Good Morning, New York! NYC Charter test scores were 25% higher than public in the Bronx, Adams is blasting Mamdani for his support of legalized prostitution, and Stefanik wins the NYSYRs Congressperson of the Year Award. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Monday, August 18th, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In NYC, making a transportation announcement, then holding a rally with Rep. Torres denouncing Federal Cuts to Healthcare, then in Westchester County and finally Albany.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

The Bronx is seeing a surge in academic success–at least in charter schools. Data reveals that Bronx charter school students are outperforming their public-school counterparts by at least 25% on state reading and math exams. While some public schools are seeing gains, critics are pointing out the gains aren't great given the state’s extremely high per-student average. (NY Post)

ICE is under fire after arresting a 7-year-old Queens student and her family at immigration court, sparking outrage from local officials. The child, her mother, and brother are now separated in detention centers, a move described as "cruel and inhumane" by Attorney General Letitia James. The incident follows increasing scrutiny of ICE activity at the Lower Manhattan court, with critics arguing the agency is targeting families, not just criminals. (amNY)

Mayor Adams is blasting mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani for previously supporting the decriminalization of prostitution, questioning how Mamdani's religious beliefs align with the idea of legalizing sex work. According to Adams, legalizing prostitution would encourage sex trafficking. However, Mamdani's campaign team fired back, accusing Adams of cutting funding for victims of sex trafficking and prostitution. (NY Post)

Capitol Gains

Watertown officials cleared a homeless encampment this week, leading to one arrest and highlighting the city's struggle to balance public safety with assistance for the unhoused. The city is working with local organizations to offer daytime shelter and resources, but some individuals are either unaware or unwilling to utilize them. A new apartment complex with temporary housing units is under construction, offering a potential solution slated to open next year. (Spectrum Local News)

Veterans and union workers are fighting mad about Trump administration cuts to the VA. They rallied nationwide Friday, demanding collective bargaining rights be restored for VA workers amid fears that privatization will hurt patient care. The VA defends its actions, claiming the changes will allow it to focus more on veterans, but critics argue staffing shortages are already impacting service quality. (State of Politics)

A Brooklyn Democratic official is under scrutiny for legal work involving a doctor with a shady past. Frank Seddio, a Brooklyn Democratic commissioner, has filed over 500 lawsuits for Dr. Jules Parisien, who has been accused of submitting fraudulent insurance claims. Parisien has not been criminally charged, he denies any wrongdoing, and Seddio has not commented on the matter. (NYS Focus)

Trail Mix

With the mayoral race heating up, several City Council members are vying to become the next speaker, including Julie Menin, Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Carmen De La Rosa, and possibly Kevin Riley and Chris Marte. Mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani is keeping his cards close to his chest on who he'd support, sparking speculation about whether the next speaker will be an ideological counterweight or ally. The race is already underway, with candidates meeting with council members and lobbying outside influencers. (City & State)

Elise Stefanik's Congressperson of the Year Award from the NY Young Republicans was met with protests in Albany. The Young Republicans praised Stefanik's loyalty to Trump, referencing her decision to stay in Congress, while protesters, organized by Indivisible, criticized her attendance record and perceived alignment with Trump. Stefanik accused the protesters of being paid and hinted the protests were an attack on Republicans. (CBS6)

Rep. Mike Lawler is standing firm on his support for Trump's signature legislation, and will release a series of 5 ads in a 5-figure spend promoting the bill. He will focus on medicaid provisions, the increased SALT cap, no tax on social security, and decreased taxes across the board. His support is unusual among swing state Republicans, many of whom have tried to distance themselves from the legislation. (Politico)