NYC NOW - Morning Headlines: Federal Housing Funds for NYC Could Be at Risk, NAACP Rallies Behind Attorney General James, City Council Hearing on Mold.

Episode Date: October 27, 2025

Federal housing funds could be at risk due to the government shutdown. Meanwhile, NY Attorney General Letitia James pleads not guilty to federal mortgage fraud charges. Finally, the City Council holds a hearing on how the Housing Authority is handling mold and leaks in NYC housing.

Welcome to NYC Now, your source for local news in and around New York City from WNYC. It's Monday, October 27th. Here's your morning headlines from Michael Hill. Federal housing funds for New York City could be at risk if the government shutdown lasts another month. WNYC's David Brand reports. A spokesperson for the Department of Housing and Urban Development tells WNYC that the agency only has enough money to make one more monthly payment to public housing authorities across the country. The New York City Housing Authority receives about $100 million a month from the federal government

to run 335 campuses across the city. That's two-thirds of its operating budget. A NYCHA spokesperson says the agency hasn't received any guidance from the federal government about future public housing payments. The shutdown began October 1st. HUD officials say they do have enough money to fund the Section 8 housing voucher program through the end of the year. NAACP leaders are rallying behind New York State Attorney General, Titch James, just days after she pleaded not guilty to federal mortgage fraud charges.

James spoke yesterday at First Baptist Church in Crown Heights, saying the Trump administration is politically targeting her. They are seeking to punish dissent and to weaponize justice for political gain and to use the justice system as a tool for revenge. James is a Democrat. She won a major sense. civil fraud case against Trump in 2003. She is now charged in Virginia with misrepresenting a home purchase to get a lower mortgage rate. Prosecutors say that move saved her nearly $19,000. James says the case is baseless and politically motivated. The city council is holding a public hearing today on how the city's housing authority is handling persistent mold and leak problems. A court

appointed ombudsman was brought in years ago after a lawsuit exposed NITHA's failure to make timely repairs. While the agency says it's making progress, officials say its compliance rate remains far below the federal benchmark. Lawmakers plan to press NITHA leaders on what's improved, what's still broken, and how residents are being kept informed. At hearing starts at 10 this morning, New Yorkers can watch in person or by way of the live stream.

Sunny day ahead for us with a high of 56 and a calm wind and then tonight, mostly clear low 40s. Tomorrow's sunny in mid-50s, winds gusting, though, up to 22 miles an hour, and then shower chances at night. Thanks for listening. This is NYC now from WMYC. Check us out for updates every weekday,

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