The special house election in New York House District 3 is upon us. The race to replace disgraced former Rep. George Santos is a tight one between Tom Suozzi, the veteran former Democratic congressman, and Mazi Pilip, the Nassau County lawmaker running for the Republicans. Winning this seat would be an important step toward Democrats regaining control of the House. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry, take a look at the matchup and break down where each candidate stands on the issues. They also discuss the national focus on NY-3 and how the migrant crisis is playing a central role in the contest.

After that, a few weeks ago, two police officers were beaten while trying to break up what they described as a disorderly group near a migrant shelter in Times Square. The brawl has kicked off a political furor and renewed debate over bail reform as the video continues to circulate. The "Off Topic" team discusses the controversy.

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This week, Mayor Adams and the City Council faced off in what has been a months-long battle over two criminal justice bills. The City Council ultimately voted to override two mayoral vetoes, but Mayor Adams is still hoping members will revise the 'How Many Stops Act.' NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Dan Rivoli and Kelly Mena weigh in on the City Council's actions and what it means for New York City politics. They also touch on a recent traffic stop involving Councilman Yusef Salaam, which became the center of the debate ahead of the vote.

After that, Councilwoman Gale Brewer is considering bringing back vendors to the Brooklyn Bridge – potentially reversing a decision by the Adams administration. Mayor Adams had vendors removed from the bridge last month, arguing it was overcrowded and becoming dangerous for pedestrians. This may be setting up yet another conflict, between Adams and council members. The "Off Topic" team discusses this recent development.

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The feud between Mayor Eric Adams and the Council Speaker Adrienne Adams hit new heights this week, despite the smiles and pleasantries exchanged at the mayor's annual State of the City address. The two sides of City Hall are clashing over two controversial pieces of legislation – including one called the "How Many Stops" Act which requires more record-keeping by cops on the beat. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena discuss the clash, including the City Council's vow to override the mayor's veto of the bill.

After that, the mayor temporarily put aside the infighting and delivered his third State of the City address in the Bronx on Wednesday. The speech promised more affordable housing and new jobs while playing down the migrant crisis and the city's issues with crime. The mayor highlighted his accomplishments over the last twelve months, claiming the city was "back from the brink." The "Off Topic" team looks at the mayor's agenda and whether his positivity is justified.

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This week, both Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams unveiled their budgets on the same day. The city and state will spend billions of dollars on the migrant crisis, and neither is proposing any increase in taxes. Here in New York City, Mayor Adams says the financial picture may not be as catastrophic as he told us a few months back. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena discuss the ins-and-outs of both budget proposals. They also look at the reasons why the city may no longer be in dire straits.

After that, the "Off Topic" team looks at the Mayor's recent fundraising for his legal defense fund, and they also discuss the surprise announcement that he may face a new challenger in the mayoral primary, former City Comptroller Scott Stringer.

Gov. Kathy Hochul this week gave her annual State of the State address, a sprawling speech that addressed crime, housing and even artificial intelligence. But it was also notable that she did not address one of the biggest issues confronting New York: the migrant crisis. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan weigh-in on the governor's address and whether or not her goals can be achieved by working with the legislature.

Mayor Eric Adams was also at the speech and later outlined what he hopes to receive this year from state leaders. The 'Off Topic' team takes a look at Adams' specific asks and discusses whether the former state senator has finally found his mayoral footing in Albany.

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It's a new year, meaning it's time for state lawmakers to make some resolutions of their own up in Albany. Among them, they'll try to address a housing shortage and funding for migrants. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political director Bob Hardt, and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss what Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature are facing in this upcoming legislative session.

After that, Mayor Adams is once again struggling with the migrant crisis, fighting with bus companies and the state of Texas over transporting migrants here. The "Off Topic" team looks at Mayor Adams' latest attempts to control the flow of migrants into the city.

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Good tidings? Well, not exactly. The mayor and local lawmakers are not seeing eye to eye -- with the City Council banning solitary confinement in city jails and also passing a bill requiring police officers to log every investigative encounter with civilians. Mayor Adams is against both of these measures and may veto them. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan weigh in on these bills, as well as the mayor's fierce opposition to them.

After that, 2023 is coming to a close so it's time to reflect. The "Off Topic" team looks at the highs and lows of the city and state's political year and shares some of their favorite stories that they reported on. They also look ahead to 2024.

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New York's highest court is ordering the state to redraw its congressional lines. The decision could ultimately help Democrats who look to retake control of the House of Representatives in 2024. For battleground districts, including possibly Staten Island, it could mean bringing in voters from more liberal, Democratic parts of Brooklyn. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza, and political director Bob Hardt discuss the map mess and what could come next.

After that, Mayor Adams recently announced massive budget cuts to offset the financial hit the city has taken because of the migrant crisis. The "Off Topic '' team takes a detailed look at these cuts and which programs and services they will affect. They also touch on how slashing the budget may potentially damage Adams politically.

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After aborting his trip to Washington last month because of a fundraising investigation, Mayor Eric Adams returned to the nation's capital this week to ask for help in the migrant crisis.

The trip came as a new Quinnipiac University poll showed that the mayor's approval numbers have fallen to 28%, the lowest for any NYC mayor since the poll began in 1996. But what do the poll numbers really mean? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, and Dan Rivoli discuss yet another chaotic week for Adams.

After that, the MTA board has approved a tentative long-discussed congestion pricing plan that will toll drivers who come into much of Manhattan. The "Off Topic" team takes a detailed look at the plan, which is in a four-month public comment period. They also discuss how this will affect New Yorkers in so-called transit deserts.

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The walls appear to have fully closed in on New York Republican Rep. George Santos. Facing expulsion, Santos remains defiant, attacking lawmakers and his many enemies. NY1 political reporters Courtney Gross, Bobby Cuza, Ayana Harry discuss the Santos saga and what will happen if he is expelled, as well as the many criminal charges he faces.

After that, Mayor Adams' legal woes continue to grow. This week he announced that Brianna Suggs is no longer the main fundraiser for his reelection campaign. Suggs' home was raided by the FBI in early November and caused the mayor to abort a trip to the White House. Last week, Adams was slapped with a civil suit that accuses him of sexually assaulting a woman in 1993. The "Off Topic" team looks at the severity of the issues that currently surround the mayor.

And finally, we welcome back Courtney to the podcast!

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