Good Morning, New York! The previously raided top Adams fundraiser is back on the trail, more protests take place at Columbia, and Albany Democrats are pushing to create a fund that would let AG James spend $10 million of taxpayer dollars for her personal legal bills. This is your Tammany Times AM Briefing for Thursday, May 8th, 2025.

WHERE’S KATHY: In New York City, Onondaga County and Albany, announcing FY26 Budget Investments in Housing Affordability.

WHERE’s ERIC: No public schedule available.

TIPS? Email me: [email protected]

Front Pages

Hall Monitors

— Three NYC politicians are dealing with threatening emails, including a bomb threat at a council member's office. Targets included Council members Althea Stevens and Crystal Hudson, along with State Senator Michael Gianaris. One chilling email even claimed to be from a police officer vowing to "mass shoot every one of you" (NY Daily News)

— Columbia University's campus is the latest site of yet another protest, with dozens arrested after demonstrators occupied and allegedly vandalized Butler Library. Two public safety officers were reportedly injured during the clash, prompting a campus lockdown. While city officials defend the police action as a response to trespassing, others, like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, plan to review the visa status of those involved. (CBS News)

— Eric Adams says crime is down, but numbers reveal a different story: overall crime in NYC has actually risen steadily under his watch. While murders and shootings have declined, other major crimes like felony assaults, car thefts, and robberies have increased since 2021. And total infractions, including quality-of-life violations, are up, leaving New Yorkers feeling unsafe. (Politico)

Capitol Gains

— Albany Democrats are reportedly pushing a provision that could let Attorney General Letitia James tap into a $10 million fund to cover her legal bills from Justice Department probes into alleged real estate fraud. Republicans are furious, calling it an 'outrageous abuse of power' as James claims the investigations are a 'revenge tour' by President Trump. (NY Post)

— Gov. Hochul's handling of the delayed state budget is getting torched by Democratic state Sen. James Skoufis, who accused her of acting like a "monarch." Skoufis argues the legislature needs to reclaim its power, while Hochul's team fired back, calling the senator a "camera-hungry clown." Good government groups are also faulting state lawmakers for pushing their policies into the budget at the last minute. (State of Politics)

— New York is gearing up to counter Trump's agenda with new state laws now that they know the budget won't address potential federal cuts. Lawmakers are eyeing several bills related to immigration, labor rights, and voting access. The state is also considering action on food safety, even calling out RFK Jr. for misleading claims about artificial dyes. (State of Politics)

Trail Mix

— NY Reps LaLota and Garbarino are among give Republicans who are ready to throw a wrench in Trump's tax bill. These reps are all from blue states, and are threatening to vote against the bill unless the SALT cap is raised significantly. They would not publicize what the floor number they agreed on was. (The Hill)

— Remember that federal raid on Eric Adams' top fundraiser? Brianna Suggs is back, soliciting donations for his reelection campaign despite the cloud of corruption. Suggs, who was sidelined after the raid but continued receiving a $10,000 monthly stipend, is now drumming up support as Adams faces challenges from multiple candidates and scrutiny over past fundraising scandals. (NY Post)

— After her UN ambassadorship bid fizzled, Elise Stefanik is looking for a comeback, eyeing either a return to power in Congress or a run for New York governor. Stefanik is reportedly currently working to repair relationships within the House and is expected to meet with Trump later this month to discuss her future. (Semafor)