PODCAST · news
Off Topic/On Politics
by Spectrum News NY1
What happens when three New York reporters sit in a (small) room and talk politics? Join the NY1 political team each week for a conversation where no topic is off-limits and everything is on the record.
Episodes
-
Who REALLY won the Blakeman vs. Hochul debate?
This week, Spectrum News NY1 hosted the first and only debate for governor in New York, live from its Chelsea studios. Incumbent Kathy Hochul faced off against her Republican challenger, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. Who had the most to gain from the matchup, and whose approach proved...
-
Is AOC campaigning for Hochul, or is it the other way around?
As the race for governor heats up, Gov. Kathy Hochul teamed up with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on the campaign trail in the Hudson Valley. The politicians found common ground by fighting data center construction, despite sometimes being on different ends of the Democratic spectrum. With less...
-
Can Mamdani's new plan bridge the divide with Jewish New Yorkers?
This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani released a 33-page plan to combat antisemitism, including increasing funding for synagogue security, public awareness campaigns, and museum trips. But the plan drew criticism from some Jewish groups that wanted a concrete definition of antisemitism to be included…
more -
Trump likes him, Netanyahu attacked him: Inside Mamdani's wild week
Continuing their surprising political bromance, President Donald Trump and Mayor Zohran Mamdani met at Gracie Mansion this week ahead of the president's speech at the United Nations. It was the first visit to the mayoral residence by a sitting president since Ronald Reagan met with then-Mayor Ed...
-
Hochul's $200 energy rebate checks: Relief or election-year politics?
Starting later this month, over 8 million New York households can expect to receive an energy rebate check worth up to $200 — courtesy of Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature. But the governor's critics are questioning why the checks are arriving so close to Election Day. NY1 investigative...
-
Mamdani released 170k pages of 9/11 records. Now what?
Just before the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the city released more than 170,000 pages of records detailing its response to the terror attacks, including documents related to air quality following the collapse of the World Trade Center. After years of court battles and advocacy over what officials...
-
Team Trump tries to tackle New York's top Democrats
This week, two Trump administration officials came to New York to take aim at the city and state's top Democrats, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler criticized Hochul and Mamdani…
more -
Why Brooklyn Democrats are fighting each other for power
This week, progressive challengers seeking to take control of the Brooklyn Democratic Party suffered a setback after embattled party chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn won enough votes to change the organization's rules. Reformers say the changes stack the vote to keep Bichotte Hermelyn in power...
-
Mamdani is vacationing upstate. Meanwhile, Brooklyn Democrats are feuding.
This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani took a weeklong vacation with his family in upstate New York, though City Hall didn't specify the area. The mayor leaving town hasn't always gone smoothly, but so far there has been little drama. First Deputy Mayor Dean Fuleihan is overseeing daily operations until...
-
Is Gov. Hochul's reelection bid in trouble?
This week, a new Siena poll of likely New York voters found Gov. Kathy Hochul holds a 10-point lead over her Republican challenger, Bruce Blakeman. In 2022, Hochul won her first full term as governor, defeating then-Republican candidate Lee Zeldin by just over six points. So, should the incumbent...
-
Are car stickers the key to fixing street cleaning?
This week, city leaders are cracking down on illegal e-bikes. Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued cease-and-desist letters to online retailers accused of selling illegal models while New York City responds to a rise in fatalities involving e-bikes and e-scooters, including the death of a 17-year-old boy...
-
What went wrong with Mamdani's pied-à-terre tax rollout?
This week, New York City sent letters to 17,000 homeowners who may have to pay a non-primary residence tax, or pied-à-terre tax, starting next year. The tax played a role in closing the city's budget deficit earlier this year and helped Mayor Zohran Mamdani deliver on his campaign promise of…
more -
Mamdani walks back on Netanyahu arrest pledge
Last year on the campaign trail, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that as mayor, he would have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he came to New York City. This week, he told The New York Times he was in "active conversation" with the city's Law Department about whether he could…
more -
Do horse carriages still belong in Central Park?
This week, the City Council moved to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. The catalyst is the death of an 18-year-old tourist who was thrown from a driverless carriage, adding to a series of recent horse-related incidents. With City Council Speaker Julie Menin backing the effort, a majority...
-
Will NYC's faster bus plan change your commute?
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…
more -
Inside Mamdani's massively successful primary election night
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…
more -
What the NYC primaries will reveal about Mamdani's influence
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…
more -
Knicks watch parties at MSG were canceled. Who's at fault?
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…
more -
Could New York draw Republicans out of Congress?
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...
-
We dug into Mamdani's new housing plan. Here's what we learned
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...
-
The fight to become the face of New York City in Washington
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…
more -
Did Mamdani actually solve New York City's budget crisis?
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...
-
Hochul says there's a budget deal; Albany says not so fast
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...
-
Mamdani, Menin unite around tax plan as Hochul shoots them down
This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin appeared to set aside their differences to advance a new budget solution: scaling back a lucrative tax credit used by wealthy business owners to help close the city's budget gap. The proposal, which targets what's known as the...
