Good Morning, New York! Rep. Jerry Nadler will face a 26 year old primary challenge from the younger left, one of the first of many expected primary announcements for older congressmen this cycle. Meanwhile, NYPD widows are slamming Mamdani for flip-flopping on police, and Eric Adams is giving Ballys a second chance to get through the City Council. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Thursday, July 31st, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In NYC, going on NY1, 1010 Wins, and then attending the Funeral Service of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available, but likely also attending the Funeral Service of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

Brooklyn's Republican primary is mired in controversy as the Board of Elections certified a razor-thin victory despite acknowledging votes cast by dead people. The board says state law forced them to count the ballots, but a criminal probe is underway. Now, the Democratic candidate is worried this is just the beginning and that fraud on both sides only erodes trust in the system. (The City)

Get ready to shell out more for your commute: NYC subway and bus fares are set to hit $3 in 2026. The MTA also plans to fully ditch the 30-day unlimited pass in favor of OMNY, sparking criticism from Mayor Adams, who wants to see improvements before fares go up. Meanwhile, riders can expect other fare changes, including increased commuter train costs and bridge/tunnel tolls. (Gothamist)

Eric Adams is betting on Bally's: The mayor just vetoed the City Council's attempt to block the casino project on a former Trump Organization golf course in the Bronx. Adams claims the council is unfairly favoring other casino bids and denying the Bronx crucial economic opportunities. Now, the council could override the veto, and they're already accusing the mayor of hypocrisy and questionable ethics. (NY Post)

Capitol Gains

New York public media is bracing for a $57 million hit after Congress slashed federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. While stations across the state will feel the pinch, rural areas that rely heavily on federal dollars could face disproportionate cuts. Some stations may have to change how they cover stories. (NYS Focus)

Legal weed shops are facing a serious buzzkill. Over 150 New York cannabis dispensaries, 89 of them in NYC, may be forced to close after the state admitted it messed up measurements related to proximity to schools and religious institutions. Now, Gov. Hochul wants to "grandfather" existing businesses or provide relocation money, but some owners are considering suing, leaving the future of these shops hazy. (NY1)

New York's pushing ahead with all-electric new buildings after a judge gave the green light. While environmentalists are cheering the potential for cleaner air, many builders are worried about costs, unclear regulations, and strain on the state's energy grid. (WBNG)

Trail Mix

Jerry Nadler could face a primary challenge from a 26-year-old who thinks he's too old to fight Trump. Liam Elkind, who gained prominence during the pandemic, is 'respectfully asking' the 78-year-old Nadler to retire, arguing he lacks the energy to lead. Nadler's camp is pushing back, touting his long record and recent activity, setting the stage for a heated generational battle fueled by disagreements over progressive policies. (CNN)

Zohran Mamdani's attempt to soften his "defund the police" stance after a deadly Midtown shooting isn't convincing everyone. Widows and mothers of fallen NYPD officers are calling his newfound support for law enforcement "too little, too late." One widow said Mamdani would be "dangerous" for the city. (NY Post)

An Assembly seat in New York's North Country will soon be up for grabs, as Assemblyman Billy Jones plans to resign. Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman is the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination in the upcoming special election. Republicans are eyeing this as an opportunity to flip the seat, emphasizing smarter budgeting as their focus. (State of Politics)