Off Topic/On Politics

This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Gov. Kathy Hochul and MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber unveiled a new plan aimed at speeding up bus commutes by an estimated six minutes. The "Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service" initiative includes prioritized bus corridors, including major changes along Flatbush Avenue, such as center-running bus lanes and island boarding. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gro...

Tuesday's Democratic primary election demonstrated the power of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's endorsement. Every candidate backed by the mayor emerged victorious, underscoring his growing influence within New York Democratic politics. As the results become clear, NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political anchor Errol Louis break down the key races, the biggest...

This week, Spectrum News NY1 hosted a congressional debate in New York's 13th District, which includes Harlem, Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx. The candidates are incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat and his much younger opponent, Darializa Avila Chevalier, who has been endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, politica...

While New York is celebrating the Knicks' return to the finals for the first time in decades, controversy over canceled watch parties near Madison Square Garden has sparked a public feud. Knicks owner James Dolan criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch on WFAN, saying they're party poopers and not real fans. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross joins political re...

New York passed a constitutional amendment in 2014 that expressly prohibits drawing congressional maps "for the purpose of favoring or disfavoring incumbents or other particular candidates or political parties." More than a decade later, Democrats in Albany are switching course and throwing their hat in the nationwide redistricting battle. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political re...

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

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

This week, Mayor Mamdani unveiled his executive budget, turning a projected multibillion-dollar deficit into a balanced plan without major service cuts, a property tax hike, or tapping a rainy-day fund. The plan relies largely on help from Albany and a $2.3 billion pension plan restructuring that would push costs from 2032 to 2037, but it still requires approval from the state, retirement funds an...

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

This week, Mayor  Zohran  Mamdani and  City  Council Speaker Julie Menin appeared to set aside their differences to advance a new budget solution: scaling back a lucrative tax credit used by wealthy business owners to help close the city's budget gap. The proposal, which target s  what's known as the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) credit, was swiftly rejected by Gov. Kathy Hochul. NY1 investigativ...

This week, Brooklyn City Council member Chi Ossé was arrested during a protest in Bedford-Stuyvesant aimed at stopping the eviction of a woman amid disputed allegations of deed theft. Video of the arrest quickly went viral, and Ossé has since raised concerns about his treatment by police during the incident. Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the footage as "concerning" and said he reached out to NYPD...

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

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

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

This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani made headlines with a YouTube livestream showing him eating Taco Bell and Dunkin', part of a "mukbang"-style push to spotlight enforcement actions against franchise owners accused of violating New York City labor laws, actions that could put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back into workers' pockets. At the same time, the mayor's plan to close a massive $5 bil...

This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani took a step toward reshaping how the city handles people having mental health crises, creating an Office of Community Safety, aimed at shifting some 911 calls away from the police department. But Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says the change will be limited, with most calls still handled by officers. Political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli, along with Stat...

Over the weekend, a far-right provocateur organized an "anti-Islam" protest outside Gracie Mansion, the residence of New York City's first Muslim mayor. During the demonstration, two counter-protesters allegedly threw improvised explosive devices toward the anti-Muslim demonstrators. Two men are now facing federal charges, including providing material support to a terrorist organization. NY1's inv...

This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul continued their joint push for universal child care, announcing initial seats for 2-year-olds rolling out this fall in neighborhoods across four boroughs, excluding Staten Island. NY1 political reporter Bobby Cuza, political director Bob Hardt and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss the plan and Albany lawmakers' recurring debate over...

This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani returned to the Oval Office for the second time, meeting with President Donald Trump and emerging with major wins. The mayor secured federal support for a large housing project and helped facilitate the release of a Columbia University student who had been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry, along...

Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled his first preliminary budget this week, creating some controversy as he revealed that it includes a proposal to raise property taxes on millions of city homeowners if Gov. Kathy Hochul doesn't agree to a tax hike on the rich. Was it simply a political bluff, or was the mayor serious? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Ayana Harry and Dan...

This week, New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado suspended his campaign for governor after struggling to lock in support from key progressive leaders. Meanwhile, on the Republican side, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman officially secured the party's backing and — after a bumpy process — unveiled his running mate. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and politi...

This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul selected former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her pick for lieutenant governor ahead of the Democratic State Convention. But the move sparked discontent from the leader of the Brooklyn Democratic Party. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli break down Hochul's choice. After that, New York City Mayor Zohran...

This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani told New Yorkers the city is facing a staggering $12 billion budget deficit, a shortfall he says he inherited from former Mayor Eric Adams. The news has sparked sharp reactions across the political spectrum — including from some budget mavens who say the city's financial situation isn't a precarious as the mayor claims. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and...

This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled her $260 billion state budget, which proposes a major expansion of free child care and does not raise taxes. But that tax decision may mark the first public disagreement between Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the governor. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down the governor's fisca...

Gov. Kathy Hochul this week delivered her State of the State address, offering a window into her vision and priorities for 2026 — a crucial election year. The speech focused on several major themes, including affordability initiatives, universal childcare and the future of nuclear power in New York. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political director Bob...