Best OffTopical Podcasts (2025)

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Mamdani hits turbulence before day one 32:47

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6d ago32:47

32:47

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is facing new scrutiny and criticism after his newly-appointed director of appointments resigned just hours into the job. Catherine Almonte Da Costa stepped down Thursday afternoon following the resurfacing of antisemitic statements she posted more than a decade ago on social media — raising questions about the Mamadani t…

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Eric Adams' legacy: Swagger, soundbites and subpoenas 37:46

13d ago37:46

37:46

Eric Adams leaves his mayoralty behind in just 20 days, prompting many to ask: What kind of mayor was he? What were his accomplishments and his failures, and what will his legacy be? NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena break down his four years in office. After that, the race for governor is…

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Mamdani transition tensions and three big casino bets 32:20

20d ago32:20

32:20

This week, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met with outgoing Mayor Eric Adams at Gracie Mansion as part of efforts to ensure a smooth transition next month. Mamdani also joined Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and protesters outside a Park Slope Starbucks, where they alleged unfair labor practices. With inauguration day only weeks away, NY1's investigat…

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Police reform or politics? Mamdani's NYPD pick 31:58

1M ago31:58

31:58

This week, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced that he will keep NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch in her role when he takes office in January. Tisch, the department's 48th commissioner, has led the NYPD with what Mamdani's team calls a renewed focus on accountability and transparency, overseeing a historic drop in violent crime. The decision signal…

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Mamdani builds a cabinet 32:25

1M ago32:25

32:25

New York City is one week into the transition from Mayor Eric Adams to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, and the administration is starting to take shape. This week, Mamdani named Dean Fuleihan as first deputy mayor and Elle Bisgaard-Church as chief of staff. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse report…

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Zohran Mamdani makes history 31:35

2M ago31:35

31:35

Zohran Mamdani has been elected New York City's 111th mayor, making history as the city's first Muslim mayor and the youngest in more than a century. He defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in an election that drew the highest turnout for a New York City mayoral race in decades. Mamdani's meteoric rise was powered by a camp…

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Will Mamdani make history on Election Day? 36:14

2M ago36:14

36:14

With new polls showing Zohran Mamdani holding a sizeable lead in the mayor's race, he's poised to become the city's first Muslim mayor. But with most polls being wrong about the Democratic primary in June, can they be trusted this time? NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hog…

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NY1 debate night: Candidates clash in Queens 26:56

2M ago26:56

26:56

Just days before New Yorkers head to the polls, the three major candidates in the race for mayor squared off in a 90-minute debate sponsored by Spectrum News NY1, WNYC/Gothamist and THE CITY. Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, Democrat Zohran Mamdani and Republican Curtis Sliwa took part in a spirited exchange at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Cent…

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Can Cuomo close the gap? 30:57

2M ago30:57

30:57

Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani apologized to the NYPD for making a social media post in 2020 in which he called the police force racist and homophobic. Meanwhile, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is changing his tune about Rikers Island and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa is promising to take off the beret if elected. As election day nears, can …

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Rikers revamp and Albanian adventures 32:43

3M ago32:43

32:43

Fresh off dropping his reelection campaign, Mayor Eric Adams went on an unexpected trip to Albania. Back home, the three remaining major mayoral candidates marked the anniversary of Oct. 7, while former Gov. Andrew Cuomo surprised many by reversing course on his earlier support for closing Rikers Island. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross …

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Mayoral race takes shape after Adams abandons bid 28:24

3M ago28:24

28:24

This week, Mayor Eric Adams announced in a nearly nine-minute video that he was dropping his struggling reelection bid. While some were surprised, others saw it as inevitable. What does his exit mean for the rest of the field and how are the remaining candidates pivoting? The team also looks at how this move shapes Adams' legacy. NY1's investigativ…

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Live from Chelsea: New York Decides with Cynthia Nixon and J.C. Polanco 1:30:17

3M ago1:30:17

1:30:17

This week, NY1 presented a special podcast event — "New York Decides: Live from Chelsea", featuring a crossover episode of its political podcasts "Off Topic/On Politics" and "You Decide." Hosted by Errol Louis, Courtney Gross and Bobby Cuza, the discussion centered on the latest developments in the New York City mayoral campaign, including the stun…

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Bribery accusations hit the mayor's race while a casino fight is underway in the city 33:41

3M ago33:41

33:41

This week, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa leveled bribery accusations against rival Andrew Cuomo, while Mayor Eric Adams surprised many by repeatedly weighing in on the city's transgender bathroom policy. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan break down what it all means…

