• N.Y. Democrats unite behind Harris while the mayor and the City Council scuffle
    Jul 26 2024

    Last Sunday, President Joe Biden rocked everyone's weekend when he announced that he was withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. Since then, Harris has secured enough support from delegates to become the presumptive democratic nominee for president. How quick was the New York delegation to throw its support behind the brand new candidate? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Kelly Mena and New York political director Bob Hardt discuss the second ‘where were you when….’ weekend in a row, and how a switch at the top of the ticket could affect races here in New York.

    After that, Mayor Eric Adams’ Charter Revision Commission released its final ballot proposals, which come a mere two months after the commission was initially established. Through the release of these proposals, the mayor has knocked off a Council’s proposal on this November’s ballot which would have curtailed the mayor’s power. The “Off Topic” team looks at yet another conflict brewing inside city hall.

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    30 mins
  • Is New York ready to turn red?
    Jul 19 2024

    Thousands of Republicans from across the country gathered in Milwaukee this week for the Republican National Convention. That included hundreds of New Yorkers looking to expand the party’s influence in the Empire State. So could Donald Trump win New York? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and New York political director Bob Hardt discuss if there’s Republican momentum in the state, and the appearances of New York GOP members like Lee Zeldin and Elise Stefanik at the convention.

    After that, money talks. This week was a crucial fundraising deadline for candidates looking to run for mayor next year. Early figures show Adams will have some challengers in the June primary. Scott Stringer, Zellnor Myrie and Brad Lander have all raised serious cash. The “Off Topic” team looks at what might be a very crowded and competitive primary race in 2025.

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    31 mins
  • Will N.Y. Dems stand with Biden and why is the mayor talking trash?
    Jul 12 2024

    It’s been two weeks since President Joe Biden’s disastrous performance in a debate against Republican challenger Donald Trump. As the fallout from that night continues, where do New York Democrats stand? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Washington Correspondent Kevin Frey discuss New York lawmakers’ level of commitment to the president and the national implications of their wavering status.

    After that, Mayor Eric Adams is talking trash again. The mayor rolled out the city’s first official trash bin, dubbed the "NYC Bin.” “Buildings with one to nine residential units will be required to use secure bins of 55 gallons or less for trash set-out starting Nov. 12 of this year and start using special new trash bins in 2026. Spectrum New York political director Bob Hardt joins the “Off Topic” team to discuss the benefits and downsides of the new initiative, which aims to move toward a “safer, faster and cleaner collection.” And fewer rats.

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    Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

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    33 mins
  • Primary recap and budget talks
    Jun 28 2024

    Tuesday’s primary election went pretty much as expected, but the impact and national significance of Westchester County Executive George Latimer's win over two-term incumbent Jamaal Bowman will be measured in the months ahead. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry analyze the contest in Congressional District 16, as well as the results of several downballot races.

    After that, the city budget deadline is this Sunday, June 30. A handshake agreement is expected before then, but the City Council and the mayor have been at odds over a variety of issues and cuts. The "Off Topic" team looks at where they think the cuts will be and what effects they will have on New Yorkers.

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    Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

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    32 mins
  • Primary preview plus a potential mask ban for straphangers
    Jun 21 2024

    Next Tuesday is primary day here in New York City. There are three Congressional primaries and several primaries for State Senate and the Assembly. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and Statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan look at some of the more high-profile races including NY-16 in parts of the Bronx and Westchester — between Democrats George Latimer and the incumbent Jamaal Bowman. They also look at some down-ballot races which have been receiving less attention.

    After that, in an about-face, Gov. Hochul is considering banning commuters from wearing face masks on mass transit. The possible move comes as there are increasing concerns that criminals are wearing masks while they commit crimes. The proposal immediately sparked controversy, and comes as the governor faces her lowest favorability and job approval ratings ever, according to a new Siena College poll. The "Off Topic" team discusses the proposed ban as well as Hochul’s plummeting poll numbers.

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    34 mins
  • Bowman and Latimer clash in NY-16 debate live on NY1
    Jun 14 2024

    In a televised debate on NY1, Rep. Jamaal Bowman and his Democratic primary challenger, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, traded policy positions and sharp words just two days before the start of early voting. The Democratic primary in the 16th Congressional District is one of the more hotly contested primary races in our area. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry, discussed the fiery debate and look at how the candidates differ on key policies.

    After that, congestion pricing is still on the minds of many New Yorkers. A week after Gov. Kathy Hochul's shocking announcement to pause the long-planned Manhattan toll, advocates and city officials are looking for answers and are threatening lawsuits. The ‘"Off Topic" team discusses whether the lawsuits can actually overturn the governor's decision, and look at how the MTA will make up an enormous loss of revenue.

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    34 mins
  • Congestion pricing: Why did Gov. Hochul hit the brakes?
    Jun 7 2024

    Almost 50 years in the making, congestion pricing in New York City was dealt a shocking blow this week when Gov. Kathy Hochul “indefinitely” paused the plan to toll people driving into Midtown and lower Manhattan. Hochul’s decision — just weeks before the plan was going into effect — has New Yorkers scratching their heads as to what led to her decision. Was it just policy or was politics behind the governor’s move? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political director Bob Hardt discuss the possible reasons for Hochul’s last-minute postponement.

    After that, it’s Adams v. Adams yet again. Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams are at odds, this time over a piece of legislation that would give local lawmakers confirmation powers over 21 mayoral appointees. The “Off Topic” team discusses the latest City Hall power struggle.

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    35 mins
  • Trump is guilty: What's next?
    May 31 2024

    After 11 hours of deliberation, 12 men and women found former President Donald Trump guilty on all 34 felony charges of falsifying business records in his New York City criminal hush-money trial. This is the first time a former president has been convicted of a crime. Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, only four days before the Republican National Convention. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Ayana Harry and Bobby Cuza recap this monumental event in American history, including Ayana’s observations from the trial as she was in court each day. They also discuss the former president’s unconventional press conference at Trump Tower and the political ramifications of this historic decision.

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    Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

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    32 mins