Good Morning, New York! The NYC Council has given its backing to a project to turn a city-owned Bronx golf course (formerly Trump Ferry Point) into a casino. Meanwhile, Albany Dems are pushing a bill to let party leaders kick out members, and Zohran Mamdani is beating Andrew Cuomo in a polling first this race. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Thursday, June 12th, 2025.

WHERE’s KATHY: In Washington D.C. and New York City, delivering remarks to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— The children of slain NYPD officer Miosotis Familia are one step closer to receiving lifetime pension benefits. After years of fighting, the City Council unanimously approved a measure that now heads to Albany. If passed, the legislation will amend state law to provide benefits to children of officers killed in the line of duty, addressing a previous oversight that only covered spouses and parents. (NY Post)

— Looks like the Bronx might be getting a new casino! The NYC Council has given its backing, and state legislators are expected to follow suit. While Councilmember Kristy Marmorato is fighting against it, claiming special interests are steamrolling her community, supporters argue it'll be an economic win for the area. (Gothamist)

— Tarek Bazrouk, who proudly called himself a "Jew hater," pleaded guilty to hate crimes for attacking Jewish people, but here's the twist: he only apologized to the Palestinian community in court. Bazrouk, who has alleged ties to Hamas, faces up to five years in prison for the assaults, during which he kicked, punched, and threatened victims. Police found knives, brass knuckles, and $750,000 in cash during a search of his home. (NY Post)

Capitol Gains

— A bill to close New York's 'voluntary intoxication loophole' in rape law is stalled in the Assembly despite having support from over 60% of members. According to NBC New York, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie is blocking the bill, frustrating advocates who say it's crucial to protect intoxicated victims of sexual assault. The reform would make it illegal to have sex with someone too drunk to consent, closing a loophole that has allowed some alleged perpetrators to avoid charges. (NBC NY)

— Albany Democrats are pushing a bill to give party leaders the power to kick out members, sparking accusations of cheating from Republicans. The bill was allegedly conceived after a spoiler candidate cost Mondaire Jones the Working Families Party line in a 2024 race. While the WFP claims the bill promotes a level playing field, critics say it's a power grab that silences voters. (NY Post)

— Remember Chris Collins from Western New York? The ex-congressman who resigned after pleading guilty to insider trading wants back in the game, this time in Florida. Collins, pardoned by Trump after serving a mere two months, is campaigning in Florida's 19th district. He's banking on his loyalty, stating he wants to be Trump's 'sidekick' in Congress. (WKBW)

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Trail Mix

— The race for New York City mayor just got a whole lot tighter. According to a new poll, democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is beating Cuomo 35 to 31. While the Cuomo camp is downplaying the poll's significance, Mamdani's team is celebrating the potential for a 'corrupt politics' shakeup. The poll was an internal for comptroller candidate Justin Brannan, and conducted by PPP. (Politico)

— It's Cuomo vs. Mamdani in tonight's final mayoral debate, where the former governor will face attacks over his past scandals. Also attending the debate will be City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Comptroller Brad Lander, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, state Sen. Zellnor Myrie and former hedge fund manager Whitney Tilson. With early voting around the corner, expect fireworks as candidates try to land last-minute blows and potentially reveal cross-endorsements. (City & State)

— Andrew Cuomo's campaign has even more endorsements rolling in. The mayoral frontrunner just snagged the backing of former NY Gov. David Paterson, who praised Cuomo as the "workable, sensible candidate." Paterson also took a jab at Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, hinting at the dangers of "absurd extremes" without explicitly using the candidate's name. (NY Post)