| | | | |  | | By Erin Durkin , Anna Gronewold and Julian Shen-Berro | Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is suing state Attorney General Tish James because he wants taxpayers to pay for his legal bills in an ongoing sexual harassment suit against him, according to a filing revealed Thursday. That gives James a double dose this week of her two most prominent political enemies after former president Donald Trump pleaded the Fifth during his long awaited deposition on Wednesday. Cuomo attorney Rita Glavin argues in the suit that James was wrong in April to deny Cuomo state representation or taxpayer-funded private legal counsel in the case brought by a former state trooper — one of several sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation a year ago. The lawsuit revisits familiar themes in Cuomo's defense that accuse James of being "arbitrary," "capricious," "biased," and "personally and politically conflicted." It appears Cuomo's been paying his legal bills out of the millions of dollars remaining in his campaign account, but doesn't want to anymore. Glavin said the state should do it because the charges occurred while Cuomo was governor. James' office isn't having it, and fired back that becoming governor doesn't just give someone a four-year pass for free lawyers to commit any sort of offense they like. Sexual harassment is not part of the job description, a spokesperson for the office said. "Taxpayers should not have to pony up for legal bills that could reach millions of dollars so Mr. Cuomo's lawyer can attack survivors of his abuse." Cuomo's spokesperson Rich Azzopardi pivoted to bashing James' report verifying accounts of Cuomo's misconduct that preceded his resignation more than a year ago. "Their political games continue," he said in a statement. TGIF, right Tish? IT'S FRIDAY. Got tips, suggestions or thoughts? Let us know ... By email: EDurkin@politico.com and agronewold@politico.com , or on Twitter: @erinmdurkin and @annagronewold WHERE'S KATHY? Making a gun safety announcement. WHERE'S ERIC? Doing a series of TV and radio interviews, signing abortion legislation, speaking to summer youth employment program participants, speaking at a Pakistani flag raising, and speaking at a memorial service for former Council Member Al Vann. | | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president's ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today . | | | | | |  | What City Hall's reading | | A peek into the finances of Adams' deep-pocketed chief of staff , by POLITICO's Sally Goldenberg and Joe Anuta: One of Mayor Eric Adams' top aides has amassed a personal fortune that included more than $500,000 in income last year, a palatial Florida estate and at least $1.2 million worth of investments, according to a new financial disclosure. The mandatory filing, released Thursday by the city's Conflicts of Interest Board, shows chief of staff Frank Carone is every bit as wealthy as his lavish lifestyle suggests: A mover and shaker known in political circles as a frequent patron of the city's trendiest restaurants and an avid traveler for work and pleasure. Carone's personal finances, disclosed for the first time since he assumed the $251,982-a-year City Hall job in January, stemmed from a Brooklyn law firm he helped grow into a sprawling practice that handles everything from divorce proceedings to criminal litigation. Adams blames Texas for New York's shelter crisis. But the problem started long before asylum seekers. , by POLITICO's Janaki Chadha: New York City's sprawling network of homeless shelters are bursting at the seams as rents skyrocket, evictions accelerate and a new mandate from Mayor Eric Adams pushes homeless people out of the subway system and off the streets. But the mayor, a moderate Democrat who took office in January, isn't blaming those factors for causing the shelter crisis, which began months ago. Instead, he's deflecting, suggesting New Yorkers should look to Texas, to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and his decision to bus migrants from towns near the border to Washington and, now, New York. … The self-anointed "face" of the Democratic party, Adams is now jousting with Abbott on the national stage as he beseeches the Biden administration for federal aid. " NYC to close COVID-19 vaccine sites for toddlers ahead of school year, as city pivots to monkeypox ," by Gothamist's Sophia Chang: "New York City will close its municipal-run COVID-19 vaccination sites for children under 5-years-old next week, citing a recent decrease in demand and greater availability of the shots via pediatricians and other health providers. The city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) confirmed the closures, but did not specify the date the sites will close. But City Councilmembers Lincoln Restler and Gale Brewer have said the sites will shutter on August 14th. As of Thursday, online appointments for under 5-year-olds at the city-run sites were not available after August 14th on the health department's vaccine finder website." " Legal Aid Demands Immediate Probe of 'Stunning' Report on NYC Shelter Cover-Up ," by NBC New York's Melissa Russo: "The Legal Aid Society and the Coalition for the Homeless are demanding an investigation into New York City's Department of Social Services, after News 4 reported the DSS spokeswoman was fired after pushing back on efforts by department leadership to conceal legal violations in the shelter system. 'These allegations are stunning, and we fear that we can no longer rely on this Administration for straight answers on the crisis facing families and individuals seeking shelter. To date, we are still waiting for complete data from the City regarding the extent of the violations, and we are concerned that the City's failure to comply with the right to shelter and related local laws may be much more widespread than the City initially reported,' the influential groups said in a joint statement Thursday morning that cited News 4's reporting." — Adams ducked questions about the controversy, departing a press conference and ignoring questions posed by reporters. — " Proposed Midtown shelter for asylum-seekers raises concerns about safety, size ," by City & State's Sara Dorn New tech will stop city's vehicles from speeding , by POLITICO's Erin Durkin : The city is installing new technology in its fleet of cars that will prevent drivers from speeding, Mayor Eric Adams announced Thursday. The devices, known as active intelligent speed assistance, prevent drivers from accelerating over the posted speed limit. They'll be installed in 50 municipal vehicles as a pilot program, with the aim to eventually put them in the entire fleet of city-owned cars. But the SUV that drives Adams around the city won't be reined in by the new technology: The mayor said his car will be exempted as an emergency vehicle. " City Council passes maternal health 'bill of rights' and other measures to address disparities in maternal mortality ," by Gothamist's Caroline Lewis: "The New York City Council passed a slate of legislation Thursday that will create a maternal health bill of rights, mandate education around maternal health issues and put other measures in place that aim to improve birth outcomes. Combined, the package aims to address persisting racial disparities in maternal mortality. Maternal health disparities have gained increased attention among city officials in recent years and are a stated priority of the Adams administration."
