Episodes
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This week, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Mayor Eric Adams' former chief adviser, along with her son and two real estate investors, were charged in an alleged bribery conspiracy. The charges come as the mayor himself faces a separate corruption case. Lewis-Martin, who resigned Sunday from her role as one of the most powerful officials in City Hall, has said she's being "falsely accused." NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan look into the charges against Lewis-Martin and at how they will impact the mayor.
After that, the mayor was denied public matching funds for his reelection campaign this week, while President-elect Donald Trump also expressed some openness to a pardon for the mayor. What does this mean for his trial and his potential reelection? The “Off Topic” team gives the latest on where things stand with Eric Adams.
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This week, a New York City jury found Marine veteran Daniel Penny not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely. The jury’s verdict came days after the judge dismissed the top count of manslaughter against Penny, after jurors said they were deadlocked on it. The trial captivated New Yorkers and the country — and was seen as an example of the mental health crisis facing the city. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli weighed in on the verdict and what it may say about race and subway safety.
After that, with the presidential election behind us, New Yorkers have turned their attention to the mayor’s race. New candidates are jumping in, hoping to unseat the incumbent. The “Off Topic” team shared the latest on where things stand in the 2025 race, as well as whether Mayor Adams will be eligible to receive public matching funds due to his legal issues.
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This week, Mayor Eric Adams announced he will work with the Trump administration on immigration policy. Trump has picked Tom Homan as his border czar, and the mayor seems willing to meet with him. Adams also suggested the Department of Justice is biased after fielding a question about Hunter Biden's pardon. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political director Bob Hardt weigh in on the mayor’s recent support of the president-elect, as well as how far he will go before losing New York City Democrats, if he hasn't already.
After that, jurors have been sitting in a courtroom in Lower Manhattan for weeks hearing hours of testimony regarding the death of Jordan Neely — a homeless man with mental illness who was killed on the subway last year. Daniel Penny is accused of criminally negligent homicide and manslaughter in the case. NY1 political reporter Dan Rivoli has been in the courtroom every day, and he joins the “Off Topic’ team for an inside look at the trial ahead of a verdict.
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After several months of searching, Mayor Adams has picked a new police commissioner, Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who will officially take over the NYPD next week. This is the fourth police commissioner for Mayor Eric Adams in less than three years. What does her appointment say about where the Adams administration wants to go with policing? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena discuss Tisch’s career in city government and how it led to this position.
After that, this week saw a horrific series of deadly stabbings that were allegedly committed by a homeless man with a lengthy criminal record. The stabbing spree, which left three people dead, shocked the city. Mayor Adams claims the murders are more about how society handles people with serious mental illness than the actual safety of the city. The “Off Topic” team looks at how New Yorkers are feeling in the aftermath of these tragic killings.
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This week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she was reviving New York City's congestion pricing plan with a reduced base fare. Under the new plan, the toll for private vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street will be set at $9 for E-ZPass users. If greenlit by the federal government, the toll would begin in January. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan weigh in on the governor’s decision to revisit the plan and the divided reactions from lawmakers across the state.
After that, the City Council has passed a bill requiring landlords to pay brokers directly, unless their prospective tenant hires a broker independently. The Real Estate Board of New York opposed the measure, claiming landlords footing the fees will result in much higher rents for tenants. The “Off Topic” team looks at this new initiative and how it will affect New Yorkers.
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Many New Yorkers were perplexed by Donald Trump's decision to appear at Madison Square Garden a week before the election, but it appears the move may have paid some political dividends in New York. The president-elect made serious inroads in the city, improving on both his 2020 and 2016 numbers. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political director Bob Hardt look at Trump’s victory and the reasons behind his improved performance in New York City.
After that, there was some positive news down-ballot for New York Democrats. Following big midterm losses in 2022, Dems flipped three House seats back on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley. The "Off Topic" team discuss the results further down the ticket.
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Election Day is just around the corner and control of the U.S. House of Representatives may run right through New York. There are several competitive races across the state that deserve scrutiny. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and Washington correspondent Kevin Frey weigh in on some key congressional races, as well as the six ballot measures on the back of the ticket.
After that, Mayor Adams has been very reluctant to criticize Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. In his recent rally at Madison Square Garden, Trump raised eyebrows when he praised the mayor. So what’s behind the niceties between the two politicians and what might the mayor have to gain by staying on Trump's good side? The “Off Topic" team looks at Adams’ willingness to all but break from his party right before Election Day.
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The City Council held a six-hour hearing this week, questioning city officials about Mayor Adams’ "City of Yes" housing plan. The mayor wants to change zoning codes to allow for more housing, but critics say the plan would destroy the character of their neighborhoods and put pressure on infrastructure that is already crumbling. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena discuss the proposal, as well as the reactions from local communities.
After that, Spectrum News hosted the only debate this year between the two major candidates in New York’s U.S. Senate race. Democratic incumbent Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Republican challenger Mike Sapraicone sparred on stage at the University at Albany. The debate tackled hot topics, including immigration, crime and the economy. The “Off Topic” team weighs in on the candidates’ performances in New York’s capital city.
