A mass shooting in Midtown earlier this week left four dead, and one of the victims was a cop. True to form, Cuomo and corporate media have taken this as a cue to attack Mamdani for his stance on the NYPD, and, similarly true to form, totally miss the point. The team unpacks how the shifting demographics of voters in the city—and its cops—complicat…

The team talks about the Trump administration's escalating pressure on our fair city, beginning with Columbia University's massive, humiliating settlement. Was it worth it, Columbia? Which then brings us to the federal government suing the Adams administration over New York City's sanctuary policies—how is Mayor Eric Adams reacting to Tom Homan fin…

We begin with the obligatory unpacking of Trump/Epstein and soon move on to our own local sex pest attempting to make a comeback using Zohran Mamdani’s social media strategy. Katie breaks down why Curtis Sliwa is neither the hero Gotham needs nor deserves, but why he should stay in the race anyway... And finally, Max wraps up the pod with a saucy s…

The Failing New York Times is at it again, digging into the depths of Mamdani’s college applications and collaborating with a eugenicist to… what end exactly? This week the team talks race, and unrelatedly, why Sid Rosenberg is so red. (Is it because John Catsimatidis is making him that way…? Maybe.) The anti-Mamdani coalition is mustering its forc…

The ranked choice ballots have been counted and Zohran Mamdani’s win is even more decisive. Now that we’ve entered the valley between the primary and general elections, what is the landscape looking like? The team digests the state and country’s (mostly racist) immediate reactions to Mamdani’s primary win, and considers who in the field is worth re…

The editors gather in the early morning to commiserate and lick their wounds over Cuomo’s tragic loss… How did we get here? How could a democratic socialist run a campaign in this city and win? We’re kidding, the Mamdani campaign threw a perfect game, and rewrote the electorate. Last night the team was running around the city covering the election—…

The election is underway and the team is tossing and turning. Pre-debate polls still show Zohran Mamdani losing, and meanwhile Cuomo is on TV, his Dodge Charger is blocking NYC traffic, and his super PAC is flexing anti-Zohran ads into every gym and sports bar and laundromat in the city. Meanwhile Brad Lander got arrested by federal agents —and was…

This week, the editors can’t help but hash out the state of the race—early voting opens up this Saturday, June 14th. Cuomo may have taken a beating this week from Brad Lander at the second mayoral debate, but the poll margins are extremely tight. Still, Cuomo is characteristically absent from spin rooms, spaghetti dinners, and our good graces. It’s…

This week we unpack the latest craven twist in the mayoral dogfight—the first cross endorsement of the race… for Andrew Cuomo… from Jessica Ramos. Yes, Ramos who questioned Cuomo’s “mental acuity” and referred to him as “the Democratic Party's Trump.” A few blocks away from the endorsement, ICE agents clad in masks and hoods continue to lead asylum…

This week, the editors discuss Mamdani’s new poll numbers, and whether ranked-choice voting will really coax rival candidates to finally team up. Will the underdogs manage to band together against asteroid-like candidate Cuomo? (Yes, we discuss the 1998 film Deep Impact.) Also, what the hell is going on with Eric Adam’s crypto-lifestyle? Why is he …

This week the team talks over some of the business you’d rather not have to wade through: Andrew Cuomo’s appearance on the Bari Weiss podcast, which, for better or worse, is probably the longest we’ve heard Cuomo speak since the pandemic. And the latest in the long line of indignities that the tiny institutional body of the CCRB has weathered tryin…

At the Public Theater, the Hell Gate team somehow wrangled three politicians onto bar stools to get: blasted with an air horn, roasted for not knowing any Knicks players (other than Jalen Brunson), and scrutinized for how they’d deal with NYC not-so-hypotheticals as mayor. Scott Stringer, Brad Lander, and Zohran Mamdani shared the stage with some r…

What a week—for one, it seems like some cosmological force (new pope included) is on the Knicks's side. And how do we feel about a pope from Chicago? Hot or not? We also chat about mayoral candidate Brad Lander's bid for nuance, in an empty synagogue. Finally, we give a shoutout to our very own Jessy Edwards, who was announced as a finalist this we…

Hell Gate's Nick Pinto discusses a new civil rights lawsuit that reveals the disturbing details of the NYPD's gang database, and what's behind the recent uptick in bogus arrests. And remember three years ago when Mayor Adams asked for photos of cops on their phones? Thanks to contributor Erin Durkin's FOIL request, we finally know what New Yorkers …

We break down some of our top stories this week, from Mayor Adams criticizing the right to due process (unless it's for himself), to what's going on with the Civilian Complaint Review Board, to the Cuomo campaign's latest gaffe. We also discuss "Writing on Raving," a new anthology about the rave scene in Brooklyn and beyond, with co-editors Zoë Bee…

