Good Morning, New York! Hochul is meeting with Trump about a new pipeline, DOGE downsizes in Buffalo, and the Working Families Party endorses in City Council races. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Friday, March 14th, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In DC to meet with Donald Trump.

WHERE’s ERIC: Holding an event in Queens marking 5 years since the start of the COVID pandemic.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— Mayor Adams' "Nightlife Mayor," Jeffrey Garcia, is facing some financial turbulence with over $350,000 in court judgments against him. It's unclear how this has affected his role in the administration or his ability to regulate the city's nightlife scene. (The City)

— Protesters swarmed Trump Tower, landing nearly 100 arrests, to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist facing deportation. The Jewish Voice for Peace group chanted slogans and displayed banners protesting Khalil's detention, which President Trump has signaled as the first of many deportations for pro-terrorist activities. Khalil, a Columbia activist and permanent U.S. resident, was arrested and now faces deportation despite not being charged with any crime. (State of Politics)

— Columbia University has expelled students and even revoked degrees for those involved in last spring's Hamilton Hall takeover during pro-Palestinian protests. The crackdown follows pressure from the Trump administration, which cut $400 million in funding over antisemitism concerns and demanded disciplinary action against protesters. Meanwhile, student protesters and union reps are blasting the university's actions, viewing them as an attack on free speech. (NY Daily News)

Capitol Gains

— Trump's making moves to revive the Constitution Pipeline, claiming it could save Northeast families big bucks on energy. He's meeting with NY Gov. Hochul to discuss the project, which was previously blocked by New York over water quality concerns. Hochul has a packed agenda beyond the pipeline, hoping to discuss infrastructure, congestion pricing, and energy concerns. (Bloomberg)

— Trump is downsizing in Buffalo. Due to cuts from the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), five federal offices in Buffalo have been shuttered, including two in the city's most valuable office building on S. Elmwood Ave. Easterly Government Properties, the owner of the building, who specializes in leasing to the federal government, will be hard-pressed to find new government clients at a time when the Trump administration is looking to downscale across the country. (WGRZ)

— Gov. Hochul's plan to expand involuntary commitment powers didn't make the cut in the legislature's budget proposals. Lawmakers rejected the proposal, signaling a potential showdown with the governor. Hochul still wants to move forward with the policy, but will face pushback from more progressive voices. (Crains)

— Talk about a cheesy power play! Pirate's Booty founder Robert Ehrlich is trying to declare himself mayor of a Long Island village by exploiting a little-known New York law. Current village officials aren't amused by his demands for an office and the firing of all staff. Ehrlich is running as a write-in candidate in the upcoming election, but it's unclear if his salty scheme will float. (NY Post)

Trail Mix

— The Working Families Party is throwing its weight around in several competitive NYC Council races, backing candidates in open seats. The WFP is actively campaigning against scandal-ridden figures like Anthony Weiner and Hiram Monserrate, while also supporting multiple candidates in some districts to build a broader coalition. Despite some surprise endorsements of more moderate candidates, the party insists it's focused on supporting those committed to a working families agenda. The full list can be found in the linked article. (City & State)

— AOC is battling Chuck Schumer over his announced vote for cloture on the House GOP spending plan, rallying fellow Democrats to her side. Some colleagues are even whispering in her ear that she should launch a primary challenge against Schumer. (CNN)

— Zohran Mamdani's mayoral bid is gaining steam, with endorsements from six fellow socialist lawmakers, but not everyone is on board. While DSA-backed Sens. Brisport and Gonzalez and Assembly Members Valdez, Souffrant Forrest, Mitaynes, and Shrestha are backing Mamdani, Salazar and Gallagher are holding back, with Gallagher citing the need to assess the field carefully. Despite some initial skepticism about his chances, Mamdani's campaign has exceeded expectations, placing high in recent polls and energizing young progressive voters. (City & State)