response. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza, and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down Ossé's arrest and the mayor's reaction.

Also this week, Gov. Kathy Hochul discussed her proposal to overhaul New York's auto insurance system, arguing it will help lower costs for drivers. She emphasized she is not ready to make a final budget deal unless her proposed changes are included. The "Off Topic" team weighs in on what the plan could mean for New York drivers.

Will Mamdani's city-run grocery stores work? Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

Last weekend, during his 100-day address, Mayor Zohran Mamdani finally shared new details on one of his signature campaign promises: city-run grocery stores. The first location is expected to open next year, with additional stores planned across the city. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza, and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down how these city-run stores would operate and what it could mean for New Yorkers navigating high grocery prices.

Meanwhile, Gov. Kathy Hochul's new tax proposal could help Mamdani close part of the city's budget shortfall. The initiative introduces New York state's first "pied-à-terre" tax on luxury second homes. The tax would apply to one-to three-family homes, condos, and co-ops valued at $5 million or more, owned by people whose primary residence is outside the five boroughs.

Mamdani milestone: Inside the mayor's first 100 days Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

One hundred days is a big milestone for any new administration — and Friday marks Zohran Mamdani's 100th day as mayor of New York City. So how is it going for him so far? How much has he accomplished in that short time period? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, politics reporter Kelly Mena and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down the mayor's first few months in office.

Looking ahead, meanwhile, Mamdani will likely face his steepest challenges in Albany when it comes to carrying out many of his campaign promises. The "Off Topic" team takes a look at what's on the horizon for the mayor.

Mamdani vs. City Council: The budget dance turns tense Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

This week, early tensions emerged between Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin after the Council released its response to the administration's plan to close a $5.4 billion budget shortfall. The Council says it found $6 billion in savings and efficiencies and has blasted ideas like ending free Sunday meter parking or a property tax hike.

Meanwhile, Mamdani says the city is facing a fiscal crisis and has pushed for higher taxes on wealthy earners and corporations, while warning the Council's proposal relies on unstable revenue and would result in a cut to crucial services. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross is joined by political reporters Kelly Mena and Dan Rivoli to dig into the budget battle.

Also this week, a new Siena poll showed Republican Bruce Blakeman narrowing the gap slightly in the race for governor, even as he faces a setback from the state's campaign finance board. The "Off Topic" team looks at Gov. Kathy Hochul's reelection bid and the challenges ahead.

Taco Bell, Dunkin' and damage control at City Hall Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani made headlines with a YouTube livestream showing him eating Taco Bell and Dunkin', part of a "mukbang"-style push to spotlight enforcement actions against franchise owners accused of violating New York City labor laws, actions that could put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back into workers' pockets. At the same time, the mayor's plan to close a massive $5 billion budget gap also came into sharper focus. Political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena, along with Statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan, break it all down.

Then, the "Off Topic" team looks ahead to Albany's likely late state budget, where major policy fights over climate law deadlines, ICE-related measures and more are slowing negotiations. They also examine what those delays could mean for New York City funding and the rollout of class-size mandates.

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