You Decide with Errol Louis

Navigating NYC’s political chaos Feb 27, 2025

The five months since Mayor Eric Adams was indicted have consisted of an extraordinary sequence of events that has found the mayor bruised but emboldened, still firmly in office, and about to launch a campaign for re-election. Katie Honan, a reporter for The CITY and co-host of the FAQ NYC podcast, has been closely following the mayor through these many twists and turns.

Honan joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss several issues surrounding Adams, including his legal troubles, loss of security clearance, and the recent resignations of four deputy mayors on the same day. They also touched on the strategies of other mayoral candidates as they prepare for the June primary, including the “will he or won’t he” role of Andrew Cuomo in the race.

***Spectrum News NY1 and Roosevelt House will be co-hosting a special panel discussion on the political career and legacy of New York City Mayor John Lindsay.

Inspired by the NY1 three-part limited audio series covering Lindsay’s political career, the conversation will be held at Roosevelt House on March 13 at 6 p.m. It will be moderated Errol Louis and feature a panel of Lindsay administration alumni and journalists who will discuss Lindsay’s eight years in office from 1966 to 1973 — one of the most chaotic and transformative times in New York’s recent history. It will explore his accomplishments as mayor, as well as the staggering number of challenges he faced during his two terms.

Attendees will need to RSVP to the event, which is free, through Roosevelt House, here: https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/you-decide-with-errol-louis/2025/02/06/john-lindsay-new-york-city-mayor-panel-you-decide-crisis-and-accomplishment

Lindsey Cormack: How to raise a citizen Feb 20, 2025

Civics education in American public schools began to significantly decline in the 1960s, leaving many students without any knowledge of how our government works and about the historical significance of events. With misinformation polluting social media, some believe that civics education should begin at home, with parents teaching their kids how to understand and navigate the system. It’s all laid out in a new book, “How to Raise a Citizen and Why It’s Up to You to Do It,” written by Lindsey Cormack and published by John Wiley and Sons.

Cormack joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss her book and the crucial role parents play in teaching their children about civics. They discussed the importance of understanding and navigating the political system, not only to facilitate voting but also to strengthen or save democracy. They also talked about how some families still feel it is taboo to talk about politics, and how efforts today can sow the seeds for a robust, vibrant democracy of tomorrow.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

J.C. Polanco: Making the legal field diverse as DEI becomes a dirty word Feb 13, 2025

With affirmative action and so-called diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs under attack by President Donald Trump, J.C. Polanco is holding his ground. A former Republican candidate for public advocate in New York City, Polanco is the CEO of the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, a national nonprofit organization that was founded in 1968 to expand opportunities for underrepresented students to attend law school.

Polanco, who is also a law professor at the University of Mount St. Vincent, joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss his push to make the legal field more diverse and the obstacles his organization faces due to reduced funding and political attacks. They also discussed the history of DEI initiatives and their own respective paths to finishing law school.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Richard Haass: Charting foreign policy in Trump’s second term Feb 06, 2025

Just weeks into his second term, President Donald Trump is sending shockwaves around the world. From proposing resettling the population of Gaza to saying he wants the United States to regain control of the Panama Canal, the president is making it clear that he’s not following the traditional set of rules that have guided American foreign policy for decades.

Looking at Trump’s plans abroad, NY1’s Errol Louis recently held an in-depth discussion with veteran diplomat Richard Haass, the president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relation. The conversation at Temple Emanuel of Great Neck, Long Island, tackled a wide range of international topics from Greenland to Ukraine to the Middle East.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Peter Beinart: Being Jewish as Gaza crumbles Jan 30, 2025

After 15 months, the Israel-Hamas war has reached a ceasefire deal. Israeli troops have pulled back to the edges of Gaza and some hostages have been released by their Hamas captors. Many Palestinians are returning to what remains of their homes with humanitarian aid flowing into the region. As Palestinians begin rebuilding, Peter Beinart is exploring the defense of Israel by some of his fellow Jews in a new book, "Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning." Beinart, a professor at the Newmark School of Journalism at the City University of New York, joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss the war, as well as his childhood in South Africa and anti-Semitism on college campuses. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

One-on-one with Gov. Hochul Jan 23, 2025

One day after unveiling her $252 billion state budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul joined NY1’s Errol Louis for an exclusive one-on-one interview. The conversation covered many aspects of her new budget proposal: congestion pricing, the proposed cellphone ban in schools, and the challenges she is facing already since President Donald Trump took office.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Reuven Blau: Why are disgraced doctors practicing in N.Y. prisons? Jan 16, 2025

Several doctors who have been judged guilty of medical misconduct, negligence, incompetence and even felonies are still finding a place to practice — New York state prisons. The shocking practice was uncovered by Reuven Blau, a criminal justice reporter for The City, an online news outlet.

Blau joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss the shocking story of physicians who have found work in the prison system despite being sanctioned for horrific mistakes and other professional abuses. They also talked about the need for a major overhaul in the state’s prisons and the brutal death of inmate Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

New York finally takes its traffic decongestant Jan 09, 2025

Almost 100 years after New York City officials first considered putting tolls on the East River bridges, drivers are finally being charged to enter Midtown and Lower Manhattan. With a new policy chapter being written, it will likely take time to determine how successful the program is and whether it will need modifications.

This week, NY1’s Errol Louis was joined by two people who figured heavily in congestion pricing’s implementation: MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber and Sam Schwartz, popularly known as “Gridlock Sam,” whose work combatting traffic in Manhattan dates back more than 50 years. The two men highlighted different goals. Lieber discussed how the program is expected to pay for much-needed infrastructure improvements within the city’s subway system, while Schwartz is hoping for less traffic and shorter emergency response times.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Crisis and Accomplishment : The Rise and Fall of John Lindsay - Part 3 – The moon, the Mets and Meir Jan 02, 2025

In 1969, John Lindsay’s first term as mayor of New York City was coming to a close. After a series of labor disputes and a botched snowstorm recovery that shut down the city, his poll numbers were at an all-time low. Somehow, even after losing the Republican primary, he found a road to reelection.

In the final installment of this three-part podcast series by Spectrum News NY1, Errol Louis explores Lindsay’s unlikely path to victory, his second term as mayor and his ill-advised presidential run. The episode also looks at Lindsay’s enduring legacy and his innovative yet controversial ideas for urban development.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Crisis and Accomplishment: The Rise and Fall of John Lindsay Part 2 — A Livable City Dec 19, 2024

From the moment he became mayor of New York City in 1966, John Lindsay faced a city in turmoil when subway workers walked off the job and went on strike for 12 days. In many ways, it never got any easier for Lindsay, who ran the city in a time of national upheaval.

In part two of a three-part podcast series by Spectrum News NY1, Errol Louis explores John Lindsay’s chaotic first term, in which the mayor tried to continue pushing forward, combating a string of labor disputes while attempting to create a more livable city.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Crisis and Accomplishment: The Rise and Fall of John Lindsay - Part 1 - The Flamboyant Idealist Dec 12, 2024

In 1965, New York City was teetering on the edge of an uncertain future, but a Republican congressman from the Upper East Side was determined to save it. Fighting traditional power brokers and machine politicians, John Lindsay improbably was elected mayor that year; his eight years in office became one of the most tumultuous and transformative times in New York’s recent history.

In part one of a three-part podcast series by Spectrum News NY1, Errol Louis explores John Lindsay’s turbulent New York, focusing on his early years in Congress and building up to being elected mayor in a dramatic three-way race in November of 1965.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Zellnor Myrie: A mayoral candidate with an ambitious housing proposal Dec 05, 2024

This week, Brooklyn state Sen. Zellnor Myrie officially launched his campaign to challenge Eric Adams in next June’s Democratic mayoral primary. The senator also unveiled an ambitious housing proposal that looks to build one million new homes across the five boroughs, or 70,000 homes per year.

Sen. Myrie joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss his bid to unseat Adams. They also talked about the dire situation surrounding the city’s prisons complex on Rikers Island, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right team and treating nonprofit organizations fairly.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Nicole Gelinas: Drawing New York’s road map after ‘The Power Broker’ Nov 27, 2024

A fierce New York intellect, Nicole Gelinas has closely followed the trials and errors of urban public policy in her columns for the New York Post and her work for the Manhattan Institute. In a new book, Gelinas looks at what has happened with New York’s transportation system in the wake of Robert Moses, whose legacy was painstakingly dissected in Robert Caro’s “The Power Broker.” Gelinas picks up where Caro left off in “Movement: New York’s Long War to Take Back Its Streets from the Car.”

