Joel Berg: How Trump’s food stamp cuts could tighten belts in NYC

Recent shifts in national policy and bold local proposals have put hunger relief at a crossroads. President Donald Trump’s newly passed bill slashes billions of dollars from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — once known as food stamps. Meanwhile, Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is pushing a radically different vision: opening city-funded grocery stores in all five boroughs. Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, joined NY1’s Errol Louis to break down the implications of these changes. What will Trump’s cuts mean for New Yorkers when they go into effect in 2027? Can local proposals like Mamdani’s make a dent in hunger in New York City? Berg discussed the policy changes he thinks are needed, from raising wages to building more housing, to address hunger at its root.

Google’s monopoly in online search was recently adjudicated by a federal court. There is also an ongoing FTC case against Meta for anti-competitive behaviors involving Instagram and WhatsApp acquisitions. What are the legal and commercial dynamics of these key antitrust cases, and what is the broader impact on the market? Lina Khan is an associate professor of law at Columbia University and a former FTC Chair. She joined Errol Louis to explain the legal principles behind maintaining market competition, historical antitrust cases and potential remedies, including the divestiture of Chrome and business model adjustments. They also discussed the broader implications of monopoly power, Amazon’s dominance, privacy concerns and the bipartisan support for antitrust enforcement.

The surprising Democratic primary victory of 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo has left many political insiders scratching their heads. What does this mean for the future of the Democratic Party and how did a young assemblyman who was polling at 1% in February defeat a well-known New York political giant? NY1 political reporter Ayana Harry joined NY1 political anchor Errol Louis to discuss the stunning results of this week’s primary. They also talked about Cuomo’s strategy of limited public engagement and reliance on traditional campaign methods, which ultimately failed. The conversation covered Mamdani’s effective ground game, enthusiastic voter engagement and modern digital tactics. Other topics included the impact of a super PAC’s spending, the role of minority and younger voters, and the implications for future elections in New York City politics. Join the conversation, weigh in on X using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to [email protected].

Political history was made in New York City on June 24, and once NY1’s live TV coverage wrapped early Wednesday morning, NY1’s Errol Louis, Courtney Gross and Bobby Cuza broke down the surprise results of the Democratic primary in this special crossover episode of Off Topic/On Politics and You Decide. Queens Assemblyman and Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, 33, pulled off an upset over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, an outcome few insiders predicted. The team unpacked how Mamdani’s grassroots movement energized young voters and what his win means for the future of the Democratic Party. 

With the June 24 primary almost upon us, could Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani pull off an upset over Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic race for mayor? Could City Comptroller Brad Lander capitalize on his arrest by federal immigration officials and make a last-minute push? Gerson Borrero is a journalist, radio host and political commentator who appears weekly on NY1’s “Inside City Hall.” He’s also the former editor-at-large of City & State and former editor-in-chief of El Diario/La Prensa, the largest Spanish-language newspaper in New York City. He joined Errol to discuss various angles of the primary. Borrero shared his analysis of the slate of candidates, the influence of the Working Families Party, and the potential impact of alliances between candidates.

When it comes to mayoral primaries, few people know the terrain better than Bill de Blasio. As the 109th mayor of New York City, he served two terms from 2014 to 2021, the last Democratic mayor since Ed Koch to serve two terms in office. De Blasio joined NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss his thoughts on the 2025 Democratic primary. They also discussed the importance of a clear message and how he looks back on his relationship with the media. Join the conversation, weigh in on X 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 the June 24 Democratic primary fast approaching, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams sat down with NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss her run for mayor. A late addition to the race, Adams emphasized her leadership style, which she says is based on appointing competent, community-based leaders. The episode marks the eighth and final installment of the “You Decide” mayoral candidate interview series. Adams discussed her views on budgeting, the legislative achievements of a majority-female City Council and innovative approaches to address mental health and public safety. She also shared her personal background, education at Spelman College and insights on the importance of diverse leadership in the city.  Join the conversation, weigh in on X using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to [email protected].

Queens state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani sat down with NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss his high-energy grassroots campaign and his attempts to close the polling gap with frontrunner Andrew Cuomo. The episode marks the seventh installment of the “You Decide” mayoral candidate interview series. Their conversation touched on Mamdani’s journey from being a longshot candidate to a formidable contender. The youngest candidate in the race, Mamdani, reflected on his personal background, including his early life in his native Uganda and his experiences in New York. Join the conversation, weigh in on X 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 the June 24th Democratic primary less than a month away, City Comptroller Brad Lander sat down with NY1’s Errol Louis to discuss his campaign for mayor. The episode marks the sixth installment of the “You Decide” mayoral candidate interview series. The conversation touched on Lander’s background and his various roles in the city government. He outlined his proposals, including ending homelessness, improving the New York City Housing Authority, and guaranteeing childcare and after-school programs. The comptroller also talked about his comprehensive housing plan, which includes the controversial idea of repurposing some city-owned golf courses for housing. Join the conversation, weigh in on X using the hashtag #NY1YouDecide or give us a call at 212-379-3440 and leave a message. Or send an email to [email protected].

Back in March of 2019, Errol had the honor of speaking with Rep. Charles Rangel for just the eighth episode of this podcast. They talked about everything—from his roots in Harlem and his service in the Army, to his rise through New York politics and his experience on the House Judiciary Committee during the Watergate era. He also shared his thoughts on the first Trump presidency, with the insight and candor that defined his career. Today, we’re bringing that conversation back into the feed—to remember, reflect, and hear once more from the voice of the late, great Charlie Rangel.