New York has recently been in the news due to a series of high-profile legal cases, legislative actions, and public safety incidents. The state has seen a notable decline in shooting incidents, particularly in Brooklyn, which has recorded its lowest numbers since the early 1990s. However, the state is also grappling with significant legal challenges, including a lawsuit from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce against Vermont's climate change law and ongoing civil proceedings involving former President Donald Trump. Additionally, former congressman George Santos is seeking to delay his sentencing on federal fraud charges, while the Manhattan district attorney has charged Luigi Mangione with multiple counts of murder.
New York, located in the Northeastern United States, was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. It is the fourth-most-populous state, with over 19 million residents as of 2019. Known for its cultural diversity and economic significance, New York is home to New York City, a global hub for finance, arts, and media. The state has a rich history, playing a pivotal role in American politics and social movements. Its legislative actions and legal proceedings often reflect broader national trends and issues, making it a focal point for news coverage.
-
New York has enacted the Climate Change Superfund Act, requiring major greenhouse gas emitters to contribute $3 billion annually for 25 years to fund infrastructure projects aimed at mitigating climate change impacts. The law targets oil and gas companies responsible for significant emissions from 2000 to 2024, with penalties starting in 2028 after regulatory details are established.
-
Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old inmate, died on December 10 after a violent incident involving corrections officers at Marcy Correctional Facility. The incident, captured on body camera footage, has led to calls for accountability and systemic change within New York's prison system, with Governor Kathy Hochul initiating the firing of implicated staff.
-
Robert Brooks, a 43-year-old inmate, died following a violent assault by correctional officers at Marcy Correctional Facility on December 9. Body camera footage released by New York Attorney General Letitia James shows officers beating Brooks while he was restrained. The incident has led to calls for accountability and termination of the involved staff.
-
The Metro Richmond Zoo announced the name of its newborn pygmy hippo, Poppy, following a global online poll that garnered over 100,000 votes. Born on December 9, Poppy is the third calf of the endangered species born at the zoo, which plays a crucial role in conservation efforts.
-
Ten people were injured in a shooting outside Amazura nightclub in Queens, NYC, late Wednesday night. The incident occurred as a group of young people waited to enter a private event. Police are searching for four suspects who fled the scene after firing approximately 30 shots.
-
On January 8, 2025, Donald Trump's lawyers appealed to the Supreme Court to delay his sentencing, scheduled for January 10, after New York courts denied their request. They argue that the conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records should be overturned due to presidential immunity claims.
-
A federal judge ruled Tennessee's age verification law likely violates free speech rights, prompting an appeal from the state. Meanwhile, Vermont's climate accountability law faces a lawsuit from the fossil fuel industry, arguing it oversteps constitutional boundaries. Both cases highlight ongoing legal battles over state regulations.
-
Donald Trump is scheduled for sentencing on January 10, 2025, for 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. Judge Juan Merchan indicated he would likely impose an unconditional discharge, allowing Trump to avoid jail time while maintaining his felony status. This historic event occurs just ten days before Trump's inauguration.
-
Donald Trump has been sentenced to an unconditional discharge following his conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Judge Juan Merchan's ruling means Trump will not face jail time or probation, allowing him to enter office as the first president with a felony conviction. The case stems from hush money payments made during the 2016 election.
-
A major winter storm is impacting over 60 million Americans, bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures. States from Kansas to Maryland are under winter weather advisories, with blizzard conditions expected to disrupt travel and cause power outages through Monday, January 6, 2025.
-
New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against a cryptocurrency scam that defrauded victims across multiple states, including New York and Florida. The scheme involved fake job offers and promises of high commissions, leading victims to lose significant amounts of money. Meanwhile, Hong Kong police arrested 31 individuals linked to a romance scam using deepfake technology to lure victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency platforms.
-
Republican Mike Johnson has been re-elected as Speaker of the House with 218 votes, narrowly securing the position after negotiations with dissenting party members. His re-election, backed by President-elect Donald Trump, highlights ongoing divisions within the Republican Party as they prepare for a challenging legislative session.
