100 episodes

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 Spectrum News NY1

    • News
    • 4.6 • 149 Ratings

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.​

    Santos returns while Adams and Hochul are partners in (fighting) crime

    Santos returns while Adams and Hochul are partners in (fighting) crime

    Saying 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 to take on “ghost cars” that use fake license plates. Their appearance comes after the two leaders were notably not on the same stage last week when talking about plans to fight crime in the subways. The “Off Topic’ team looks at this week’s show of solidarity between Hochul and Adams and explores their working relationship.
    Leave a message: 212-379-3440
    Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

    • 30 min
    Hochul deploys the National Guard underground

    Hochul deploys the National Guard underground

    This 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 political reporter Bobby Cuza weigh in on the plan and lawmakers’ reaction to the governor’s announcement.
    After that, this week, the city's budget director said the massive jails complex on Rikers Island would not be closed by 2027, blowing a deadline to open four new borough-based jails.  The “Off Topic’ team looks at the potential consequences, or lack thereof, of the city not making this deadline.
    Leave a message: 212-379-3440
    Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

    • 33 min
    Mayor Adams challenges NYC's sanctuary city laws (again)

    Mayor Adams challenges NYC's sanctuary city laws (again)

    This 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 remarks and how his comments have received support from Republican lawmakers throughout the city.
    After that, the seemingly endless redistricting story took another turn this week, as the state legislature approved new congressional district maps that made small changes to the lines but did not go nearly as far as they did in 2022. The “Off Topic” team looks at what this means for House races in the fall.
    Leave a message: 212-379-3440
    Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

    • 32 min
    Hochul gets tough on shoplifting, City Council gets tough on Adams

    Hochul gets tough on shoplifting, City Council gets tough on Adams

    The 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 Courtney Gross, statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan and political reporter Dan Rivoli weigh in on a busy week at City Hall, and how these developments may affect the mayor’s alarmingly low polling numbers.
    After that, Gov. Kathy Hochul has a plan to tackle retail theft, a major theme of her State of the State address in January. The “Off Topic” team discusses Hochul’s proposed joint efforts between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. They also talk about how businesses have been impacted by the steady rise in shoplifting across the state.
    Leave a message: 212-379-3440
    Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

    • 35 min
    Democrats flip a New York seat. What does it mean for them nationally?

    Democrats flip a New York seat. What does it mean for them nationally?

    Democrat 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 companies including TikTok and YouTube for what he says is their damaging mental health impact on children. In an unprecedented move, the Adams administration is suing these companies to recover some of what it spends on mental health. The “Off Topic” team discusses the mayor’s actions and the possible outcome.
    Leave a message: 212-379-3440
    Email us: yourstoryny1@charter.com

    • 32 min
    Suozzi vs Pilip: Down to the wire in NY-3

    Suozzi vs Pilip: Down to the wire in NY-3

    The 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 break down where each candidate stands on the issues. They also discuss the national focus on NY-3 and how the migrant crisis is playing a central role in the contest.
    After that, a few weeks ago, two police officers were beaten while trying to break up what they described as a disorderly group near a migrant shelter in Times Square. The brawl has kicked off a political furor and renewed debate over bail reform as the video continues to circulate. The “Off Topic” team discusses the controversy.
    Leave a message: 212-379-3440
    Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

    • 32 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
149 Ratings

149 Ratings

Blakeful ,

Great show for non tv watchers

These guys do a great public service keeping us informed of city issues and what local politicians are thinking. Everyone should have a show like this in their city.

Beattyful ,

Courtney is insufferable

Updated: It’s time for an overhaul to the ENTIRE panel. // Keep Juan, get rid of the other 2. Courtney comes off as incredibly privileged, entitled and out of touch. I’d bet a million bucks she’s heard that feedback before. I can’t even remember the other guy’s name. And we need at least one progressive voice on this show. Ideally a Black progressive.

Kelaeryyr ,

Oh no

I listened for Grace Rauh, I guess I stay to hear the most braindead identity politics imaginable from Juan

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