Up Close with Bill Ritter

With measles cases on the rise - and new infections reported in New York City and on Long Island - our communities are once again confronting a preventable public health risk. ABC 7 New York brought trusted medical experts together for an Eyewitness News Town Hall to answer your questions about measles: how it spreads, who's at risk, and how to stay protected. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney joins us on Up Close this week following the guilty plea of Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann, who admitted to murdering eight women. The case, which haunted Long Island and captured national attention, took years to solve despite spanning nearly two decades. The killing spree stretched over 17 years, with investigators and families alike left searching for answers as the case went cold. For decades, the question lingered: why did it take so long to identify and arrest the killer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the latest on the race for New York governor. New polls show the race for governor of New York narrowing a bit. Democrat incumbent Kathy Hochul still has a big lead over Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman. Blakeman is the current Nassau County Executive and a staunch backer of President Donald Trump. We speak with him about the race and what he would do as governor. Meanwhile, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is in a big push for taxes on big corporations in New York City. The push is to help pay for his proposed programs and to make up for the over $5 billion deficit. So, how is the critically important business community reacting to all this? And will some of them decide to move a portion or all of their business to low-tax states? This morning, we talk to Steve Fulop, the former mayor of Jersey City, who is now the president of Partnership for New York City. The group represents businesses in the country's biggest city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the deadly crash between a plane and fire truck at LaGuardia Airport. An Air Canada plane last Sunday slammed into a Port Authority fire truck at around 100 mph. The pilot and co-pilot were killed in the crushed cockpit. Meanwhile, 41 others were also injured. So, how did this happen and how do we keep it from happening again? We talk to ABC News Aviation Expert Retired Col. Steve Ganyard and Eyewitness News helicopter reporter John Del Giorno. Also ahead, the latest on the travel chaos for airline passengers at airports amid the partial U.S. government shutdown. The partial government shutdown over funding the Department of Homeland Security has stretched more than 40 days. Late Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to pay TSA workers and end the long lines at airports. Then, the Senate approved a funding measure. So, was this crisis avoidable? This morning, we talk to New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the latest on the war with Iran and its impact on the U.S. The Pentagon is now asking for $200 billion to fund the war in Iran, that's in addition to all the money that was spent already. As the deadly bombing and missile attacks continue, the price of oil keeps soaring. There's also worry that it could fuel inflation on other items, from flights, to groceries and much more. Joining us to discuss is New York Congressman Tom Suozzi. He talks about the war, its impact and when President Donald Trump's deadly battle with Iran may come to an end. Also ahead, he's a former teacher, a former principal and a former school superintendent. You may not have heard about Kamar Samuels until now. As the current New York City Schools Chancellor, Samuels is in charge of the largest school system in the country. This morning, we talk to the chancellor about his plans for the school system, Mayor Zohran Mamdani's push to open up 2-K and 3-K as well as mayoral control over city schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the ongoing local and national security concerns amid the war with Iran. Last weekend, the NYPD says two men tried to set off homemade bombs during a protest near Gracie Mansion, the place that houses the city's mayor. New York City and the country have been on heightened terror alert since the U.S. and Israel jointly attacked Iran. On Thursday, a vehicle rammed into a synagogue in Michigan and started a fire there. The driver of the vehicle was then shot and killed. So, how real is the threat to the U.S., and how do you protect it? This morning, we talk to a security expect about this. Plus, President Donald Trump offering a public, and at times puzzling, statement that the U.S. has already won the war with Iran. But if that's true, why does the U.S. and Israel keep on bombing Iran? And if Iran is defeated, why does it keep firing missiles at Israel and neighboring countries? Joining us to discuss is New York Congressman Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the escalating tensions in the Middle East following joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran. The U.S. and Israel continue with a war they launched against Iran. It's a war that President Donald Trump says could go on for weeks. The reasons for going to war in the first place, and the goals the president is trying to achieve, both are still not entirely clear. The president went to war without congressional approval. Most Republican members of Congress are standing behind the president and his decision. Democrats, however, are mostly critical that the president went to war without getting approval from Congress. This morning, we talk to New York Congressman George Latimer, who is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Also ahead, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin is making history as the first Jewish woman to hold the job. So, how is she getting along with the city's first Muslim mayor? Both have a mantra -- that they're working for everyone who is a New Yorker. We talk with Menin about the budget deficits, her push to keep protesters away from houses of worship and a lot more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, one local politician gives his reaction to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. Amid mixed approval ratings and a fight to keep Republicans in control of Congress, President Trump gave the longest State of the Union speech in U.S. history on Tuesday night. During the nearly two-hour talk, Trump claimed the U.S. now has a roaring economy. The president also spent no shortage of time attacking Democrats. