Norman Siegel: A lifetime of protecting the First Amendment

State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani announced his mayoral run last week, looking to unseat Mayor Eric Adams, who faces an uphill battle for reelection as he fights federal corruption charges. Mamdani is running as the most progressive candidate in the crowded race so far and has already received the endorsement of the New York City Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. Mamdani joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss his decision to run for mayor. The conversation also touched on his thoughts on the Adams administration, his role in helping taxi drivers, the war between Israel and Hamas and ways to improve the MTA through new technology. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to [email protected].

The first indictment in modern history against a sitting New York City mayor has dominated local headlines. Where is the case headed? What will this mean for the administration’s ability to move forward with day-to-day operations? And what are the political implications if Mayor Eric Adams runs for reelection — or steps down? Vital City and the Columbia Journalism School hosted a virtual conversation featuring perspectives from law enforcement, journalism and government on the political and legal consequences of the allegations against Mayor Adams. The conversation was moderated by Errol Louis and included Stan Brezenoff; former First Deputy Mayor Carrie Cohen; former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District Tom Robbins; and investigative journalist and political strategist Basil Smikle. Before that, Errol sits down with Spectrum News Chief National Political Reporter Josh Robin to discuss a brand new national special, “In Us We Trust: A Crisis of Confidence.” Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to [email protected].

Since 1984, American historian and professor Allan Lichtman has correctly predicted nine of the last 10 presidential races. Lichtman, however, does not use polling data. Instead, he has developed a set of 13 metrics — or, as he calls them, keys. Lichtman appeared on the podcast in February to discuss his elaborate forecasting system, and he promised he’d return after he announced his pick for president. Now, Lichtman joined Errol to discuss why he believes Kamala Harris will be victorious in November. The pair also discussed the possibility of an October surprise, how past predictions have made him unpopular, and why it is governing, not campaigning, that ultimately matters. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to [email protected]

With less than 30 days until Election Day and early voting already underway in some states, how we hold elections — and whether the results will be honored — is on the minds of many Americans. Ari Berman is the national voting rights correspondent for Mother Jones magazine and the author of “Minority Rule: The Right-Wing Attack on the Will of the People—and the Fight to Resist It.” Ari joined Errol to discuss his book, as well as the stakes of the upcoming election. They also talked about the influence of conservative firebrand Pat Buchanan on Donald Trump, how rural states hold disproportionate power in the U.S. Senate, and the ways in which Generation Z could affect future elections. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to [email protected]

This week, Mayor Eric Adams appeared in court, where federal prosecutors said they might bring additional charges against him and indict others. Adams has maintained he will fight the charges and continue doing his job effectively. Many others have called on him to resign. The charges were brought by Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the southern district. NY1’s Errol Louis discussed Williams’ resume and how he became the first and only Black U.S. attorney in the 235-year-old history of the southern district. He also talked with Katie Honan of The City about what lies ahead for Adams and the city of New York. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to [email protected].

Oath is a tech platform that provides data-driven recommendations for Democratic donors to make campaign contributions based on their issue interests, geographic focus or other criteria to maximize their impact. The platform connects donors with candidates and ballot initiatives they never would have found otherwise.  Brian Derrick is a political strategist, activist and tech entrepreneur who is revolutionizing civic engagement as the CEO of Oath. He joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss why he created Oath and his hopes for the future of the organization. They also discussed Oath’s immediate goals for the upcoming election, the importance of downballot races and the disadvantages of the antiquated methods candidates currently used to raise money. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to [email protected].

In 1974, it would have seemed unlikely that a massive biography of a New York urban planner would become an essential volume in the library of almost every American politician and pundit. But, if anything, Robert Caro’s exhaustive examination of the life and legacy of Robert Moses has become even more important and relevant as time passes. “The Power Broker” is often enthralling reading, and NY1’s Errol Louis tackles how it continues to captivate its readers, 50 years after its publication. Through conversations with New York City journalists, historians and documentarians, Louis examines the book’s ongoing impact and relevance. The discussion delves into Caro’s meticulous research for the 1,200-page book while also reexamining Moses’ complex legacy. Documentary filmmaker Lizzie Gottlieb, historian Kenneth Jackson and New York Times reporter Dana Rubinstein, and Robert Caro himself (via exclusive NY1 archived interviews), provide a nuanced look at the influence of the book and its subject. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to [email protected].

Since the Twin Towers fell, Lower Manhattan has gone through a tremendous overhaul. This week, NY1’s Errol Louis sat down with developer Larry Silverstein to talk about his long effort to rebuild the World Trade Center and the surrounding area.  The conversation took place in 7 World Trade Center, which was also destroyed on Sept. 11. It was the first building that was re-constructed by Silverstein, who had signed a 99-year lease for the World Trade Center Complex on July 24, 2001, just seven weeks before the terror attacks. He is detailing his experiences in a new memoir, titled, “THE RISING: The Twenty-Year Battle to Rebuild the World Trade Center.” They also discussed how he first got into the real estate business and how his wife’s insistence on visiting a dermatologist ultimately saved his life on Sept. 11. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to [email protected].

One person was killed, and four others were injured after gunfire broke out at the West Indian American Day Parade in Brooklyn on Monday afternoon. Despite the NYPD’s efforts to increase security at one of the city’s largest parades, the shooting left both the NYPD and the mayor on the defensive. This week, NY1’s Errol Louis was joined by L. Joy Williams, the president of the Brooklyn NAACP and Brian Saunders, the president of the Community Council at the NYPD’s 77th Precinct,where the shooting occurred. They both discussed what could be done to prevent future tragedies and the NYPD’s new strategies this year. Errol was also joined by NY1 political reporter Dan Rivoli, who covered the NYPD press conference about the shooting.  Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to [email protected].

In the 1970s, the Mafia still had a powerful presence in New York City. Near the end of the decade, a series of events transpired that ushered in the downfall of the notorious five families that controlled the streets of New York. In 1979, Carmine Galante, a powerful boss in the Bonanno crime family, was killed while having lunch in an Italian restaurant in Bushwick. The murder would become a cornerstone in the Mafia Commission Trial, the case that forever hamstrung organized crime in the United States and ended the Mafia’s golden era. A new true crime podcast series from the Law & Order franchise called “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” reveals how an unlikely team of young local police and prosecutors beat the odds in dismantling the Mafia’s grip on the city. Former Brooklyn homicide prosecutor Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi hosts the series, and she joined Errol Louis on this week's "You Decide" to discuss season 1. They also talked about the unique production style of the podcast, what topics future seasons may cover, and why the Mafia captured the minds of so many. Join the conversation, weigh in on Twitter using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide, give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message, or send an email to [email protected].