Speaking with NY1’s Errol Louis, Gelinas discusses why she felt compelled to write her book, also tackling its relationship to Caro’s biography, what Mayor Eric Adams should be focusing on, why New York City often continues to make the same mistakes regarding mass transit and how the messaging behind congestion pricing could be better.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Understanding Trump’s plan for mass deportation Nov 21, 2024

Since Donald Trump’s victory two weeks ago, some people are worried about one of his main campaign promises — to launch the largest deportation operation in American history. What does that really mean, and how feasible is it that it will happen at the scale the president-elect is promising?

This week, NY1’s Errol Louis spoke to three experts — Lee Gelernt, the deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union Immigrants’ Rights Project; Elora Mukerjee, director of Columbia Law School’s Immigrants’ Rights Clinic; and Luis Gomez Alfaro, an attorney in New York and New Jersey, with extensive experience in immigration law — about what Trump can truly do legally. They also discuss the possibility of ending birthright citizenship, what will be happening at the border and the impact Trump’s plans will have on millions across the country. And they provided some specific, practical information for immigrants who are worried about being detained.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

How red is this wave? Nov 14, 2024

One week after Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris, many across the country are wondering how he won so soundly and what this means for the country moving forward. Trump has wasted little time naming cabinet members to his incoming administration, while Democrats are scratching their heads and pointing fingers about what went wrong. At the same time, while the president-elect won all of the swing states on his road to the White House, Democrats either held onto or won Senate seats in four of those battleground states that Harris lost. So, is it a red wave or just a Trump wave?

To help make sense of all of this, veteran North Carolina Spectrum News political anchor Tim Boyum joined NY1’s Errol Louis to share his perspective as someone who watched the race play out in a swing state where Trump won the presidential race but the Democrats won the race for governor. They also discussed the realities of mass deportation, and the GOP retaining its House majority.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Trump wins back the White House: What does it mean for New York? Nov 07, 2024

Easily winning on Election Day, Donald Trump will be returning to the White House as the nation’s 47th president. While New York was one of the few states Vice President Kamala Harris won, the margin of victory was significantly lower than usual for a Democrat, marking the party’s worst presidential performance in the state since 1988. Down-ballot, however, New York Democrats won some key congressional House races, as they will retake some of the seats they lost in the midterm elections in 2022. So what does all of this mean for New York?

Spectrum News political anchor Susan Arbetter joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss the results of the election and the impact it will have on New York. They also discussed why they were surprised by the country swinging right and the trouble in predicting elections. Additionally, Errol weighed in on how New York City Mayor Eric Adams may be feeling following Trump’s victory.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Zohran Mamdani: Running for mayor from the left Oct 31, 2024

State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani announced his mayoral run last week, looking to unseat Mayor Eric Adams, who faces an uphill battle for reelection as he fights federal corruption charges. Mamdani is running as the most progressive candidate in the crowded race so far and has already received the endorsement of the New York City Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Mamdani joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss his decision to run for mayor. The conversation also touched on his thoughts on the Adams administration, his role in helping taxi drivers, the war between Israel and Hamas and ways to improve the MTA through new technology.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

The Case Against Eric Adams and Company: A Virtual Panel Oct 24, 2024

The first indictment in modern history against a sitting New York City mayor has dominated local headlines. Where is the case headed? What will this mean for the administration’s ability to move forward with day-to-day operations? And what are the political implications if Mayor Eric Adams runs for reelection — or steps down? Vital City and the Columbia Journalism School hosted a virtual conversation featuring perspectives from law enforcement, journalism and government on the political and legal consequences of the allegations against Mayor Adams. The conversation was moderated by Errol Louis and included Stan Brezenoff; former First Deputy Mayor Carrie Cohen; former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District Tom Robbins; and investigative journalist and political strategist Basil Smikle.

Before that, Errol sits down with Spectrum News Chief National Political Reporter Josh Robin to discuss a brand new national special, “In Us We Trust: A Crisis of Confidence.”

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Allan Lichtman: Predicting the 2024 election using 13 metrics Oct 17, 2024

Since 1984, American historian and professor Allan Lichtman has correctly predicted nine of the last 10 presidential races. Lichtman, however, does not use polling data. Instead, he has developed a set of 13 metrics — or, as he calls them, keys.

Lichtman appeared on the podcast in February to discuss his elaborate forecasting system, and he promised he’d return after he announced his pick for president. Now, Lichtman joined Errol to discuss why he believes Kamala Harris will be victorious in November. The pair also discussed the possibility of an October surprise, how past predictions have made him unpopular, and why it is governing, not campaigning, that ultimately matters.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Ari Berman: Minority rule and the threat to democracy Oct 10, 2024

With less than 30 days until Election Day and early voting already underway in some states, how we hold elections — and whether the results will be honored — is on the minds of many Americans. Ari Berman is the national voting rights correspondent for Mother Jones magazine and the author of “Minority Rule: The Right-Wing Attack on the Will of the People—and the Fight to Resist It.”

Ari joined Errol to discuss his book, as well as the stakes of the upcoming election. They also talked about the influence of conservative firebrand Pat Buchanan on Donald Trump, how rural states hold disproportionate power in the U.S. Senate, and the ways in which Generation Z could affect future elections.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Will Eric Adams survive the indictment? Oct 03, 2024

This week, Mayor Eric Adams appeared in court, where federal prosecutors said they might bring additional charges against him and indict others. Adams has maintained he will fight the charges and continue doing his job effectively. Many others have called on him to resign.

The charges were brought by Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the southern district. NY1’s Errol Louis discussed Williams’ resume and how he became the first and only Black U.S. attorney in the 235-year-old history of the southern district. He also talked with Katie Honan of The City about what lies ahead for Adams and the city of New York.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Brian Derrick: Creating a one-stop-shop for political giving Sep 26, 2024

Oath is a tech platform that provides data-driven recommendations for Democratic donors to make campaign contributions based on their issue interests, geographic focus or other criteria to maximize their impact. The platform connects donors with candidates and ballot initiatives they never would have found otherwise.

Brian Derrick is a political strategist, activist and tech entrepreneur who is revolutionizing civic engagement as the CEO of Oath. He joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss why he created Oath and his hopes for the future of the organization. They also discussed Oath’s immediate goals for the upcoming election, the importance of downballot races and the disadvantages of the antiquated methods candidates currently used to raise money.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

The 50-year legacy of ‘The Power Broker’ Sep 18, 2024

In 1974, it would have seemed unlikely that a massive biography of a New York urban planner would become an essential volume in the library of almost every American politician and pundit.

But, if anything, Robert Caro’s exhaustive examination of the life and legacy of Robert Moses has become even more important and relevant as time passes. “The Power Broker” is often enthralling reading, and NY1’s Errol Louis tackles how it continues to captivate its readers, 50 years after its publication.

Through conversations with New York City journalists, historians and documentarians, Louis examines the book’s ongoing impact and relevance. The discussion delves into Caro’s meticulous research for the 1,200-page book while also reexamining Moses’ complex legacy. Documentary filmmaker Lizzie Gottlieb, historian Kenneth Jackson and New York Times reporter Dana Rubinstein, and Robert Caro himself (via exclusive NY1 archived interviews), provide a nuanced look at the influence of the book and its subject.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Larry Silverstein: The decades-long effort to rebuild the World Trade Center Sep 12, 2024

Since the Twin Towers fell, Lower Manhattan has gone through a tremendous overhaul. This week, NY1’s Errol Louis sat down with developer Larry Silverstein to talk about his long effort to rebuild the World Trade Center and the surrounding area.

The conversation took place in 7 World Trade Center, which was also destroyed on Sept. 11. It was the first building that was re-constructed by Silverstein, who had signed a 99-year lease for the World Trade Center Complex on July 24, 2001, just seven weeks before the terror attacks. He is detailing his experiences in a new memoir, titled, “THE RISING: The Twenty-Year Battle to Rebuild the World Trade Center.” They also discussed how he first got into the real estate business and how his wife’s insistence on visiting a dermatologist ultimately saved his life on Sept. 11.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Tragedy strikes at the West Indian American Day Parade Sep 05, 2024

One person was killed, and four others were injured after gunfire broke out at the West Indian American Day Parade in Brooklyn on Monday afternoon. Despite the NYPD’s efforts to increase security at one of the city’s largest parades, the shooting left both the NYPD and the mayor on the defensive.

