Off Topic/On Politics
292 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 149 ratingsWhat happens when three New York reporters sit in a (small) room and talk politics? Join the NY1 political team each week for a conversation where no topic is off-limits and everything is on the record.
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Episodes
The NYPD sparks a not-so-social media fight with a journalist
April 05, 2024 08:00 - 31 minutes - 22.1 MBThis week, Mayor Eric Adams defended top police officials who went on social media repeatedly to attack Daily News columnist Harry Siegel for an op-ed he wrote about subway safety. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena weigh in on the NYPD’s fiery online attacks and the mayor’s defense of their behavior. After that, the New York state presidential primary found Joe Biden and Donald Trump easily winning their respective races. But as par...
Close to the edge: A violent week in NYC
March 29, 2024 08:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBThis week, a series of shocking acts of violence occurred in the city, including the fatal shooting of a police officer in Queens. Mayor Eric Adams, who ran his 2021 campaign on a public safety message, continues to say crime is down, but as headline-grabbing incidents persist, New Yorkers understandably feel less safe. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political director Bob Hardt and political reporter Bobby Cuza weigh in on the recent surge of violence and the mayor’s proposal fo...
Survey says: New Yorkers are not happy!
March 22, 2024 08:00 - 31 minutes - 22.1 MBThis week, new details emerged from a sexual assault allegation against New York City Mayor Eric Adams by a former NYPD aide. The woman claims that Adams in 1993 demanded sexual acts in exchange for helping her with her career in the department. The mayor vehemently denied the allegations, saying he doesn’t even recall ever meeting the woman who filed the lawsuit. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Kelly Mena and Dan Rivoli weigh in on the allegations as well as the somewhat-muted reaction ...
Santos returns while Adams and Hochul are partners in (fighting) crime
March 15, 2024 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBSaying he wants to return to Congress, George Santos sat down with NY1’s Ayana Harry for his first TV interview. The disgraced former lawmaker is targeting a different Long Island district for his comeback, even as he faces a 23-count federal indictment on corruption charges. Ayana is joined by NY1 political reporter Bobby Cuza and NY1 statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan to discuss Santos’ quasi-campaign. Also this week: Mayor Adams and Gov. Hochul appeared at a press conference together ...
Hochul deploys the National Guard underground
March 08, 2024 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBThis week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that she will deploy the National Guard and New York State Police into the subway system to increase security and conduct bag checks following a spate of violent crimes in transit. The surprise announcement has been met with a mixed response by New Yorkers. The deployment is just one part of what the governor called a five-point plan to crack down on subway crime. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan and po...
Mayor Adams challenges NYC's sanctuary city laws (again)
March 01, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBThis week, Mayor Eric Adams made headlines when he announced that he thinks changes need to be made to New York’s sanctuary city laws. This time, the mayor called for expanded cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities, attacking the current city policies that limit such communication and calling them detrimental to public safety. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan and political reporter Bobby Cuza weigh in on the mayor’s...
Hochul gets tough on shoplifting, City Council gets tough on Adams
February 23, 2024 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBThe City Council filed a motion this week to intervene in a lawsuit against Mayor Eric Adams' administration over the city's housing voucher program, known as CityFHEPS. The Adams administration has been against implementing the new rules citing high costs, as officials believe “the law goes beyond the City Council's authority, and that it's actually preempted by existing state law”. Also, this week, Adams canceled more budget cuts that were slated for April. NY1 investigative reporter Court...
Democrats flip a New York seat. What does it mean for them nationally?
February 16, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.8 MBDemocrat Tom Suozzi emerged victorious against Republican newcomer Mazi Pillip in a special election to replace disgraced Congressman George Santos. Is there a national significance for Suozzi’s win or is his victory more of a lesson in local politics? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kevin Frey weigh in on the race and the implications it may have for the Democrats in an election year. After that, Mayor Adams is taking on social media compan...
Suozzi vs Pilip: Down to the wire in NY-3
February 09, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBThe special house election in New York House District 3 is upon us. The race to replace disgraced former Rep. George Santos is a tight one between Tom Suozzi, the veteran former Democratic congressman, and Mazi Pilip, the Nassau County lawmaker running for the Republicans. Winning this seat would be an important step toward Democrats regaining control of the House. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry, take a look at the matchup and br...
The City Council vs. Mayor Adams: debate over public safety
February 02, 2024 09:00 - 36 minutes - 25.5 MBThis week, Mayor Adams and the City Council faced off in what has been a months-long battle over two criminal justice bills. The City Council ultimately voted to override two mayoral vetoes, but Mayor Adams is still hoping members will revise the ‘How Many Stops Act.’ NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Dan Rivoli and Kelly Mena weigh in on the City Council’s actions and what it means for New York City politics. They also touch on a recent traffic stop involving...
