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 facing a fiscal crisis and has pushed for higher taxes on wealthy earners and corporations, while warning the Council's proposal relies on unstable revenue and would result in a cut to crucial services. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross is joined by political reporters Kelly Mena and Dan Rivoli to dig into the budget battle.

Also this week, a new Siena poll showed Republican Bruce Blakeman narrowing the gap slightly in the race for governor, even as he faces a setback from the state's campaign finance board. The "Off Topic" team looks at Gov. Kathy Hochul's reelection bid and the challenges ahead.

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 billion budget gap also came into sharper focus. Political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena, along with Statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan, break it all down.

Then, the "Off Topic" team looks ahead to Albany's likely late state budget, where major policy fights over climate law deadlines, ICE-related measures and more are slowing negotiations. They also examine what those delays could mean for New York City funding and the rollout of class-size mandates.

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 Statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan, break down the mayor's vision and what it could mean in practice.

After that, St. Patrick's Day turned into a political challenge. City Hall waffled on parade plans, and Mamdani faced backlash for not weighing in about possible Irish reunification and comparing Ireland's struggle to Palestinians. The "Off Topic" team looks at how the annual parade continues to make political waves in New York.

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 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down how Mayor Zohran Mamdani handled the crisis.

After that, the state Assembly and Senate released their big budget proposals this week. The "Off Topic" team explores what's included, what's left out and what it could mean for New Yorkers.

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 taxing millionaires and corporations — an idea that polls well with voters but faces resistance in an election year.

After that, the New York City Council ethics committee is moving forward with possible disciplinary action against Queens Councilwoman Vickie Paladino for some of her inflammatory posts on social media. The lawmaker says any such move would violate her First Amendment rights. The "Off Topic" team digs into the fight.

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 with political director Bob Hardt, break down Mamdani's trip to Washington, D.C. and what it means for New York City.

Then, after a major snowstorm swept through the city, a snowball fight in Washington Square Park grabbed attention after the NYPD intervened and the mayor's remarks downplaying the incident sparked backlash. The "Off Topic" team looks back at a snowy week in the Big Apple through a political lens.

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 Rivoli break down his plan.

Meanwhile, Mamdani took one step toward fulfilling his promise to freeze rents for stabilized tenants, while appearing to reverse course on a vow to end homeless encampment sweeps. On Wednesday, the mayor appointed six members to the nine-member Rent Guidelines Board, which is tasked with setting rents for the city's approximately 1 million stabilized units. He also said his administration would bring back encampment sweeps, under a modified policy overseen by the Department of Homeless Services rather than the NYPD. The "Off Topic" team weighs in on the mayor's latest moves.

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 political director Bob Hardt break down the state of the race for governor.

Then, Mayor Zohran Mamdani headed to Albany for what's known as "Tin Cup Day," making the case for new tax hikes on wealthy New Yorkers and businesses. The mayor also struck a somewhat less pessimistic tone about the city's budget outlook, a shift from his earlier warnings of a $12 billion budget deficit. The "Off Topic" team weighs in on Mamdani's trip to the State Capitol and what it signals about the city's financial future.

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 Mamdani is facing growing scrutiny following a severe cold snap that has left 17 people dead outdoors. While the mayor initially received praise for his handling of the snowstorm, more critics are emerging, criticizing the administration's response. The "Off Topic" team weighs in on whether the honeymoon for Mayor Mamdani and for New York City may already be over.

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 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry break down what the deficit could mean for the new mayor's key campaign promises.

Then, a federal judge appointed a new leader for Rikers Island. What does this latest move mean for the troubled jails complex and its future? The "Off Topic" team digs into yet another chapter in the long-running saga of a very problematic island.