Off Topic/On Politics Spectrum News NY1

The walls appear to have fully closed in on New York Republican Rep. George Santos. Facing expulsion, Santos remains defiant, attacking lawmakers and his many enemies. NY1 political reporters Courtney Gross, Bobby Cuza, Ayana Harry discuss the Santos saga and what will happen if he is expelled, as well as the many criminal charges he faces.
After that, Mayor Adams' legal woes continue to grow. This week he announced that Brianna Suggs is no longer the main fundraiser for his reelection campaign. Suggs’ home was raided by the FBI in early November and caused the mayor to abort a trip to the White House. Last week, Adams was slapped with a civil suit that accuses him of sexually assaulting a woman in 1993. The “Off Topic” team looks at the severity of the issues that currently surround the mayor.
And finally, we welcome back Courtney to the podcast!
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Mayor Eric Adams this week announced major budget cuts which will affect almost every city agency, reducing the size of the NYPD, ending Sunday service at libraries and potentially eliminating universal pre-K seats. Adams was also hit by a damaging report about the behavior of Winnie Greco, a longtime advisor to the mayor who currently serves as his director of Asian affairs. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Ayana Harry and Kelly Mena discuss the severity of the budget cuts, as well as the status of the FBI’s investigation into the mayor’s campaign fundraising.
 
After that, the House Ethics Committee released a report finding “substantial evidence" of wrongdoing by New York Republican Rep. George Santos, with Santos saying he will now no longer seek re-election. But many lawmakers are saying that this is not good enough, and that he should be expelled immediately. The “Off Topic” team discusses Santos' fall from grace.
 
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There was an Election Day surprise in the Bronx as City Councilwoman Marjorie Velázquez lost to challenger Kristy Marmorato, the first time a City Council race has been won by a Republican candidate in the Bronx in 40 years.
Also, the highly anticipated race in south Brooklyn’s District 47 saw Democrat Justin Brannan soundly beating Republican Ari Kagan. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Ayana Harry and Kelly Mena weigh-in on Election Day and some of the hottest races 
After that, Mayor Eric Adams defended his decision to abort his important trip to the White House last week upon hearing that a top fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, was having her house raided by the FBI. He claims he returned home to show leadership and seemingly comfort the 25-year-old Suggs, yet says he hasn’t spoken to her. The 'Off Topic’ team looks at the mayor’s reaction to the FBI investigation and then discusses the ongoing New York civil fraud trial that accuses ex-president Donald Trump of dramatically inflating his net worth.
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Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com
Further reading:
Party infighting mars big election win for Dems in Brooklyn
Adams defends decision to abort White House migrant meeting for FBI raid at top fundraiser's home

This week saw a slew of developments in the ongoing migrant crisis. One unexpected turn was Mayor Eric Adams abruptly canceling his meeting with the White House and other mayors from across the country when he was notified that the FBI was raiding the Brooklyn home of a campaign consultant, Brianna Suggs. Details are still emerging. Additionally, the city prepares to open the long awaited and highly controversial migrant shelter at Floyd Bennett Field. City officials gave tours of the site, which can house up to 2,000 people. And finally, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she is considering cutting back funding for the migrant influx, saying the situation is “unsustainable.” NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Bernadette Hogan and Kelly Mena weighed in on all these matters, as the issues around asylum seekers show no signs of slowing down.
After that, Election Day is nearly upon us. The “Off Topic” team looked at some of the most highly anticipated races, including two contests in newly redrawn districts in southern Brooklyn. They also discussed the unexpected obstacle incumbent Democrat Justin Brannan is now facing from within his own party, as well as how broad the term Democrat has become. Additionally, the team highlighted other races that haven’t received as much attention in the media.
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Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com

This week, two incumbent city councilmembers squared off on NY1 for a spirited debate to represent the newly-drawn District 47 in South Brooklyn, which links Bay Ridge and parts of Dyker Heights to Bath Beach and Coney Island. Democrat Justin Brannan and Republican Ari Kagan are both currently representing adjoining districts, and are now vying for the seat. While Brannan is more moderate than many of his Democratic City Council colleagues, Kagan clearly staked out more conservative turf at the debate. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Bernadette Hogan and Ayana Harry weigh in on the matchup and look at who may have fared better in the showdown and why.
After that, Donald Trump briefly took the stand in his civil fraud trial and was fined $10,000 for violating the gag order that was imposed on him by the judge. The “Off Topic" team discusses the trial with detailed insight from Ayana Harry, who has been covering it from inside the courtroom.
Leave a message: 212-379-3440
Email: yourstoryny1@charter.com
Further reading:
Justin Brannan, Ari Kagan face off in City Council District 47 debate
Judge in Trump's N.Y. civil fraud case stands by $10,000 fine

This week, Mayor Eric Adams addressed the controversial issue of AI at a press conference when he discussed how he was sending out robocalls in languages he does not speak. Some have questioned the ethics around this, especially as many are calling for greater regulation from the mayor. Adams also seemed to dismiss the notion that AI could potentially mean a loss of jobs to any members of the city’s workforce. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Bernadette Hogan, and political director Bob Hardt, weigh in on the mayor’s attitude towards AI, and the potential dangers of it, with the 2024 election on the horizon.
After that, the White House remains without a House speaker as the speaker’s race has hit an impasse and left the Republicans in turmoil. The “Off Topic’ team looks at the effect this has had on New York in particular, and at the larger implications of the country being without a House speaker as the Israel-Hamas war continues.