Off Topic/On Politics

Spectrum News NY1

What happens when three New York reporters sit in a (small) room and talk politics? Join host Zack Fink and the NY1 political team each week for a conversation where no topic is off-limits and everything is on the record.​

  • 41 minutes 46 seconds
    Mamdani milestone: Inside the mayor's first 100 days

    One hundred days is a big milestone for any new administration — and Friday marks Zohran Mamdani's 100th day as mayor of New York City. So how is it going for him so far? How much has he accomplished in that short time period? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, politics reporter Kelly Mena and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down the mayor's first few months in office.

    Looking ahead, meanwhile, Mamdani will likely face his steepest challenges in Albany when it comes to carrying out many of his campaign promises. The "Off Topic" team takes a look at what's on the horizon for the mayor.

    10 April 2026, 8:00 am
  • 31 minutes 47 seconds
    Mamdani vs. City Council: The budget dance turns tense

    This week, early tensions emerged between Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin after the Council released its response to the administration's plan to close a $5.4 billion budget shortfall. The Council says it found $6 billion in savings and efficiencies and has blasted ideas like ending free Sunday meter parking or a property tax hike.

    Meanwhile, Mamdani says the city is facing a fiscal crisis and has pushed for higher taxes on wealthy earners and corporations, while warning the Council's proposal relies on unstable revenue and would result in a cut to crucial services. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross is joined by political reporters Kelly Mena and Dan Rivoli to dig into the budget battle.

    Also this week, a new Siena poll showed Republican Bruce Blakeman narrowing the gap slightly in the race for governor, even as he faces a setback from the state's campaign finance board. The "Off Topic" team looks at Gov. Kathy Hochul's reelection bid and the challenges ahead.

    3 April 2026, 8:00 am
  • 30 minutes 30 seconds
    Taco Bell, Dunkin' and damage control at City Hall

    This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani made headlines with a YouTube livestream showing him eating Taco Bell and Dunkin', part of a "mukbang"-style push to spotlight enforcement actions against franchise owners accused of violating New York City labor laws, actions that could put hundreds or even thousands of dollars back into workers' pockets. At the same time, the mayor's plan to close a massive $5 billion budget gap also came into sharper focus. Political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena, along with Statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan, break it all down.

    Then, the "Off Topic" team looks ahead to Albany's likely late state budget, where major policy fights over climate law deadlines, ICE-related measures and more are slowing negotiations. They also examine what those delays could mean for New York City funding and the rollout of class-size mandates.

    27 March 2026, 8:00 am
  • 31 minutes 51 seconds
    Is Mamdani's new Office of Community Safety enough?

    This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani took a step toward reshaping how the city handles people having mental health crises, creating an Office of Community Safety, aimed at shifting some 911 calls away from the police department. But Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says the change will be limited, with most calls still handled by officers. Political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli, along with Statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan, break down the mayor's vision and what it could mean in practice.

    After that, St. Patrick's Day turned into a political challenge. City Hall waffled on parade plans, and Mamdani faced backlash for not weighing in about possible Irish reunification and comparing Ireland's struggle to Palestinians. The "Off Topic" team looks at how the annual parade continues to make political waves in New York.

    20 March 2026, 8:00 am
  • 32 minutes 6 seconds
    Bombs near Gracie Mansion: Another test for Mamdani

    Over the weekend, a far-right provocateur organized an "anti-Islam" protest outside Gracie Mansion, the residence of New York City's first Muslim mayor. During the demonstration, two counter-protesters allegedly threw improvised explosive devices toward the anti-Muslim demonstrators. Two men are now facing federal charges, including providing material support to a terrorist organization. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down how Mayor Zohran Mamdani handled the crisis.

    After that, the state Assembly and Senate released their big budget proposals this week. The "Off Topic" team explores what's included, what's left out and what it could mean for New Yorkers.

    13 March 2026, 8:00 am
  • 30 minutes 21 seconds
    Can Mamdani and Hochul deliver free 2-year-old child care without taxing the wealthy?

