Good Morning, New York! State police are serving court orders to striking corrections officers, Antonio Delgado leaves the ticket, and the NYPD pushes back against the end of their gang database. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In Albany for a Public Safety Roundtable.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule yet.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— The NYPD and NYC Council are still at odds over a bill that would eliminate the city's gang database and another that would restrict DNA testing of teens. Police brass say the gang database is a necessary tool, despite critics like Councilwoman Althea Stevens arguing it unfairly targets Black and Hispanic New Yorkers and amounts to racial profiling. The NYPD also wants an exception to the DNA bill for violent felonies. While the NYPD doesn't object to the DNA bill in principle, Councilwoman Tiffany Caban opposes giving police exceptions, arguing that teens cannot give proper consent. (NY Daily News)

— Religious leaders are uniting to fight Lenox Hill Hospital's massive expansion, fearing almost a decade of construction chaos on the Upper East Side, with noise, pollution, and traffic. While the clergy acknowledge the need to modernize, they worry about the project's impact on families and the neighborhood character. The hospital claims the expansion would improve healthcare by offering advanced care, a right-sized emergency room, and single-bed patient rooms as part of a new 436-foot medical tower. (amNY)

— Following Trump's anti-LGBTQ+ policies, NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos is reassuring families that the city will continue to protect trans and LGBTQ+ students. In a letter to families, Aviles-Ramos highlighted existing policies allowing students to change names/genders on records and participate in sports aligned with their gender identity. However, some progressive parents feel the chancellor's response doesn't go far enough, especially given Mayor Adams's directive to avoid directly criticizing Trump. (NY Daily News)

Capitol Gains

— Striking New York correction officers are facing serious consequences, as State Police are now serving them with court orders. If they don't return to work, these officers could be arrested for violating the state's Taylor Law, which bans public employee strikes. Meanwhile, mediation talks have begun between the governor's office, the corrections department, and the union, but the situation remains tense, with reports of deteriorating prison conditions and political pressure to resolve the standoff. (Times Union)

— Manhattan's congestion pricing raked in $48.6 million in its first month, with passenger vehicles accounting for most of the revenue. If the program is allowed to continue, the MTA hopes to use the money for transit improvements. Officials say that, so far, the program is working, as it decreases traffic by 7.5%. (amNY)

— DoorDash is about to pay up—big time. Attorney General Letitia James just announced a $16.75 million settlement with the food delivery giant over allegations they pocketed tips intended for New York delivery workers between 2017 and 2019. While DoorDash says they've since changed the pay model and that Dashers now keep 100% of tips, labor advocates are calling the settlement a major victory in the fight against exploitative practices in the industry. (amNY)

Trail Mix

— Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado announced he's ditching Gov. Hochul's ticket, possibly to challenge her for the governor's seat in 2026, hinting that New Yorkers deserve leaders "accountable to the people". There's already a blame game going on, with sources saying Delgado initiated the split, while Hochul's camp suggests she was looking for a new running mate anyway, especially after Delgado publicly called for Mayor Adams' removal. (NY Post)

— Brooklyn elections official Frank Seddio is catching heat for promoting a fundraiser for Anthony Weiner's City Council bid, raising concerns about ethical lines. While the Board of Elections says there's no rule against it, critics argue Seddio's actions create the appearance of bias toward Weiner. Weiner's opponents are, unsurprisingly, not pleased with Seddio and Weiner's "walking ethics violation." (Gothamist)

— Justin Brannan just scored a major boost in the race for NYC Comptroller. The Working Families Party (WFP) has endorsed the Brooklyn City Council member, marking their first citywide endorsement of 2025. This gives Brannan access to the WFP's robust get-out-the-vote machine as he competes against Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, who once enjoyed the WFP's support himself. (NY Daily News)

— Gov. Hochul has hired longtime Democratic strategist Preston Elliott as her campaign manager. Her campaign also announced a $32.5 million warchest, split across her campaign and the state party. (Empire Report)