This week, NY1’s Errol Louis was joined by L. Joy Williams, the president of the Brooklyn NAACP and Brian Saunders, the president of the Community Council at the NYPD’s 77th Precinct,where the shooting occurred. They both discussed what could be done to prevent future tragedies and the NYPD’s new strategies this year. Errol was also joined by NY1 political reporter Dan Rivoli, who covered the NYPD press conference about the shooting.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

The Mafia's iron grip on NYC in the ‘70s Aug 29, 2024

In the 1970s, the Mafia still had a powerful presence in New York City. Near the end of the decade, a series of events transpired that ushered in the downfall of the notorious five families that controlled the streets of New York. In 1979, Carmine Galante, a powerful boss in the Bonanno crime family, was killed while having lunch in an Italian restaurant in Bushwick. The murder would become a cornerstone in the Mafia Commission Trial, the case that forever hamstrung organized crime in the United States and ended the Mafia’s golden era.

A new true crime podcast series from the Law & Order franchise called “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” reveals how an unlikely team of young local police and prosecutors beat the odds in dismantling the Mafia’s grip on the city. Former Brooklyn homicide prosecutor Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi hosts the series, and she joined Errol Louis on this week's "You Decide" to discuss season 1. They also talked about the unique production style of the podcast, what topics future seasons may cover, and why the Mafia captured the minds of so many.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Curing our classrooms Aug 22, 2024

With hundreds of thousands of children already back to school across the country, there’s a renewed focus on making sure their classrooms aren’t health hazards. Lead pipes, substandard air filtration, lack of light and even bad acoustics have all proven to affect students, both academically and physically.

Spectrum News national health reporter Erin Billups visited two school districts working to create safe and healthy environments for their students in a new Spectrum News special, “Curing Our Classrooms.” She joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss why she decided to report on the “health” of school buildings, what she noticed when schools become modernized, the nearly impossible task of America raising the $85 billion it needs to fully renovate public schools, and why she’s still hopeful that things can change.

You can watch the full special here.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Lucy Lang: Limiting solitary confinement Aug 15, 2024

In 2021, New York state passed legislation aimed at limiting solitary confinement in prisons and jails. But a new report from state Inspector General Lucy Lang says that the state needs to modernize its record-keeping capabilities in order to comply with the law, known as the HALT Act.

Lang joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss the antiquated record-keeping systems — currently done by pen and paper — that have made it difficult to track the use of segregated confinement. They also talked about cracking down on cases of welfare fraud, as well as misconduct in the gaming industry.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat: Understanding autocracy Aug 08, 2024

The subject of autocracy is on the minds of many. We often hear about an existential threat to our democracy in the United States. But is fascism truly possible in America?

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a professor of history and Italian studies at New York University. She writes about fascism, authoritarianism, propaganda and democracy protection. Her most recent book, “Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present,” explores what modern authoritarian leaders have in common and how they can be stopped. She joined NY1’s Errol Louis before a live audience at Temple Emanuel of Great Neck, New York, to discuss the book, her thoughts on how dictators rise to power and what she feels are effective weapons against strongmen.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Who is Kamala Harris? Aug 01, 2024

Since Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race, Kamala Harris has been riding a Democratic wave, raising over $200 million in a week with 66% of the donations coming from first-time donors. Vote.org said there was a massive increase in voter registration, with people under 35 making up nearly 85% of the new voters registering. And at a recent Zoom call for Harris supporters, over 100,000 people attempted to log on, which broke Zoom. All of this is welcome news for Democrats, as are the memes, the coconut trees, the social media presence and the Beyonce soundtrack.

But who exactly is Kamala Harris?

Alex Cohen is a Spectrum News political anchor in southern California and has been covering Harris for decades, including Harris’ time as a state senator and as state attorney general of California. She joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss Harris’ momentum and her record.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

J. Smith-Cameron and Melissa Walker: The political struggle at the state level Jul 25, 2024

The States Project is an organization that believes state legislatures are the strongest force for change in the country. The Democratic-aligned group was founded by former New York state Sen. Daniel Squadron in 2017 and is focused on winning governing majorities by making state legislative campaigns more effective and better funded. The actor J. Smith-Cameron and author Melissa Walker are two members of the States Project team, and they say they’re starting to see the fruits of their grassroots efforts.

Smith-Cameron and Walker joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss the States Project’s goals for this election year. They also explained the power of state legislatures and how, unlike congressional races, they usually don’t require massive fundraising for victory. Smith-Cameron also talked about her role on the smash hit television show “Succession” and her many years as a New York stage actor.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Ten years after Eric Garner’s death: What has changed? Jul 18, 2024

This week marks the 10-year anniversary of the death of Eric Garner, a man who was placed in an illegal chokehold by police who were arresting him for selling cigarettes illegally on a Staten Island street. Garner’s dying words to police, “I can’t breathe,” became a rallying cry for protesters who were outraged at the police brutality.

Debi Rose was a former Staten Island councilwoman whose district included the block where Garner was killed. Reverend Kirsten Foy is an activist who was a major organizer around the Garner case. They both joined NY1’s Errol Louis to tell the story of Garner’s killing and the many attempts by his family to fight for justice. They also discussed what, if anything, has changed in the ensuing decade.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Summertime blues: What’s next for NYC? Jul 11, 2024

When it comes to local politics, it’s already been a sticky summer. From congestion pricing being put on hold to the 2025 mayoral race already heating up, there’s been plenty of major news in New York City beyond the fight for the White House.

This week, NY1’s Errol Louis was joined by two journalists who cover City Hall: Katie Honan from the news outlet The City and Jeff Mays from The New York Times. They examine the events of early summer, as well as looking at the mayor’s complicated relationship with the media and why Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to cancel congestion pricing could backfire politically.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Jacob Kornbluh: A political awakening in the Jewish community Jul 03, 2024

The Jewish community in New York was devastated by the surprise attacks that took place in Israel on Oct. 7. With over 1.3 million Jewish residents, New York City has the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. As the Israel-Hamas war continues, the rise in hate crimes and antisemitism has had a profound impact on the community. The fallout from the conflict in Gaza has also played a part in key congressional battles and the race for president.

Jacob Kornbluh is the senior political reporter at The Forward. He joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss how Jewish New Yorkers have become re-engaged in politics, what’s next for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the pro-Palestinian campus protests and why two-term incumbent Jamaal Bowman lost to George Latimer in a congressional primary last month.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Bruce Ratner: Stopping cancer when it’s still curable Jun 27, 2024

Early detection of cancer remains the single-best way to combat a disease that is the second-leading killer in the world. But many of the resources in the fight against cancer are devoted to relatively ineffective late-stage treatments. Bruce Ratner, known by many New Yorkers for his real estate projects, is entering the cancer battlefield, co-authoring a book that’s calling for a new approach to combating the disease.

Ratner, who sits on the board of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, is making a push for better cancer screening. He joined NY1’s Errol Louis in front of a live audience at the Center for Brooklyn History to discuss his book, “Early Detection: Catching Cancer When It’s Curable,” and how the death of his brother from metastatic cancer brought him to write it. They also talked about the importance of early screenings and expanding access to cancer screenings in poor communities.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Karen DeWitt: Reflecting on a decades-long career covering New York politics Jun 20, 2024

Karen DeWitt has been covering the statehouse since 1986. She joined the press corps at a time when very few women were in the industry, and quickly became a trusted voice on New York public radio, covering multiple governors, budgets, scandals, a pandemic and more. Recently, she announced that she’d be retiring and stepping down from her role as Capitol Bureau chief for the New York Public News Network.

Dewitt joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss her long and storied career in journalism. They also touched on the many campaigns she has covered, if her retirement is indeed final, how she longed to see one presidential campaign without having to report on it and how Mario Cuomo influenced her to quit while she’s ahead.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Marisa Holmes: Demonstrating history Jun 13, 2024

Protesting is American as apple pie; it’s right there in the First Amendment. Regardless of what side of the aisle they are on, many Americans at some point in their lives have taken to the streets. Most recently, pro-Palestinian student protesters set up encampments at colleges across the country in a bid to get their universities to divest from companies with ties to Israel.

One person who knows a great deal about demonstrations and encampments is Marisa Holmes. Holmes is an author, organizer and professor at Rutgers University and Fordham University and was one of the core organizers of the Occupy Wall Street movement. She joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss the history of protests globally, the pro-Palestinian occupations, why she thinks traditional demands no longer work, and how these movements can exercise autonomy.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Jackie Bray: Preventing a storm of mass shootings Jun 06, 2024

Two years after a racially motivated mass shooting killed 10 Black people at a supermarket in Buffalo, Errol spoke with Jackie Bray, the first female commissioner of the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Bray joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss a new task force that was created to prevent mass shootings by leveraging public health tools and targeting the hate and radicalization of perpetrators. They also discussed the impact propaganda has in driving people toward dangerous ideologies, her early days in public service, and her concerns over this year’s hurricane season.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Michael Waldman: 6 to 3 - How the Supreme Court is dividing America May 30, 2024

From overturning the constitutional right to abortion to loosening long-standing gun laws, the Supreme Court ended one of its most historic and tumultuous terms in 2022. Breaking it all down is legal scholar Michael Waldman, author of “The Supermajority: How the Supreme Court Divided America.”

