Good Morning, New York! Indicted developer Weihong Hu is still being paid by the city despite alleged corruption with Mayor Eric Adams, Hochul is moving to ban masks in public, and Hudson Valley yeshivas are facing a financial hit as they may lose state funding over educational standards. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Thursday, March 20th, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In Albany, visiting a lunchroom to highlight the State of the State Affordability Agenda.

WHERE’s ERIC: In NYC, talking about subway safety and mental health, holding a roundtable for Indian community leaders, and hosting a reception for Greek culture.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— Mayor Adams is in yet another sticky situation: NYC continues to pay indicted developer Weihong Hu's company over $500,000 a month, even though she could potentially testify against him in a bribery case. Good government groups are raising ethical concerns, especially as Hu reportedly explored plea deals with prosecutors. The city says abruptly ending the contract is risky, and the non-profit involved claims there's been no coordination to find an alternative site. (Guardian)

— Bally's is betting big on the Bronx with a proposed $4 billion casino-hotel complex and a $625 million community benefits package. The package includes money for local schools, infrastructure improvements, and even a chance for residents to buy equity in the project, but not everyone's thrilled. While Bally's claims strong local support, some residents are worried about increased crime, traffic, and lost parkland, and a final decision is expected by the end of the year. (Bronx Times)

— National Grid rates are hiking up another 5.1% in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and parts of Queens starting April 1st. It's the second of three increases approved last year, supposedly to fund weatherization programs and infrastructure upgrades, with the final hit coming in April 2026. (Patch)

Capitol Gains

— Gov. Hochul is making a last-ditch effort to ban masks in public, citing concerns about public safety and masked individuals committing crimes. While the governor hasn't provided specifics, the proposal is already facing criticism from those who say it could endanger public health and disproportionately impact protesters, especially in light of recent crackdowns linked to pro-Palestine demonstrations. (Gothamist)

— Trump has appointed John A. Sarcone III, who once suggested trying Biden for treason and deporting Obama, as the interim U.S. Attorney for Upstate NY. Despite having no experience as a prosecutor, Sarcone is now in charge of criminal prosecutions across 32 counties. Critics are raising concerns about Trump's move to bypass Senate scrutiny by appointing someone with such partisan views and limited qualifications, but Sarcone defended his lack of experience, saying that judgement is what makes a good prosecutor. (Syracuse)

— New York lawmakers are giving it another shot with the NY HEAT Act and the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act this year. The NY HEAT Act aims to cut utility costs and reduce reliance on natural gas, but didn't make it through the Assembly budget last year. Meanwhile, the Packaging Reduction Act, which seeks to reduce plastic use, still faces pushback from industry groups, despite some tweaks to address their concerns. (Times Union)

— Hudson Valley yeshivas are bracing for a financial hit. The state Education Department is cracking down on schools not providing a "sound, basic education," potentially stripping funding from those that don't meet standards. While yeshiva leaders vow to resist, arguing their religious education fosters respectful communities, critics argue their students need the skills for life outside the yeshiva. (Times Union)

Trail Mix

— Hakeem Jeffries may face empty seats at his L.A. fundraiser as some Hollywood donors reportedly feel "betrayed" by the Democratic party's failure to prevent Trump's return and are frustrated by the party's lack of a clear strategy. While some donors expressed disappointment with Democratic leadership, citing a lack of fight against Trump's agenda, others like James Costos defended the party's behind-the-scenes efforts and urged donors to participate. Jeffries' situation is further complicated by internal tensions, including criticism of Chuck Schumer's recent votes and calls for new leadership. (Deadline)

— Eric Adams is finally going after Cuomo, saying that his criminal justice reforms for fueling the city's recidivism problem. Adams claims Cuomo's laws are to blame for repeat offenders terrorizing the streets, while Cuomo points fingers at Democratic Socialists and untreated mental illness. (NY Post)

— Criticism of Schumer has now spread beyond the usual progressive circles, with figures like Rep. Glenn Ivey and even Nancy Pelosi publicly questioning Schumer's leadership and deal-making. Schumer defended his move as necessary to avert a government shutdown and touted his political savvy, but calls continue from an increasing number of Democrats for new leadership. (Politico)