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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Thousands of Republicans from across the country gathered in Milwaukee this week for the Republican National Convention. That included hundreds of New Yorkers looking to expand the party’s influence in the Empire State. So could Donald Trump win New York? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and New York political director Bob Hardt discuss if there’s Republican momentum in the state, and the appearances of New York GOP members like Lee Zeldin and Elise Stefanik at the convention.

After that, money talks. This week was a crucial fundraising deadline for candidates looking to run for mayor next year. Early figures show Adams will have some challengers in the June primary. Scott Stringer, Zellnor Myrie and Brad Lander have all raised serious cash. The “Off Topic” team looks at what might be a very crowded and competitive primary race in 2025.

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It’s been two weeks since President Joe Biden’s disastrous performance in a debate against Republican challenger Donald Trump. As the fallout from that night continues, where do New York Democrats stand? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Washington Correspondent Kevin Frey discuss New York lawmakers’ level of commitment to the president and the national implications of their wavering status.

After that, Mayor Eric Adams is talking trash again. The mayor rolled out the city’s first official trash bin, dubbed the "NYC Bin.” “Buildings with one to nine residential units will be required to use secure bins of 55 gallons or less for trash set-out starting Nov. 12 of this year and start using special new trash bins in 2026. Spectrum New York political director Bob Hardt joins the “Off Topic” team to discuss the benefits and downsides of the new initiative, which aims to move toward a “safer, faster and cleaner collection.” And fewer rats.

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Tuesday’s primary election went pretty much as expected, but the impact and national significance of Westchester County Executive George Latimer's win over two-term incumbent Jamaal Bowman will be measured in the months ahead. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry analyze the contest in Congressional District 16, as well as the results of several downballot races.

After that, the city budget deadline is this Sunday, June 30. A handshake agreement is expected before then, but the City Council and the mayor have been at odds over a variety of issues and cuts. The "Off Topic" team looks at where they think the cuts will be and what effects they will have on New Yorkers.

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Next Tuesday is primary day here in New York City. There are three Congressional primaries and several primaries for State Senate and the Assembly. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and Statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan look at some of the more high-profile races including NY-16 in parts of the Bronx and Westchester — between Democrats George Latimer and the incumbent Jamaal Bowman. They also look at some down-ballot races which have been receiving less attention.

After that, in an about-face, Gov. Hochul is considering banning commuters from wearing face masks on mass transit. The possible move comes as there are increasing concerns that criminals are wearing masks while they commit crimes. The proposal immediately sparked controversy, and comes as the governor faces her lowest favorability and job approval ratings ever, according to a new Siena College poll. The "Off Topic" team discusses the proposed ban as well as Hochul’s plummeting poll numbers. 

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In a televised debate on NY1, Rep. Jamaal Bowman and his Democratic primary challenger, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, traded policy positions and sharp words just two days before the start of early voting. The Democratic primary in the 16th Congressional District is one of the more hotly contested primary races in our area. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry, discussed the fiery debate and look at how the candidates differ on key policies.

After that, congestion pricing is still on the minds of many New Yorkers. A week after Gov. Kathy Hochul's shocking announcement to pause the long-planned Manhattan toll, advocates and city officials are looking for answers and are threatening lawsuits. The ‘"Off Topic" team discusses whether the lawsuits can actually overturn the governor's decision, and look at how the MTA will make up an enormous loss of revenue.

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