Good Morning, New York! Columbia has adopted Trump’s controversial definition of antisemitism in an attempt to secure frozen research funds, Hochul says she will not go along with Mamdani’s plans to tax the rich, and Eric Adams gets a big slate of public sector endorsements. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Thursday, July 17th, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In Albany and Saratoga County, holding a cabinet meeting to discuss the impacts of federal cuts.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

Columbia University is adopting a controversial definition of antisemitism, sparking debate as it tries to secure $1 billion in frozen research funds from the Trump administration. The definition, from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, is criticized by some as conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism, while others argue it's necessary to combat discrimination. Even with the adoption of the new definition proving divisive, the university insists it's committed to addressing antisemitism and creating a more inclusive campus. (Gothamist)

Talk about a plot twist! Maurene Comey, daughter of James Comey and prosecutor in the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases, just got fired from her job at the Manhattan U.S. attorney’s office. The reason for her termination is unclear, but speculation is swirling given her father's history with Trump and recent attacks from right-wing figures. It's just the latest drama to hit the office, which has faced turmoil since the DOJ intervened in a case against Mayor Adams. (Politico)

Ouch, things just got messy for Mayor Adams and the NYPD. Former interim Police Commissioner Thomas Donlon is suing, alleging a 'corrupt enterprise' within the department, claiming he was ousted after uncovering misconduct and cronyism. Donlon even alleges that a top NYPD official threatened to kill him, while Adams' team dismisses Donlon as a 'disgruntled' employee. (NY Daily News)

Capitol Gains

Kathy Hochul's playing damage control after Zohran Mamdani's mayoral primary win sent shockwaves through New York. While not endorsing the socialist candidate, the governor is reassuring business leaders that she will likely block his "Tax the Rich" plan if he's elected. Hochul also said she's urged Mamdani to repair his relationship with Jewish New Yorkers after controversial comments on the campaign trail. (NY Post)

Eight former correction officers are heading to trial in October for the beating death of Robert L. Brooks at Marcy prison. Five of the officers face murder charges, three face manslaughter charges, and one is charged with evidence tampering. Three other officers have pleaded guilty to reduced charges and will cooperate with the investigation. (Times Union)

Get ready for a phone-free school year! Gov. Hochul is telling parents to brace for a 'detoxing period' as New York schools prepare to enforce a new law banning cellphones during the entire school day. While districts scramble to finalize policies and secure funding, some are still figuring out how to handle exemptions for students with health or caregiving needs. (NY Daily News)

Trail Mix

Mayor Eric Adams is getting a lifeline in his uphill re-election battle with a major endorsement from a coalition of NYC law enforcement unions. Dubbed NYC Uniformed Forces Coalition 2025, the group includes most city police, corrections, and sanitation unions. However, the Police Benevolent Association, which backed Adams in 2021, is noticeably absent and will make its own endorsement separately. (NY Post)

James Dolan is throwing serious cash behind an independent candidate in a bid to unseat Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg. Dolan and MSG-linked PACs have poured over $140,000 into supporting Diana Florence, who resigned from the DA's office amid allegations of withholding evidence. Bragg's camp dismisses the challenge as special interest money propping up a scandal-ridden candidate, while Florence accuses Bragg of prioritizing politics over public safety. (amNY)

Socialist Zohran Mamdani is making waves in the NYC mayoral race, and his campaign coffers reflect it. A whopping $350,000 has poured in from out-of-state donors since his primary win, with California leading the charge. Some see Mamdani as a rising star who can shake things up, while moderates scramble to find a way to stop his momentum. (NY Post)