It’s Adams vs. Adams in a City Hall showdown
January 26, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBThe feud between Mayor Eric Adams and the Council Speaker Adrienne Adams hit new heights this week, despite the smiles and pleasantries exchanged at the mayor’s annual State of the City address. The two sides of City Hall are clashing over two controversial pieces of legislation – including one called the “How Many Stops” Act which requires more record-keeping by cops on the beat. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena discuss the clash, i...
Brace yourself, budget week has hit New York!
January 19, 2024 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBThis week, both Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams unveiled their budgets on the same day. The city and state will spend billions of dollars on the migrant crisis, and neither is proposing any increase in taxes. Here in New York City, Mayor Adams says the financial picture may not be as catastrophic as he told us a few months back. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena discuss the ins-and-outs of both budget proposals. They also look ...
Gov. Kathy Hochul hopes her third State of the State speech is charmed
January 12, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBGov. Kathy Hochul this week gave her annual State of the State address, a sprawling speech that addressed crime, housing and even artificial intelligence. But it was also notable that she did not address one of the biggest issues confronting New York: the migrant crisis. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan weigh-in on the governor’s address and whether or not her goals can be achieved by working with the legislatu...
Albany lawmakers’ New Year’s resolutions
January 05, 2024 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBIt’s a new year, meaning it’s time for state lawmakers to make some resolutions of their own up in Albany. Among them, they’ll try to address a housing shortage and funding for migrants. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political director Bob Hardt, and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss what Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature are facing in this upcoming legislative session. After that, Mayor Adams is once again struggling with the migrant crisis, fighting with...
It’s a political wrap: 2023 comes to a close
December 22, 2023 09:00 - 34 minutes - 24.1 MBGood tidings? Well, not exactly. The mayor and local lawmakers are not seeing eye to eye -- with the City Council banning solitary confinement in city jails and also passing a bill requiring police officers to log every investigative encounter with civilians. Mayor Adams is against both of these measures and may veto them. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan weigh in on these bills, as well as the mayor's fierce o...
Back to the drawing board: Court orders new Congressional map for New York
December 15, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21.4 MBNew York's highest court is ordering the state to redraw its congressional lines. The decision could ultimately help Democrats who look to retake control of the House of Representatives in 2024. For battleground districts, including possibly Staten Island, it could mean bringing in voters from more liberal, Democratic parts of Brooklyn. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza, and political director Bob Hardt discuss the map mess and what could come next. A...
With New Yorkers giving him a thumbs down, Hizzoner heads to D.C.
December 08, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBAfter aborting his trip to Washington last month because of a fundraising investigation, Mayor Eric Adams returned to the nation’s capital this week to ask for help in the migrant crisis. The trip came as a new Quinnipiac University poll showed that the mayor's approval numbers have fallen to 28%, the lowest for any NYC mayor since the poll began in 1996. But what do the poll numbers really mean? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, and Dan Riv...
A day of reckoning for George Santos
December 01, 2023 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBThe walls appear to have fully closed in on New York Republican Rep. George Santos. Facing expulsion, Santos remains defiant, attacking lawmakers and his many enemies. NY1 political reporters Courtney Gross, Bobby Cuza, Ayana Harry discuss the Santos saga and what will happen if he is expelled, as well as the many criminal charges he faces. After that, Mayor Adams' legal woes continue to grow. This week he announced that Brianna Suggs is no longer the main fundraiser for his reelection cam...
Adams slashes the budget while Santos is slammed by House report
November 17, 2023 19:34 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBMayor Eric Adams this week announced major budget cuts which will affect almost every city agency, reducing the size of the NYPD, ending Sunday service at libraries and potentially eliminating universal pre-K seats. Adams was also hit by a damaging report about the behavior of Winnie Greco, a longtime advisor to the mayor who currently serves as his director of Asian affairs. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Ayana Harry and Kelly Mena discuss the severity of the budget cuts, as well as th...
A rumble in the Bronx while Mayor Adams goes under the microscope
November 10, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBThere was an Election Day surprise in the Bronx as City Councilwoman Marjorie Velázquez lost to challenger Kristy Marmorato, the first time a City Council race has been won by a Republican candidate in the Bronx in 40 years. Also, the highly anticipated race in south Brooklyn’s District 47 saw Democrat Justin Brannan soundly beating Republican Ari Kagan. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Ayana Harry and Kelly Mena weigh-in on Election Day and some of the hottest races After that, Ma...
