Good Morning, New York! Donors to Eric Adams campaign are saying they never gave him any money, raising questions over his campaigns potential use of fake straw donors. Meanwhile, Lawler decides not to run for Governor, clearing the path for Stefanik to take the GOP nomination, and Columbia settles discrimination lawsuit for $220 million. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Thursday, July 24th, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In Monroe and Erie County, going o 97 Rock’s “The Shredd & Ragan Show,” then signing legislation, then attending the Buffalo Bills training camp.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

The NYC Central Labor Council has a new president: Brendan Griffith. Formerly the Chief of Staff, Griffith was elected by over a million workers to lead the largest regional labor federation in the United States. Union leaders are praising the selection, confident that Griffith's experience as an Iron Worker and long-time labor advocate makes him ideal for the role. (amNY)

NYC cabbies are fighting back against scam artists with new camera technology. Some 500 taxis will soon be equipped with front and rear-facing cameras to catch staged accidents and fare evaders, which cost drivers big bucks. The taxi federation is calling it "Operation Bright Eyes," a "declaration of war" against the "cartels" they say are behind the $1 billion insurance fraud schemes. (NY Post)

After a carriage driver was found not guilty of animal abuse, animal rights advocates are up in arms, rallying for "Ryder's Law" to ban horse-drawn carriages. The bill's sponsor, Council Member Holden, blasted the Health Department for failing to protect the horse, while a union rep for carriage drivers warns a ban would endanger both jobs and the horses themselves. Meanwhile, the Health Department says it was given false information. (amNY)

Capitol Gains

Replacing your septic system might not break the bank anymore. Gov. Hochul just signed legislation that'll reimburse eligible property owners up to $10,000 for conventional system installations or $25,000 for enhanced ones. The goal is to help reduce water pollution across the state by making septic upgrades more affordable. (State of Politics)

Long Island's Nassau County jail is under scrutiny, accused of illegally detaining ICE arrestees for longer than the 72-hour limit. State lawmakers, after initial resistance from jail officials, gained access and suspect that detainees are also being denied showers and recreation. One lawmaker is sponsoring a bill that would make it illegal for local governments to house ICE detainees, saying, “They’re going after the people who are doing right by this country.” (NY Daily News)

Columbia University coughed up over $220 million in a settlement with the Trump administration to restore its federal funding after probes revealed alleged anti-discrimination law violations. While the university doesn't admit any wrongdoing, it's agreed to policy changes, including tighter restrictions on campus demonstrations and reviews of its Middle East curriculum. The Trump administration is touting the deal as a "roadmap" for other universities looking to avoid losing federal dollars. (CNN)

Trail Mix

Did Eric Adams' reelection campaign get a boost from fake donors? Several people listed as contributors are now saying they never actually donated, raising questions about the campaign's fundraising practices. The campaign has yet to comment on the allegations, which could lead to scrutiny from election authorities. (The City)

Elise Stefanik may be one step closer to a gubernatorial run. Congressman Mike Lawler has indicated that he will not run for governor, which may clear the path for Stefanik. Lawler will instead run for reelection to the House. (Times Union)

Despite Zohran Mamdani winning the Democratic primary, big names like Hakeem Jeffries are holding back on endorsements. Strategists worry this delay could hurt the party's chances with young voters down the line. Those younger voters may be critical to keep engaged for future elections. (State of Politics)