This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Gov. Kathy Hochul and MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber unveiled a new plan aimed at speeding up bus commutes by an estimated six minutes.

The "Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service" initiative includes prioritized bus corridors, including major changes along Flatbush Avenue, such as center-running bus lanes and island boarding. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena examine the proposal and the absence of free buses, one of Mamdani's campaign promises.

Then, elected officials in the city are in line for an 18.2% pay raise under proposed legislation in the City Council. The increase follows a recommendation from the Quadrennial Advisory Commission, an independent panel that reviews compensation for local lawmakers every four years. Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin say they will decline any approved pay increase. The "Off Topic" team discusses the potential salary bumps and what it could mean politically.

Tuesday's Democratic primary election demonstrated the power of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's endorsement. Every candidate backed by the mayor emerged victorious, underscoring his growing influence within New York Democratic politics. As the results become clear, NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political anchor Errol Louis break down the key races, the biggest surprises, and what the outcomes could mean for the future direction of the Democratic Party in New York.

This week, Spectrum News NY1 hosted a congressional debate in New York's 13th District, which includes Harlem, Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx. The candidates are incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat and his much younger opponent, Darializa Avila Chevalier, who has been endorsed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss the debate and what it indicates about the Democratic Socialists of America's growing presence in New York City politics.

After that, the "Off Topic" team catches you up on the rest of this year's congressional contests. There are 38 legislative primaries on the ballot, and a handful of them are highly competitive. Consider this your voter guide as primary day approaches.

While New York is celebrating the Knicks' return to the finals for the first time in decades, controversy over canceled watch parties near Madison Square Garden has sparked a public feud. Knicks owner James Dolan criticized Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch on WFAN, saying they're party poopers and not real fans. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross joins political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli to break down the battle between City Hall and Dolan.

After that, NY1 hosted a fiery debate featuring five leading Democratic candidates in Manhattan's 12th Congressional District. With Election Day approaching, the "Off Topic" team looks at the winners, losers and key takeaways from the debate.

New York passed a constitutional amendment in 2014 that expressly prohibits drawing congressional maps "for the purpose of favoring or disfavoring incumbents or other particular candidates or political parties." More than a decade later, Democrats in Albany are switching course and throwing their hat in the nationwide redistricting battle. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli discuss what gerrymandering New York's map could mean for the balance of power in Congress.

Meanwhile, NY1 hosted two congressional debates this week with less than three weeks to go until Primary Day. Incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman squared off with former City Comptroller Brad Lander. In the open race to succeed retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, state Assembly member Claire Valdez and City Council member Julie Won went head-to-head on the debate stage. The "Off Topic" team breaks down the biggest moments, strongest performances and the issues driving voters to the polls.

This week Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced his "Block by Block" housing initiative, a sweeping plan to build 200,000 new affordable, rent-stabilized units and preserve another 200,000 existing units over the next decade. How does the proposal differ from the housing plans rolled out by previous mayors? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down the mayor's ambitious housing agenda.

Then, sports take center stage as the New York Knicks chase their first championship in 53 years while the 2026 FIFA World Cup prepares to arrive in New Jersey. Meanwhile, Gov. Kathy Hochul, with support from Brooklyn Assemblyman Robert Carroll, is lobbying for another Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. The "Off Topic" team weighs in on an action-packed start to the summer for New York sports fans.

Several closely contested congressional races are developing across New York before next month's primaries. District 7 in Brooklyn and Queens has emerged as a focal point following Nydia Velázquez's announcement that she will retire, while District 10 in Brooklyn and Manhattan features a prominent challenge by Brad Lander against Dan Goldman. Manhattan's NY-12 is also attracting significant attention with Jerry Nadler's impending retirement.

NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli analyze those races, as well as the primary challenges confronting Grace Meng and Adriano Espaillat, in addition to a pivotal swing district in the Hudson Valley.

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.