| | WHAT ALBANY'S READING | | " 'Silent' spread of polio in New York drives CDC to consider additional vaccinations for some people ," by CNN's Elizabeth Cohen: "A polio case identified in New York last month is 'just the very, very tip of the iceberg' and an indication there 'must be several hundred cases in the community circulating,' a senior official with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told CNN on Wednesday. The case was found In Rockland County, which has a stunningly low polio vaccination rate. Dr. José Romero, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, noted that the majority of people with polio don't have symptoms and so can spread the virus without knowing it. 'There are a number of individuals in the community that have been infected with poliovirus. They are shedding the virus,' he said. 'The spread is always a possibility because the spread is going to be silent.'" " Move over, Hollywood: Chip industry in NY is getting a bigger tax break ," by WNYC's Jon Campbell: "The semiconductor industry is in line for up to $10 billion in New York tax breaks over the next 20 years after Gov. Kathy Hochul approved the measure on Thursday morning, despite some critics saying it amounts to corporate welfare. The Green CHIPS tax break allows for up to $500 million a year in state tax credits for the semiconductor industry over the next two decades — a move meant to lure chip manufacturers to New York amid a global race to fix an ongoing shortage, and ultimately make the U.S. less dependent on semiconductors built overseas. "Currently, 12% of the world's semiconductors are built in the U.S., according to the Semiconductor Industry Association. The measure would require chip plants to commit to a minimum investment of $3 billion and 500 net new jobs, as well as mitigate their emissions. If it ends up being fully expended, the new measure would become the largest tax break offered by New York state to a specific industry – surpassing the $420 million a year flagged for the film industry, according to Reinvent Albany, a government accountability group." " Here's when New York will accept cannabis license applications ," by Spectrum's Nick Reisman: "New York cannabis regulators will begin accepting retail licenses on Aug. 25, the Office of Cannabis Management on Thursday announced. License applications will be accepted for a month after an online portal opens. The move signals a key development for the start of New York's cannabis marketplace, a sector that is expected to generate more than $1 billion in economic activity in the coming years." #UpstateAmerica: The Rochester Red Wings ended a 19-game losing streak. | | | | INTRODUCING POWER SWITCH: The energy landscape is profoundly transforming. Power Switch is a daily newsletter that unlocks the most important stories driving the energy sector and the political forces shaping critical decisions about your energy future, from production to storage, distribution to consumption. Don't miss out on Power Switch, your guide to the politics of energy transformation in America and around the world. SUBSCRIBE TODAY . | | | | | | | FROM THE DELEGATION | | Money to burn: Goldman pumping millions into television in NY-10 contest , by POLITICO's Joe Anuta: You've seen him on C-SPAN. Now catch him during "Days of Our Lives." Dan Goldman, the Levi Strauss & Co. heir who gained national television exposure as counsel to House Democrats during the first impeachment of former President Donald Trump, is raking in campaign cash and pumping an unusual amount into TV advertising in the race for New York's open 10th Congressional District. Goldman, a former federal prosecutor and one of several frontrunners in the race, has dropped $2.8 million on broadcast and cable spots since announcing his run June 1, according to data from AdImpact released Tuesday. That includes hits during the nightly news, late-night talk shows and daytime soaps, Federal Communications Commission records show. " Rep. Carolyn Maloney questioned vaccine safety in military ," by New York Post's Carl Campanile: "Rep. Carolyn Maloney expressed alarm about 'vaccine related health risks' for US soldiers and other military personnel, which critics say proves the congresswoman contributed to anti-vaccine hysteria and hesitancy. Maloney — currently in a primary fight with longtime ally Rep. Jerrold Nadler and lawyer Suraj Patel in the newly drawn 12th Congressional District — sent a 2008 letter to Colonel Renata Engler, then-director of the Defense Department's Vaccine Healthcare Centers Network, questioning "serious adverse events due to mandatory immunizations." Maloney, in the letter, raised concerns about the the '1-2% rate of serious adverse events' involving vaccinations and what impact it was having on 'military readiness.'" " Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman question DHS on secretive ICE transfers ," by Daily Kos' Gabe Ortiz: "New York Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman are seeking answers into the secretive transfers of dozens of immigrants from a state jail last month to facilities as far away as Mississippi. Advocates had said they'd questioned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about 'rumors of imminent transfers,' which then 'denied specific plans.' But then that weekend, at least 60 were moved with no notice to loved ones or attorneys. 'The timing of these transfers, which further separate New York families, also raises concern,' Ocasio-Cortez and Bowman tell Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and acting ICE Director Tae Johnson." " Sean Patrick Maloney has $2.4 million on hand as super PAC funding starts flowing into 17th Congressional District race ," by City & State's Jeff Coltin: "Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney continues to bring in big money in his reelection bid for Congress against state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, raising just over $428,000 in the past month. Maloney's total was shared exclusively with City & State ahead of the Thursday filing deadline for fundraising between July 1 and Aug. 3. Maloney's campaign said it had just over $2.4 million on hand heading into the Aug. 23 primary day. Biaggi's campaign declined to preview her fundraising totals, but the progressive challenger has lagged behind the incumbent, who has national influence as chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Biaggi had raised $698,000 and had reported $281,000 on hand as of June 30."
