//podcastplus.net/feed/off-topic-on-politics~60b5df13 What 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.​ Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:54:50 +0000 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/OffTopic082125.mp3?dest-id=741908 This week saw another political bombshell at City Hall. Mayor Eric Adams’ former top aide, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, was hit with four new indictments tied to sweeping bribery schemes during her time in the administration. Six others were charged as well, including Lewis-Martin’s son, another Adams aide and real estate developers. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down how this latest wave of scandal could shape the mayor’s chances in the November general election. Then, the "Off Topic" team dives into the rest of the campaign trail, from the debate over legalizing sex work to President Donald Trump’s potential involvement in the race. Fri, 22 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/OffTopic082125.mp3?dest-id=741908 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/OffTopic081425.mp3?dest-id=741908 The New York City mayor’s race continued to heat up this week with a rent-stabilized apartment showdown between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo; former Governor David Paterson throwing his support behind Mayor Eric Adams; and Mamdani hitting all five boroughs on an anti-Trump tour. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss a scorcher of a week in the dog days of summer.   After that, the focus shifts to Albany, where Gov. Kathy Hochul’s approval numbers are ticking upward in a new Siena University poll, even as her lead over likely challenger Elise Stefanik narrows. The “Off Topic” team breaks down what the numbers could mean for Hochul’s reelection strategy more than a year out from the vote. Fri, 15 Aug 2025 08:00:00 +0000 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/OffTopic081425.mp3?dest-id=741908 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/OffTopicPodcast121423Redistricting.mp3?dest-id=741908 New 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. After that, Mayor Adams recently announced massive budget cuts to offset the financial hit the city has taken because of the migrant crisis. The “Off Topic '' team takes a detailed look at these cuts and which programs and services they will affect. They also touch on how slashing the budget may potentially damage Adams politically. Leave a message:  212-379-3440 Email:  yourstoryny1@charter.com Fri, 15 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/OffTopicPodcast121423Redistricting.mp3?dest-id=741908 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/Off_Topic_Podcast_051823_Migrant_Crisis_Adams_vs_Hochul.mp3?dest-id=741908 One 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 needs. NY1’s Zack Fink, Juan Manuel Benítez and Courtney Gross take a look at both the governor’s and the mayor’s response to this crisis, while also addressing the complexities involved. They also discussed the lack of direct support the city has seen from the Biden administration. After that, Courtney Gross debuted her new three part special “New York’s Big Bet” this week about the massive competition to award up to three casino licenses in the downstate region. The “Off Topic/On Politics” team weigh... Fri, 19 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/Off_Topic_Podcast_051823_Migrant_Crisis_Adams_vs_Hochul.mp3?dest-id=741908 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/Off_Topic_Podcast_051123_Right-to-Shelter_Change_1.mp3?dest-id=741908 This 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 why an unprecedented number of migrants are entering the country over the southern border, and how Adams’ changes will be subject to legal challenges. Also, two noted Republicans faced serious legal issues this week, as Long Island and Queens Rep. George Santos entered a not guilty plea to 13 federal charges, while former president and potential Republican 2024 nominee Donald Trump was found liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll. The “Off Topic/On Politics" team discusses the effect thes... Fri, 12 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/Off_Topic_Podcast_051123_Right-to-Shelter_Change_1.mp3?dest-id=741908 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/Off_Topic_Podcast_050423_Jordan_Neely.mp3?dest-id=741908 This 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 health initiatives put forth by Hochul and Adams, and how they seem to be having little impact. After that, Hochul and lawmakers finalized the state budget following significant delays and concessions. The “Off Topic/On Politics" team takes a look at the governor’s “wins and losses” in the spending plan, as well as why it was so late. They also discuss the ever-developing story around her controversial ex-consultant Adam Sullivan, who was immediately dismissed following a scathing profile in the NY Times. More ... Fri, 05 May 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/Off_Topic_Podcast_050423_Jordan_Neely.mp3?dest-id=741908 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/Off_Topic_Podcast_042823_Conceptual_Budget.mp3?dest-id=741908 Nearly 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 tenure as governor so far. New York City also has a budget of its own. Mayor Eric Adams presented his $106.7 billion plan, which makes investments in climate education, workforce development and mental health resources and shows an increase of $4 billion since his first budget proposal in January. The “Off Topic/On Politics” team takes a look at Adams’ current plan to fund city agencies, and how budget negotiations between the mayor and the City Council may become contentious ahead of the June 30 deadline.... Fri, 28 Apr 2023 21:04:12 +0000 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/Off_Topic_Podcast_042823_Conceptual_Budget.mp3?dest-id=741908 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/Off_Topic_Podcast_042023_Housing_Holds_Up_Budget_.mp3?dest-id=741908 The 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 patience with the White House. The mayor urged President Joe Biden to immediately authorize work permits for asylum seekers who have entered New York City. It marks the harshest criticism of the Biden administration we've seen from the mayor. The "Off Topic/On Politics" team takes a detailed look at Adams’ remarks, and also discusses how, with a divided White House, there may be little the president can do. We want to hear from you, especially what you think of the mayor's criticism of President Biden. Leave a message: ... Fri, 21 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/Off_Topic_Podcast_042023_Housing_Holds_Up_Budget_.mp3?dest-id=741908 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/Off_Topic_Podcast_041323_New_Chief_Judge.mp3?dest-id=741908 As 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 congressional lines.   Also, from a new rat czar to the NYPD’s robotic dogs, the “Off Topic/On Politics” crew broke down the latest headlines involving city critters and discussed whether Mayor Eric Adams’ efforts to reduce the number of rats in the city will work. We want to hear from you, especially what you think of Mayor Adams’ rat mitigation efforts. Leave a message: 212-379-3440 Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com Fri, 14 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/Off_Topic_Podcast_041323_New_Chief_Judge.mp3?dest-id=741908 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/Off_Topic_Podcast_040523_Trump_Surrenders.mp3?dest-id=741908 With 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 Republican presidential nominee. They also looked at the case Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has built against Trump and the complexities within it.  Meanwhile in Albany, the April 1 deadline came and went and the state budget has still not been delivered. Proposed changes to bail reform continue to hold up the budget this year. The team talked about what it will take to push it over the finish line and also what the process indicates about Kathy Hochul’s governorship so far.  We want to hear from you, e... Thu, 06 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/offtopiconpolitics/Off_Topic_Podcast_040523_Trump_Surrenders.mp3?dest-id=741908