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Mayor Eric Adams continues to clean house. Last week, he announced a new first deputy mayor. This week, he appointed a new deputy mayor for public safety, Chauncey Parker. There is also a new schools chancellor, Melissa Aviles-Ramos. Gov. Kathy Hochul has praised the mayor for removing controversial staff members and seems to be working with him to ride out this storm. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry discuss the many personnel changes at City Hall as well as the mayor’s recent fundraising woes.
After that, NY1 and Spectrum News hosted a fiery debate in the 18th Congressional District in the Hudson Valley between Congressman Pat Ryan and Republican challenger Alison Esposito. This race is example of the kinds of clashes taking place in swing districts across the state and the country. The “Off Topic” team shares their takeaways from the debate as well as other notable congressional races across New York.
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There have now been 11 departures from the Adams administration in the last month. Departures in the past week included First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Deputy Mayor Phil Banks and Winnie Greco, the mayor’s embattled head of Asian affairs. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss the mass exodus inside City Hall and the recent federal investigation into the mayor’s liaison to the Muslim community.
After that, former President Donald Trump is planning a rally at one of the city’s biggest venues, Madison Square Garden. The rally is slated for later this month, just nine days before Election Day. The “Off Topic” team looks at Trump’s decision to hold an event in Manhattan, as well as New Yorkers’ reactions to the announcement.
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This week, Mayor Eric Adams made it clear that he has no plans to step down — even with a federal indictment hanging over his head. The exodus of his top aides continued, as advisor Tim Pearson became the fifth high-ranking member of the administration to announce their departure in just three weeks. Are the recent changes a response to a warning from Gov. Kathy Hochul? NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Kelly Mena and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss the likelihood of Adams surviving the indictment and the changes within his administration in the past week.
After that, much has been made about the mayor’s legal strategy. His lawyers tried to get the bribery charge against him thrown out and accused prosecutors of leaking details of the case. The feds, meanwhile, say it’s possible the mayor will face even more charges and that it’s likely others will be indicted. The "Off Topic" team looks at celebrity lawyer Alex Spiro’s strategy thus far and discuss how the feds still haven’t cracked the password on the mayor’s phone.
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted Thursday on federal charges that he took illegal campaign contributions and bribes from foreign nationals, including lavish overseas trips, in exchange for favors that included helping Turkish officials bypass a fire safety inspection for a new diplomatic tower in the city. And despite calls for his resignation from many high-ranking elected officials, Adams does not seem to be willing to step down. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political anchor Errol Louis discuss this landmark event in New York City’s political history, and if Adams can still effectively lead the city.
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Another week, another resignation. This time, the mayor’s chief counsel abruptly stepped aside. On Saturday night, Lisa Zornberg, the top lawyer at City Hall, called it quits. Is the administration in crisis? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena weigh in on the latest round of controversy surrounding the Adams administration and why Zornberg chose to suddenly quit.
After that, two high-ranking ex-FDNY chiefs were indicted on bribery and corruption charges. Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco allegedly fast-tracked fire inspections in exchange for cash. The indictment was brought by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. The “Off Topic” team discuss the charges and what role Williams plays in the ongoing investigations into the Adams administration.
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Under a cloud of questions and a federal probe, Edward Caban resigned as commissioner of the NYPD on Thursday. Caban was tapped by Mayor Eric Adams to be NYPD commissioner in July 2023, replacing Keechant Sewell and was the first Latino to hold the position. The news of Caban’s resignation comes after sources told NY1 last Thursday that federal investigators visited his house and took his phones, and seized electronic devices from several other NYPD executives. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, NY1 criminal justice reporter Dean Meminger and political director Bob Hardt look at Caban’s decision to step down, the federal investigation into the NYPD’s nightclub enforcement practices and Caban’s interim replacement, Tom Donlon, a retired FBI officer.
After that, the “Off Topic” team looks at the many members of the Adams administration currently under investigation and the announcement that state Senator Jessica Ramos will challenge Adams in the 2025 primary.
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Four top members of the Adams administration were the subject of search warrants this week, with some of their phones seized. That included First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, Police Commissioner Edward Caban and Adams aide Tim Pearson. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporter Bobby Cuza discuss the latest.
After that, Labor Day weekend in NYC means the West Indian American Day Parade. The carnival and its preceding party, known as Jouvert, celebrates West Indian culture and heritage. This year that parade turned violent; five people were shot and one of them died. Despite that, Mayor Adams said the celebration was safe. Statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan joined the team to discuss the city’s response to the tragedy.
And finally, a former aide to two New York governors was charged Tuesday with acting as a secret agent of the Chinese government, allegedly trying to advance China's agenda. The “Off Topic” team looks at how Governor Hochul has reacted to this surprise allegation of espionage.
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This week, there was a marathon-long confirmation hearing over Mayor Adams’ pick to become the new city’s corporation counsel, Randy Mastro. City Councilmembers focused on Mastro’s role as a top City Hall aide to Rudy Giuliani, questioning whether he is the right man to be the city’s chief lawyer. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena discuss Mastro’s nomination and what the hearing shows about the divide between the two sides of City Hall.
After that, public school is back in session next week and many parents are bracing for a big announcement from City Hall about a possible cell phone ban. Mayor Adams says the city is not ready for such a move — even as many states and districts are moving to restrict the devices during school hours. The “Off Topic” team looks at how the nation’s largest school district might handle the issue.
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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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