Adams abruptly cancels a meeting at the White House, and an Election Day preview
November 03, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBThis week saw a slew of developments in the ongoing migrant crisis. One unexpected turn was Mayor Eric Adams abruptly canceling his meeting with the White House and other mayors from across the country when he was notified that the FBI was raiding the Brooklyn home of a campaign consultant, Brianna Suggs. Details are still emerging. Additionally, the city prepares to open the long awaited and highly controversial migrant shelter at Floyd Bennett Field. City officials gave tours of the site, ...
Two city councilmembers duke it out for a seat in South Brooklyn
October 27, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBThis week, two incumbent city councilmembers squared off on NY1 for a spirited debate to represent the newly-drawn District 47 in South Brooklyn, which links Bay Ridge and parts of Dyker Heights to Bath Beach and Coney Island. Democrat Justin Brannan and Republican Ari Kagan are both currently representing adjoining districts, and are now vying for the seat. While Brannan is more moderate than many of his Democratic City Council colleagues, Kagan clearly staked out more conservative turf at ...
Mayor Adams’ attitudes towards AI
October 20, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBThis week, Mayor Eric Adams addressed the controversial issue of AI at a press conference when he discussed how he was sending out robocalls in languages he does not speak. Some have questioned the ethics around this, especially as many are calling for greater regulation from the mayor. Adams also seemed to dismiss the notion that AI could potentially mean a loss of jobs to any members of the city’s workforce. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Bernadette Hogan, and political director Bo...
New York reacts to the Israel-Hamas war
October 13, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.8 MBLast weekend, the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas attacked and killed hundreds of Israeli civilians, sparking an all-out war. In the wake of the attacks, President Biden, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams have all staunchly spoken out to support Israel. But the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America decided to hold a rally in support of Palestine and now the group is facing harsh criticism. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Dan Rivoli and Bernadette Hogan wei...
Mayor Adams visits Latin America as ‘Off Topic’ goes international
October 06, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBMayor Eric Adams took a trip to Latin America this week to get a first-hand look at the journey migrants take to cross the border and to dissuade people from seeking asylum in the five boroughs. NY1 political reporter Bobby Cuza has been following Adams on his tour of Mexico City and Puebla, as Adams met with officials and business leaders. Cuza, along with political anchor Errol Louis and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan, weighed in on Adams’ four-day trip. Cuza also broke down the mayo...
Texas governor takes a trip and takes no pity
September 29, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBThis week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott surprised many by visiting New York City — a city that he targeted last year with numerous busloads of asylum seekers. Speaking at a breakfast event at the Yale Club in Manhattan, Abbott largely minimized the city’s problem while blaming the migrant crisis on President Joe Biden. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Kelly Mena and NY1 political anchor Errol Louis weighed in on Abbott’s remarks, as well as several other developments in the crisis over the last...
White House comes through, while a tragedy at Bronx day care center shocks the city
September 22, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MBAmid serious pressure from Democratic leaders, the White House granted temporary work permits for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who are already in the country. After pressuring President Joe Biden for months, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams praised the move. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Kevin Frey and NY1 political director Bob Hardt weighed in on the announcement and took a look at some of the recent protests regarding migrant shelters on Staten Island and Floyd Bennett...
Ex-NYC buildings chief charged with taking bribes
September 15, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBThis week, former New York City Buildings Commissioner and ex-City Councilman Eric Ulrich surrendered to authorities in Manhattan. District Attorney Alvin Bragg says Ulrich took over $150,000 in bribes in a multi-year scheme, providing access and official favors in exchange for cash. A former advisor to Mayor Eric Adams, Ulrich pleaded not guilty to the 16 felony counts against him. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Kelly Mena and NY1 political director Bob Hardt weighed in on the inspecto...
As the migrant issue heats up, the mayor loses his cool
September 08, 2023 20:23 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBWith thousands of migrants arriving in New York City every week, Mayor Eric Adams raised some eyebrows when he said the crisis could “destroy the city.” The mayor’s strong words drew a wave of responses from across the political spectrum, with liberals generally criticizing him and conservatives praising him. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Kelly Mena and NY1 education reporter Jillian Jorgensen weighed in on the mayor’s words. And with hundreds of thousands of children returning to pu...
Gov. Hochul’s migrant message to President Biden: Send help
August 25, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBIncreasing pressure on the White House, Gov. Kathy Hochul this week delivered an address on the migrant influx, amplifying her plea for assistance from the federal government while declaring that the city’s right-to-shelter mandate does not apply to the rest of the state. She also announced new state aid in the form of $20 million in funding, a shelter site at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn and a plan to connect migrants with potential employers while they await work authorization. NY1...
