Off Topic/On Politics

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted Thursday on federal charges that he took illegal campaign contributions and bribes from foreign nationals, including lavish overseas trips, in exchange for favors that included helping Turkish officials bypass a fire safety inspection for a new diplomatic tower in the city. And despite calls for his resignation from many high-ranking elected officials, Adams does not seem to be willing to step down. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political anchor Errol Louis discuss this landmark event in New York City’s political history, and if Adams can still effectively lead the city.

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Another week, another resignation. This time, the mayor’s chief counsel abruptly stepped aside. On Saturday night, Lisa Zornberg, the top lawyer at City Hall, called it quits. Is the administration in crisis? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena weigh in on the latest round of controversy surrounding the Adams administration and why Zornberg chose to suddenly quit.

After that, two high-ranking ex-FDNY chiefs were indicted on bribery and corruption charges. Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco allegedly fast-tracked fire inspections in exchange for cash. The indictment was brought by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. The “Off Topic” team discuss the charges and what role Williams plays in the ongoing investigations into the Adams administration.

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Under a cloud of questions and a federal probe, Edward Caban resigned as commissioner of the NYPD on Thursday. Caban was tapped by Mayor Eric Adams to be NYPD commissioner in July 2023, replacing Keechant Sewell and was the first Latino to hold the position. The news of Caban’s resignation comes after sources told NY1 last Thursday that federal investigators visited his house and took his phones, and seized electronic devices from several other NYPD executives. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, NY1 criminal justice reporter Dean Meminger and political director Bob Hardt look at Caban’s decision to step down, the federal investigation into the NYPD’s nightclub enforcement practices and Caban’s interim replacement, Tom Donlon, a retired FBI officer.

After that, the “Off Topic” team looks at the many members of the Adams administration currently under investigation and the announcement that state Senator Jessica Ramos will challenge Adams in the 2025 primary.

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Four top members of the Adams administration were the subject of search warrants this week, with some of their phones seized. That included First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, Police Commissioner Edward Caban and Adams aide Tim Pearson. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporter Bobby Cuza discuss the latest.

After that, Labor Day weekend in NYC means the West Indian American Day Parade. The carnival and its preceding party, known as Jouvert, celebrates West Indian culture and heritage. This year that parade turned violent; five people were shot and one of them died. Despite that, Mayor Adams said the celebration was safe. Statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan joined the team to discuss the city’s response to the tragedy.

And finally, a former aide to two New York governors was charged Tuesday with acting as a secret agent of the Chinese government, allegedly trying to advance China's agenda. The “Off Topic” team looks at how Governor Hochul has reacted to this surprise allegation of espionage.

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This week, there was a marathon-long confirmation hearing over Mayor Adams’ pick to become the new city’s corporation counsel, Randy Mastro. City Councilmembers focused on Mastro’s role as a top City Hall aide to Rudy Giuliani, questioning whether he is the right man to be the city’s chief lawyer. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena discuss Mastro’s nomination and what the hearing shows about the divide between the two sides of City Hall.

After that, public school is back in session next week and many parents are bracing for a big announcement from City Hall about a possible cell phone ban. Mayor Adams says the city is not ready for such a move — even as many states and districts are moving to restrict the devices during school hours. The “Off Topic” team looks at how the nation’s largest school district might handle the issue.

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Much of the New York political action is happening some 800 miles away from City Hall in Chicago at the Democratic National Convention. New Yorkers were making headlines there — from Gov. Kathy Hochul to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss the convention in the Second City and which elected officials made the most of their time in the spotlight.

Mayor Eric Adams also went to Chicago this week, but he did not arrive until the third day of the convention. The “Off Topic” team looks at the mayor’s small part in such a high-profile political event.

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This week, there was a significant movement in the 2025 city elections, particularly the race for city comptroller. After current fiscal watchdog Brad Lander opened up the field by announcing his bid for mayor, two candidates emerged, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and City Councilmember Justin Brannan. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine is also interested in the job. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Ayana Harry and political director Bob Hardt discuss the race, as well as The New York Times’ decision to stop endorsing candidates in New York.

After that, hundreds of New York Democrats are headed to the Windy City for the Democratic National Convention, including Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul. The “Off Topic” team looks at New York’s large presence in Chicago, as well as Wednesday’s Harlem rally, which was dubbed “the New York City kickoff to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.” 

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This week, Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be her running mate in the race for president. Walz has been touted by Democrats as an effective communicator for the party. This comes as a recent Siena College poll finds Harris leading Donald Trump by 14 points among likely New York voters. Earlier this summer, Joe Biden held an eight-point lead over Trump. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Kelly Mena and Ayana Harry discuss New Yorkers’ reaction to Harris’ pick for VP and what effect the top of the ticket could have on congressional races in New York.

After that, Mayor Eric Adams faced questions this week about the conduct of multiple members of his administration. The “Off Topic” team looks at the mayor’s reaction to an incident involving the NYPD, and as well as the contentious relationship his administration has with the media.

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Mayor Adams and the City Council clashed again this week. This time, the Adams administration stopped a partial ban on solitary confinement in city jails, in direct opposition to the City Council’s new law. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena weigh in on the latest actions by the mayor and talk about the impact it could have. They also discuss Mayor Adams’ recent nomination of attorney Randy Mastro to the role of city’s corporation counsel, despite mounting opposition from the City Council.

After that, the team looks ahead to next year and analyzes how the race for mayor is shaping up. City Comptroller Brad Lander announced earlier this week that he will run against Mayor Adams in the Democratic primary. He is the first to officially declare his candidacy. The “Off Topic” team discusses Lander’s candidacy and Adams’ response.

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Last Sunday, President Joe Biden rocked everyone's weekend when he announced that he was withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. Since then, Harris has secured enough support from delegates to become the presumptive democratic nominee for president. How quick was the New York delegation to throw its support behind the brand new candidate? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Kelly Mena and New York political director Bob Hardt discuss the second ‘where were you when….’ weekend in a row, and how a switch at the top of the ticket could affect races here in New York.

After that, Mayor Eric Adams’ Charter Revision Commission released its final ballot proposals, which come a mere two months after the commission was initially established. Through the release of these proposals, the mayor has knocked off a Council’s proposal on this November’s ballot which would have curtailed the mayor’s power. The “Off Topic” team looks at yet another conflict brewing inside city hall.

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