Off Topic/On Politics

Mamdani hits turbulence before day one

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is facing new scrutiny and criticism after his newly-appointed director of appointments resigned just hours into the job. Catherine Almonte Da Costa stepped down Thursday afternoon following the resurfacing of antisemitic statements she posted more than a decade ago on social media — raising questions about the Mamadani team's vetting process. Meanwhile, outgoing Mayor Eric Adams is making a series of last-minute appointments to the Rent Guidelines Board that could complicate Mamdani's pledge to freeze rents once he takes office. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry, and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down the developments at City Hall, and what they mean for the incoming administration. After that, Gov, Kathy Hochul says she plans to sign legislation legalizing medically-assisted suicide next year, after pushing lawmakers to add a series of new "guardrails" to the bill.The "Off Topic" team looks at this initiative, first introduced in 2016 but stalled for years amid opposition from the New York State Catholic Conference and other groups.

Eric Adams' legacy: Swagger, soundbites and subpoenas

Eric Adams leaves his mayoralty behind in just 20 days, prompting many to ask: What kind of mayor was he? What were his accomplishments and his failures, and what will his legacy be? NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down his four years in office. After that, the race for governor is already heating up. As Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul prepares to launch her reelection campaign, Republicans are gearing up for a primary of their own, with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman jumping into the race to challenge upstate Rep. Elise Stefanik. The "Off Topic" team takes an early look at where the race stands.

Mamdani transition tensions and three big casino bets

This week, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met with outgoing Mayor Eric Adams at Gracie Mansion as part of efforts to ensure a smooth transition next month. Mamdani also joined Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and protesters outside a Park Slope Starbucks, where they alleged unfair labor practices. With inauguration day only weeks away, NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza, and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down what to expect before Jan. 1 from the incoming mayor. After that — casinos! While it's not a done deal yet, a state board issued its final recommendations this week on which projects should receive a gaming license. The "Off Topic" team explains where the three casinos are going and what they're offering.

Police reform or politics? Mamdani's NYPD pick

This week, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced that he will keep NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch in her role when he takes office in January. Tisch, the department's 48th commissioner, has led the NYPD with what Mamdani's team calls a renewed focus on accountability and transparency, overseeing a historic drop in violent crime. The decision signals Mamdani's willingness to make top appointments based on experience rather than ideology. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry break down Mamdani's biggest decision so far. After that, the midterms are already taking shape in our own backyard. This week, Chi Ossé, a progressive councilman, filed paperwork to challenge House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Mamdani has come out against the move, saying it's "not the time" for that kind of primary. The "Off Topic" team takes an early look at next year's races.

Mamdani builds a cabinet

New York City is one week into the transition from Mayor Eric Adams to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, and the administration is starting to take shape. This week, Mamdani named Dean Fuleihan as first deputy mayor and Elle Bisgaard-Church as chief of staff. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down what we can expect from these changes at City Hall. After that, there's already another race to watch, the contest for City Council speaker. Five candidates are vying for the position held by Adrienne Adams. The "Off Topic" team will tell you where things stand.