-
A new NYPD controversy: How will Mamdani respond to a council member's arrest?
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…
more -
Will Mamdani's city-run grocery stores work?
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…
more -
Mamdani milestone: Inside the mayor's first 100 days
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…
more -
Mamdani vs. City Council: The budget dance turns tense
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...
-
Taco Bell, Dunkin' and damage control at City Hall
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...
-
Is Mamdani's new Office of Community Safety enough?
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…
more -
Bombs near Gracie Mansion: Another test for Mamdani
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...
-
Can Mamdani and Hochul deliver free 2-year-old child care without taxing the wealthy?
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...
-
A Mamdani and Trump reunion
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...
-
Property tax hike or tax on the wealthy? Breaking down Mamdani's budget proposal
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…
more -
The battle for New York: Hochul and Blakeman head to general election
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 —…
more -
Mamdani endorses Hochul but Brooklyn's party causes confusion
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...
-
Can Mamdani get NYC out of a budget deficit?
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...
-
Trouble in Democratic paradise? Mamdani and Hochul square off over taxes
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,...
-
Is Gov. Hochul ordering off Mamdani's menu to get reelected?
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...
-
Inside Mayor Mamdani's first week: Pushing for free child care and looking at deleted tweets
Mayor Zohran Mamdani's first week in office brought both major announcements and minor controversies. On Thursday, the mayor unveiled a joint plan with Gov. Kathy Hochul for a statewide push to expand universal pre-K and create new 2-K child care initiatives. On the other side of the ledger,...
-
How did Zohran Mamdani's inauguration land with New Yorkers?
In a day of firsts at City Hall, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City's 112th mayor in front of a large crowd of supporters. Now officially holding what's often called "the second toughest job in America," Mamdani faces a daunting set of challenges. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney...
-
Mamdani hits turbulence before day one
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is facing new scrutiny and criticism after his newly-appointed director of appointments resigned just hours into the job. Catherine Almonte Da Costa stepped down Thursday afternoon following the resurfacing of antisemitic statements she posted more than a decade ago on...
-
Eric Adams' legacy: Swagger, soundbites and subpoenas
Eric Adams leaves his mayoralty behind in just 20 days, prompting many to ask: What kind of mayor was he? What were his accomplishments and his failures, and what will his legacy be? NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down his four...
-
Mamdani transition tensions and three big casino bets
This week, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met with outgoing Mayor Eric Adams at Gracie Mansion as part of efforts to ensure a smooth transition next month. Mamdani also joined Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and protesters outside a Park Slope Starbucks, where they alleged unfair labor practices.…
more -
Police reform or politics? Mamdani's NYPD pick
This week, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced that he will keep NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch in her role when he takes office in January. Tisch, the department's 48th commissioner, has led the NYPD with what Mamdani's team calls a renewed focus on accountability and transparency, overseeing…
more -
Mamdani builds a cabinet
New York City is one week into the transition from Mayor Eric Adams to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, and the administration is starting to take shape. This week, Mamdani named Dean Fuleihan as first deputy mayor and Elle Bisgaard-Church as chief of staff. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney…
more -
Zohran Mamdani makes history
Zohran Mamdani has been elected New York City's 111th mayor, making history as the city's first Muslim mayor and the youngest in more than a century. He defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in an election that drew the highest turnout for a New York City mayoral race in...
-
Will Mamdani make history on Election Day?
With new polls showing Zohran Mamdani holding a sizeable lead in the mayor's race, he's poised to become the city's first Muslim mayor. But with most polls being wrong about the Democratic primary in June, can they be trusted this time? NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political...
-
NY1 debate night: Candidates clash in Queens
Just days before New Yorkers head to the polls, the three major candidates in the race for mayor squared off in a 90-minute debate sponsored by Spectrum News NY1, WNYC/Gothamist and THE CITY. Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, Democrat Zohran Mamdani and Republican Curtis Sliwa took part in a...
-
Can Cuomo close the gap?
Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani apologized to the NYPD for making a social media post in 2020 in which he called the police force racist and homophobic. Meanwhile, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is changing his tune about Rikers Island and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa is promising to take...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
What happens when three New York reporters sit in a (small) room and talk politics? Join the NY1 political team each week for a conversation where no topic is off-limits and everything is on the record.
HOSTED BY
Spectrum News NY1
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Off Topic/On Politics have?
Off Topic/On Politics currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Off Topic/On Politics about?
What happens when three New York reporters sit in a (small) room and talk politics? Join the NY1 political team each week for a conversation where no topic is off-limits and everything is on the record.
How often does Off Topic/On Politics release new episodes?
Off Topic/On Politics has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Off Topic/On Politics?
You can listen to Off Topic/On Politics on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Off Topic/On Politics?
Off Topic/On Politics is created and hosted by Spectrum News NY1.
URL copied to clipboard!