Attorney General James Applauds New Capital One Settlement

 

New Yorkers Cheated by Capital One Will Receive $34 Million

Settlement Doubles in Value After AG James Led Bipartisan Coalition Urging Better Deal for Consumers

New York Attorney General Letitia James today commended a new settlement that will require Capital One to provide $425 million in restitution and better interest rates for its 360 Savings customers who were cheated out of higher interest payments on their savings accounts for years. After Attorney General James led a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in opposing an earlier proposed a class action settlement that did not deliver enough for Capital One customers who were wronged, this new settlement more than doubles the value of the earlier one. Attorney General James sued Capital One in May for misleading its 360 Savings customers to avoid paying them higher interest rates.

“Capital One customers were counting on growing their savings accounts, but their bank misled them and cheated them out of valuable interest payments for years,” said Attorney General James. “Today we are delivering justice for those customers nationwide and ensuring that they will receive the higher interest rates they were originally promised. I look forward to seeing this settlement approved and will always fight to ensure New Yorkers are treated fairly by their banks.”

Capital One marketed its 360 Savings accounts as “high interest” accounts with “one of the nation’s best savings rates” that would earn its customers more than an average savings account. However, while interest rates rose nationwide beginning in 2022, Capital One kept the interest rates for its 360 Savings accounts artificially low. Instead, Capital One created “360 Performance Savings,” a nearly identical type of savings account that provided much higher interest rates than 360 Savings – at one point, more than 14 times higher. In May, Attorney General James sued Capital One for misleading its 360 Savings account customers about the interest rates they would receive, allowing the bank to avoid paying the high interest rates that it promised.

In September, Attorney General James led a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in filing an amicus brief opposing a proposed class action settlement that would have shortchanged 360 Savings customers. The proposed settlement would have delivered less than $300 million in restitution payments while allowing Capital One to continue to underpay 360 Savings customers’ interest. After Attorney General James and the coalition raised objections to this settlement, the court rejected it.

Capital One has now agreed to a new settlement that would deliver substantially more for 360 Savings customers. The settlement, which was preliminarily approved by the court today, will require Capital One to pay $425 million in restitution, including an estimated $34 million to New Yorkers who had 360 Savings accounts. The settlement will also require Capital One to match 360 Savings and 360 Performance Savings interest rates, erasing the misleading two-tiered system of accounts at the heart of Attorney General James’ lawsuit and providing an estimated $530 million to consumers nationwide in future additional interest. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) will voluntarily dismiss its lawsuit if the revised class action settlement receives final approval from the court and goes into effect.

TWO FORMER NYPD OFFICERS SENTENCED AFTER GUILTY PLEA TO SEX ABUSE OF INTOXICATED WOMAN

 

One Defendant Must Register as Sex Offender; Both Sentenced to Probation and Sex Offender Treatment Programs

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced today that two former NYPD officers were sentenced in the sexual abuse of an intoxicated woman, with one of the defendants required to register as a sex offender and both sentenced to probation and sex offender treatment programs as part of the plea agreement. 

District Attorney Clark said, “These two defendants took advantage of a woman who was intoxicated and thus unable to give consent. They are paying a severe price for their actions. They have criminal records, one of them must register with the state sex offender registry, and they have been fired from the NYPD. They have been held accountable, and hopefully the victim can move on with her life.” 

District Attorney Clark said Julio Alcantara-Santiago, 42, was sentenced on January 9, 2026, to six years’ probation and must register under the State Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) and participate in a sex offender treatment program. He pleaded guilty to second-degree Sexual Abuse on September 17, 2025. Christian Garcia, 34, was also sentenced on January 9, 2026, to one year of probation and must participate in a sex offender program. He pleaded guilty to thirddegree Sexual Abuse on September 18, 2025. The sentences were handed down by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. 

According to the investigation, on July 9, 2023, between approximately 12:53 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., the defendants were drinking alcohol with the victim at a Bronx nightspot, and she became heavily intoxicated. The victim was seen on surveillance video leaving the nightspot being assisted by Alcantara-Santiago and Garcia holding her up by her arms. The victim was then seen on surveillance video being assisted by Alcantara-Santiago and Garcia into the apartment building where Alcantara-Santiago lives. The following morning, the victim went to a local hospital. Medical testing identified DNA from both men on the victim, with a larger percentage belonging to Alcantara-Santiago.

District Attorney Clark thanked the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau and the NYPD Bronx Special Victims Squad for their work in the investigation.

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul

“My team and I have been in regular communication with both NYSNA and hospital leadership for weeks, and that work has led to real progress. Eleven hospital systems have either reached agreements or agreed not to proceed with strikes at this time.

“While negotiations will continue, we expect strikes to begin tomorrow at three hospital systems in Manhattan and the Bronx.

“If strikes move forward, the Department of Health will have staff on site at all affected hospitals beginning tomorrow morning and for the duration of the strike to ensure patient safety and continuity of care.

“My top priority is protecting patients and ensuring they can access the care they need. At the same time, we must reach an agreement that recognizes the essential work nurses do every day on the front lines of our healthcare system.

