FAQ NYC

There’s a direct line from the Transit Police beating Michael Stewart to death in front of horrified art students to Eric Adams being elected mayor — one that intersects with Madonna, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Spike Lee and Tucker Carlson. Journalist Elon Green, the author of The Man Nobody Killed: Life, Death, and Art in Michael Stewart's New York, the first book-length account of a crime that captivated the city and that no one was held responsible for as Mayor Ed Koch flatly called police brutality “a phony issue” rejoins the podcast to discusses all that, and much more, with Rachel Holiday Smith and Harry Siegel.

Sally Goldernberg, senior New York editor for Politico, talks with hosts Christina Greer and Harry Siegel about Andrew Cuomo (finally) entering the mayor's race this weekend with a sometimes grim, nearly 18-minute video announcement about how only he can save a city in crisis, followed by a closed-off and carefully choreographed campaign event.  They dig into why running in the city, which the former governor hadn't lived in for decades, presents different challenges than running statewide — starting with a ranked-choice primary that could boil the election down to Everyone Else vs. Andrew as he runs for the first time in a place where voters expect to see their candidates not only on their screens but in their neighborhoods, and much more.

Looking at the "different flavors of career politicians" running in the Democratic mayoral primary, "I didn't see anyone who could be independent of the machine that runs this city," said former hedge fund manager Whitney Tilson. So he entered the race himself "to try and bring my party back to the center." In a wide-ranging sit-down interview with FAQ NYC hosts Christina Greer, Katie Honan and Harry Siegel — the latest in the pod’s series of interviews with the candidates — Tilson explained why "it needs to be against the law for anyone to sleep in our public spaces," laid out his plans for a more efficient and accountable government, and argued that "our school system has a structural, systemic problem."

The hosts tackle the whirlwind of chaos engulfing City Hall, fueled by corruption allegations and an increasingly frustrated Mayor Adams. They discuss the uncertain mayoral race, with potential new challengers, including Andrew Cuomo. Tensions rise as key resignations shake the administration, while external pressures loom large. The conversation dives into the intricacies of political dynamics, community representation, and the ever-changing landscape of New York City governance amid a backdrop of intense scrutiny.

Michael Blake, a former assemblymember and mayoral candidate, shares his vision for a better New York City. He critiques the current leadership, arguing it's time for a change. Topics include his proposal for a guaranteed livable income, increased public school funding, and significant cuts to NYPD overtime. Blake emphasizes the need for humane criminal justice reform, particularly at Rikers, and advocates for community-centric approaches to addressing housing and mental health issues. His engaging insights paint a hopeful picture for the city's future.

The author joins Harry Siegel and guest host Brian Berger of Straus News for a deep dive into his latest book, the excellent and almost undefinable Brooklyn Crime Novel. Lethem digs into his reasons on re-reexamining the Brooklyn he wrote about 20 years earlier in The Fortress of Solitude, but doing so this time with the tools of a journalist including long interviews conducted amid the dislocation and isolation of the COVID lockdown, and much more:

When Katie Honan called in to discuss the latest New York City news Monday morning with co-hosts Christina Greer and Harry Siegel, she did so while posted outside of the David Dinkins Municipal Building where Mayor Eric Adams had convened his top commissioners and officials. Katie hopped off the call mid-way through the episode to get back to reporting, and then broke then news that Hizzoner had told his team to trust him and refrain from criticizing Trump or interfering with ICE. Hours later, the memo dropped with Trump’s Justice Department suspending the mayor’s criminal trial on corruption charges that had been scheduled to begin in May. Here’s an instant-vintage glimpse back at what the state of the city seemed like on Monday morning.

Zellnor Myrie, a State Senator and mayoral candidate with a bold vision for housing and public safety, shares his insights in this engaging chat. He emphasizes the need for accountability in police practices while advocating for their integral role in community safety. Myrie discusses his innovative plans to address mental health crises in public transit and the importance of equitable opportunities in education and housing. With a touch of humor, he also reflects on childhood memories and New York's vibrant sports culture.

Sally Goldenberg, Senior New York Editor at Politico, brings her keen insights on the tumultuous landscape of NYC politics. The discussion dives into Mayor Eric Adams' health issues and their impact on his leadership and re-election efforts. Goldenberg highlights the potential comeback of Andrew Cuomo, the challenges facing socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, and the overall voter engagement in the upcoming elections. The conversation offers a nuanced look at candidate dynamics and the complexities of maintaining public trust amid scrutiny.

“I think this election is about who can put the city back together, and I don't think people are going to buy the woe-is-me Eric Adams story,” Stringer said in a sitdown interview. “Maybe Trump will buy it, but I don't think voters are going to buy it.” In a wide-ranging conversation —the first in a series with all of the declared candidates — the former comptroller who lost to Adams in the 2021 primary explained what he’s been doing since then as “a New Yorker without portfolio,” laid out his view of a city in crisis (“we have a crime issue, and it’s real”), and pitched himself as the right person to connect with voters and to turn things around