Allan Smith

The New York City divide shaping its contentious mayoral race The newer voters are to the city, the likelier they are to support Zohran Mamdani. The split has shaped the race — and highlighted a potential strain on a Mamdani mayoralty.

New: NYC's mayoral race surfaces a divide bubbling for years: A split between NYC lifers and recent transplants

Bill de Blasio: “it is unprecedented in the last quarter century or so ... to have [young professionals] attached to one candidate so deeply"

www.nbcnews.com/politics/ele...

Pod man out: Trump's support among influential podcasters is waning Some of the podcasters who hosted Trump ahead of last year's election are breaking with him now on key issues like deportations and the war in Gaza.

"An all-star lineup of podcasters & YouTube impresarios has taken Trump to task in recent months on everything from immigration & Israel to free speech & Jeffrey Epstein. The list includes Joe Rogan, Theo Von, Andrew Schulz & Shawn Ryan ..."

www.nbcnews.com/politics/don...

With a Democratic Party leadership vacuum, Obama steps up his criticism of Trump Obama's recent public comments came after private conversations with allies about whether he should speak out more, according to people familiar with the discussions.

"It is an intensification that Democrats welcome at a moment when they lack party leadership, even as some say his trademark caution is still getting the better of him."

via @natashakorecki.bsky.social @jonallendc.bsky.social and @carolelee.bsky.social

www.nbcnews.com/politics/tru...

U.S. companies shed 32,000 jobs in September in latest sign of labor market weakness ADP may be the only jobs data reported this week. The government shutdown means that the Bureau of Labor Statistics is closed and unable to publish the official government jobs report.

"U.S. companies shed 32,000 jobs in September, according to the payroll processing company ADP, a surprising decline that adds to growing concerns about the rapidly weakening labor market."

www.nbcnews.com/business/eco...

U.S. government shuts down as Trump and Congress fail to reach a funding deal It's unclear how long the shutdown will last, with the parties nowhere near an agreement. Democrats want health care money, while Republicans insist they won't be held "hostage.”

"A WH official said it’ll be hard for Democrats to defend why they’re not agreeing to a “clean” funding bill to keep the government open. A 2nd WH official noted Trump held two health care-related events Tuesday, related to drug prices & pediatric cancer"

www.nbcnews.com/politics/con...

Federal employees are told to brace for a shutdown — and blame Democrats In a highly partisan memo, agencies told workers that "Trump opposes a government shutdown" and that any lapse in funds would be because of "Congressional Democrats."

Federal employees are told to brace for a shutdown — and blame Democrats

The memo is unsigned

www.nbcnews.com/politics/tru...

American fans' abuse leaves Europe dismayed despite Ryder Cup victory Team Europe triumphed 15-13 despite a late comeback from the United States. But the vitriol from some supporters in New York has caused uproar.

"The scenes at the Ryder Cup were unrecognizable from golf’s genteel archetype ... the Bethpage Black Course descended this weekend into a bearpit of personal insults, vulgar chanting & — in one instance — a beer thrown at the wife of star Rory McIlroy"

www.nbcnews.com/sports/golf/...

Analysis: The 2025 Pirates never had a chance, and the players knew it Pirates players allowed their heads to sink low in disgust after heading back into the visitor’s clubhouse on opening day at loanDepot Park. The...

Pirates players had a request denied to repaint the batters eye to see the ball better. They lamented a lack of game planning resources available to other teams

“We laugh at all of this [expletive] behind closed doors,” one player said

www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirat...

Economic anxiety grows under Trump, creating a new political liability for the GOP Democrats are eager to hammer Trump on the economy, where his polling is at its lowest point. But Republicans are confident economic sentiment is about to turn in their favor.

NEW: Economic anxiety grows, creating new political liability for Trump/GOP

Job market is shrinking. Prices rise. Dems see opportunity to unify a fractured party. But Repubs are confident sentiment will soon swing

w/ @sahilkapur.bsky.social + @spettypi.bsky.social

www.nbcnews.com/politics/don...

Former FBI Director James Comey indicted President Donald Trump suggested in a recent social media post that Attorney General Pam Bondi should prosecute Comey and other prominent critics like Sen. Adam Schiff.

BREAKING: DOJ indicts former FBI Director James Comey, charging him with false statements and obstruction.

www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...

The Trump-nominated federal prosecutor in charge of pursuing mortgage fraud allegations against NYAG Letitia James resigned Friday after President Donald Trump called for his ouster.

More >>>

www.nbcnews.com/politics/tru...

U.S. Military Buildup in Caribbean Signals Broader Campaign Against Venezuela

In recent weeks:

— U.S. strikes 3 boats in the Caribbean the Trump admin says were smuggling drugs
— U.S. military build up in the region
— Trump demands Venezuela "immediately accept" the return of Venezuelans in the U.S. "OR THE PRICE YOU PAY WILL BE INCALCULABLE!"
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/20/u...

'No evidence' found yet of ties between Charlie Kirk's shooting and left-wing groups, officials say Three people familiar with the federal probe into Kirk’s assassination told NBC News that investigators have yet to find a link between the alleged shooter and left-wing groups.

W/ Michael Kosnar, @thekellyo.bsky.social and @ryanjreilly.com

www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...

'No evidence' found yet of ties between Charlie Kirk's shooting and left-wing groups, officials say Three people familiar with the federal probe into Kirk’s assassination told NBC News that investigators have yet to find a link between the alleged shooter and left-wing groups.