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the president "spewed lies, propaganda and hatred." This morning, we get reaction from Democratic U.S. Senator from New Jersey, Andy Kim. Meanwhile, there's quite a battle over the congressional seat in the Garden State left vacant after the election of Gov. Mikie Sherrill. Democratic nominee Analila Mejia is facing Republican nominee Joe Hathaway in a special general election next month. Hathaway is currently the mayor of Randolph, New Jersey. Bill Ritter sits down with Hathaway to discuss his campaign and message to voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the latest defeat for President Donald Trump's economic agenda by the U.S. Supreme Court following its ruling over his administration's imposed tariffs. The high court struck down most of the tariffs that Trump has been imposing on countries around the world. The president using it as a big foreign policy tool and as a lever against big business and countries that aren't doing what the Trump administration wants. Critics say the cost of tariffs is eventually passed onto consumers in the form of high prices. So, where do we go from here? We talk to New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer and New York Congressman Dan Goldman about this decision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Analilia Mejia sent political shockwaves everywhere after winning the Democratic nomination for New Jersey's 11th Congressional district. It was the seat held by Mikie Sherrill before she became governor of the Garden State. Mejia co-founded the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and worked on Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign back in 2020. Her win marks another big victory for progressives. So, how did she win? And what does Mejia plan to do if she's elected in a special election in April? This morning, we ask her these questions and what she would do as a congresswoman. Plus, the Trump administration, under huge pressure nationwide, ended its controversial surge of ICE agents in Minneapolis. But now funding for the Department of Homeland Security has been held up by Congress over ICE agents' actions and tactics, including two killings of American citizens. New York House Rep. Adriano Espaillat weighs in on President Trump's immigration crackdown and where it goes from here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss the latest on President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown on undocumented immigrants across the U.S. "We Need to Wake Up After Minneapolis." These words aren't from a Democrat, nor are they from someone who never voted for Trump either. Those words are from Republican New York Congressman Mike Lawler. It came after weeks of protests over the deadly ICE shootings of two Americans: Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. This morning, we talk to Congressman Lawler about an Op-Ed piece he wrote in The New York Times. A Republican in New York, making the case to reduce tensions of Trump's ICE strategy, and what should happen to millions of undocumented workers already in the country. Plus, a farewell to Rick Cotton, the longest-serving executive director of the Port Authority in half a century. After serving more than eight years on the job, transforming the major airports and other services provided by the agency, Cotton is stepping down. We speak with Cotton about the changes he made while he was at the helm as well as what's ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss a legal ruling with big political implications for New York and perhaps the country. A judge ruled that New York's 11th congressional seat, held by Republican Nicole Malliotakis, must now be redrawn. The ruling would make it harder for New York City's only Republican to win reelection. Congresswoman Malliotakis, who says the fight against this is not over, joins Up Close to discuss. Also with his take: Democrat Dan Goldman, who represents neighboring Congressional District 10. We talk with Goldman about the push to change Rep. Malliotakis' district, President Trump's first year in office and controversies over the ICE crackdown. Also coming up: the head of New York City Emergency Management, Zach Iscol. Iscol was appointed to the job by former Mayor Eric Adams back in 2022. Mayor Zohran Mamdani asked Iscol to stay through the winter. So, why is the commissioner leaving next month? The outgoing NYCEM commissioner joins Up Close to talk about his decision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been just over two weeks since Zohran Mamdani took the oath of office and became New York City's 112th mayor. He's grabbed national attention for his policy proposals and his outspoken stance on contentious issues like immigration. In a sit-down interview with Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter, the mayor drew a line in the sand, maintaining that New York will remain a sanctuary city. Mamdani also talked about personal topics, like his new home at Gracie Mansion, and whether his parents have offered him advice about the home and being mayor. He said, "yes they have." