Off Topic/On Politics

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How Mamdani's rent-stabilized apartment became a talking point Aug 15, 2025

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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.

Focus on NYPD and possible Trump involvement in mayoral race Aug 08, 2025

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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.

Midtown mass shooting takes focus in mayoral race Aug 01, 2025

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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.

Mamdani leaves town as Adams splits with Trump Jul 25, 2025

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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.

Cuomo is officially back while Mayor Adams — and his NYPD — face multiple lawsuits Jul 18, 2025

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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.

Will Mamdani win over the Dems? Jul 11, 2025

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Zohran Mamdani is now the Democratic nominee for mayor, riding a wave of post-primary momentum that includes major endorsements from the teachers union and key political figures. Will the rest of the party — and the city — fall in line? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry unpack the evolving dynamics of the Mamdani campaign, including recent staff shake-ups and what these endorsements could mean for the general election. After that, their focus shifts to the Democratic holdouts who are running as independent candidates. But Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams are spending more time attacking each other rather than Mamdani. The "Off Topic" team explores how the opposition is gearing up to challenge Mamdani, the contrasting strategies of Cuomo and Adams, and the unpredictable influence of President Donald Trump's latest remarks on the campaign.

Mamdani momentum: Assemblyman clinches Democratic nomination Jul 02, 2025

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Continuing his stunning political rise, Zohran Mamdani officially won the Democratic primary for mayor on Tuesday. After the Board of Elections conducted its ranked-choice voting tabulations, Mamdani ended up with 56 percent of the vote — compared to Andrew Cuomo's 44 percent. Now, it's on to November. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry, break down what the general election will look like and where Mamdani goes from here.

From June to November: New York's new political climate Jun 27, 2025

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Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is poised to win the Democratic mayoral primary — easily outperforming Andrew Cuomo, Brad Lander and eight other candidates . NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political director Bob Hardt break down the results of primary day and discuss what this may mean for the November general election when incumbent Eric Adams is running as an independent candidate.

After that, will Andrew Cuomo stay in the race? And what will Mayor Adams' strategy be this fall? The "Off Topic" team weighs in on whether Adams can mount a strong campaign and if Cuomo will continue fighting.

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BONUS EPISODE: Mamdani stuns New York City with primary day upset Jun 25, 2025

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Political history was made in New York City on June 24, and once NY1's live TV coverage wrapped early Wednesday morning, NY1's Errol Louis, Courtney Gross and Bobby Cuza broke down the surprise results of the Democratic primary in this special crossover episode of Off Topic/On Politics and You Decide. Queens Assemblyman and Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, 33, pulled off an upset over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, an outcome few insiders predicted. The team unpacked how Mamdani's grassroots movement energized young voters and what his win means for the future of the Democratic Party.

The battle for New York City hits the final stretch Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

A new Marist University poll shows former Gov. Andrew Cuomo holding his lead in the Democratic primary for mayor, but the race is tightening. Could Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani have enough time to close the gap? Meanwhile, the shocking arrest of mayoral hopeful and City Comptroller Brad Lander at an immigration court made headlines this week. Will the high-profile incident give his campaign a boost? NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down a high-action week on the campaign trail.

After that, the race for city comptroller heats up. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Brooklyn Councilman Justin Brannan share progressive values but differ in political style. Will a Bernie Sanders endorsement give Brannan the boost he needs to overtake Levine? The "Off Topic" team weighs in.

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