Fab 5 Freddy: How a kid from Brooklyn changed NYC in the '80s

Fab 5 Freddy is a New York City legend who emerged in the early 1980s as a defining figure in the rise of hip-hop and graffiti culture. In his new memoir, "Everybody's Fly: A Life of Art, Music, and Changing the Culture," he shares a firsthand account of helping shape a cultural movement that changed the world. Freddy joined NY1's Errol Louis to talk about growing up in Bedford-Stuyvesant surrounded by jazz, and how early hip-hop, graffiti and the downtown punk/new wave scenes collided and cross-pollinated. He reflected on his roles in the film "Wild Style" and Blondie's "Rapture" video alongside Jean-Michel Basquiat, and explored themes of creativity, competition and cultural evolution — from the early days of street art to its global influence today. He also weighed in on Burning Man and the impact of gentrification on New York's creative ecosystems.

Jennifer Welch is the co-host of the popular political commentary podcast "I've Had It." A former reality TV star and interior decorator, Welch recently left her longtime home in Oklahoma City for New York, seeking a more multicultural and progressive environment. Welch joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss her move, as well as what inspired her to launch "I've Had It" and the podcast's unexpected success. She also spoke about the differences in personal freedom between red and blue states, and how her atheist upbringing and career in interior design shaped her understanding of MAGA and religious culture.

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.