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new year started with no shortage of political controversies. President Trump ordered a U.S. military operation in Venezuela to capture Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The Trump administration calling it a law enforcement action and insisting it's not an invasion. Meanwhile, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department froze $10 billion in child care funds to New York and four other Democrat-led states. While all this is going on, Obamacare health care premiums have ended for more than 20 million Americans. The Republican-led House and Senate so far resisting Democratic push to extend health care subsidies to lower skyrocketing premiums. Joining Up Close to discuss is Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. And New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in his second week in office continues to push for his ambitious agenda -- from free child care to free buses, to name a few. But can the city afford Mamdani's agenda? New York City's new Comptroller, Mark Levine, gives his take. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss reaction to the inauguration of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the road that lies ahead for him. It is the start of a new era in New York City politics. Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic socialist, became the 112th mayor of New York on Thursday. Mamdani's promises include making the city more affordable, free buses and universal child care, just to name a few. We take a look at the promises the new mayor made at his inauguration and the challenges he faces. Joining us to discuss is Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. He had a front row seat at the inauguration. Mayor Mamdani has been living in Queens and represented part of the borough in the New York State Assembly. Also joining us is the only Republican member of Congress from New York City: Nicole Malliotakis. Up Close speaks with Rep. Malliotakis about the new mayor and also the big issues facing Congress as lawmakers return to work. One of the most pressing issues facing more than 20 million Americans is the big increase in health care insurance premiums after Obamacare subsidies expired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we speak with outgoing New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker in our latest series of exit interviews. As we get ready to bid adieu to 2025, Up Close has interviews with two prominent newsmakers who are leaving their jobs. Up first is our interview New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. The Garden State governor opens up about his successes and challenges over the last eight years. Also on our program: New York City Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker. Although in the chair for less than a year and a half, Tucker has a significant impact on the FDNY. One reason is because he wasn't a stranger to the fire department. As an adult, he raised money for them. As a young man, he was an intern for the FDNY. And as a child, Tucker followed fire trucks when he heard their sirens. Tucker sits down with Up Close Anchor Bill Ritter to discuss his time as FDNY commissioner and his decision to ultimately step down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we take a closer look at Alzheimer's disease after one local politician from New Jersey recently opened up about his father's diagnosis. U.S. Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey is talking deeply from his heart about his father's Alzheimer's diagnosis and the journey his family is now on. Kim's father immigrated from South Korea as a young man, came here and earned a doctorate in genetics. His father's medical research included ways to fight cancer and Alzheimer's disease. The U.S. senator is going public now, hoping to help the millions of other families who are facing the same challenges. Up Close Anchor Bill Ritter recently caught up with Sen. Kim about being a caregiver and the new journey his family is on. We also talk with Dr. Jim Noble, professor of neurology at Columbia University, about what people should know about Alzheimer's disease, treatment options for patients and the strides being made towards a possible cure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"It's Jersey baby!" Governor Phil Murphy talked with Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter about his tenure running the state of New Jersey, the incoming governor and his next chapter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An optimistic and defiant Mayor Eric Adams sat down with Bill Ritter at Gracie Mansion on Friday, reflecting on his tenure, legacy and future endeavors as he prepares to leave office come January 1, 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a special podcast produced by the WABC-TV Community Affairs Department, we present "Dementia: The Caregivers' Journey." Host Nina Pineda examines the challenges that caregivers face as they help a loved one with dementia. She discusses her experience taking the "Virtual Dementia Tour, " an experience created by the Act Now Foundation, a New Jersey nonprofit that helps caregivers of those with the condition. The tour gives caregivers immersive insights into the complex difficulties their loved ones face. The eight minutes Nina spent in the tour were nothing short of life-changing. She discusses her experiences, as well as important tips for caregivers, with Kristine Allen, the president and co-founder of Act Now, and Cary Lopez, co-founder and executive director. WABC-TV has partnered with Act Now for a television report and this podcast, distributed on the feed of WABC-TV's public affairs show Up Close. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will come to office with high hopes and an ambitious agenda that includes free buses and universal childcare. Can he accomplish those campaign promises, and how will he do it? And how will he deal with the New Yorkers who didn't vote for him? On this edition of Up Close, we talk to former New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who is the executive committee chair of the New York State Democratic Party. She talks about what the new mayor has to do. Also joining us first is Republican Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, who just won a second term less than three weeks ago. He was endorsed by President Donald Trump, but he's now considering a run for a higher office: Governor of New York. He was endorsed by President Trump for Nassau County executive, but not for governor. So will that help or hurt him in the race for governor? