• Did Mamdani actually solve New York City's budget crisis?
    May 15 2026

    This week, Mayor Mamdani unveiled his executive budget, turning a projected multibillion-dollar deficit into a balanced plan without major service cuts, a property tax hike, or tapping a rainy-day fund.

    The plan relies largely on help from Albany and a $2.3 billion pension plan restructuring that would push costs from 2032 to 2037, but it still requires approval from the state, retirement funds and unions. The city budget must also still be negotiated with the City Council.

    NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza, and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down what's in, what's out, and how the mayor got it done.

    After that, the re-introduced Community Opportunity to Purchase Act, or COPA, would give some nonprofit groups the first chance to buy certain distressed multifamily buildings. Supporters, including Council member Sandy Nurse, say the proposal would help preserve affordability. Opponents say it may be illegal.

    The "Off Topic" team looks at the bill, which was vetoed by former Mayor Eric Adams and has now been revived despite fierce opposition from the real estate industry.

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    27 mins
  • Hochul says there's a budget deal; Albany says not so fast
    May 8 2026

    This morning, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced there was a "general agreement" between her office and Albany legislators on a $268 billion state budget. The spending plan includes auto insurance reforms, immigration protections, an energy rebate and more. However, state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie called the announcement "premature," saying there is no final deal in place. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry discuss the latest drama surrounding the negotiations.

    After that, a viral video posted several weeks ago by Mayor Zohran Mamdani targeting hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin continues to generate blowback. Griffin says he will add thousands of jobs in Miami instead of New York City amid the mayor's push to tax wealthy earners and corporations. The "Off Topic/On Politics" team breaks down the political fallout from Mamdani's social media strategy and examines whether he is taking the wrong approach with some of the city's wealthiest business leaders.

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    36 mins
  • A new NYPD controversy: How will Mamdani respond to a council member's arrest?
    Apr 24 2026

    This week, Brooklyn City Council member Chi Ossé was arrested during a protest in Bedford-Stuyvesant aimed at stopping the eviction of a woman amid disputed allegations of deed theft. Video of the arrest quickly went viral, and Ossé has since raised concerns about his treatment by police during the incident. Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the footage as "concerning" and said he reached out to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch in response. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza, and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down Ossé's arrest and the mayor's reaction.

    Also this week, Gov. Kathy Hochul discussed her proposal to overhaul New York's auto insurance system, arguing it will help lower costs for drivers. She emphasized she is not ready to make a final budget deal unless her proposed changes are included. The "Off Topic" team weighs in on what the plan could mean for New York drivers.

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    36 mins
  • Mamdani, Menin unite around tax plan as Hochul shoots them down
    May 1 2026

    This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin appeared to set aside their differences to advance a new budget solution: scaling back a lucrative tax credit used by wealthy business owners to help close the city's budget gap. The proposal, which targets what's known as the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) credit, was swiftly rejected by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

    NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down how the tax credit works, who benefits most, and why the governor pushed back.

    Plus: Did Mayor Mamdani take a political hit? His endorsement of Lindsey Boylan fell short in a special election for a Manhattan City Council seat, raising questions about his influence. Meanwhile, the mayor waded into international controversy after appearing to pick a fight with the King over a disputed gem. The "Off Topic" team looks at Mamdani's busy week.

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    35 mins
  • Mamdani milestone: Inside the mayor's first 100 days
    Apr 10 2026

    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.

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    42 mins
  • Will Mamdani's city-run grocery stores work?
    Apr 17 2026

    Last weekend, during his 100-day address, Mayor Zohran Mamdani finally shared new details on one of his signature campaign promises: city-run grocery stores. The first location is expected to open next year, with additional stores planned across the city. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza, and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down how these city-run stores would operate and what it could mean for New Yorkers navigating high grocery prices.

    Meanwhile, Gov. Kathy Hochul's new tax proposal could help Mamdani close part of the city's budget shortfall. The initiative introduces New York state's first "pied-à-terre" tax on luxury second homes. The tax would apply to one-to three-family homes, condos, and co-ops valued at $5 million or more, owned by people whose primary residence is outside the five boroughs.

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    32 mins
  • Mamdani vs. City Council: The budget dance turns tense
    Apr 3 2026

    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.

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    32 mins
  • Is Mamdani's new Office of Community Safety enough?
    Mar 20 2026

    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.

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    32 mins