Good Morning, New York! Trump looks to take back Wollman Rink, NYC DAs are teaching retailers a workaround on bail reform, and the state fired corrections officers on maternity leave during strike. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Monday, March 17th, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In NYC for the St. Patricks Day Parade.

WHERE’s ERIC: In NYC for the St. Patricks Day Parade.

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Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— The Trump Organization is making a play for the Wollman Rink in Central Park, seeking to take over operations. This comes after City Hall rejected a $120 million offer from a nonprofit to revitalize the rink. It remains to be seen how Mayor Adams will respond to the Trump Organization's proposal. (The City)

— Common NYPD-opponent Tren de Aragua is being deported by Trump. He iis using the Alien Enemies Act to deport members of the Venezuelan gang, leading to criticism and comparisons to the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII. Despite a judge's temporary block, the deportations went ahead according to the White House, with hundreds of alleged members sent to El Salvador. Meanwhile, the NYPD is battling TDA's local crime spree, reporting success in curbing scooter-related offenses and retail theft tied to the gang. (amNY)

— NYC DAs are teaching retailers how to ban shoplifters from stores, and returning to steal could mean felony burglary charges, not just a slap on the wrist. This 'trespass notice' workaround is intended to allow prosecutors to detain repeat offenders, even after bail reform. However, defense attorneys argue it criminalizes poverty and circumvents the spirit of bail reform, potentially landing people in Rikers for stealing necessities. (Gothamist)

Capitol Gains

— New York fired over 2,000 striking correction officers, but some may have been wrongly terminated. The fired officers include those on medical leave for injuries, family medical leave, and even a pregnant officer, leading to lawsuits and union action. While the union fights for their reinstatement and healthcare, the corrections department admits mistakes happened and says they're reviewing cases individually. (Times Union)

— Are New York prisons backsliding? A rise in prison deaths and a chaotic strike are raising concerns that recent reforms are in danger. Critics argue Gov. Hochul's administration isn't doing enough to maintain progress, while prison staff say they're stretched thin and reforms have gone too far. (The City)

— A statewide ban on residential brush burning just went into effect and lasts until May 14th, all to prevent wildfires as temperatures rise. You can still have small campfires and cooking fires, but violating the ban could cost you a hefty $500 fine. (Syracuse.com)

Trail Mix

— Adrienne Adams is officially in the 2025 mayoral race, raking in $128,000 in just five days. Although that's a solid start with over 1,100 donors, Adams doesn't expect to qualify for the city's matching funds program just yet. She's hoping to leverage her City Council accomplishments to boost her campaign against Mayor Adams and ex-Gov. Cuomo. (NY Daily News)

ALSO: Adrienne Adams is hoping for a boost from the Divine Nine network of historically Black sororities and fraternities. Democratic star Jasmine Crockett has already expressed her support on Instagram live. But with low funds and a crowded field, it remains to be seen whether Adrienne Adams can pull ahead. (Politico)

— Nita Lowey, a New York Democrat and former chair of the House Appropriations Committee, has passed away. During her time in Congress, Lowey was known as a powerful advocate for her state and a champion of various social causes. Her death marks the end of a long and influential career in public service. (AP)

— Chuck Schumer's book launch on antisemitism is about to get awkward. Jewish activists are planning to protest the senator's book release in NYC, accusing him of failing to adequately combat antisemitism. The activists are particularly critical of Schumer's handling of the Antisemitism Awareness Act. (NY Post)