On this week's podcast, we discuss Cuomo using ChatGPT to help write his housing plan, and the state of the Democratic mayoral primary. Also, Vybz Kartel is free! And Hell Gate's Adlan Jackson was there for his Barclays Center show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's finally the episode we know everyone's been waiting for—the mouse episode, where Hell Gate staffers discuss the various ways we've been traumatized by mice in our apartments. What New Yorker can't relate? Plus, we discuss Governor Hochul's efforts to exterminate discovery reform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Eric Adams is free—from his federal charges and the Democratic Party. We break down the dismissal of his corruption case, and how his decision to run for reelection as an independent could shake up the race. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hell Gate's March Madness of NYC Hot Takes continues! Thanks to our readers' bracket picks, only the spiciest takes have risen to the top, and this week we're squaring off over the Elite Eight. We also chat with $20 Dinner writer Scott Lynch about the new, incredibly useful and interactive $20 Dinner Map, and what he's learned covering more than 10…

It's that time of year again—Hell Gate is proud to present the 2025 March Madness of NYC Hot Takes! This week, we preview some of the takes we think have the heat to go all the way. (Did you fill out your bracket yet?) We also break down the twisty "jail saga" of Brooklyn comedian William Banks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor…

The ICE detention of former Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil sent shockwaves across the city this week. We break down how our local political leaders responded. And we talk about a new book on the death of the artist Michael Stewart, who was beaten and killed by Transit Police officers in 1983, and how it sheds light on the psyche of Mayor …

It finally happened—Andrew Cuomo is officially running for mayor. So is City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. Wait, and is Eric still running? We're here to break down the state of this chaotic race. Plus: Mayor "no quid pro quo" Adams made an awkward appearance at a congressional hearing on "sanctuary city" policies, where he got roasted by members…

The mayor says he can't govern effectively while under federal prosecution. But Eric Adams says that actually isn't a problem? Things keep getting weirder as more people contemplate jumping into the mayor's race. Plus, why is the Brooklyn Museum broke? Too much Hannah Gadsby? Or not enough? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio…

Yes, Eric Adams is still our mayor. This week, we discuss his bizarre dismissal hearing, and Governor Hochul's decision not to remove him from office. Which...may be smart politics, but doesn't exactly jibe with her recently professed love of the 1982 Rambo movie "First Blood." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Imagine you're the mayor of New York City, sitting down to a nice steak dinner with a Republican billionaire, when you find out that the Justice Department has ordered local prosecutors to drop the charges that could land you in federal prison. Yay! But wait, there's a catch...you're now entirely beholden to President Donald Trump. This week, we're…

This week we're talking about NYU Langone and Mount Sinai's decisions to cancel gender-affirming care appointments for trans youth, and how the Adams administration is rolling over for Trump's immigration crackdown. Plus: Why did Eric Adams lie about a colonoscopy? Why does Jenifer Rajkumar suddenly want to become the public advocate? And what's up…

Rumors were swirling as Mayor Adams took some mysterious PTO earlier this week. Was it...norovirus? Or was he just too excited by some promising news coming out of the Department of Justice? We also break down what's going on with hyperlocal news site Bushwick Daily, and what Paragon's upcoming closure says about New York nightlife. Hosted on Acast…

From Mar-a-Lago to the inauguration's MMA overflow room to a giggly sit-down with Tucker Carlson, Eric Adams has been hustling harder than ever for a pardon during Trump’s first days in office. Plus: What’s in—and out—of Kathy Hochul’s "affordability" budget. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

The Hell Gate Podcast is back, baby, and better than ever with some exciting new updates. This week, we're talking congestion pricing, the latest infusion of cops into the subway, and the current status of the mayoral race (yes, including A***ew C**mo). Plus: David Lynch's incredible New York City anti-littering PSA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/…

The third season of Eric Adams comes to its thrilling conclusion—Ingrid Lewis-Martin in handcuffs! Luigi Mangione, also in handcuffs! Eric Adams acting like Batman. And a brand new character enters the picture: Suave Luciano. Join us on the edge of our seats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Way, way too much happened this week. Mayor Eric Adams claimed the NYPD wasn't ignoring the murder of a 17-year-old migrant (they kind of were), then he jetted off to Puerto Rico to get some sweet, sweet Bitcoin cash, and finally he met with Tom Homan, Trump's "Border Czar" to express his eagerness to weaken laws that protect New York's immigrant r…

Back in 2021, Eric Adams was hailed (by himself) as "the face of the new Democratic party." Now, three years, one federal indictment, and one presidential election later, the mayor is openly flirting with a return to his Republican roots—clunky references to "cancel culture" and all. A moderately hungover quartet of Hell Gate editors hop on the mic…

Pass the stuffing....and a side of acrimony! This week, Hell Gate editors hop on the microphone to talk about the scourge of Christmas tree sellers popping up around NYC before Thanksgiving...or is it actually a GOOD thing? We battle it out. We'll be back next week with real news and cultural coverage, but in the meantime, enjoy! Hosted on Acast. S…