Waldman recently joined NY1’s Errol Louis at Temple Emanuel of Great Neck to discuss his book and the high court’s current term. They also talked about how the Supreme Court plays an extraordinary and unusual role in the lives of millions of Americans.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

‘Gridlock’ Sam Schwartz: 50 years in the making, congestion pricing is fast approaching May 23, 2024

More than 50 years ago, an early form of congestion pricing almost came to New York City when Mayor John Lindsay attempted to charge drivers for crossing the East River bridges into Manhattan. While Lindsay’s push died in court, one of his chief planners, Sam Schwartz, has been stuck in city traffic ever since.

“Gridlock Sam” is a former New York City traffic commissioner who has studied driving behavior almost his entire adult life. With the June 30 launch of congestion pricing fast approaching, Schwartz joined NY1’s Errol Louis to talk about the complicated history of traffic in New York City. They also discussed the origins of the term gridlock, support for bike lanes, recent safety issues plaguing McGuinness Boulevard in Brooklyn and the future of apps like Waze.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Live from N.Y.: The life, legacy and near-presidential candidacy of Mario Cuomo May 16, 2024

Building on the success of NY1’s documentary about the career of Mario Cuomo, NY1 and Hunter College’s Roosevelt House held an in-depth discussion about the former governor that was moderated by Errol Louis. Errol’s panelists were Mary Ann Crotty, Cuomo’s former director of state operations; Harold Holzer, a former top aide to Cuomo who now serves as Roosevelt House’s director; and renowned journalist Denis Hamill.

The special live taping of the panel on May 14 was held at Roosevelt House — Hunter College’s Public Policy Institute and the former Manhattan home of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Dan Barry: The genius of Jimmy Breslin May 09, 2024

Few people have had more of an impact on modern journalism than Jimmy Breslin. Breslin was a Pulitzer Prize Award-winning New York journalist and author who rose to fame in the 1960s, with columns that attracted millions of readers. Breslin displayed an unrivaled mastery at deadline journalism, whether he was covering John Lennon’s murder, the assassination of Malcolm X or the man who dug John F. Kennedy’s grave. His influential style has resonated long after his six-decade career came to an end and continues to this day.

One person who was influenced by Breslin’s writing is New York Times columnist Dan Barry. Barry is the editor of a brand new anthology of Breslin’s best work, titled “Jimmy Breslin: Essential Works.” Barry joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss their shared love of Breslin’s columns, as well as how he changed journalism. They also discussed the way he wrote about the people who rarely made the headlines. Finally, they touched on the current state of the New York Times, where he continues to work.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Norman Siegel: A lifetime of protecting the First Amendment May 02, 2024

Norman Siegel has been a civil right and civil liberties lawyer in New York City for over 50 years, spending a significant portion of his career defending free speech, often to his own detriment. The pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and colleges across the country have highlighted the topic of free speech. Siegel joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss how the protests resemble demonstrations from the past. He explained that it is time that people began to understand the First Amendment properly.

Siegel also reflected on his storied legal career, including his tenure at the New York Civil Liberties Union and how he helped create the Civilian Complaint Review Board. Finally, they talked about how he advocates for families who lost loved ones on Sept. 11.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Zephyr Teachout: Protecting kids from online danger Apr 25, 2024

An increase in teen depression and mental health disorders over the last decade has largely been attributed to the widespread adoption of the smartphone by adolescents. Parents are obsessively worrying about screen time and the effects it could have on their children.

One such parent is Zephyr Teachout, attorney, author, political candidate and associate professor of law at Fordham University. Teachout joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss the dangerous and addictive content teens are being fed by social media platforms. They also talked about the government’s role in regulation, the status of the TikTok ban and how the algorithm preys on children’s weaknesses.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Basil Seggos: New York’s environmental defender is stepping down Apr 18, 2024

For more than eight years, Basil Seggos had led the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, trying to help New York in its transition away from fossil fuels. Now leaving office, Seggos joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss New York’s pivotal 2019 climate law and his own tenure with two different governors. They also spoke about Seggos’ dramatic first day in office and his top priority for his successor.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Harry Siegel: A column on subway crime sparks an online attack by the NYPD Apr 11, 2024

After criticizing police strategy aimed at combatting subway crime, New York Daily News columnist Harry Siegel found himself under attack online by the NYPD. The mayor later defended police brass for going after Siegel and the police commanders doubled down on their harsh words in several interviews, including one with NY1.

Siegel joined NY1's Errol Louis for a candid discussion about the exchanges that have taken place since the op-ed appeared, as well as his intentions behind writing the piece. They also touched on the complicated relationships the press can have with the NYPD and Siegel’s role as senior editor of the news outlet "The City."

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Chris Norwood: A new combat mission against diabetes Apr 04, 2024

With diabetes continuing to disproportionately affect the poor and people of color, the Bronx nonprofit agency Health People is launching a new campaign against the disease. Chris Norwood, the group’s founder and executive director, joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss their new education effort about diabetes as well as what she hopes to get out of the upcoming state budget. They also talked about some concerns over weight-loss drugs like Ozempic that are being used in the diabetes battle.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Eric Klinenberg: Following seven lives in ‘the year that changed everything’ Mar 28, 2024

Trying to make sense of one of the most pivotal years in American history, scholar Eric Klinenberg decided to focus on 2020 by using seven New Yorkers as his lens.

With social unrest, economic turbulence and a presidential election as his backdrop, Klinenberg tells a story that is still far from finished in his new book, “2020: One City, Seven People, and the Year Everything Changed.”

Klinenberg joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss these seven stories and why he thought his approach was the best way to tackle 2020. They also discussed whether New York is any better equipped to handle another pandemic.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Cannabis at the crossroads — A live discussion Mar 21, 2024

Recently, NY1’s Errol Louis moderated a panel discussion, hosted by Vital City and the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, on New York’s rocky rollout of legalized cannabis — examining what policies and practices are needed to create a viable market moving forward.

Louis was joined for the discussion by Rosalind Adams, a reporter at The City, Dr. Yasmin Hurd, Ward-Coleman chair of Translational Neuroscience and the director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai, and Alfredo Angueira, chief compliance officer and founding partner of CONBUD, the first legal cannabis dispensary run and operated by formerly incarcerated individuals.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Elizabeth Holtzman: A pioneer looks back and ahead to our political future Mar 14, 2024

Few women have had a bigger impact on New York City politics than Elizabeth Holtzman. A Brooklyn native, Holtzman embarked on a political career over 50 years ago. She was an aide to Mayor John Lindsay in the late 60s and then became the youngest woman at the time ever elected to Congress at 31 years old. She was also the Brooklyn district attorney and the New York City comptroller — the only woman ever to hold either of those positions.

Holtzman joined NY1’s Errol Louis for a look back at her many years in politics. They discussed her role in the Nixon impeachment investigation while serving on the House Judiciary Committee in 1974. They also touched on her long relationship with President Joe Biden, her thoughts on Republican candidate Donald Trump, and the many accomplishments of women in politics since she started. Finally, she explained what made her initially enter public service and why it still matters to her.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Tricia Romano: How the Village Voice revolutionized journalism Mar 07, 2024

The Village Voice is widely considered being America’s first alt weekly newspaper. Started in 1955 by a small group of writers and editors that included Norman Mailer, the radical paper changed journalism. For six decades, the Voice covered politics, news and culture with a blend of energy and brashness, creating a style that inspired other writers and spawned weeklies across the country.

Tricia Romano was a nightlife columnist at the Voice and has written a critically acclaimed new book, “The Freaks Came Out to Write: The Definitive History of the Village Voice, the Radical Paper That Changed American Culture.” The oral history, drawing from over 200 interviews, is a colorful account of America’s most iconic weekly newspaper told through the voices of its legendary writers, editors and photographers. Romano joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss the book and why she felt compelled to write it after attending a reunion for the paper in 2017. They also touched on some memorable stories from the Village Voice’s 60-year tenure.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Terry Golway: Was La Guardia our greatest mayor? Feb 29, 2024

Fighting for the rights of immigrants and the impoverished during the Great Depression, Fiorello La Guardia was considered “America’s mayor” by millions of New Yorkers during his 12 years in office. In a new book about La Guardia, journalist and historian Terry Golway looks at the many political lessons to be learned from the former mayor’s leadership — and how they can be applied today.

