Off Topic/On Politics

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.​

Off Topic/On Politics is a news podcast hosted by Spectrum News NY1, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Spectrum News NY1 hosts Off Topic/On Politics, a news show with 100 episodes published.

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  Off Topic/On Politics

  Is Gov. Hochul's reelection bid in trouble?

  Aug 14, 202634 min

  This week, a new Siena poll of likely New York voters found Gov. Kathy Hochul holds a 10-point lead over her Republican challenger, Bruce Blakeman. In 2022, Hochul won her first full term as governor, defeating then-Republican candidate Lee Zeldin by just over six points. So, should the incumbent governor be worried? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan weigh in on the new poll and what it could mean as Election Day gets closer. After that, a Staten Island judge on Monday temporarily blocked the rollout of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's tax on luxury second homes in New York City. But the pause was short-lived: the city quickly appealed, automatically staying the judge's order and allowing the rollout to continue for now. The "Off Topic" team breaks down the legal fight and the bumpy rollout of the second-home surcharge.

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  Off Topic/On Politics

  Are car stickers the key to fixing street cleaning?

  Aug 7, 202629 min

  This week, city leaders are cracking down on illegal e-bikes. Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued cease-and-desist letters to online retailers accused of selling illegal models while New York City responds to a rise in fatalities involving e-bikes and e-scooters, including the death of a 17-year-old boy who crashed after leaving the Brooklyn Bridge last week. Investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Kelly Mena and Bobby Cuza examine the city's response to the latest tragedy. Then — they're back. Those large alternate-side parking "shame" stickers are once again appearing on cars that fail to move for street cleaning. Are they an effective deterrent or just punitive vandalism? The "Off Topic" team weighs in.

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  Off Topic/On Politics

  What went wrong with Mamdani's pied-à-terre tax rollout?

  Jul 31, 202632 min

  This week, New York City sent letters to 17,000 homeowners who may have to pay a non-primary residence tax, or pied-à-terre tax, starting next year. The tax played a role in closing the city's budget deficit earlier this year and helped Mayor Zohran Mamdani deliver on his campaign promise of taxing the rich. But some city homeowners are blasting this week's notification rollout, calling it "sloppy." NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Bernadette Hogan break down the backlash. After that, the race for governor is on with less than 100 days until Election Day. The "Off Topic" team checks in on where things stand between candidates Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and what voters can expect as they prepare to head to the polls.

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  Off Topic/On Politics

  Mamdani walks back on Netanyahu arrest pledge

  Jul 24, 202630 min

  Last year on the campaign trail, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that as mayor, he would have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he came to New York City. This week, he told The New York Times he was in "active conversation" with the city's Law Department about whether he could direct the NYPD to arrest Netanyahu. He later walked back those comments, saying the city does not have "independent legal authority" to make such an arrest. Investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Kelly Mena, and political director Bob Hardt break down the complicated week for the mayor. Then, a political battle has erupted at City Hall following the death of five New Yorkers from Legionnaires' disease since early July. City Council Speaker Julie Menin accused the Mamdani administration of responding too slowly and failing to be transparent with New Yorkers about the outbreak. The "Off Topic" team discusses the public health response and the latest clash between the mayor and the speaker.

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  Off Topic/On Politics

  Do horse carriages still belong in Central Park?

  Jul 17, 202632 min

  This week, the City Council moved to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. The catalyst is the death of an 18-year-old tourist who was thrown from a driverless carriage, adding to a series of recent horse-related incidents. With City Council Speaker Julie Menin backing the effort, a majority of the City Council members support phasing out horse-drawn carriages by June 2028. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli examine the latest chapter in a debate that has divided New Yorkers for decades. Gov. Kathy Hochul also signed an executive order imposing the nation's first moratorium on large-scale data centers, which help fuel artificial intelligence companies. The order applies to facilities requiring 50 megawatts of electricity or more. The Off Topic team discusses what prompted the move and how it contrasts with Hochul's earlier approach to artificial intelligence and its role in New York.

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