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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled her $260 billion state budget, which proposes a major expansion of free child care and does not raise taxes. But that tax decision may mark the first public disagreement between Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the governor. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down the governor's fiscal plan for the year ahead.

Then, a Manhattan State Supreme Court judge ruled that New York's 11th Congressional District on Staten Island is unconstitutional, finding it disenfranchises Black and Latino voters. The district, currently represented by Republican Nicole Malliotakis, could become a key pickup opportunity for Democrats as they work to retake control of the House. The "Off Topic" team examines this potential redrawing of New York's congressional map.

Gov. Kathy Hochul this week delivered her State of the State address, offering a window into her vision and priorities for 2026 — a crucial election year. The speech focused on several major themes, including affordability initiatives, universal childcare and the future of nuclear power in New York. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political director Bob Hardt break down the address and what it signals for New Yorkers in the year ahead.

After that, former Mayor Eric Adams returned to the spotlight , announcing a new meme cryptocurrency that quickly sparked accusations of fraud. Adams says the NYC Token digital coin will fund efforts to combat anti-Americanism and antisemitism and help educate children about blockchain technology. The crypto community, however, has been quick to label the project a scam. The controversial venture does little to repair Adams' already-damaged reputation. The "Off Topic" team weighs in on the first chapter of Adams' life after City Hall.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani's first week in office brought both major announcements and minor controversies. On Thursday, the mayor unveiled a joint plan with Gov. Kathy Hochul for a statewide push to expand universal pre-K and create new 2-K child care initiatives. On the other side of the ledger, questions arose over the appointment of Cea Weaver to lead the Mayor's Office to Protect Tenants in the wake of past tweets she has made. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down an eventful first week at City Hall.

After that, City Hall officially welcomed a new leader of the City Council. Upper East Side Councilmember Julie Menin was elected speaker unanimously on Wednesday. The "Off Topic" team looks ahead at what her leadership could mean for the Council and the city.

In a day of firsts at City Hall, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City's 112th mayor in front of a large crowd of supporters. Now officially holding what's often called "the second toughest job in America," Mamdani faces a daunting set of challenges. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political anchor Errol Louis look back on a monumental New Year's Day and what this new era could mean for New York City.

Editor's note: We misattributed Eric Adams' elevator comments to a lightning-round question from a mayoral debate. It actually came from Nayeema Raza's "Smart Girl Dumb Questions" podcast episode featuring Adams.

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is facing new scrutiny and criticism after his newly-appointed director of appointments resigned just hours into the job. Catherine Almonte Da Costa stepped down Thursday afternoon following the resurfacing of antisemitic statements she posted more than a decade ago on social media — raising questions about the Mamadani team's vetting process.

Meanwhile, outgoing Mayor Eric Adams is making a series of last-minute appointments to the Rent Guidelines Board that could complicate Mamdani's pledge to freeze rents once he takes office.

NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry, and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down the developments at City Hall, and what they mean for the incoming administration.

After that, Gov, Kathy Hochul says she plans to sign legislation legalizing medically-assisted suicide next year, after pushing lawmakers to add a series of new "guardrails" to the bill.The "Off Topic" team looks at this initiative, first introduced in 2016 but stalled for years amid opposition from the New York State Catholic Conference and other groups.

Eric Adams leaves his mayoralty behind in just 20 days, prompting many to ask: What kind of mayor was he? What were his accomplishments and his failures, and what will his legacy be? NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down his four years in office.

After that, the race for governor is already heating up. As Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul prepares to launch her reelection campaign, Republicans are gearing up for a primary of their own, with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman jumping into the race to challenge upstate Rep. Elise Stefanik. The "Off Topic" team takes an early look at where the race stands.