Golway joined NY1’s Errol Louis to talk about La Guardia’s legacy and discussed his post-mayoral life, the funny story of how an airport opened in his name and how La Guardia would be perceived in today’s political climate.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Michael Beschloss: What’s at stake in 2024? Feb 22, 2024

There are a little over nine months until the 60th presidential election in November. As the primaries wrap up, it remains clear that it will be a rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Michael Beschloss is an American historian specializing in the United States presidency and is the author of nine books on the topic. He joined NY1's Errol Louis for an interview hosted by Temple Emanuel in Great Neck. They discussed what we can expect from the candidates over the next nine months as the race heats up. They also touched on Trump’s recent remarks regarding NATO, the current dialogue around the age of both candidates and the difficulties in how the media will go about covering the election. They also took questions from members of the congregation.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Dr. Uché Blackstock: Tackling racism in our health care system Feb 15, 2024

Racism often ensures that Black Americans get worse results than other groups when they visit the doctor or an emergency room. It not only affects patients: only 2% of physicians in the U.S. are Black women. Dr. Uché Blackstock is trying to level the playing field. A New York-based physician, Blackstock is the author of “Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism In Medicine,” which addresses the deep inequities in the American health care system.

Dr. Blackstock joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss her efforts as well as her childhood in Crown Heights as the daughter of a physician, and the potential ramifications of shuttering the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Allan Lichtman: The best forecaster of presidential elections for 40 years Feb 08, 2024

With the presidential race already underway, NY1’s Errol Louis decided to have a candid conversation with Allan Lichtman, an acclaimed historian who has devised a successful system that has — with one exception — correctly predicted the winner of the last ten presidential elections.

Lichtman discussed his 13-point checklist for presidential campaigns and where we currently stand in the race.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Scott Stringer: Is New York City ready for his second act? Feb 01, 2024

Scott Stringer spent three decades in New York politics before badly losing in the Democratic primary for mayor in 2021. But a few weeks ago, with Mayor Eric Adams facing low poll numbers, the former city comptroller announced he was exploring another run for mayor.

Stringer joined NY1’s Errol Louis for a candid conversation about sexual harassment allegations he faced in 2021 that badly damaged his campaign. They also talked about his upbringing in the world of politics and why he believes he could do a better job than Adams. Finally, they discussed the Adams administration’s struggles with housing, cuts to the city’s pre-K and 3-K programs, and the migrant crisis.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

State of the City: Mayor Adams' big midterm exam Jan 25, 2024

Halfway through his term in office, Mayor Eric Adams delivered his annual State of the City address, detailing proposals covering everything from the ongoing migrant crisis to public safety to housing and the economy. He also said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan has declared social media a public health threat.

Joining NY1’s Errol Louis to talk about where things stand in the Adams administration is Nicole Gelinas, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a contributing editor of City Journal, and a columnist at the New York Post. Additionally, they discuss the details of the city’s emergency hotel contracts to shelter migrant families.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Cea Weaver: Are we closer to fixing N.Y.’s housing problem? Jan 18, 2024

A year after Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers failed to reach a deal on a housing plan, they’re back at work in the State Capitol with the governor making a more modest proposal to build affordable homes across the state.

One person who’s fighting every day to end the crisis is Cea Weaver, who co-founded the Housing Justice for All coalition. Weaver joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss the governor’s plans and what may make this year different from the last. They also talked about what’s known as “Good Cause Eviction,” pathways to social housing and the upside to reviving state-subsidized housing programs.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Key takeaways from Gov. Hochul’s policy agenda Jan 11, 2024

This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her third State of the State address, focusing on housing proposals and plans to make the state a safer and more affordable place to live by addressing mental health care — especially in young New Yorkers. Her agenda is much more scaled back than in previous years, as the state faces a $4 billion budget gap and state lawmakers seek reelection.

NY1’s Errol Louis was joined by Nick Reisman, state politics reporter of Politico New York, and Ian Pickus, WAMC radio news director, for a detailed look at the address. They analyzed the governor’s focus on crime and public safety, and the notable decision to exclude the migrant crisis from her speech. They also talked about how lawmakers will react to her priorities and how previous administrations have failed to tackle issues like artificial intelligence. And, they discussed Hochul’s other initiatives, such as an investment in swimming lessons and improving access to pools.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

'You Decide': The year review of 2023 Jan 04, 2024

This week, in addition to celebrating its five-year anniversary, NY1’s “You Decide” is taking a quick look back at 2023 with an eye on 2024. Errol Louis selected some of his favorite episodes of the podcast from the past 12 months, and discussed why he found each conversation so memorable and relevant to the year ahead. He revisited his interviews with various authors, politicians, activists, the mayor of New York City and many others to see what the future may hold in a year that promises to be even more eventful.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Bradley Tusk: Flying cars and mobile voting Dec 28, 2023

Bradley Tusk is no stranger to politics. He was Sen. Chuck Schumer’s communications director and former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s campaign manager. He was also a political consultant for Uber. All of this experience finds its way into his debut novel “Obvious in Hindsight,” a behind-the-scenes look at a campaign to legalize flying cars in New York City, Los Angeles and Austin, told from the perspectives of a vivid cast of characters — political operatives, venture capitalists, startup founders, TV hosts, union bosses, FBI agents, Russian mobsters — pushing for the campaign’s success and plotting its downfall.

Tusk joined Errol Louis to discuss his new book and how its origins lie in a TV series that got derailed by the pandemic and, funny enough, how it contains a fictionalized version of Errol’s nightly show, “Inside City Hall.” The conversation also touches on the pros and cons of mobile voting, as well as venture capitalism, regulatory issues and autonomous vehicles.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Mario Cuomo: The Last Liberal Part 3 - Hard Times Dec 21, 2023

In late 1991, some Democrats were hopeful that Mario Cuomo would finally agree to run for president. When he didn’t, President-elect Bill Clinton then wanted to appoint him to the Supreme Court. He cast aside these opportunities, and instead lost a bid for a fourth term as governor.

Why didn’t Cuomo run for president? Why didn’t he accept Clinton’s appointment? And how did he lose to a relatively unknown freshman state senator named George Pataki? Episode 3 of “Mario Cuomo: The Last Liberal” attempts to answer the questions that have captured the minds of many New Yorkers for decades, while examining Cuomo’s legacy and looking at his life after politics.

Mario Cuomo: The Last Liberal Part 2 - Great Expectations Dec 14, 2023

Forty years ago, Mario Cuomo began his three-term tenure as governor. He inherited a state that was in the midst of a fiscal crisis and a crime problem. With the help of his top aide, Michael Del Giudice, Cuomo began to tackle the budget and try to get the state in order.

To complicate matters, in 1984, Cuomo gave the keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention that thrust him into the national spotlight and led to pressure from Democrats for him to pursue the presidential nomination in future elections.

From the perspective of his key advisers and the reporters that covered him, we’ll hear how Cuomo managed to juggle governing and external pressures while keeping his ideals intact, and we’ll learn how the decisions he struggled to make have had a lasting effect on both the state and the country.

Mario Cuomo: The Last Liberal Part 1 - Rising up the political ranks Dec 07, 2023

2023 marks 40 years since Mario Cuomo was sworn in as governor of New York for the first time.

Cuomo was one of the most unlikely politicians the state had seen in a long time. The child of illiterate working-class immigrants who owned a grocery store in South Jamaica, Cuomo was a public-school genius who found himself graduating at the top of his class at St. John’s Law School. After taking a few pro-bono cases representing homeowners in Queens, Cuomo found himself encouraged to enter politics by legendary journalists Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill, as well as NYC Mayor John Lindsay. What followed was a wild rise up the ranks, one that included a highly publicized run for mayor, as well as turns as lieutenant governor and New York secretary of state before finally being elected governor.

From the perspective of his advisers and the reporters that covered him – some of them speaking about their experiences with Cuomo for the first time – we'll find out how Cuomo managed to become a major political figure in the Democratic Party despite having a background that differed from most elected officials.

See more on our Mario Cuomo series at ny1.com/mariocuomo.

Introducing…Mario Cuomo: The Last Liberal - A Special Three-Part Series (Trailer) Dec 04, 2023

With Ronald Reagan and the GOP dominating America’s political landscape in the 1980s, Democrats were largely dispirited and looking for someone to push back against a new wave of conservatism. Improbably, Mario Cuomo, the son of a grocer from Queens, became one of their heroes.

Serving as governor of New York for 12 years, Cuomo was one of the chief standard-bearers of liberalism at a time when the political pendulum was swinging to the right. Even as many New Yorkers were increasingly worried about crime, Cuomo strongly resisted any calls for the death penalty, saying it made no sense morally or pragmatically. Filled with passion, Cuomo’s address on abortion rights and his keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention in 1984 are still studied today by students of the political craft and by those trying to explain the DNA of the Democratic Party.