| | AROUND NEW YORK | | — The City Council introduced a resolution calling on Adams to reverse school budget cuts which the Council previously approved. — Homeless New Yorkers say they've been dodging encampment sweeps and not getting the services they need to get off the street. — An off-duty NYPD officer was arrested for shooting at a thief who was trying to steal his personal vehicle. — A New York Daily News photographer was injured in a West Village carjacking. — Broadway's The Kite Runner is bringing back a mask mandate on Friday nights. — A Long Island ice cream shop owner won a free-speech rights lawsuit when village officials cited him for hanging pro-Donald Trump and anti-Cuomo signs. — A church in Rotterdam raised a new Pride flag after one was recently stolen. — Starting next week, pharmacies in New York will be required to carry and dispense naloxone to help with drug overdoses. — Trader Joe's abruptly shuttered its popular Union Square wine shop. — The breakup of Deus & Mero will leave 73 workers out of a job. — Council Member Bob Holden demanded a hearing on his bill to ban horse carriages. — Weezer has canceled its September Broadway residency , citing "low ticket sales and unbelievably high expenses." — Mount Sinai is collecting patient genetic information to search for treatments for a range of illnesses, from schizophrenia to kidney disease.
| | SOCIAL DATA BY DANIEL LIPPMAN | | HAPPY BIRTHDAY: George Soros … HuffPost's Dave Jamieson … Liz Hipple of the Joint Economic Committee … BuzzFeed's Nidhi Prakash … CNN's Kyle Blaine and Danny Allman (37) … Angela Kuefler of Global Strategy Group … CBS' Jericka Duncan … Melanie Sheppard of EY … Michael Lame … Mike Holtzman … Deborah Colitti … Jeffrey Kontulis WELCOME TO THE WORLD — Anna Epstein, a director at FGS Global and a Carly Fiorina, RNC and Black Rock Group alum, and Aaron Steeg, an associate at Winston & Strawn, on Aug 5. welcomed Amelia Delmont Steeg. Pic ... Another pic MAKING MOVES — Doug Thornell will be the new CEO of SKDK. He has been managing director and partner at the firm. Josh Isay, who has been CEO, will become senior counsel … Rebecca Kysar has left the Treasury Department where she was counselor to the assistant secretary for tax policy. She is heading back to Fordham Law School where she's a law professor and focuses on tax and budget issues. … Shannon Snead will join Citymeals on Wheels as senior Vice President of development. She was formerly VP of development at Win. … Rachael Velasquez has started as video director at the White House. She was most recently director of video at Planned Parenthood Federation of America and is also an alum of former Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Democratic National Committee. … … Sinead Keegan has joined NYC Kids RISE as director of the Community Leadership & Training Institute, after serving as director of knowledge management & strategic initiatives at the Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity. Stephanie Urena has joined the group as deputy director of school networks. She was most recently director of high school placement at The Equity Project charter school. MEDIAWATCH — " Shannon Bream Will Take the Reins of 'Fox News Sunday,' " by Variety's Brian Steinberg — " ValueAct takes 7% stake in New York Times with call for new approach : Activist investor says news publisher should promote higher-priced bundles to subscribers," by FT's Alex Barker and James Fontanella-Khan — BuzzFeed News has hired Anna Betts as a breaking news reporter in New York City. She is a recent Columbia Journalism School graduate.
| | Real Estate | | " Rat Infestation? Leaky Ceiling? Good Luck in Court ," by Curbed's Bryce Covert: "During the pandemic, Joyce Webster was twice bitten by a rat in her Crown Heights studio apartment. The rodents entered through holes in the walls, ate her food, and left droppings behind. She told her landlord, but when he didn't solve the problem, she spent $500 to buy poison and some materials to plug up the holes — a major expense on her fixed income. (Her landlord said he sent an exterminator to her apartment, but that it was too cluttered for remediation.) Meanwhile, the rats keep finding their way in. But this is just the latest in Webster's years-long fight for basics like a stove and cooking gas." | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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