New: The federal probe of Charlie Kirk’s killing has yet to find a link between Tyler Robinson & LW groups, per 3 sources familiar

“Every indication so far is that this was one guy who did one really bad thing because he found Kirk’s ideology personally offensive”

www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...

Renovations, royal parties and sports: Trump relishes the perks of being president Amid tariff deals and peace talks, Trump makes time for pursuits that are, well, pretty fun.

A must-read on Trump spending more time enjoying the fun parts of being president this term

He's attending far more sporting events, keyed in on presidential decor & remaking the White House

Meanwhile, Vance's portfolio grows

www.nbcnews.com/politics/don...

Trump administration faces hurdles in targeting left-wing groups, experts say Trump declared that he had designated antifa as a "major terrorist organization," but it's not clear whether the announcement carries any legal significance, according to experts.

New: Trump admin's effort to target left-wing groups faces hurdles

w/ @jonallendc.bsky.social + @ryanjreilly.com

www.nbcnews.com/politics/don...

Why a Pennsylvania Court Election This November Could Matter in 2028

"What’s at stake is nothing less than control of the highest court in the most important swing state in the country."

www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/u...

Tom Brady in the Raiders' coaches' booth could be a problem for the NFL Brady, in his role as a Fox commentator, attends production meetings for games he announces and meets with coaches and players. Some worry this gives the Raiders an advantage.

“It should have been one or the other,” Florio said. “At this point, the league should tell him he has to resign from Fox or sell his interest in the Raiders.”

www.nbcnews.com/sports/nfl/t...

Gov. Josh Shapiro criticizes 'selective condemnation' of political violence The Pennsylvania governor said that "some from the dark corners of the internet all the way to the Oval Office want to cherry-pick" which political violence incidents they condemn.

Shapiro called out "some from the dark corners of the internet all the way to the Oval Office" who "want to cherry-pick" political violence to condemn

+ he told @newsjul.bsky.social DJT "needs to stop" using Kirk's death to "undermine people's constitutional rights"

www.nbcnews.com/politics/pol...

From a CBS News poll on the NYC mayoral race

Mamdani is +51 with voters who moved to NYC within the last 10 years

Mamdani is +19 with voters who moved to NYC more than 10 years ago

And Mamdani is +7 with voters who were born in NYC

New: How Charlie Kirk went from a teenage activist to MAGA's "five-tool player"

With insights from both allies and critics

www.nbcnews.com/politics/pol...

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox steps into a national healing role after Charlie Kirk assassination The Republican governor has a long history of trying to bring down the temperature in politics, before his latest test under tragic circumstances.

NEW: Spencer Cox steps into a national healing role after Charlie Kirk's assassination

A senior WH official told @nbcnews.com they felt Cox has done a “tremendously good job”

w/ @natashakorecki.bsky.social, Matt Dixon + @jonallendc.bsky.social

www.nbcnews.com/politics/pol...

‘I’m Gonna Punch You in Your F--king Face’: Scott Bessent Threatens an Administration Rival The Treasury secretary's quiet tensions with housing finance chief Bill Pulte exploded at a private dinner last week.

“It’s either me or him,” Bessent said to Malik. “You tell me who’s getting the fuck out of here.”

“Or,” he added, “we could go outside.”

“To do what?” asked Pulte. “To talk?”

“No,” Bessent replied. “I’m going to fucking beat your ass.”

www.politico.com/news/magazin...

'He's one of us': How Trump is trying to influence New York's mayoral race President Donald Trump and his allies want to consolidate the mayoral field to take down Zohran Mamdani. It’s getting messy.

On Tammany Trump and the messy effort to consolidate New York's mayoral race

www.nbcnews.com/politics/don...

DOJ says names of two associates Epstein wired $100k and $250k to should stay secret The Justice Department request came after NBC News asked a federal judge to unseal the names of two people Epstein paid and helped protect from prosecution.

DOJ says names of two associates Epstein wired $100k and $250k to should stay secret

"The Justice Department request came after NBC News asked a federal judge to unseal the names of two people Epstein paid and helped protect from prosecution."

www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...

In rare interviews, federal judges criticize Supreme Court's handling of Trump cases Ten judges tell NBC News the Supreme Court needs to explain its rulings better, with some urging Chief Justice John Roberts to do more to defend the judiciary against external criticism.

"Emergency rulings used to be rare. But their number has dramatically increased ...

Ten of the 12 judges said SCOTUS should better explain those rulings, noting the terse decisions leave lower court judges w/ little guidance ..."

via @lawrencehurley.bsky.social

www.nbcnews.com/politics/sup...

Trump on social media speculation about his death this weekend:

"I did numerous shows and also did a number of Truths, long Truths, I think, pretty poignant Truths. I was very active over the weekend. ... I had heard that, but I didn't hear to that extent."

Judge dismisses Trump lawsuit against Maryland-based judges over handling of immigration cases The Trump administration alleged that the court had no authority to issue a standing order that imposes an automatic, two-day pause in deportation cases.

NEWS: A Trump-appointed judge has swiftly dismissed a Trump lawsuit filed against Maryland-based federal judges over their handling of immigration cases:
www.nbcnews.com/politics/pol...

Golden Age of Josh, indeed! www.publicaffairsbooks.com/titles/ryan-...

It's the golden age of 'Josh' In politics, sports and culture, Joshes are hot. It’s a sign of generational change.

Govs. Green, Shapiro and Stein have a Josh group chat, NBC can exclusively report…

“It might have been called ‘Three Joshes,’” Green said.

A source familiar with the group chat said the text thread “consists of a lot of Joshin’ around.”

www.nbcnews.com/politics/pol...