Cuomo was well-positioned to take his positions and ambitions nationally and launch a presidential campaign in 1992. Why Cuomo never pulled the trigger is one of the great mysteries of New York politics.

Told from the perspective of his key advisors and the reporters that covered him, this special three-part podcast with NY1’s Errol Louis traces the rise of Mario Cuomo, measures his impact on New York and America, and tries to solve the riddle of why Cuomo didn’t run for president.

GivingTuesday: Nudging the world in the right direction Nov 30, 2023

As we enter the holiday season, we celebrate GivingTuesday, where nonprofit groups hope to inspire people’s generosity. NY1’s Errol Louis is dedicating an episode of “You Decide” to 10 of his favorite charities in New York City.

The conversation also includes a quick look back at the past year of “You Decide,“ as well as at an exciting new podcast series that will drop in the weeks to come.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Naomi Klein: Doppelgänger politics and the 'other Naomi' Nov 22, 2023

“Doppelgänger: A Trip Into the Mirror World” is the most recent book by social activist Naomi Klein. The book has an unlikely premise: Klein has often been confused with author Naomi Wolf. Klein uses this confusion to tell her most personal story yet, but along the way writes of the online paranoia that rose through the pandemic. The “other Naomi” is a rabid anti-vaxxer and conspiracy theorist and, in many ways, Klein’s polar opposite.

Klein joined NY1’s Errol Louis to talk about her new book and the allure of the world of conspiracy theories after tragic events occur. They also discussed the public’s fascination with cloning, doppelgänger literature, and the monetization of conspiracy theories. Finally, the conversation touched on the diverging paths she and Wolf took, the Israel-Hamas war and the dangers of using words like “fringe” to describe the far right.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Joe Sexton: A Brooklyn reporter uncovers a tragedy in Nebraska Nov 16, 2023

Veteran journalist Joe Sexton spent over two decades at the New York Times, where he was both Metro Editor and Sports Editor. Following a lengthy stay at ProPublica, the Brooklyn native started writing a magazine story about two tragic deaths in Omaha stemming from the 2020 George Floyd protests. The magazine piece turned into a book, and this year, the critically acclaimed account, “The Lost Sons of Omaha: Two Young Men in an American Tragedy,” was published.

Sexton joined NY1’s Errol Louis for a discussion in front of a live audience at the Center for Brooklyn History. They talked about their careers in journalism, including their early days together at the City Sun, and what drove Sexton to write a book about the deaths. They also weighed in on the death of local newspapers, how social media can both positively and negatively affect how a story gets told, and how “the good old days” weren’t always so good.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Melissa DeRosa: Former top Cuomo aide tries to flip the script Nov 09, 2023

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Melissa DeRosa became a familiar face as she sat by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s side during his popular daily briefings. As his top aide, she also stood by him amid a barrage of sexual harassment allegations, which led to Cuomo’s resignation in August 2021. Two years later, DeRosa returns with a memoir called “What’s Left Unsaid: My Life at the Center of Power, Politics & Crisis.”

She joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss her book and the many allegations Cuomo faced. They also discussed the status of the #MeToo movement, as well as her thoughts on Gov. Kathy Hochul. Finally, they talked about some of the decisions the administration made as New York City faced an unprecedented pandemic in March 2020.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

JoAnne Page: Rebuilding lives of those who were behind bars Nov 02, 2023

About 600,000 people are released from prison every year but finding support for them to reintegrate into society is a challenge. While the United States spends billions of dollars on incarceration, funding for reentry services remains limited. JoAnne Page is trying to change those numbers. As president and CEO of the Fortune Society, Page has fought to support successful reentry as well as promote alternatives to incarceration, strengthening the fabric of our communities. After 34 years at her job, Page recently announced she’s stepping down at the end of this year.

Page joined Errol to discuss her career at the Fortune Society, taking about the Society’s origins, how she found her life’s calling at 18 and what her plans are for the future. They also talked about the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, the limited prospects for people when they are released from prison and how we may be entering a new era of mass incarceration.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Justin Brannan and Ari Kagan face off in a lively District 47 debate Oct 26, 2023

This week, Democrat Justin Brannan and Republican Ari Kagan, who are running for a City Council seat in Brooklyn, squared off in a debate that took place during an episode of "Inside City Hall." Brannan and Kagan currently represent adjoining districts but are competing for the newly redrawn District 47, which runs from Bay Ridge to Coney Island. With early voting beginning this Saturday, Oct. 28, and Election Day just around the corner, host Errol Louis was joined by the publisher and editor of Bklyner, Liena Zagare, to talk about the unique race between incumbents, and the twists and turns that have occurred along the way. They also discussed the highlights of the debate, and shared their opinions on who fared better overall. The debate can be heard in its entirety in the episode.

Adam Nagourney: The big story behind The New York Times Oct 19, 2023

While The New York Times is riding a remarkable wave of journalistic success, it’s sometimes been a bumpy ride for the most-heralded and most-read newspaper in the United States. The long and storied history of the newspaper is detailed in Adam Nagourney’s new book, “The Times: How the Newspaper of Record Survived Scandal, Scorn, and the Transformation of Journalism.” The book looks at the last four tumultuous decades of the newspaper’s history, including its coverage of the Sept. 11 attacks and its ousting of two high-profile executive editors.

Nagourney, who covers national politics for The Times, joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss how he went about writing the book and how the digital revolution became one of its key themes. They also touched on Nagourney’s history of covering the gay rights movement, the importance of mentorships in the newsroom, and how covering New York City is sometimes not a priority for the paper.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

A week of tragedy and chaos Oct 12, 2023

Last week, a horrific surprise attack on Israeli civilians by the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas has now grown into a full-blown war. The conflict has gripped the United States, provoking intense and varied reactions from political leaders across the country. President Joe Biden has condemned the attacks, saying the United States stands firmly behind Israel. This comes after the White House saw a different kind of chaos when House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted by his own party in an unprecedented, historic event.

Errol Louis was joined this week by Spectrum colleagues from different cities to obtain a more national perspective on all the big news. His guests were North Carolina political anchor Tim Boyum, who is the host of “Capital Tonight” and the “Tying it Together” podcast, and from Los Angeles political anchor Alex Cohen, who is the host “Inside the Issues.” The trio also weighed in on Donald Trump’s commanding lead in the GOP primary race, the potential effects of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to run as an independent in the presidential race, and the United Auto Workers strike.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Félix V. Matos Rodríguez: The future of the City University of New York Oct 05, 2023

As it did in universities and colleges across the country, enrollment at CUNY campuses dropped significantly due to the pandemic. For the first time in three years, the public university system has seen an uptick in enrollment. Félix V. Matos Rodríguez joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss the state of the university and a new initiative aimed towards public high school seniors in the five boroughs.

They also weighed in on the dangers of political interference in classrooms in states such as Florida, Texas and North Carolina.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Luis Miranda and Melissa Mark-Viverito: Trying to amplify the Latino voice Sep 28, 2023

Even though the Latino population in New York is at record levels, there are no citywide Latino officials. A new survey of Latino voters in New York finds that Latinos themselves have a hard time naming an influential Latino leader in New York, with just under 15% naming Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Latino voters are also split in their opinion of the Democratic Party — with 40% saying that the state government does not represent or incorporate the Latino perspective.

Luis Miranda, founder of the Hamilton Campaign Network, and Melissa Mark-Viverito, president of the network and former City Council speaker, joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss the poll they commissioned and the role of Latinos in New York politics. They also talked about how the migrant crisis needs a leading voice from the Latino community, and how some asylum seekers have encountered acts of violence and hostility upon arriving in New York.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Kirsten Gillibrand: Laying out agenda ahead of a re-election bid Sep 21, 2023

With a re-election campaign looming next year, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand joined NY1’s Errol Louis to talk about the issues she’s focusing on during a tumultuous political season, including her thoughts on the state’s migrant crisis.

A senator since 2009, Gillibrand also discussed her recent 62-county, statewide tour and her concerns about a potential government shutdown.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Luis Gomez Alfaro: Attorney goes to court for migrants Sep 14, 2023

As the migrant crisis continues, New York City has faced multiple challenges helping feed and house those staying in the five boroughs. Around 113,000 asylum seekers have entered the country since the spring of 2022, and last week, Mayor Eric Adams said the crisis would “destroy” the city. It appears now that some federal help is on the way, as the legal battle continues over the city’s right-to-shelter laws. And at the same time, there has been misinformation over the legal status of arriving migrants.

