Off Topic/On Politics

This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani took a step toward reshaping how the city handles people having mental health crises, creating an Office of Community Safety, aimed at shifting some 911 calls away from the police department. But Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch says the change will be limited, with most calls still handled by officers. Political reporters Bobby Cuza and Dan Rivoli, along with Statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan, break down the mayor's vision and what it could mean in practice. After that, St. Patrick's Day turned into a political challenge. City Hall waffled on parade plans, and Mamdani faced backlash for not weighing in about possible Irish reunification and comparing Ireland's struggle to Palestinians. The "Off Topic" team looks at how the annual parade continues to make political waves in New York.

Over the weekend, a far-right provocateur organized an "anti-Islam" protest outside Gracie Mansion, the residence of New York City's first Muslim mayor. During the demonstration, two counter-protesters allegedly threw improvised explosive devices toward the anti-Muslim demonstrators. Two men are now facing federal charges, including providing material support to a terrorist organization. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down how Mayor Zohran Mamdani handled the crisis. After that, the state Assembly and Senate released their big budget proposals this week. The "Off Topic" team explores what's included, what's left out and what it could mean for New Yorkers.

This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul continued their joint push for universal child care, announcing initial seats for 2-year-olds rolling out this fall in neighborhoods across four boroughs, excluding Staten Island. NY1 political reporter Bobby Cuza, political director Bob Hardt and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan discuss the plan and Albany lawmakers' recurring debate over taxing millionaires and corporations — an idea that polls well with voters but faces resistance in an election year. After that, the New York City Council ethics committee is moving forward with possible disciplinary action against Queens Councilwoman Vickie Paladino for some of her inflammatory posts on social media. The lawmaker says any such move would violate her First Amendment rights. The "Off Topic" team digs into the fight.

This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani returned to the Oval Office for the second time, meeting with President Donald Trump and emerging with major wins. The mayor secured federal support for a large housing project and helped facilitate the release of a Columbia University student who had been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry, along with political director Bob Hardt, break down Mamdani's trip to Washington, D.C. and what it means for New York City. Then, after a major snowstorm swept through the city, a snowball fight in Washington Square Park grabbed attention after the NYPD intervened and the mayor's remarks downplaying the incident sparked backlash. The "Off Topic" team looks back at a snowy week in the Big Apple through a political lens.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled his first preliminary budget this week, creating some controversy as he revealed that it includes a proposal to raise property taxes on millions of city homeowners if Gov. Kathy Hochul doesn't agree to a tax hike on the rich. Was it simply a political bluff, or was the mayor serious? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Ayana Harry and Dan Rivoli break down his plan. Meanwhile, Mamdani took one step toward fulfilling his promise to freeze rents for stabilized tenants, while appearing to reverse course on a vow to end homeless encampment sweeps. On Wednesday, the mayor appointed six members to the nine-member Rent Guidelines Board, which is tasked with setting rents for the city's approximately 1 million stabilized units. He also said his administration would bring back encampment sweeps, under a modified policy overseen by the Department of Homeless Services rather than the NYPD. The "Off Topic" team weighs in on the mayor's latest moves.