New York City News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

New York Attorney General Letitia James faces ongoing legal challenges after a federal grand jury declined to re-indict her on mortgage fraud charges. Despite the setback, prosecutors still have options, including presenting new evidence or appealing the judges decision on the prosecutors appointment. The prosecutor in question, Lindsey Halligan, remains in her position, with the White House defending her appointment. James has called for an end to the weaponization of the justice system.

Cold Case Murder from 1997 Solved: Andrew Dykes Arrested in Florida for Tanya Denise Jacksons Murder

Federal prosecutors charge 18-year-old Hiram Carrero with arson for setting a homeless man on fire at Penn Station, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years. Carrero was identified through body camera footage from a previous traffic stop and arrested after a tipster helped corroborate the investigation.

Aissatou Diallo, a home-health aide from Guinea, was released from ICE detention after a federal judge ruled her arrest unlawful. Diallo was detained at LaGuardia Airport while traveling to visit her son in Texas. Her niece, Adama Bah, founded the Harlem-based nonprofit Afrikana, and expressed frustration over her inability to protect her family. Immigration attorney Rebecca Press filed a habeas corpus writ, leading to Diallos release. Diallo emerged from the courthouse, expressing happiness amidst tears.

New York City Councilmember Chi Ossé, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has withdrawn his challenge to House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for the Brooklyn-based Eighth District seat. Ossés decision comes after failing to receive the groups endorsement, which was seen as crucial for gaining left-leaning voter support. Despite initial plans to stay in the race, Ossés lack of official support and declining backing from prominent city leaders led to his withdrawal, clearing the path for Jeffries to secure another term without significant opposition.

Firefighters bravely rescue residents from a blazing Winfield Avenue building, including an elderly woman in a wheelchair, amidst freezing conditions. Despite a fire captains injury, no other injuries were reported. The American Red Cross aids displaced residents, with many unable to return home due to extensive damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Brooklyn Councilmember Chi Ossé ends his primary challenge against Representative Hakeem Jeffries, citing lack of DSA endorsement.

New York Citys Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani unveils a new approach to homelessness, focusing on providing actual homes instead of temporary shelters. This contrasts with the previous administrations strategy of clearing encampments and enforcing quality of life violations. Mamdanis plan emphasizes connecting homeless individuals to various types of housing, while current Mayor Eric Adams defends his administrations approach, which involved actively clearing encampments and utilizing involuntary commitment in some cases.