Hell Gate is on our annual retreat in the Italian Alps, but we still found time to hop on the microphone to talk about the new NYPD commissioner, Donald Trump and Eric Adams at the big UFC fight, Jenifer Rajkumar's campaign launch, the end of equity initiatives in New York's legal weed market, as well as Mike Lawler's blackface episode....and his p…

This week, the brain worms associated with Hell Gate editors Chris, Esther, Nick, and Max plumb the depths of our deeply strange moment—from Eric Adams's appearance on The View, to Democrats trying to make sense of last week, to congestion pricing, and more, these worms are up to speed on this week in NYC worker-owned news. Hosted on Acast. See aca…

We've got a lot to discuss—game theory, Russian interference, Katie's long night at the Javits Center….there's also Mayor Bill de Blasio's press conference about how New York will protect its immigrant population, and governor Andrew Cuomo trying to outdo him….We also have an interview with Congressman Joe Crowley lined up…OH WAIT. OH NOOOOOOO. Hos…

Mayor Eric Adams took time out of his busy schedule on Friday to attend a hearing in federal court, where his lawyers asked philosophical questions like, what is bribery when you really think about it? Hell Gate's Christopher Robbins calls in just moments after leaving the courthouse on Friday. PLUS: Some observations from Sunday's Trump MSG rally,…

Helllll Gatttttteeee. Come out to playyyyyyyyyyyyyy.This week's Hell Gate Podcast answers many pressing questions: What was it like to attend a New York City ticker-tape parade with an indicted mayor? How are state law enforcement officials probing the mayor's inner circle? Will Adlan Jackson, under duress, sing the iconic line from "The Warriors" …

No indictments. No arrests. No resignations. The world's worst hat? Not a quiet week by any means, but after six weeks of non-stop Eric Adams news, we found some time to catch our breath, finish some long-simmering stories, and report about some of the other stuff going on in our beautiful city. Join the Hell Gate editors on yet another journey int…

Seven top-level members of the Adams administration have departed in the last month—including the heads of the NYPD (TWICE), the Health Department, and the school system. And those are just the executives. However, Mayor Eric Adams says this has nothing to do with the federal investigation into his administration, and is just general burnout. Sure?…

This week, Hell Gate continues to drink from the firehose that is the Eric Adams indictment news cycle. Editors editors Chris, Adlan, Max, and Katie discuss a questionable radio spot, a power couple ties the knot, a series of high-profile City Hall resignations, Governor Hochul's razor-sharp political instincts, bureaucrats seizing the moment, anot…

Yes, you might have heard, Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted on federal corruption charges. In addition to providing round-the-clock updates over at the website, Hell Gate's editors found time to hop on the mic to break down the indictment, one of the wildest days in NYC politics history, and also provide a quick update from Eric Adams's Friday ar…

Oh Divine Eternal Father, united with your Divine Son and the Holy Spirit and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg you to destroy the power of your worst enemies: the malign spirits. Throw them into the deepest caverns of hell, and keep them there forever, take possession of your kingdom; since it has been created by yourself; and very justl…

Seriously, how can we even keep up with this stuff?! Resignations! Covid! More lawsuits! Even more heretofore unknown or unheralded brothers! Hell Gate editors are back again to help you wade through everything that has been happening to New York City's mayor and his associates during this busy, busy week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for…

The number of reported federal investigations surrounding Mayor Eric Adams apparently just increased from two to three. On Wednesday morning, FBI agents raided the homes of three of the most senior aides to Mayor Eric Adams, confiscating laptops and cell phones, according to the CITY. NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and top mayoral aide and close fr…

Come we now once again to the end of March, a time of madness, the gathering crescendo of a great tourney, the end of a road upon which many set out, but only a few traverse entire. Since we first published our second annual Hell Gate March Madness Hot Take Bracket earlier this month, the public has been in understandable general uproar. Families h…

We're back with part two of our special two-part episode about our new project THE ERIC ADAMS TABLE OF SUCCESS, an interactive website exploring dozens of people who are in the mayor's orbit, their connections to each other, and why it all matters. On part two, a roundtable of Hell Gate writers discuss Eric Adams's connections to the world of night…

We mark the return of the Hell Gate podcast with a special two-part episode about our new project THE ERIC ADAMS TABLE OF SUCCESS, an interactive website exploring dozens of people who are in the mayor's orbit, their connections to each other, and why it all matters. On part one, a roundtable of Hell Gate writers discuss Eric Adams's connections to…

When the Daily News reported a few weeks ago that Whitestone Lanes was closing, it was like a mighty redwood was being chopped down. The Flushing bowling alley has been a neighborhood gathering place since the 1960s, and in the age of upscale bowling joints built for corporate expense accounts, Whitestone is one of those no-frills, all-charm spots …

How did what started as Instagram drama around two missing rescue cats spiral into a NYPD and ASPCA raid—and 44 charges of charges of animal neglect—that rocked New York City's cat rescue community? Hell Gate writer-editor Katie Way takes listeners behind the scenes of her recent investigation into animal altruism gone wrong. Hosted on Acast. See a…