Adams vs Hochul: New York leaders at odds over migrants
August 18, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBThis week, the state sent a strongly worded letter regarding the city’s response to the influx of migrants. But Gov. Kathy Hochul said she remains committed to helping Mayor Eric Adams navigate this issue. Adams, meanwhile, has been pressuring upstate counties to help house asylum seekers. NY1 political reporter Bobby Cuza, NY1 political director Bob Hardt and Albany political reporter Kate Lisa weigh in on the challenges the entire state is facing, as the number of arriving migrants continu...
Will Mayor Adams’ calls for help on migrants get answered?
August 11, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBNew York City is currently spending $9.8 million per day on the migrant crisis, according to Mayor Eric Adams. At a press conference this week, Adams announced that nearly 100,000 migrants have arrived in the city since spring 2022, and more than 57,000 remain in the city's care. He stated once again that the city is long past its breaking point and called on the Biden administration to declare a state of emergency. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena, and Mornings On 1 anchor ...
Is Rudy Giuliani ‘co-conspirator 1’ in the Trump indictment?
August 04, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBFormer President Donald Trump was indicted for the third time this year, facing four federal charges for a plot to overturn the 2020 presidential election. This week’s indictment includes six unnamed co-conspirators with all signs pointing to former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani being one of them. NY1 political reporter Bobby Cuza, education reporter Jillian Jorgensen and political anchor Errol Louis discuss the legal woes Giuliani, who is a former U.S. attorney and was once known as “...
Can New York City shut its door on migrants?
July 28, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBWith thousands of migrants arriving in the city every week, Mayor Eric Adams this week announced the opening of a large new relief center in the parking lot of Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens Village. There has been resistance to the announcement from Queens officials. NY1 political reporter Bobby Cuza, education reporter Jillian Jorgensen and political director Bob Hardt discuss the new site. They also talk about the hiring of Lisa Zornberg, who will serve as the mayor’s new chief co...
Pushing back against wave of migrants: Mayor Adams announces 60-day shelter limits
July 21, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBFacing a growing population of migrants, Mayor Eric Adams announced that the city will limit shelter stays for single adult asylum seekers to 60 days. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena and NY1 political anchor Errol Louis weigh in on this policy change and whether it can be successfully implemented. They also discuss the mayor’s announcement that the city will be passing out flyers at the U.S.-Mexican border to deter people from coming to New York City. The mayor also appoi...
Hizzoner playing defense
July 14, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBIt has been a challenging few weeks for Mayor Eric Adams, who is now midway through his second year in office. Last weekend, he spoke at a predominantly Black church in Brooklyn to take aim at the local media and complained that one of the hardest parts of being mayor is not getting the respect he deserves. NY1 political reporters Juan Manuel Benítez, Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena weigh in on the mayor's remarks and what they indicate about his ability to do his job. After that, the City Counc...
A $107 billion handshake, and a Primary Day wrap
June 30, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBThere were two big surprises in this week’s primaries. NY1 political reporters Zack Fink, Bobby Cuza and Juan Manuel Benítez provide some much-needed analysis of some of the night’s results. And following months of negotiations, Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council reached a “handshake agreement” on the city’s budget, one day before a Friday deadline. The “Off Topic/On Politics” team weighs in on the $107 billion deal and how it will affect the city. Also, congestion pricing is really c...
Primary Day is upon us (again)
June 23, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBPrimary Day, which is June 27, is almost here in New York City with every City Council seat up for grabs in this fall’s general election. While ranked-choice voting will be used in any council primary with three or more candidates, Mayor Eric Adams sounded critical of the process. NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Courtney Gross weigh in on some races, and why they think the mayor seems to oppose the ranked-choice process. After that, the city’s Rent Guidelines Board approved in...
Surprise resignation from NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell
June 16, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBThis week, Keechant Sewell suddenly announced her resignation from leading the nation’s largest police department. The decision comes only one-and-a-half years into her tenure and at a time when all major crime categories were trending down. Sewell became New York City’s first woman police commissioner when Mayor Eric Adams appointed her to the position in December 2021. NY1’s Juan Manuel Benítez, Courtney Gross and Emily Ngo weighed in on the commissioner’s decision, and discussed the unusu...
Up in the air, NYC faces yet another crisis
June 09, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBThis week, New York City faced another unprecedented event in the form of smoke from wildfires in Canada that blanketed the city and deteriorated air quality rather alarmingly. The smoke gave the city the worst air quality rating in the world, and New York’s worst since the 1960s. Some critics say Mayor Eric Adams and city health and emergency management officials should have briefed the public earlier as to what was happening. NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Courtney Gross weigh in...
