Mamdani vs. City Council: The budget dance turns tense

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.