Good Morning, New York! Democrats in the legislature say they can’t do anything to combat Trump, Andrew Cuomo wins a key Teamsters endorsement, and major crime took a nosedive in the city last month. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Friday, March 7th, 2025.

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Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— Over a third of NYC public school students were chronically absent last year, according to a new study. Despite record-high spending per student, test scores remain lackluster, raising questions about the effectiveness of the state's education policies. The report blames lenient attitudes towards attendance and the state de-emphasizing absenteeism as a measure of school quality. (NY Post)

— The city's major crime rates took a nosedive in February, dropping by 14.5% compared to last year. Robbery, grand larceny, felony assaults, and murders all decreased, with shooting incidents at a 30-year low. While officials credit "zone-based policing" and strategic deployment, they caution that crime levels are still higher than pre-pandemic figures. (NY Daily News)

— Tensions are high at Columbia and Barnard College after pro-Palestinian protests erupted a day after nine demonstrators were arrested. Protesters are chanting for a "free Palestine" and condemning the NYPD's presence on campus, with some drawing comparisons to past campus crackdowns. Meanwhile, the university maintains that classes continue as planned, even as campus security remains tight. (ABC7)

Capitol Gains

— Correction officers in New York have reached a deal with the state to end their 17-day strike, avoiding penalties if they return to work ASAP, while addressing concerns over work hours and safety, including a review of the HALT Act. The agreement reinstates terminated officers and halts disciplinary action, but there's a major snag. The union is refusing to sign off, citing a lack of proper negotiation and raising questions about whether the deal truly serves its members' best interests. This is the reverse situation of the previous deal, which was approved of by the union and the state but not by workers. (NY Daily News)

— New York state leaders feel like they're in a Trump policy pressure cooker with seemingly no escape. Despite initial talk of legislative action, officials now claim their best bet is hoping voters will make a different choice next election. According to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, the only thing they can do is point the finger at Republicans. (City & State)

— New York is pushing back the timeline for awarding three downstate casino licenses until late 2025. The delay gives upstate casinos a head start but frustrates some officials eager for economic stimulus. The deadline will now be June 27th for applications, with decisions being released on December 1st. (FingerLakes1)

Trail Mix

— Andrew Cuomo's mayoral bid is gaining traction, as the Teamsters just endorsed him, snubbing both Eric and Adrienne Adams. According to the union's president, Cuomo's the guy who knows how to run the city, and they aren't holding back any punches, even questioning Eric Adams' scandal-ridden term. The endorsement could shake up the mayoral race as neither of the Adamses can now count on overwhelming union support. (NY Post)

ALSO: Former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., a longtime ally of Mayor Adams, has thrown his support behind Andrew Cuomo for mayor. This endorsement is a major blow to Adams, who previously enjoyed Diaz's backing. (NY Daily News)

— The NRCC called NY Rep. Adriano Espaillat an "illegal immigrant" on X. Democrats, including Hakeem Jeffries and DNC Chair Ken Martin, quickly slammed the post as racist and defended Espaillat, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen. The NRCC doubled down, criticizing Democrats for focusing on "words" rather than border security. (Politico)

— Councilman Bob Holden is up with an op-ed in the Post saying he is embarrassed for his Democratic party. According to Holden, Democrats turned what should have been a solemn, dignified event into a bad reality show. He noted it's emotional immaturity and worried for the country. (NY Post)