Three decades of 'Democracy Now!': Amy Goodman's fight for independent media

For once, veteran journalist Amy Goodman is answering the questions instead of asking them. The longtime host of the daily news program "Democracy Now!" is the subject of a riveting documentary, "Steal This Story, Please." The film goes behind the scenes with Goodman, the sharp-witted granddaughter of an Orthodox rabbi, as she navigates a media landscape reshaped by rapid technological change, corporate consolidation and mounting political pressure on the truth. Goodman joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss working with Oscar Award-nominated filmmakers Carl Deal and Tia Lessin to bring her story to the screen. She also emphasized the enduring importance of independent, listener-supported journalism rooted in the Pacifica Radio tradition. She argued that the media can serve as a force for peace, especially when it centers the voices of people closest to the story, rather than relying on distant pundits.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani this week will mark his 100th day since he became the mayor of New York City. At 34 years old, Mamdani is the first Muslim and the first person of South Asian descent to serve in the position. So far, the mayor has already navigated two separate snowstorms that left major impacts on the city. The city is also facing a multibillion-dollar budget deficit. Mamdani joined NY1's Errol Louis to talk about his time in office so far, his relationship with President Donald Trump, his thoughts on the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran and more.

Kenny Burgos and Zohran Mamdani have a lot in common. They are both former state assemblymen and both graduates of the Bronx High School of Science. As assemblymen in Albany, they became good friends and often were confused for one another. But now they find themselves on opposite sides of a major issue affecting New Yorkers, with Burgos being the CEO of the New York Apartment Association, an organization representing landlords of rent-stabilized apartments. Meanwhile, Mamdani vociferously campaigned for mayor last year on a platform of freezing New Yorkers' rents. Burgos joined NY1's Errol Louis to talk about his relationship with the mayor, how he hopes to further his agenda despite an administration pushing for a rent freeze and why he believes a freeze would "break the system."

Following the success of its acclaimed podcast documentary, NY1 co-hosted a special live panel honoring the life and enduring impact of congresswoman and feminist trailblazer Bella Abzug. In partnership with Hunter College's Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute, the in-depth conversation explored Abzug's legacy through the voices of those who knew her best and continue her work today. Moderated by NY1's Errol Louis, the panel featured Abzug's daughter, Liz; the Roosevelt House's director and former Abzug press secretary Harold Holzer; and co-founder of the National Women's Political Caucus Letty Cottin Pogrebin, offering personal reflections, historical insight and a look at Abzug's lasting influence on politics and the fight for equality. Recorded live on March 19 at Roosevelt House, the historic Manhattan home of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, this special event brought together history, advocacy and conversation for a powerful tribute to one of New York's most influential leaders.

Facing a competitive reelection race this fall, Rep. Mike Lawler joined NY1's Errol Louis for an exclusive one-on-one conversation in the nation's capital. Lawler discussed how he splits time between Washington, D.C. and his Hudson Valley district, and defended the president's decision to bomb Iran without getting full congressional approval.

House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sat down with NY1's Errol Louis in Washington, D.C. this week for an exclusive one-on-one interview. Jeffries highlighted his new leadership office and outlined the party's strategy for the 2026 midterms, aiming to capture 40–45 seats. He also criticized President Donald Trump's family dealmaking, while praising New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for prioritizing affordability and public safety in the city. Regarding urban development, Jeffries addressed how gentrification is displacing Black and working-class communities, emphasizing the need for policies that protect these neighborhoods.

They're not just a New York power couple. Former New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks and former First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright have launched a new podcast, focusing on their decades in public service. "The Beacon and Blueprint" aims to "inspire, educate, and activate" listeners toward civic engagement. Banks and Wright joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss their new project and their current work in consulting, literacy initiatives, and affordable housing. They also reflected on the state of Black political power, emphasizing the need for a clearer agenda and a stronger collective strategy. Banks and Wright pointed to their City Hall accomplishments as well, including the five boroughs' rollout of a new approach in teaching reading in public schools.

Novelist and critic Emily Gould joined NY1's Errol Louis to talk about building a writing career and sustaining a creative life in New York City. Gould recounted moving to New York in 2001 at 19 years old, starting in book publishing and being recruited as editor for the Gawker blog. She also discussed the economics of book advances and how child care and market rent make savings difficult despite steady work, and how Mayor Zohran Mamdani wants to help change that. 

Renowned legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss the politics of presidential pardons and how he thinks that Gerald Ford's pardoning of Richard Nixon created a dangerous precedent that reverberates in politics today. Their wide-ranging conversation also tackled ICE's national crackdown and upcoming Supreme Court cases on birthright citizenship and a Louisiana Congressional redistricting case that could fundamentally change the Voting Rights Act.

According to the latest census figures, there are approximately 3.87 million people of Hispanic or Latino origin living in New York state. They constitute about 19 to 20% of the state's total population, and the majority of this population, which is about 2.5 million, live in New York City, making up 28 or 29% of the city's population. And yet, New York has never elected a Latino to a statewide office or a citywide office. Scholar, activist, political adviser and ordained minister Eliezer "Eli" Valentine has some theories as to why. Valentin joined Errol Louis to talk about this, as well as his book, "Politicking in the Barrio: Essays on Latino Politics in New York." The conversation also reviewed Latino political history and figures, including Fernando Ferrer's mayoral run, former Rep. Herman Badillo's shift from progressive reformer to later alliances with Republicans, former Rep. Nydia Velázquez's coalition-building support across Latino groups, and the careers of Nelson Denis and Adam Clayton Powell IV.