Good Morning, New York! AI Research is getting additional funding at NY universities, the Adams administration revoked an award over the subjects Cuomo endorsement, and Schumer cancels his book tour today. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Tuesday, March 18th, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In Albany for a Housing Affordability Announcement and then an interview with PBS News Hour.

WHERE’s ERIC: In NYC with no public schedule yet.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— Getting carded at Target? A Brooklyn Target is now checking IDs at its entrance, barring anyone under 18 who isn't accompanied by an adult, following a string of fights and disruptive behavior by teens. While some shoppers applaud the move, others, including a 15-year-old who was turned away while trying to buy medicine, are calling the new policy discriminatory. This comes after a nearby McDonald's took similar measures, hiring a bouncer to keep out unsupervised youths. (NY Post)

— An award for a Queens businessman has been yanked by City Hall, and he believes it's because his wife supports a rival mayoral candidate That businessman, Gus Lambropoulos, claims he was initially told he'd be honored at a Greek-American community reception, but then officials backtracked after learning his wife is backing Andrew Cuomo. City Hall claims the award was revoked because Lambropoulos' wife received a similar honor two years ago and because of concerns from the community. (NY Daily News)

— Wanna own a piece of the action? Bally's is offering Bronx residents the chance to buy shares in its proposed casino near Ferry Point. Beyond stocks, the company is pledging millions in community benefits, aiming to win over locals and legislators needed to approve the project. But they still need to get the state legislature to pass an alienation bill. (NY Post)

Capitol Gains

— Tesla's stock plunge and Elon Musk's controversial ties to the Trump administration have Brooklyn state senators pushing for divestment. Citing a 28% drop in February and analysts' dire predictions, they're urging the state Comptroller to dump Tesla shares from the New York State pension fund. Protests at Tesla dealerships and Trump's threats against vandals are adding fuel to this financial fire. (Brooklyn Eagle)

— AI research just got a boost for New York universities! Gov. Hochul is expanding the Empire AI initiative, granting schools like NYU access to cutting-edge tech previously reserved for big corporations. This $400 million investment aims to accelerate research, create jobs, and position New York as a leader in AI breakthroughs. (NYU Student Newspaper)

— Budget negotiations have officially launched in Albany, but the Big Three are already showing key differences in their approach. While the Assembly prefers to keep the budget strictly fiscal, both Gov. Hochul and the Senate are pushing for policy changes to be included, like dealing with cell phones in schools. Adding to the mix, Republicans are slamming the proposed spending as excessive, and lawmakers are split on how to raise revenue and handle tax breaks. (State of Politics)

Trail Mix

— Andrew Cuomo's got no regrets about his COVID policies. In a contentious interview with the NY Post, the former governor defended his record and deflected blame, even over the controversial nursing home directive. Despite criticism over his handling of the pandemic, Cuomo insists he saved the city and can do it again as mayor. (NY Post)

— Chuck Schumer is in a pickle, and his attempts to smooth things over aren't exactly working out. After sparking outrage within the Democratic Party for supporting a GOP funding bill, the Senate Minority Leader has been in private talks with liberal groups like Indivisible, even as they call for his resignation. Schumer postponed book tour events with activists planning to protest, but he maintains his priority is fighting the Trump administration. (Politico)

— New York Republicans are still feeling optimistic about the 2026 elections, citing a strong 2024 and a weak Kathy Hochul. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler are testing the waters for statewide runs, criticizing Hochul and pushing hot-button issues like crime and immigration. (Gothamist)