Good Morning, New York! NYC has controversial new trash bins, a state assemblyman is accused of wrongful termination over a previous romantic relationship, the budget isn’t deadlocked anymore, and Stefanik may run for Governor. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Thursday, April 17th, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In Albany with no publicly scheduled events. (Check for updates here)

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available.

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Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— Despite a massive corruption bust at NYCHA last year, revealed bribe-paying contractors are still raking in millions in city contracts. NYCHA says they weren't aware of the contractors' involvement, but the Department of Investigation claims it's because the contractors are considered victims of a 'pay-to-play' scheme. (The City)

— New "Empire Bins" have landed in upper Manhattan to combat rats, but residents aren't loving the futuristic design. While the Department of Sanitation claims a previous pilot program saw a 60% drop in rat sightings, some locals say the bins clash with the neighborhood's aesthetic and take away from its Harlem Renaissance vibe. (NY Post)

— A City Council committee is investigating Adult Protective Services amid rising concerns that the agency is rejecting a growing number of vulnerable New Yorkers. Alarming data showed almost 80% of referrals were rejected last year as the need for housing and medical assistance rises. Councilmember Crystal Hudson called the high rejection rate "extremely concerning," saying, "We need to ensure that every older adult is being taken care of." (Gothamist)

Capitol Gains

— Budget talks aren't deadlocked anymore! Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced that New York leaders have reached an agreement on discovery reform, a major sticking point in budget negotiations. While there's still work to be done before a final budget deal is reached, this breakthrough points to a budget being worked out sometime soon. (State of Politics)

— Assemblyman Joe DeStefano is being sued by a former staffer who alleges they had a romantic relationship that ended with her being asked to resign. According to the lawsuit, Lynn Zigrosser claims DeStefano pressured her into the relationship while she worked for him, although DeStefano's lawyers acknowledge the relationship but deny that her resignation was related to its end. DeStafano's attorneys are seeking to dismiss the case, arguing that the case should have been filed in the Court of Claims and that he could be entitled to qualified immunity as a government official. (Times Union)

— New York Assemblyman Clyde Vanel (D-Queens) has introduced a bill to study using blockchain in elections to combat voter fraud, envisioning an 'immutable, auditable, and uncensored truth.' Blockchain has already been used for elections in Malaysia and Romania. This bill has a very uncertain future, as there will be many groups opposed to such a major change to how we conduct elections. (Coingeek)

Trail Mix

— Elise Stefanik's potential run for New York governor is heating things up for the GOP. Her gubernatorial ambitions have reportedly caused friction with fellow Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, who will have to rethink his own prospects. Bruce Blakeman was also expected to jump into the race, something he may now be forced to hold off on. With Trump's endorsement and Stefanik already bashing Governor Hochul, a MAGA primary showdown could be brewing. (POLITICO)

— Hochul's got her eyes on Stefanik's seat! After Trump nixed Stefanik's UN ambassadorship, Hochul told state Democrats that she sees Stefanik's North Country district as ripe for the taking, especially if Stefanik makes a run for governor. Meanwhile, Stefanik's team is brushing off the challenge, calling Hochul the 'least popular elected official in the North Country.' (City & State)

— Don't expect to see Mayor Adams' or Cuomo's tax returns anytime soon, since they've both filed for extensions. While Adams' team hasn't confirmed if he'll release his return publicly, Cuomo is in the spotlight because he reportedly made hundreds of thousands consulting last year. Several other mayoral candidates have already shared their returns, promising more transparency. (NY Daily News)