This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani released a 33-page plan to combat antisemitism, including increasing funding for synagogue security, public awareness campaigns, and museum trips. But the plan drew criticism from some Jewish groups that wanted a concrete definition of antisemitism to be included in the blueprint, which also largely omitted issues surrounding Israel-related protests.
Also, a Staten Island judge ruled this week that New York City must redo the rollout of its second-home, or pied-à-terre, tax. City Hall says it will appeal while maintaining the existing timeline: exemption applications are due Oct. 6, bills arrive in November, and payments are due in January. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena discuss a rocky week for the mayor.
After that, the “Off Topic” team previews three highly anticipated debates for statewide office that Spectrum News will host this month. Each hour-long debate will be co-moderated by political anchors Errol Louis and Susan Arbetter. On Oct. 1, Democratic state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli faces Republican challenger Joseph Hernandez. On Oct. 8, state Attorney General Letitia James takes on Republican challenger Saritha Komatireddy. The main event comes Oct. 13, when Gov. Kathy Hochul faces Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
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