-
In 2024, first-time homebuyers in the U.S. faced significant challenges, with only 24% of purchases attributed to them, the lowest since 1981. High mortgage rates and sticky home prices hindered their entry into the market, despite some signs of improvement in affordability and inventory levels.
-
President-elect Donald Trump has been sentenced to an unconditional discharge after being convicted of 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records. The sentencing, which took place on January 10, 2025, comes just days before his inauguration, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first former president to face such a conviction.
-
In 2024, New York City reported a five-year low in murders and shootings, yet recidivism rates surged significantly. Police officials attribute rising felony assaults and repeat offenses to recent criminal justice reforms, raising concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of current laws.
-
Alec Baldwin has filed a civil lawsuit against prosecutors involved in his involuntary manslaughter trial for the 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The suit alleges malicious prosecution and civil rights violations, claiming that evidence was mishandled and that Baldwin was targeted for political gain. Baldwin seeks unspecified damages.
-
A New York judge has postponed Republican Congressman George Santos' sentencing from February 7 to April 25, 2025, following his guilty plea to federal fraud and identity theft charges. Santos' lawyers argued he needs more time to generate funds through his new podcast to meet financial obligations stemming from his crimes.
-
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is under scrutiny for allegedly voting from a New York address ruled as not his legal residence. The complaint, filed by Accountable.US, could complicate his confirmation as Donald Trump's nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary. Kennedy previously lost a court battle over his residency claims.
-
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's phone call with President-elect Donald Trump, just hours before Trump's legal team filed an emergency application regarding his criminal sentencing, has sparked significant ethical scrutiny. Critics argue the timing and nature of the call compromise judicial integrity, especially given Alito's previous rulings favoring Trump.
-
Donald Trump's legal team has requested the Supreme Court to halt his sentencing scheduled for January 12, 2025, related to his conviction on felony counts of falsifying business records. This follows a New York Court of Appeals decision denying a hearing for his appeal. Trump maintains his innocence.
-
Former President Donald Trump faces sentencing for felony convictions just days before his second inauguration. The Supreme Court rejected his last-minute appeal for presidential immunity, allowing the sentencing to proceed. Trump was convicted of falsifying business records related to hush money payments to an adult film star, marking a historic legal precedent.
-
New York Governor Kathy Hochul proposed legislation to prevent institutional investors from bidding on homes for 75 days after listing. The plan aims to address housing affordability issues exacerbated by large firms purchasing properties, limiting options for individual buyers. Critics argue it may hinder investment in housing.
-
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a $650 million plan to combat homelessness and enhance public safety during his State of the City address. The initiative includes 900 new 'safe haven' beds and a psychiatric center for the mentally ill, amid rising violence and a crowded reelection landscape.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court has denied Donald Trump's request to delay his sentencing in a hush-money case, scheduled for January 10, 2025. The court's decision, supported by both conservative and liberal justices, leaves Trump facing a felony conviction without immediate penalties, although he remains a felon.
-
President-elect Donald Trump received an unconditional discharge after being sentenced for 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. This historic sentencing marks the first time a president enters office with a felony conviction, raising questions about the implications for the presidency and public perception.
-
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a proposal for universal free school meals for all public school students, aiming to address hunger and improve educational outcomes. This initiative follows previous unsuccessful attempts to expand meal programs and is part of her broader agenda for the state's legislative session, which includes free community college tuition for certain fields.
-
President-elect Trump expressed support for raising the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions during a meeting with House Republicans from high-tax states. This follows years of advocacy from lawmakers in New York, New Jersey, and California to restore the deduction, which has significant implications for taxpayers in these regions.
-
A campaign led by Phone Free New York aims to ban cellphone use during school hours, citing mental health concerns and classroom distractions. New York Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to propose a statewide policy soon, joining at least eight other states that have enacted similar bans.
-
American Express has agreed to pay approximately $230 million to resolve allegations of misleading sales practices and inaccurate tax advice related to its credit card and wire products. The settlement follows investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and other regulators into the company's aggressive tactics targeting small businesses.
-
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy criticized New York's new $9 congestion pricing plan, claiming it unfairly burdens New Jersey commuters. In response, Trump expressed support for repealing the toll, which aims to reduce gridlock and fund public transit improvements. The debate continues amid political tensions between the states.