Off Topic/On Politics

Many New Yorkers were perplexed by Donald Trump's decision to appear at Madison Square Garden a week before the election, but it appears the move may have paid some political dividends in New York. The president-elect made serious inroads in the city, improving on both his 2020 and 2016 numbers. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political director Bob Hardt look at Trump’s victory and the reasons behind his improved performance in New York City.

After that, there was some positive news down-ballot for New York Democrats. Following big midterm losses in 2022, Dems flipped three House seats back on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley. The "Off Topic" team discuss the results further down the ticket. 

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Election Day is just around the corner and control of the U.S. House of Representatives may run right through New York. There are several competitive races across the state that deserve scrutiny. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and Washington correspondent Kevin Frey weigh in on some key congressional races, as well as the six ballot measures on the back of the ticket.

After that, Mayor Adams has been very reluctant to criticize Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. In his recent rally at Madison Square Garden, Trump raised eyebrows when he praised the mayor. So what’s behind the niceties between the two politicians and what might the mayor have to gain by staying on Trump's good side? The “Off Topic" team looks at Adams’ willingness to all but break from his party right before Election Day.

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The City Council held a six-hour hearing this week, questioning city officials about Mayor Adams’ "City of Yes" housing plan. The mayor wants to change zoning codes to allow for more housing, but critics say the plan would destroy the character of their neighborhoods and put pressure on infrastructure that is already crumbling. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena discuss the proposal, as well as the reactions from local communities.

After that, Spectrum News hosted the only debate this year between the two major candidates in New York’s U.S. Senate race. Democratic incumbent Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Republican challenger Mike Sapraicone sparred on stage at the University at Albany. The debate tackled hot topics, including immigration, crime and the economy. The “Off Topic” team weighs in on the candidates’ performances in New York’s capital city.

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Mayor Eric Adams continues to clean house. Last week, he announced a new first deputy mayor. This week, he appointed a new deputy mayor for public safety, Chauncey Parker. There is also a new schools chancellor, Melissa Aviles-Ramos. Gov.  Kathy Hochul has praised the mayor for removing controversial staff members and seems to be working with him to ride out this storm. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry discuss the many personnel changes at City Hall as well as the mayor’s recent fundraising woes.

After that, NY1 and Spectrum News hosted a fiery debate in the 18th Congressional District in the Hudson Valley between Congressman Pat Ryan and Republican challenger Alison Esposito. This race is example of the kinds of clashes taking place in swing districts across the state and the country. The “Off Topic” team shares their takeaways from the debate as well as other notable congressional races across New York.

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There have now been 11 departures from the Adams administration in the last month. Departures in the past week included First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Deputy Mayor Phil Banks and Winnie Greco, the mayor’s embattled head of Asian affairs. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss the mass exodus inside City Hall and the recent federal investigation into the mayor’s liaison to the Muslim community.

After that, former President Donald Trump is planning a rally at one of the city’s biggest venues, Madison Square Garden. The rally is slated for later this month, just nine days before Election Day. The “Off Topic” team looks at Trump’s decision to hold an event in Manhattan, as well as New Yorkers’ reactions to the announcement.

This week, Mayor Eric Adams made it clear that he has no plans to step down — even with a federal indictment hanging over his head. The exodus of his top aides continued, as advisor Tim Pearson became the fifth high-ranking member of the administration to announce their departure in just three weeks. Are the recent changes a response to a warning from Gov. Kathy Hochul? NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Kelly Mena and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss the likelihood of Adams surviving the indictment and the changes within his administration in the past week.

After that, much has been made about the mayor’s legal strategy. His lawyers tried to get the bribery charge against him thrown out and accused prosecutors of leaking details of the case. The feds, meanwhile, say it’s possible the mayor will face even more charges and that it’s likely others will be indicted. The "Off Topic" team looks at celebrity lawyer Alex Spiro’s strategy thus far and discuss how the feds still haven’t cracked the password on the mayor’s phone.

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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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