Luis Gomez Alfaro is an attorney in New York and New Jersey, with extensive experience in immigration law. He has advocated for clients in various immigration courts across the country. Luis joined Errol to discuss the crisis from a legal perspective. Their conversation touched on the process of migrants applying for asylum, the complexities of immigration, and what Adams and the White House could do to speed up the process of obtaining work authorization.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Taylor Lorenz is extremely online Sep 07, 2023

The nearly constant shifts in our relationship with the internet have permanently altered our lives and they show no signs of slowing down. In her new book, “Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet,” Taylor Lorenz, a technology columnist at the Washington Post, documents these shifts and the rise of social media. The book chronicles what Lorenz calls the “history of the social internet.”

Lorenz joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss her book, as well as her career in tech journalism. They also discussed how “mommy blogging” was the true beginning of content creation and pioneering revenue streams; the significance of going viral; the downfall of Vine; the role of Netflix in the writers’ strike; and how former President Donald Trump’s social media campaign could fare in his third election cycle. They also touched on Lorenz’s struggles with long COVID and how she uses her platform to strengthen communication around the virus.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Curtis Sliwa: Pushing back against a wave of migrants Aug 31, 2023

As migrants seeking asylum continue to come to New York City in droves, some residents are fighting efforts by the city to place the newcomers in their neighborhoods.

One of the protest leaders, former mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss his fight against the policies of the Adams administration. Their discussion focused on the migrant influx and how Sliwa has been arrested three times in the last two weeks. Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels, explained why he thinks many asylum seekers are “jumping the line,” and why he thinks they should be housed at Rikers Island.

They also touched on Sliwa’s long career in radio, his role as an animal-rights activist and tips on how to be a successful organizer.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Leon Neyfakh: Telling the story of a subway vigilante Aug 24, 2023

In 1984, a subway straphanger named Bernhard Goetz shot four Black teenagers who he said were trying to mug him. The case soon drew national attention — with Goetz being celebrated as a hero by some New Yorkers, even after he was charged with attempted murder. The city was reminded of the Goetz case this past May after 30-year-old Jordan Neely was placed in a fatal chokehold by a man who said he was defending his fellow subway passengers.

Noted podcast host and producer Leon Neyfakh was in the middle of producing a six-part audio documentary on Goetz called “Vigilante” when the Neely news broke. He joined NY1’s Errol Louis for a look at the Goetz story and how he thinks the killing of Neely indicates how little has changed in four decades. They also discussed how he began his podcast career, why he created the hit podcast “Slow Burn” for Slate, and his thoughts around his latest project “FIASCO.”

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Antonio Delgado: A rapping lieutenant governor talks hip-hop at 50 Aug 17, 2023

With the music world celebrating hip-hop’s 50th birthday, New York Lt. Gov Antonio Delgado joined NY1’s Errol Louis to talk about hip-hop, including his pursuit of a recording career as “AD the Voice,” which preceded his venture into politics. They also touched on the migrant crisis and the statewide reach of anti-hate task forces.

After that, NY1 criminal justice reporter Dean Meminger shared his thoughts on the anniversary of hip-hop from outside a celebration and concert at Yankee Stadium. Their conversation included Dean’s memories of growing up in New York and hearing the music for the first time.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Barbara Butcher: The life of a New York City death investigator Aug 10, 2023

In the early 1990s, Barbara Butcher was hired as a death investigator at the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Manhattan.

She would be the second woman ever to hold the position, and she held the role for more than two decades. During that time, she investigated more than 55,000 death scenes — 680 of which were homicides. She was also part of the team that identified victims of the September 11th terror attacks.

Butcher joined Errol to share her accounts of investigating everything from accidental deaths to gruesome murders. Her memoir, titled “What the Dead Know: Learning About Life as a New York City Death Investigator,” was recently published by Simon & Schuster. She discussed her experiences with Errol, including the life events that led her to choose her career and the incredible toll of the job.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Jumaane Williams: Advocating for migrants in New York Aug 03, 2023

The migrant crisis has been at the center of almost every political discussion in New York City for over a year. As the wave of new arrivals shows no signs of slowing down, Mayor Eric Adams says the city needs federal help because its resources are stretched beyond their limits. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams recently took a trip to the White House hoping to obtain assistance. He joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss his meeting and what he hopes will happen in the future.

They also touched on Adams’ recent clash with the City Council over housing vouchers, his views on congestion pricing and what to do about the problems that continue to plague Rikers Island.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

How do Latinos vote? Jul 27, 2023

The myth of a monolithic Latino vote has been shattered in recent national and local elections. With a wave of new migrants coming to America from many Spanish-speaking countries, voting patterns are shifting in a community that is complicated and diverse. Recent analysis of the 2022 midterm elections found that first-time Latino voter growth was driven by younger voters, especially in Arizona, Nevada and Florida. What will this all mean for elections in 2024?

On this week’s episode, NY1’s Errol Louis was joined by several experts for a discussion about the upswing in the power of the Latino electorate. First, he talked with Arturo Vargas of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. Then, Louis sat down with two of his colleagues: Karina Kling, host of “Capital Tonight” in Texas, and Alex Cohen, political anchor at Spectrum News 1 in Southern California and the host of “Inside the Issues.” Both discussed how their states have been affected by recent demographic changes. And finally, Eli Valentin, an authority on Latino politics in New York, stopped by to talk about the issues that drive Latino voters to the polls.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Twenty years ago, an assassination shook City Hall Jul 20, 2023

In 2003, something almost unthinkable happened at City Hall when Brooklyn Councilman James Davis was killed by an assassin in the chambers of the City Council.

The shooting sent shockwaves across the city, with New Yorkers stunned that a murder could occur in the building, which is heavily guarded by police.

To reflect on Davis’ legacy on this week’s podcast, NY1's Errol Louis is joined by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Davis’ brother Geoffrey and three people who were inside City Hall on that fateful afternoon: state Sen. James Sanders (who was then a city councilman), Democratic consultant Lupe Todd-Medina and former NY1 political reporter Michael Scotto. They also discuss Davis’ impact on Brooklyn politics and what his future might have been.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Ben Smith: The importance of going viral Jul 13, 2023

One could claim, without hyperbole, that Ben Smith helped invent modern digital media.

Smith, the co-founder of Semafor News, is a former New York Times media columnist and the founding editor-in-chief of BuzzFeed News. He is also the author of “Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral,” which chronicles both BuzzFeed’s rise to fame and Nick Denton, the controversial mastermind behind Gawker. Along the way, Smith tells other tales of the many key players involved in New York City’s Silicon Alley.

Smith joined NY1’s Errol Louis for a lengthy discussion about his book, and his years at BuzzFeed. They also talked about his blog years, the ability to make things go viral, his thoughts on Thread and how he and his colleagues may have misjudged human nature. They also weighed in on the role social media will play in the 2024 presidential election. And they touched on how so many major players in the right-wing media movement came from the same offices and companies that Smith did.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Melissa Walker: From children’s books to state legislative campaigns Jul 06, 2023

The author of ten novels for young adults and children, Melissa Walker, got involved in politics in 2016 as a leader at The States Project, a left-leaning political group focusing on state legislative races. Last year, The States Project spent nearly $60 million in races in five states with some key wins. In her role, Walker gathers people to share stories about how they can pool their resources and change the balance of power in state legislatures. She joined NY1’s Errol Louis for a discussion about how she suddenly found herself getting involved in politics, the success of The States Project, and why state legislative campaigns matter but are often overlooked.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Analyzing primary shockers in Harlem and Brooklyn Jun 29, 2023

Primary Day in New York City had two big surprises. Yusef Salaam of the “Exonerated Five” is poised to win a City Council primary in Harlem and longtime Brooklyn City Councilman Charles Barron is badly trailing challenger Chris Banks.

Brigid Bergin, the senior politics reporter at WNYC, and Emily Ngo, a political reporter for NY1, joined Errol Louis to discuss the primaries and talk about which races they found the most interesting. They also looked at the election's low turnout rate and discussed what could get more voters to the polls.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at (212) 379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

Thomas B. Edsall: American democracy at a crossroads Jun 22, 2023

With the United States still recovering from one of the most divisive elections in its history, the next presidential campaign cycle is revving up — with the possibility that President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off against each other again. Thomas B. Edsall, a veteran political journalist, joined Errol Louis to discuss where things stand in this tumultuous era. A columnist for The New York Times and former reporter for the Washington Post, Edsall discussed the divisive nature of politics today, how his own reporting style has changed with age, and how the Democratic Party has shifted dramatically over the past few decades. He also weighed in on how the press could tackle covering Trump and how he thinks Republicans have effectively used wedge issues to upend the Democrats. More of Edsall’s observations are also collected in his new book, “The Point of No Return: American Democracy at the Crossroads,” published by Princeton University Press.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Harlem City Council candidates face off in primary debate Jun 15, 2023

Three Democratic candidates for the 9th City Council District in Manhattan squared off in a primary debate, hosted by Errol Louis on Spectrum News/NY1. The district includes much of Harlem, and the seat is currently held by Kristin Richardson Jordan, who announced last month that she would not be running for re-election. While her name will still appear on the ballot, there are three candidates vying for the position: Yusef Salaam, Inez Dickens and Al Taylor.

