Off Topic/On Politics

This week, Mayor Eric Adams announced in a nearly nine-minute video that he was dropping his struggling reelection bid. While some were surprised, others saw it as inevitable. What does his exit mean for the rest of the field and how are the remaining candidates pivoting? The team also looks at how this move shapes Adams' legacy. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down the latest from the campaign trail.

Later, the federal government shutdown continues with no end in sight, as the Trump administration looks to strip New York of billions in transportation funding. What impact will this have on the Empire State? The "Off Topic" team digs into the president's decision to withhold funds and what it means for New Yorkers.

This week, NY1 presented a special podcast event — "New York Decides: Live from Chelsea", featuring a crossover episode of its political podcasts "Off Topic/On Politics" and "You Decide." Hosted by Errol Louis, Courtney Gross and Bobby Cuza, the discussion centered on the latest developments in the New York City mayoral campaign, including the stunning announcement by Mayor Eric Adams that he's dropping out of the race.

The program also featured interviews with Emmy Award–winning actress and activist Cynthia Nixon and J.C. Polanco, a professor of law and former president of the New York City Board of Elections — who had very different takes on Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani. Rounding out the evening, Spectrum News New York political director Bob Hardt joined the panel to provide historical perspective on this year's race.

This week, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa leveled bribery accusations against rival Andrew Cuomo, while Mayor Eric Adams surprised many by repeatedly weighing in on the city's transgender bathroom policy. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down what it all means for the closing stretch of the campaign.

Meanwhile, another high-stakes competition is playing out this fall: the race for three state-issued gaming licenses. Proposals for three Manhattan-based casinos have been rejected, but bids in Yonkers and Queens are advancing. The "Off Topic" team looks at the logistical challenges and neighborhood implications of placing casinos in these locations.

This week, Zohran Mamdani scored a key endorsement from Gov. Kathy Hochul, who had spent months on the fence about whether to fully embrace the Democratic candidate for mayor. State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie also lined up behind Mamdani, who is leading in the polls over his rivals. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Ayana Harry and Kelly Mena break down the latest developments and analyze Hochul's endorsement. Plus, the team discusses Andrew Cuomo's shifting views on the war in Gaza.

Then, Mayor Eric Adams announced an unexpected proposal to ban horse carriages in the city, something his predecessor, Bill de Blasio, promised but never delivered. The "Off Topic" team takes a closer look at Adams' sudden push to reign in the industry and the expected battle he will face by the City Council.

We're now less than two months from Election Day, and a new round of polls shows Zohran Mamdani holding a comfortable lead over Andrew Cuomo. But a lot can shift in the weeks ahead and the numbers suggest Mamdani's margin would narrow considerably in a one-on-one matchup with Cuomo. So the big question is: can anyone catch Mamdani? NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry are joined by political director Bob Hardt to weigh in on whether Mamdani is truly untouchable.

Plus, straight from the campaign trail: will Mayor Eric Adams actually drop out of the race? How is Andrew Cuomo trying to turn the 9/11 anniversary into a political moment? And what's behind Mamdani's viral video of him playing soccer? The "Off Topic" team breaks down another busy week in the mayor's race.

This week, there were two separate reports that Trump administration officials are considering offering Mayor Eric Adams a job if he drops his reelection bid, possibly helping Andrew Cuomo against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani in the mayoral race. But after Mamdani soundly defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary, would such a move even work? And where does Republican Curtis Sliwa fit into this unpredictable mayoral mix? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down a chaotic week in the mayor's race.

After that, Manhattan Rep. Jerry Nadler, a liberal lion and Capitol Hill veteran, announced his retirement after more than three decades in office. What does this mean for the future of Democratic leadership in New York and who might step up to fill his shoes? The "Off Topic" team looks at Nadler's lengthy career in New York politics.

As summer winds down, the mayoral campaign season is kicking into high gear. This week, Mayor Eric Adams is trying to resuscitate his campaign following last week's indictment of a former top aide. Meanwhile, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani met with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, though no endorsement came from the meeting. And, focusing on Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo held an entire press conference to attack the frontrunner. Looking at all of the developments, NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza, and Statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss what voters should watch for this fall as the general election approaches.

After that, President Donald Trump is hinting that the National Guard needs to patrol New York. How is Gov. Kathy Hochul responding to Trump's threats? The "Off Topic" team discusses the working relationship between two "frenemies" — the governor and the president.

This week saw another political bombshell at City Hall. Mayor Eric Adams' former top aide, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, was hit with four new indictments tied to sweeping bribery schemes during her time in the administration. Six others were charged as well, including Lewis-Martin's son, another Adams aide and real estate developers. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down how this latest wave of scandal could shape the mayor's chances in the November general election.

Then, the "Off Topic" team dives into the rest of the campaign trail, from the debate over legalizing sex work to President Donald Trump's potential involvement in the race.

The New York City mayor's race continued to heat up this week with a rent-stabilized apartment showdown between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo; former Governor David Paterson throwing his support behind Mayor Eric Adams; and Mamdani hitting all five boroughs on an anti-Trump tour. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss a scorcher of a week in the dog days of summer.

After that, the focus shifts to Albany, where Gov. Kathy Hochul's approval numbers are ticking upward in a new Siena University poll, even as her lead over likely challenger Elise Stefanik narrows. The "Off Topic" team breaks down what the numbers could mean for Hochul's reelection strategy more than a year out from the vote.

Mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo unveiled a comprehensive public safety plan this week, pledging to bolster the NYPD through increased starting salaries, performance bonuses and stronger community policing efforts. He also criticized his opponent, Zohran Mamdani, citing Mamdani's past criticism of the NYPD. Meanwhile, Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorsed Mamdani, calling him the future of the Democratic Party. Speculation also began to swirl about former President Donald Trump's possible involvement in the race, raising the stakes even higher. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down how these developments could reshape the crowded race ahead of the November general election.

After that, the "Off Topic" team examines Gov. Kathy Hochul's response to Texas' congressional redistricting by suggesting that New York might consider similar moves, despite constitutional hurdles. They also assess Hochul's broader national strategy and the growing buzz around a potential challenge from Rep. Elise Stefanik in next year's election.