A clean slate in New York?
June 02, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBAs the state legislative session nears the finish line, little more looks to be getting done outside of the somewhat-controversial Clean Slate Act. The bill, which would seal criminal records for those who finish their sentences and stay out of trouble for seven years, has been gaining momentum and appears to be close to passing. NY1’s Zack Fink, Bob Hardt and Courtney Gross take a look at the bill, and the current debate surrounding it. They also weighed in on the lack of any other signific...
Can NYC suspend its ‘right-to-shelter’ obligation?
May 26, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBThis week, the Adams administration asked a state court to revisit a landmark 1981 agreement that requires the city to provide shelter for homeless New Yorkers. NY1’s Zack Fink, Bobby Cuza and Courtney Gross looked at the latest development in the shelter crisis while also discussing what other options the city may have at this point. After that, the MTA is proposing its first base subway fare hike since 2015 — from $2.75 to $2.90. Gov. Kathy Hochul is standing behind the plan, saying...
While NYC faces a flood of migrants, the casinos are coming
May 19, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBOne year into the migrant crisis and New York City still doesn't have a real solution for the problem. This week, Mayor Eric Adams proposed a plan to house migrants in public school gyms which was met with protests from some parents across the city. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has been criticized for not yet having a statewide approach to deal with the crisis, met with New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and other members of the New York Congressional Delegation to advocate for the resources the state ...
Mayor suspends parts of ‘right-to-shelter’ law
May 12, 2023 08:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBThis week, Mayor Eric Adams issued an executive order suspending parts of the city’s longstanding right-to-shelter law ahead of an anticipated surge in migrants. It comes as Title 42, an order that allowed the government to curb migration to protect public health during the pandemic, is expiring. NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Courtney Gross take a look at this change, and why Adams felt the need to suspend a law that's been in existence since the early ‘80s. They also discussed...
Subway homicide
May 05, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBThis week, a 30-year-old man named Jordan Neely was killed after being placed in a chokehold by a 24-year-old man on an F train. His death has been ruled a homicide, and video of the encounter has drawn strong reactions from both New Yorkers and elected officials. NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Courtney Gross look at the incident, as well as the initial responses from both Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul. They also discuss the recent subway safety plan and the mental heal...
What’s in, what’s out: Breaking down the state budget
April 28, 2023 21:04 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBNearly one month after its due date, state lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul have agreed on a $229 billion state budget that includes changes to a controversial bail law, an increase in direct aid to schools by billions of dollars and personal income tax rates remaining unchanged. Additionally, Hochul’s ambitious housing plan appears to have been largely scrapped. NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Courtney Gross weigh in on key aspects of the budget and what it indicates about Hochul’s ...
A late budget, and Adams' anger grows
April 21, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBThe New York state budget is now three weeks late and is showing no real signs of completion. NY1's Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Courtney Gross weigh in on Gov. Kathy Hochul's ambitious housing plan and why it's receiving pushback from legislators. They also discussed how much of the opposition is coming from suburban counties rather than the city, and why the plan may not be winning her the support of progressive Democrats. After that, it appears Mayor Eric Adams has lost his patien...
Round two: Will lawmakers approve Hochul’s new chief judge pick?
April 14, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBAs budget negotiations continue in Albany, Gov. Kathy Hochul shifted focus this week and announced a new nominee for chief judge of the New York state Court of Appeals. Unlike Hochul’s failed first pick of Hector LaSalle, the nomination of Rowan Wilson was met with enthusiasm and support by lawmakers. NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Courtney Gross talked about how Wilson was received in Albany, and how a possible confirmation would play out with efforts to draw the state’s congressi...
Donald Trump pleads not guilty
April 06, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBWith a crush of media and dozens of protesters present, former President Donald Trump surrendered to authorities at a courthouse in lower Manhattan. After pleading not guilty to 34 felony charges, he quickly flew back to Mar-a-Lago, Florida, where he greeted his loyal supporters with a lengthy speech professing his innocence. NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Courtney Gross weighed in on Trump’s 24-hour whirlwind and discussed how the charges may affect his hopes of becoming the Repub...
Out of time in Albany
March 31, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBWith the state budget deadline approaching, it appears that there is little chance of the budget being delivered on time. Two of the most pressing issues are bail reform and affordable housing, particularly the plan allowing the state to prioritize housing projects even if they do not meet local approval. NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez, and Courtney Gross weighed in on what’s necessary to finalize the budget, and who is most likely to get their needs met. After that, MTA Chair an...