When it came to housing, the candidates discussed how they want to utilize a controversial site on 145th Street in Harlem. They also talked about the legal cannabis market, the resignation of NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell and migrants arriving in the city and public safety in Harlem.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

A day at the races: Primaries to watch in Queens and the Bronx Jun 08, 2023

As we close in on June 27, Primary Day in New York City, we continue our look at some of the most competitive City Council races. This week, we head to eastern Queens in District 23, where there is a highly competitive race in which the incumbent Linda Lee is facing criticism from her challengers for voting in favor of cutting the school budget last year. Up in the Bronx in District 13, Marjorie Velazquez looks to hold on to her seat, while facing some serious opposition in the general election due to issues around the controversial Bruckner rezoning.

NY1 political reporter Emily Ngo has been closely covering these races. She joined Errol Louis for an in-depth look at the approaching primaries. They touched on the contests both in District 23 and District 13, including the highly competitive Republican primary in the 13th District, as well as the emergence of many Asian Americans running for office. They also discussed the debate around specialized high school testing and test prep.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

City Council primary preview: Races to watch in Brooklyn and Manhattan Jun 01, 2023

We are less than a month away from June 27, Primary Day in New York City, where close to two dozen City Council seats will be on the ballot. Among the most-watched races is in Harlem with incumbent Kristin Richardson Jordan dropping out of the race in May. Two state lawmakers and one of the exonerated Central Park Five are the remaining candidates. Another tight race is in Brooklyn’s District 43, which was redrawn in last year’s redistricting process to create a heavily Asian district.

Ariama C. Long, a reporter from the New York Amsterdam News, sat down for a conversation about the District 9 Democratic Primary and the candidates looking to fill Richardson Jordan’s shoes. She and NY1’s Errol Louis also touched on the housing issues that are plaguing Harlem.

After that, Annie McDonough, the deputy City Hall reporter for City & State New York, joined Errol to discuss the primary race in District 43 and the fairly new names that are on the ballot.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Sochie Nnaemeka: Director of NY’s Working Families Party steps down May 25, 2023

Founded in New York in 1998, the Working Families Party has played an active role in New York politics, sometimes promoting candidates on their own ballot line and sometimes cross-endorsing Democrats.

Sochie Nnaemeka has been running the New York chapter of party since 2019, but has recently decided to step down in order to have more time to spend with her family. She joined Errol Louis for an exit interview where she discussed her many accomplishments while leading the party, as well as the future of the progressive agenda in New York. She also touched on the polarization of politics, and why she feels the response to Jordan Neely’s killing was a tremendous failure of leadership.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Daryl Khan and Clarissa Sosin: Holding the Baton Rouge police accountable May 18, 2023

Two journalists have spent the last several years working in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, meticulously documenting what happens (or does not happen) when the internal affairs department of the local police department receives complaints about the excessive use of force. Daryl Khan and Clarissa Sosin joined Errol Louis for an in-depth look at their five-part series chronicling their investigative work that came in the wake of the 2016 death of Alton Sterling after he was shot and killed by two police officers. They discussed how they got involved in a story 1,000 miles from home, how local news has national resonance and what they see in the future for the Baton Rouge Police Department.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email toYourStoryNY1@charter.com

Warren Leight: Why the writers’ strike is necessary May 11, 2023

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is a labor union whose members write content for motion pictures, television productions, news and online media. On May 2, the WGA went on strike after months of tense negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. The last time the guild felt compelled to strike was over 15 years ago, and it is unlikely that the current disagreement will be resolved anytime soon. Meanwhile, picket lines have appeared on both coasts daily, and several local television shows in the five boroughs have shut down as a result.

Warren Leight, a noted New York writer, producer, showrunner and ‘strike captain’ (“Law & Order: SVU and “In Treatment”), has been helping to lead the charge on behalf of the WGA East. He joined Errol Louis to explain why the strike, as difficult as it may be on the writers, is completely necessary. They also talked about how streaming continues to change the way writers need to be paid, what a traditional writers’ room is really like and the effect artificial intelligence may ultimately have on the industry.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Gov. Hochul details highlights of state budget deal May 04, 2023

This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the state’s $229 billion spending plan, just hours after state lawmakers officially signed off on the package. Hochul joined Errol Louis on “Inside City Hall” for an exclusive one-on-one interview, during which she outlined the budget. She also explained what’s next for her ambitious housing plan, which was a pillar of her agenda but was largely scrapped from the budget. She also addressed the controversy surrounding a recent report in “The New York Times” about her consultant Adam Sullivan, who resigned days after the piece was released.

After that, Spectrum News political anchor and the host of “Capital Tonight” in Albany Susan Arbetter joined Louis for a look at the final budget, and discussed how Hochul fared in negotiations. They also touched on the latest changes to minimum wage, and why Arbetter believes Hochul’s housing plan will eventually see the light of day.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Family calls for justice after police killing of Kawaski Trawick Apr 27, 2023

The 2019 police killing of Kawaski Trawick inside his own Bronx apartment has not received the same attention as similar cases across the country. But this week, an NYPD disciplinary trial began for two officers involved in the fatal shooting. The NYPD says the 32-year-old rushed at officers while holding a knife during the interaction, which lasted under two minutes and was caught on body camera footage. The Trawick family and advocates are calling for accountability after the Bronx district attorney declined to bring charges and an internal NYPD probe found no wrongdoing. The administrative trial will resume in mid-May.

In an effort to understand the fatal encounter better, Errol Louis talked about the case with Kawaski Trawick’s parents, Ellen and Ricky Trawick; Loyda Colon, the executive director of the nonprofit Justice Committee; Eric Umansky, the editor at large from ProPublica; and Marinda van Dalen, a senior staff attorney for New York Lawyers for the Public Interest.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Corinne Low: Defending ‘safe havens’ for homeless New Yorkers Apr 20, 2023

Manhattan’s Upper West Side has become a flashpoint in efforts to help homeless New Yorkers, with some residents pushing back against a new facility that’s dedicated to being a “safe haven” for people who were living on the streets.

Corinne Low, the executive director of the Open Hearts Initiative, is the woman behind the project that has sparked a fight. Low joined Errol Louis to explain the philosophy behind her project, where people can have either private or semi-private rooms, and why she considers that approach more effective at connecting homeless New Yorkers with services and permanent housing than traditional shelters.

Low also discussed how she thinks people’s perception of safety is often much different from the reality, and why she was driven to start the Open Hearts Initiative in the middle of a pandemic.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com

Jay Jacobs: New York Democrats gear up for 2024 Apr 14, 2023

The Democratic National Committee has chosen Chicago over New York to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Errol spoke about the decision with Jay Jacobs, the New York State Democratic Party chairman.

And as New York Democrats look ahead to 2024, they discussed efforts by Governor Hochul and state Attorney General Letitia James to redraw congressional and state legislative districts. This comes after Republicans flipped several seats in last year’s midterm elections, which led the GOP to take control of the House. Jacobs also weighed in on whether former Rep. Tom Suozzi will run to take back his former congressional seat, which is now held by Rep. George Santos.

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ABOUT THE SHOW

NY1’s Errol Louis has been interviewing powerful politicians and cultural icons for years, but it’s when the TV cameras are turned off that things really get interesting. From career highlights, to personal moments, to stories that have never been told, join Errol each week for intimate conversations with the people who are shaping the future of New York and beyond. Listen to "You Decide with Errol Louis" every Wednesday, wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Zachary Carter: Former U.S. Attorney explains Trump’s historic arraignment Apr 06, 2023

This week, former President Donald Trump surrendered to authorities and pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, related to alleged hush money payments made to two women during his 2016 presidential campaign. It marks the first time in U.S. history that a current or former president has ever faced criminal charges.

Zachary Carter, who previously served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District, joined Errol Louis to discuss the unprecedented event, as they focused on how the unsealed indictment appears to be much broader than just the Stormy Daniels case. They also discussed the intense pressure and scrutiny being placed on acting New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan, as he presides over this monumental case. And they got into Carter’s time as a U.S. Attorney.

Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to YourStoryNY1@charter.com.

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