    This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul continued their joint push for universal child care, announcing initial seats for 2-year-olds rolling out this fall in neighborhoods across four boroughs, excluding Staten Island. NY1 political reporter Bobby Cuza, political director Bob Hardt and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss the plan and Albany lawmakers' recurring debate over taxing millionaires and corporations — an idea that polls well with voters but faces resistance in an election year.

    After that, the New York City Council ethics committee is moving forward with possible disciplinary action against Queens Councilwoman Vickie Paladino for some of her inflammatory posts on social media. The lawmaker says any such move would violate her First Amendment rights. The "Off Topic" team digs into the fight.

    6 March 2026, 9:00 am
  • 28 minutes 42 seconds
    A Mamdani and Trump reunion

    This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani returned to the Oval Office for the second time, meeting with President Donald Trump and emerging with major wins. The mayor secured federal support for a large housing project and helped facilitate the release of a Columbia University student who had been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry, along with political director Bob Hardt, break down Mamdani's trip to Washington, D.C. and what it means for New York City.

    Then, after a major snowstorm swept through the city, a snowball fight in Washington Square Park grabbed attention after the NYPD intervened and the mayor's remarks downplaying the incident sparked backlash. The "Off Topic" team looks back at a snowy week in the Big Apple through a political lens.

    27 February 2026, 9:30 am
  • 31 minutes 33 seconds
    Property tax hike or tax on the wealthy? Breaking down Mamdani's budget proposal

    Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled his first preliminary budget this week, creating some controversy as he revealed that it includes a proposal to raise property taxes on millions of city homeowners if Gov. Kathy Hochul doesn't agree to a tax hike on the rich. Was it simply a political bluff, or was the mayor serious? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Ayana Harry and Dan Rivoli break down his plan.

    Meanwhile, Mamdani took one step toward fulfilling his promise to freeze rents for stabilized tenants, while appearing to reverse course on a vow to end homeless encampment sweeps. On Wednesday, the mayor appointed six members to the nine-member Rent Guidelines Board, which is tasked with setting rents for the city's approximately 1 million stabilized units. He also said his administration would bring back encampment sweeps, under a modified policy overseen by the Department of Homeless Services rather than the NYPD. The "Off Topic" team weighs in on the mayor's latest moves.

    20 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 30 minutes 9 seconds
    The battle for New York: Hochul and Blakeman head to general election

    This week, New York Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado suspended his campaign for governor after struggling to lock in support from key progressive leaders. Meanwhile, on the Republican side, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman officially secured the party's backing and — after a bumpy process — unveiled his running mate. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political director Bob Hardt break down the state of the race for governor.

    Then, Mayor Zohran Mamdani headed to Albany for what's known as "Tin Cup Day," making the case for new tax hikes on wealthy New Yorkers and businesses. The mayor also struck a somewhat less pessimistic tone about the city's budget outlook, a shift from his earlier warnings of a $12 billion budget deficit. The "Off Topic" team weighs in on Mamdani's trip to the State Capitol and what it signals about the city's financial future.

    13 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 30 minutes 41 seconds
    Mamdani endorses Hochul but Brooklyn's party causes confusion

    This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul selected former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her pick for lieutenant governor ahead of the Democratic State Convention. But the move sparked discontent from the leader of the Brooklyn Democratic Party. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli break down Hochul's choice.

    After that, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing growing scrutiny following a severe cold snap that has left 17 people dead outdoors. While the mayor initially received praise for his handling of the snowstorm, more critics are emerging, criticizing the administration's response. The "Off Topic" team weighs in on whether the honeymoon for Mayor Mamdani and for New York City may already be over.

    6 February 2026, 1:00 am
  • 32 minutes 15 seconds
    Can Mamdani get NYC out of a budget deficit?

    This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani told New Yorkers the city is facing a staggering $12 billion budget deficit, a shortfall he says he inherited from former Mayor Eric Adams. The news has sparked sharp reactions across the political spectrum — including from some budget mavens who say the city's financial situation isn't a precarious as the mayor claims. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry break down what the deficit could mean for the new mayor's key campaign promises.

    Then, a federal judge appointed a new leader for Rikers Island. What does this latest move mean for the troubled jails complex and its future? The "Off Topic" team digs into yet another chapter in the long-running saga of a very problematic island.

    30 January 2026, 9:00 am
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