New York City mayor
What is the focus of the current hearing in Eric Adams' criminal case?
The hearing centers on the judge's assessment of whether to dismiss the case against Mayor Eric Adams. Interestingly, both Adams and the Department of Justice are in agreement that the case should be dismissed. However, the DOJ requires the court's permission to drop the charges. During the hearing, the judge wants to hear arguments from both parties, particularly from the Justice Department, regarding the reasoning behind the dismissal request. The court must evaluate these arguments before making a final determination on whether to grant the dismissal in this unprecedented situation.
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CBS News
00:27 - 01:03
What powers does New York Governor Kathy Hochul have regarding the potential removal of Mayor Eric Adams?
Under the New York Constitution, Governor Hochul has the legal right to remove Mayor Adams, though this would be unprecedented. While Franklin Roosevelt once attempted to remove a mayor due to corruption charges, that mayor ultimately resigned before removal proceedings were completed. This power has never been exercised to completion in New York's history. The city comptroller is also threatening to initiate separate proceedings, having asked Adams to provide a plan for how he can effectively govern given the current challenges, including ongoing protests and multiple resignations from his administration.
Watch clip answer (01:00m)CBS News
01:58 - 02:59
What was the purpose of the congestion pricing program in New York City?
The congestion pricing program in New York City had dual objectives. It was primarily implemented as an effort to reduce traffic congestion in the city's busiest areas. Additionally, it was designed to generate revenue for the public transit system, providing crucial funding for infrastructure improvements and service enhancements. The program faced significant back-and-forth negotiations before being enacted. However, the Department of Transportation is now moving to terminate the program, a decision that would likely please suburban supporters of President Trump, suggesting political motivations may be influencing this transportation policy change.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)
ABC News
00:17 - 00:39
What challenges does Mayor Eric Adams face as Governor Hochul considers his fate?
Mayor Eric Adams faces significant challenges following the Justice Department's decision to drop corruption charges against him, which still requires a judge's approval. He is dealing with the resignation of four deputy mayors who supervised critical agencies that New Yorkers rely on daily, creating a leadership vacuum in his administration. These resignations have destabilized Adams' government at a crucial time when he's already under scrutiny. The situation has become serious enough that Governor Kathy Hochul is reportedly considering taking significant action regarding Adams' position, potentially deciding his fate as the mayor of New York City.
Watch clip answer (00:31m)
CBS News
01:05 - 01:37
What powers does Governor Kathy Hochul have regarding Mayor Eric Adams' political future amid his corruption scandal?
Governor Hochul possesses the extraordinary and unprecedented power to potentially remove Mayor Adams from office, a move that would mark the first such action in New York's 230-year history. She could also formally ask him to resign amid the corruption allegations he faces. This unusual gubernatorial authority is being carefully considered as Adams faces serious accusations of accepting illegal campaign contributions exceeding $100,000 while serving as Brooklyn borough president, along with allegations of accepting foreign national donations for his 2021 mayoral campaign. Despite the Justice Department's recommendation to drop the case, Hochul is deliberately weighing this significant decision while consulting with top political leaders.
Watch clip answer (01:38m)
CBS News
14:23 - 16:01
What corruption allegations is New York City Mayor Eric Adams facing?
Mayor Eric Adams is accused of accepting over $100,000 in illegal campaign contributions in exchange for his influence while serving as Brooklyn borough president. He also allegedly accepted illegal donations from foreign nationals during his 2021 mayoral campaign. These serious allegations have prompted Governor Kathy Hochul to meet with political leaders to consider removing Adams from office. The situation has escalated to the point where both the public and several city officials have called for Adams to step down amid the growing corruption scandal.
Watch clip answer (00:35m)
CBS News
14:23 - 14:58