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Mamdani scores key endorsements, while Adams targets horse carriages 30:17

3M ago30:17

30:17

This week, Zohran Mamdani scored a key endorsement from Gov. Kathy Hochul, who had spent months on the fence about whether to fully embrace the Democratic candidate for mayor. State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie also lined up behind Mamdani, who is leading in the polls over his rivals. NY1 political reporters Bobby Cuza, Ayana Harry and Kelly Mena …

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Mamdani is dominating the polls. Will any candidate catch him? 32:31

3M ago32:31

32:31

We're now less than two months from Election Day, and a new round of polls shows Zohran Mamdani holding a comfortable lead over Andrew Cuomo. But a lot can shift in the weeks ahead and the numbers suggest Mamdani's margin would narrow considerably in a one-on-one matchup with Cuomo. So the big question is: can anyone catch Mamdani? NY1 political re…

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The Political dance: Trump, Adams and the future of New York 31:55

4M ago31:55

31:55

This week, there were two separate reports that Trump administration officials are considering offering Mayor Eric Adams a job if he drops his reelection bid, possibly helping Andrew Cuomo against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani in the mayoral race. But after Mamdani soundly defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary, would such a move even work? A…

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Can Mayor Eric Adams revive his reelection campaign? 33:35

4M ago33:35

33:35

As summer winds down, the mayoral campaign season is kicking into high gear. This week, Mayor Eric Adams is trying to resuscitate his campaign following last week's indictment of a former top aide. Meanwhile, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani met with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, though no endorsement came from the meeting. And, focusing …

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Bike lanes, cash and a TV cameo: Mayor Adams' former aide faces new corruption charges 33:45

4M ago33:45

33:45

This week saw another political bombshell at City Hall. Mayor Eric Adams' former top aide, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, was hit with four new indictments tied to sweeping bribery schemes during her time in the administration. Six others were charged as well, including Lewis-Martin's son, another Adams aide and real estate developers. NY1 investigative repo…

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How Mamdani's rent-stabilized apartment became a talking point 30:57

5M ago30:57

30:57

The New York City mayor's race continued to heat up this week with a rent-stabilized apartment showdown between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo; former Governor David Paterson throwing his support behind Mayor Eric Adams; and Mamdani hitting all five boroughs on an anti-Trump tour. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby…

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Focus on NYPD and possible Trump involvement in mayoral race 31:34

5M ago31:34

31:34

Mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo unveiled a comprehensive public safety plan this week, pledging to bolster the NYPD through increased starting salaries, performance bonuses and stronger community policing efforts. He also criticized his opponent, Zohran Mamdani, citing Mamdani's past criticism of the NYPD. Meanwhile, Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorsed M…

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Midtown mass shooting takes focus in mayoral race 34:56

5M ago34:56

34:56

This week, in New York City's deadliest shooting in decades, a Las Vegas resident entered a Midtown office building and shot multiple people with an automatic weapon. That includes NYPD officer Didarul Islam, who was laid to rest Thursday. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Ho…

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Mamdani leaves town as Adams splits with Trump 34:14

5M ago34:14

34:14

This week, the Democratic nominee for mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is thousands of miles away from New York City, vacationing in his native Uganda. Back in the city, Mayor Eric Adams is creating distance between himself and the Trump administration. His recent remarks questioning the conditions at a federal immigration center in Lower Manhattan have put …

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Cuomo is officially back while Mayor Adams — and his NYPD — face multiple lawsuits 30:31

5M ago30:31

30:31

This week, former governor Andrew Cuomo announced he is officially back in the race for mayor as an independent candidate, but is it too late for him? Meanwhile, Democratic primary winner Zohran Mamdani met with business leaders and Democrats in Washington looking to shore up support. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporter…

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Will Mamdani win over the Dems? 31:09

6M ago31:09

31:09

Zohran Mamdani is now the Democratic nominee for mayor, riding a wave of post-primary momentum that includes major endorsements from the teachers union and key political figures. Will the rest of the party — and the city — fall in line? NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry unpack the evolving …

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Mamdani momentum: Assemblyman clinches Democratic nomination 33:29

6M ago33:29

33:29

Continuing his stunning political rise, Zohran Mamdani officially won the Democratic primary for mayor on Tuesday. After the Board of Elections conducted its ranked-choice voting tabulations, Mamdani ended up with 56 percent of the vote — compared to Andrew Cuomo's 44 percent. Now, it's on to November. NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, a…

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From June to November: New York's new political climate 34:45

6M ago34:45

34:45

Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is poised to win the Democratic mayoral primary — easily outperforming Andrew Cuomo, Brad Lander and eight other candidates . NY1's investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political director Bob Hardt break down the results of primary day and discuss what this may mean for the Novem…

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BONUS EPISODE: Mamdani stuns New York City with primary day upset 18:46

6M ago18:46

18:46

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 Zoh…

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The battle for New York City hits the final stretch 36:50

6M ago36:50

36:50

A new Marist University poll shows former Gov. Andrew Cuomo holding his lead in the Democratic primary for mayor, but the race is tightening. Could Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani have enough time to close the gap? Meanwhile, the shocking arrest of mayoral hopeful and City Comptroller Brad Lander at an immigration court made headlines this week. …

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NY1 debate night: The race for City Hall hits a fiery final stretch 29:45

7M ago29:45

29:45

With early voting about to begin and the Democratic mayoral primary heating up, NY1 hosted the final debate in the race and it didn't disappoint. The heated debate, moderated by NY1's Errol Louis, Katie Honan of THE CITY and WNYC's Brian Lehrer saw seven candidates take the stage, but the spotlight was on former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Assemblyman Zo…

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Bonus episode: Jessica Ramos shocks the mayor's race: A Cuomo endorsement no one saw coming 15:37

7M ago15:37

15:37

Mayoral candidate Jessica Ramos, once a critic of Andrew Cuomo, has endorsed his candidacy, emphasizing experience over 'performative politics.' The announcement was held at a union rally, stirring the political landscape. In this special bonus episode of "Off Topic/On Politics," NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bo…

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Debate drama: Nine candidates face off 36:00

7M ago36:00

36:00

Nine candidates for mayor faced off in a two-hour debate on WNBC, co-sponsored by Telemundo and Politco this week. The debate marked the first time Andrew Cuomo was on the stage with his fellow candidates. The mayoral frontrunner withstood the bulk of attacks from his rivals. On the heels of the debate came Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's endorsements f…

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Regarding the landscape: From Cuomo's candidacy to Rangel's legacy 34:24

7M ago34:24

34:24

For the last several months, "Off Topic/On Politics" has been discussing the top Democratic candidates for mayor, looking at their policies, platforms and political challenges. This week, their focus is on Andrew Cuomo. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporters Bobby Cuza and Ayana Harry examine the legacy, controversies and pr…

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What the Cuomo investigation means for New York's mayoral contest 33:47

7M ago33:47

33:47

Andrew Cuomo is under criminal investigation. The Justice Department is examining whether the former governor - and current mayoral frontrunner - made false statements to Congress regarding the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan…

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The future of Rikers 32:12

8M ago32:12

32:12

This week, a federal judge ordered the city to hand over the operations of its troubled jails on Rikers Island to an outside manager. Lawyers for detainees on Rikers Island have argued in court that the practices, violence and mismanagement in city jails violate the constitutional rights of the people awaiting trial there. NY1 investigative reporte…

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Election season in New York: The campaign trail heats up 34:44

8M ago34:44

34:44

With the June primary about seven weeks away, the campaign trail in the race for mayor is heating up with new ads and policy proposals. Andrew Cuomo released his mental health plan and announced plans to run on a third-party ballot line this November, while Zohran Mamdani rallied with hundreds of supporters in Brooklyn and Brad Lander released his …

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The state budget: Better late than never? 35:30

8M ago35:30

35:30

Gov. Kathy Hochul this week announced there's finally a deal on a state budget — albeit a month late. The $254 billion plan includes much more than fiscal policy, also encompassing everything from criminal justice reforms to a school cellphone ban. Meanwhile, the ballot has been set in the June Democratic mayoral primary race with Zohran Mamdani ge…

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Democratic Primary deep dive: Endorsements, strategies and surprises 32:44

8M ago32:44

32:44

The mayor's race got a jolt this week when three unions and the New York State Attorney General backed Adrienne Adams for mayor. Unions for municipal and hospitality workers endorsed the City Council Speaker, whose campaign had failed to gain momentum so far. The endorsements come as Andrew Cuomo has continued to lay low, perhaps resting on his lea…

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Following Andrew Cuomo's bumpy campaign trail 34:46

9M ago34:46

34:46

This week, mayoral candidate and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo had some highs — and some lows. He was once again confirmed to be a frontrunner in a new Siena College poll, but he was also denied millions of dollars in public matching funds because of a so-called technical glitch. Meanwhile, Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is the first mayoral candidat…

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From t-shirts to tariffs: Unpacking Eric Adams 36:18

9M ago36:18

36:18

This week, Mayor Eric Adams appeared before the New York City press corps wearing a casual t-shirt bearing the phrase, "In God We Trust." Adams said the outfit was about bringing attention to the faith he relied on during his federal investigation and indictment — which was dropped earlier this month. Adams is now looking to win a second term in of…

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Political shift: Adams goes Independent 34:53

9M ago34:53

34:53

Mayor Eric Adams announced Thursday he's skipping the June Democratic primary and instead running for reelection as an independent candidate. In a campaign video, Adams said his legal troubles had prevented him from mounting a legitimate Democratic primary campaign. The announcement comes a day after a Manhattan judge dismissed the federal corrupti…

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Political primaries and Trump tensions 34:08

9M ago34:08

34:08

A new poll this week shows that former Gov. Andrew Cuomo continues to be the frontrunner in this year's crowded Democratic mayoral primary. Since announcing his candidacy, Cuomo has remained at the top of the pack while continuing to deploy a rose garden strategy. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams has finally begun to confront this tough political reality…

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Campaign cash and independent lines: NYC's mayoral race 36:39

9M ago36:39

36:39

As the June primary in the mayor's race gets closer, there was a pivotal campaign finance deadline for the candidates this week. Andrew Cuomo, not surprisingly, pulled in $1.5 million in less than two weeks. But filings showed that Mayor Eric Adams only raisied about $19,000 in the last two months. Meanwhile, Adams is flirting with the idea of runn…

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Mayor Adams bites his tongue while other Democrats question activist's detainment 33:14

10M ago33:14

33:14

Mahmoud Khalil, who helped lead protests at Columbia University last year, was detained by immigration authorities Saturday and is now in an immigration jail in Louisiana. The arrest of Khalil, along with the Trump administration's plans to deport the 30-year-old graduate student, has sparked outrage from many high-ranking New York officials, with …

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Cuomo joins the fray while Adams gets grilled on Capitol Hill 33:16

10M ago33:16

33:16

Andrew Cuomo finally made it official: he's running for mayor. The former governor jumped into the race and instantly became the frontrunner. A Quinnipiac poll found him with a double-digit lead over his closest rival – incumbent Eric Adams. Another new entrant, however, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, could shake things up a bit. NY1 investigative…

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The bloated battle for New York's political future 34:52

10M ago34:52

34:52

While Mayor Adams says he's running for reelection, his already-crowded field of rivals may be getting bigger — with both former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, political reporter Bobby Cuza and political director Bob Hardt weigh in on the mayor's reelection chances, while also d…

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Hochul limits Adams' powers 38:37

10M ago38:37

38:37

After meeting with top Democrats this week about the future of Mayor Eric Adams, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled a plan to set up new restrictions on Adams but emphasized that it was "not a power grab." NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, statehouse reporter Bernadette Hogan and political reporter Dan Rivoli break down Hochul's proposals, which i…

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Adams off the hook, but at what cost? 33:31

11M ago33:31

33:31

This week, Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove directed the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York to drop the corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams. But she refused and stepped down. Elected leaders across New York have cast doubt on whether Adams can govern impartially now, saying the charges could resurface at any point, …

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Anesthesia, Albany and Mayor Adams 32:27

11M ago32:27

32:27

It was another week of palace intrigue for the mayor. A day after testifying in Albany about the city's needs, the mayor revealed to the press corps that he underwent anesthesia for a colonoscopy last month. NY1 investigative reporter Courtney Gross, and political reporters Bobby Cuza and Kelly Mena weigh in on Adams' mystery illness and his trip t…

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Mayor Adams calls out sick, sparking rumors and Gracie Mansion intrigue 34:10

11M ago34:10

34:10

Mayor Eric Adams called out sick this week — spending much of his time holed up in Gracie Mansion. Aides said he was undergoing routine medical tests but details on his condition have been sparse. His absence sparked rumors of a possible resignation, which he vehemently denied when he emerged on Thursday for an event with the NYPD. The mayor's dram…

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Is Mayor Adams rolling out the welcome wagon for President Trump? 34:34

11M ago34:34

34:34

Mayor Eric Adams raised plenty of eyebrows this week when he decided to skip Martin Luther King Jr. events in New York City so he could attend the inauguration of President Trump. Adams had nothing to say to reporters on the following day after the president pardoned more than 1,500 Jan. 6 insurrectioners and tried to end birthright citizenship. Th…