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Good Morning, New York! The New York Times has issued an anti-endorsement of socialist Zohran Mamdani, despite previous statements saying they would not endorse. Meanwhile, there is a major staffing shortage in NYC courts, and judicial districts may be redrawn upstate. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Monday, June 16th, 2025.

WHERE’s KATHY: In Albany, Massachusetts and New York City, meeting with Northeastern Governors and Canadian Premiers and then participating in a discussion with Anne Finucane.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— NYC courts are a "powder keg" waiting to explode, according to the court officers' union, thanks to a severe staffing shortage. Up to 35% of court officer positions are vacant, and applications have plummeted, leading to increased violence and fewer operating courtrooms, according to the union, which is blaming the so-called Tier 6 pension reforms for the crisis, while the state claims it is hiring new officers. The union claims the Office of Court Administration is also blocking its efforts to move willing volunteers to Brooklyn. (NY Post)

— Eric Adams wants to see more faces at protests, calling for a statewide ban on masks after the 'No Kings' demonstrations. He claims masks "embolden" bad behavior and criticized the current law that only bans masks when another crime is committed. The mayor is urging lawmakers to reinstate a broader pre-pandemic ban on face coverings at protests. (Gothamist)

— NYC condo and co-op owners, brace yourselves. A technical glitch in the city's new abatement portal has delayed millions in property-tax rebates, leaving residents scrambling. The Department of Finance says it's working to fix the snafu and has extended the payment due date to August 15 to avoid penalties. (NY Post)

Capitol Gains

— Upstate New York courtrooms could look a little different soon. A new bill aims to redraw judicial districts, potentially leading to more Black and Brown judges in state courts, as Democrats say the change would make the courts more representative. Republicans, however, are blasting the move as a partisan power grab that could skew election law disputes in favor of Democrats. (Newsday)

— A 'game-changing' bill to combat rising police suicides is finally a reality. Championed by the Nassau PBA, the new law establishes a confidential peer-to-peer counseling program for officers struggling with mental health. With half of the state's nine police suicides this year occurring in Nassau County, advocates like PBA President Tommy Shevlin say the bill will save lives and destigmatize mental health conversations within law enforcement. (NY Post)

— Long Island could be getting direct Amtrak service! Amtrak wants to run three daily trains from Ronkonkoma to Washington, D.C., stopping in Hicksville and Jamaica. While some question the need for this service, given existing connections at Penn Station, supporters emphasize the potential benefits of connecting Long Island to the Northeast rail corridor. (Newsday)

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Trail Mix

— In a reversal of their previously stated plans not to endorse in the mayoral election, the NY Times Editorial Board has issued a "do not rank" anti-endorsement of Zohran Mamdani, a socialist candidate for mayor: "We do not believe that Mr. Mamdani deserves a spot on New Yorkers’ ballots." (NY Times)

— Eric Adams is catching heat for hosting controversial influencer Sneako, who has a history of antisemitic remarks, at Gracie Mansion. Rep. Richie Torres blasted the mayor for giving a platform to someone who has proclaimed "Down with the Jews!" Adams' office defended the meeting, stating the mayor's commitment to fighting antisemitism is unwavering, though critics point out the visit occurred shortly after Adams signed an executive order defining antisemitism. (NY Post)

— Is Adrienne Adams angling for a spot in Albany as lieutenant governor? Sources say Gov. Hochul is considering the NYC Council speaker as a running mate in the next election, especially if her mayoral bid fizzles out. The potential pick comes as Adams faces scrutiny for using taxpayer money to open a fourth council office in Queens, prompting accusations she is merely boosting her popularity as she prepares for her next move. (NY Post)