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we discuss what lies ahead for Americans following the end to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The longest shutdown in the history of the federal government ended Wednesday night after 43 days. In order to shut down the shutdown, eight Democrats in the Senate agreed to join Republicans and allow a measure for funding to go through. What Democrats did not get, however, were subsidies for Obamacare, which expire this year. Next year, the big increase in health premiums for more than 24 million Americans. That will happen unless Republicans agree to extend the subsidies. Joining us to discuss what's next is U.S. Democratic Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey and House Republican Congressman Mike Lawler of New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani joined Bill Ritter for an exclusive interview on Up Close on Sunday following his historic win in the November general election. The 34-year-old state assemblyman will become the youngest New York mayor in more than a century. He will also be the first Muslim mayor of New York City. It will be a lot of firsts for the mayor-elect, who enters Gracie Mansion with an incredibly ambitious agenda focused on affordability for New Yorkers. The mayor-elect joins this special edition of Up Close to discuss what's next as he prepares to take office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we sit down and talk with Mikie Sherrill, the Governor-elect of New Jersey, following her historic win in the November general election. Sherrill became only the second woman ever and first female Democrat to be elected governor of New Jersey. It was a hard-fought battle and one of the most expensive in the Garden State's history. In the end, Sherrill won big and is now getting ready to lead the state with more than 9.5 million residents. The Governor-elect joins our program to discuss the election and her next steps as she prepares to take office. Also ahead: His name is Zohran Mamdani, and this past week in the biggest city in the country, he made history. Mamdani is just 34 years old, the youngest New York mayor in the century. He's also the first Muslim mayor of New York City. The mayor-elect won more than 1 million votes in November's general election -- more than 50% of the vote. It was a race that had the biggest voter turnout in more than half a century, with Mamdani viewing himself as an agent of change. One of the biggest questions of the morning: Will NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch say yes to the new mayor? Will she stay as the police commissioner when Mamdani takes office on Jan. 1, 2026? And how will rank-and-file officers react to a mayor who, just a few years ago, was quite critical of the NYPD? Joining us to discuss is Bill Bratton, who was police commissioner under two different mayors of New York City: Bill De Blasio and Rudy Giuliani. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill sat down with Bill Ritter for Up Close, discussing her resounding victory over Republican Jack Ciattarelli on Election night, and what she would do on day one as governor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of "The Countdown," we analyze the races for New York City Mayor and New Jersey governor, as the candidates make their final case to voters ahead of Election Day on Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of "The Countdown," we examine the five key issues shaping the New York City mayoral race. We're talking affordability, crime, education, how the Trump administration has played a role in this race, and transportation. Eyewitness News anchor Bill Ritter takes us through each of them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is an Eyewitness News election update. In this episode of "The Countdown," we analyze the latest polls, which shows Zohran Mamdani with a sizeable lead in the New York City mayoral race, and Mikie Sherrill widening the gap between her and Jack Ciattarelli in the New Jersey gubernatorial race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of "The Countdown," Eyewitness News breaks down a new poll that has Zohran Mamdani leading Andrew Cuomo by double-digits, but is there a shift happening on the ground? Professor in Urban Studies at Queens College and former NYC councilmember from the Bronx, James Vacca joins Sade Baderinwa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this edition of "The Countdown," we take a deeper look into the early voter turnout in New York City one week before Election Day. Joining Mike Marza is ABC News Deputy Political Director Ben Siegel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sade Baderinwa and Laura Tamman from Pace University give an in-depth look at the 6 NYC ballot questions and explain what voters need to know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special edition of Up Close, Bill Ritter sits down with Democratic candidate for mayor, Zohran Mamdani. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we continue to follow the standoff in Washington, D.C. over the government shutdown. The government shutdown is now in its fourth week. It's already the second longest shutdown in U.S. history, and Americans are paying the price. Republicans are pushing for a temporary funding plan with no strings attached. Meanwhile, Democrats are demanding restoration of some Obamacare subsidies, which are being cut in an effort led by President Trump. Joining us to discuss what's at stake is Democratic U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey and Republican Congressman Mike Lawler of New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this edition of "The Countdown," we break down the top 7 moments of the week in the race for New York City mayor, and New Jersey governor, ahead of the start of early voting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ABC News Deputy Political Director Ben Siegel and Mike Marza break down the NYC Mayoral debate, whether Adams' endorsement will make an impact in the election, and the White House East Wing demolition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is an Eyewitness News election update. The countdown is on with a little more than two weeks to go until Election Day. In this episode, we preview the final debate between the candidates for New York City mayor, break down a new poll in the New Jersey gubernatorial race and interview Senator Cory Booker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is an Eyewitness News election update. The countdown is on with a little more than two weeks to go until Election Day. On Tuesday, Curtis Sliwa remained defiant as calls continue for him to drop out of the race. Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama is set to campaign with Mikie Sherill in the New Jersey gubernatorial race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sade Baderinwa and ABC News Deputy Political Director Ben Seigel discuss the latest headlines with the NYC mayoral race and dive deeper into the policies of the candidates for NJ Governor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special edition of Up Close with Bill Ritter, we continue to count down to the New York City mayoral election, which is now less than three weeks away. Ahead of the November general election, we are sitting down with the New York City mayoral candidates to have a conversation about issues facing the city. The Independent candidate for mayor, Andrew Cuomo, joins us on this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Marza and ABC News Deputy Political Director Ben Siegel break down what the social media back-and-forth reveals about each campaign’s strategy, plus taking a look at what the candidates need to accomplish when they face off in Thursday's debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sade Baderinwa and ABC News deputy political director Ben Siegel break down Mamdani's first appearance on Fox News, where he called out President Trump and opponent Andrew Cuomo. Plus, Eric Adams dangled a possible endorsement less than 3 weeks before Election Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Marza and ABC News Political Director Averi Harper talk about President Trump's involvement in the race for NYC mayor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this edition of Up Close, we continue to follow the latest updates on the government shutdown and races for New York City mayor and New Jersey governor. It was a feisty and contentious final debate in the race for New Jersey governor between Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherill. We'll show you the highlights of the debate, which aired on WABC-TV. We also talk with a political analyst about how each of them did and whether they did enough to change the minds of voters in this tight race. Meanwhile, a new poll out in the race for mayor of New York City shows Andrew Cuomo gaining, but he's still double digits behind frontrunner Zohran Mamdani. We talk with former New York Gov. David Paterson about where the race goes from here. But first: We are 12 days into the government shutdown, and so far, there seems to be no movement to end it. So what impact is it having on people? Bill Ritter speaks with Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres of New York about the shutdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back from Albania and no longer in the running to lead New York City, Mayor Eric Adams on Friday, declined to say whether he will endorse a successor, but said when he makes the determination, he will. Meantime, on the campaign trail, the New York City mayoral candidates are weighing in on the new charges leveled against New York Attorney General Letitia James. She's the second political figure in a span of two weeks to face prosecution after President Donald Trump's public demand that the Justice Department move "now" to charge his political enemies. Joining Eyewitness News anchor Mike Marza to talk more about this is ABC News Deputy Political Director Ben Siegel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listen to the full New Jersey gubernatorial debate between Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sade Baderinwa speaks with ABC News Political Director Rick Klein to analyze the NJ governor's debate, their fiery exchange and how it is going over with voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the NJ governor’s race heads into its final stretch and the final gubernatorial debate one day away, Sade Baderinwa talks to Dr. Ashley Koning from Rutgers University’s Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling to analyze where the candidates stand, how their messages are landing with voters, and what to expect from the final debate stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Marza and Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, talk about the heated race between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special edition of 'Up Close' with Bill Ritter, republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa joins the show. Watch 'Up Close' Sundays at 11:00 a.m. on Channel 7 and wherever you stream ABC 7 New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani is pledging to eliminate early testing and delay entry into Gifted and Talented until third grade, arguing that sorting children at age 4 is unfair and inequitable. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa both take the opposite view, vowing not only to preserve the programs but to expand them as a way to ensure academic excellence and broaden access. Educators and parents remain split, with experts noting the challenges of balancing equity with the need to challenge advanced learners. As the race tightens, the future of NYC’s Gifted and Talented programs may hinge on who voters believe has the best vision for the nation’s largest school system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices