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Good Morning, New York! NYC's shooting rates are at an all-time low, but Mamdani will not commit to keeping popular NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Meanwhile, Rep. Lawler plans to introduce a bill to ban partisan gerrymandering. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Wednesday, August 6th, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In Albany, making a public safety announcement.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

NYC's shooting rates are at an all-time low. Officials credit precision policing, gang takedowns resulting in 347 arrests, and the seizure of nearly 3,200 illegal guns this year. However, the use of the NYPD gang database is drawing criticism from progressive City Council members, who want to abolish it. (NY Post)

Facing a tough reelection fight, Mayor Adams just received a spiritual shot in the arm. Dozens of faith leaders representing diverse religions like Judaism, Sikhism, and Christianity endorsed him on Tuesday, brushing aside past controversies. Adams emphasized the importance of faith and the support he's received from the religious community throughout his time in office, urging them to rally their congregations. (State of Politics)

Zohran Mamdani is playing it cool with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Despite praising Tisch's record on lowering crime, the mayoral frontrunner stopped short of promising to keep her on board if he wins. Mamdani also defended his attendance record at NYPD events, following criticism that he only started showing up after launching his mayoral campaign. (NY Post)

Capitol Gains

New York cannabis dispensaries are in crisis mode after the state reinterpreted zoning rules, potentially forcing over 100 shops to close due to proximity to schools. While a Bronx lawmaker introduced a bill to protect these businesses, dispensary owners are demanding Gov. Hochul call for a special session now, arguing continued operation under SAPA isn't enough. Hochul's office insists there's no need for a special session, maintaining affected businesses are protected in the interim. (amNY)

Rochester Democrats are turning off Channel 8, with the entire Monroe County state delegation boycotting one-on-one interviews with WROC until parent company Nexstar recognizes the workers' union. The move comes after workers voted to unionize in February 2023, but negotiations have stalled, leading to a complaint with the National Labor Relation Board. Union representatives say Nexstar's been dodging negotiations and ignoring workers' rights. (WXXI News)

Albany PD is scrambling to fill a 22% staffing gap by proposing to hire retired officers as "peace officers." Chief Brendan Cox says these new positions, paying $62,000 to $89,000, will free up current officers from desk jobs and let seasoned professionals engage with youth. Cox also wants to streamline the civil service process, calling the current system too slow for today's job seekers. (CBS 6 Albany)

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Trail Mix

Billy Jones is leaving the Assembly for a new gig at Clinton Community College. As vice president for strategic initiatives and workforce development, Jones will head the school's Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. He says he'll work with local groups to create educational opportunities in cybersecurity, mechanical tech, and other fields. (WCAX)

Mike Lawler plans to introduce bills to limit partisan gerrymandering, fearing his seats could be targeted as Democrats threaten to initiate mid-cycle redistricting. But with Democrats themselves considering similar tactics to counter Texas, the fate of these bills remains uncertain as it may face opposition from partisan members on both sides. (KFOX)

New York City residents may want another shot at short-term rentals. A new poll reveals 78% of residents want to revisit or change the current law banning most Airbnb-style rentals, as housing affordability remains a top concern. While Airbnb is pushing for changes to the law, Mayor Adams defends the ban as crucial for protecting affordable housing and neighborhood stability. The poll was conducted by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. (amNY)