“This weekend, I signed a two-week Executive Order allowing hospital systems to access resources to maintain patient care.

“I continue to urge both sides to remain at the table and reach an agreement as soon as possible.”

 

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli Urges New Yorkers to Spend Holiday Gift Cards

 

Over $28 Million in Unused Gift Cards Recovered by DiNapoli’s Office in 2025

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli is urging New Yorkers to spend and register the gift cards they receive during the holidays to avoid losing track of their money. After five years of inactivity, retailers are required by law to turn unused gift card balances over to the State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds (OUF), where the money can always be claimed. In 2025, DiNapoli’s office recovered more than $28 million in unused gift cards that New Yorkers can claim.

“Spend those gift cards you get this holiday season, so they don’t become unclaimed funds,” DiNapoli said. “Also consider taking the extra step of registering the gift card so if you do forget about it, it’s easier to return those funds to you. No one wants to lose money, and we want to make sure if you do, you know you can always claim it by going to our website. Funds sent to our office never expire and are free to claim.”

Registering a gift card helps retailers connect unused balances to a person’s name, making it easier for DiNapoli’s office to reunite New Yorkers with their money if a card is lost or goes unused.

Retailers can provide OUF with a name if the person registers the gift card online, if they have been issued a refund, or if the card was purchased with an existing store account. If the owner’s information is not known to a New York retailer, it will report the card details, such as card number and balance, which can be used by the recipient to claim the balance.

Unclaimed funds can be claimed at any time online, by phone at 800-221-9311 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, by mail, or at in-person events, which are held throughout the year across the state. Claims are always free to file, and funds never expire. 

DiNapoli reminds gift card recipients to read the fine print on the card for details about any fees and expiration dates.

In 2025, OUF returned more than $580 million to their rightful owners.

Video of State Comptroller DiNapoli Discussing Gift Cards

State Comptroller DiNapoli Urges New Yorkers to Spend and Register Holiday Gift Cards - YouTube

NYS Office of General Services to Host New York's Beloved Community Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany

 

Free Event Headlined by Gospel Singer and Grammy Award Nominee Melvin Crispell, III

What: Join the New York State Office of General Services for the annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy.

This free event will feature interactive activities and an art display by artist Erin L. Kuhn in collaboration with students from Jefferson Community College (SUNY), as well as performances by interdisciplinary artist Taína Asili, violinist Gwen Laster, and gospel singer and Grammy Award nominee Melvin Crispell, III.

When: Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Program begins at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Empire State Plaza Convention Center, Albany, N.Y.

Who: Interviews will be available with:

• Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette M. Moy
• SUNY Chancellor Dr. John B. King, Jr.

FREE parking available in the Visitor’s Lot after 4 p.m. https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/parking  

For event updates and additional information, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on X, or call (518) 474-4759.

OGS is implementing a new emergency text alert system, which the public can use to receive emergency notifications specific to the event they are attending. For the New York State Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the public can text ESPMLK to 888777 to opt in and receive emergency messages. 

MAYOR MAMDANI APPOINTS RAFAEL ESPINAL AS COMMISSIONER OF THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

 

The Mamdani administration will ensure NYC remains a home for the artists who shaped it 

 

Espinal led the Freelancers Union, advancing the rights and protections of freelancers  

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment of Rafael Espinal as Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). As Commissioner, Espinal will advance the Mamdani administration’s agenda to ensure New York City remains a place where artists and creatives can afford to live and work. Espinal will report to Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su.  

 

Rafael Espinal is the current Executive Director of the Freelancers Union, where he has advanced the protections and rights of independent workers nationally. In 2019, there were 1.3 million freelancers — around 34% of the workforce — in New York City, many of whom work in the city’s creative industries. As Commissioner, Espinal will work closely with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to ensure that the workers who make up this industry can live in the city they have been so essential to creating. Previously, Espinal served on the New York City Council, representing Bushwick, Brownsville, Cypress Hills, and East New York. As a Council Member, he championed the rights and protections of artists and small businesses.  

 

“You cannot tell the story of New York without the artists who have shaped it,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “Yet, the cost-of-living crisis is driving creatives out of our city. That is a loss we cannot afford. As Commissioner, Rafael Espinal will support our city's artists and help ensure New York City remains a place that every artist can call home. He has led this work nationally, fighting for the rights and protections of independent workers and he will bring that fight right here to New York City.” 

 

“One of our top priorities is to make sure all of government works together and with the intention to grow industries that make this city vibrant, that reflect its beauty and creativity, and that bring good union jobs to New York City. MOME must lead in this space,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. 

 

“I’m honored to join Mayor Mamdani’s administration and lead the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. New York City’s artists, creatives, and freelancers have made New York City into what it is today — if we want to keep our city’s culture, it is critical that they can afford to live and work here. I look forward to supporting our creative industries, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that the city remains a home for artists,” said Rafael Espinal, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.  

 

The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment supports New York City’s creative economy through its Film Office, NYC Media, Press Credential Office, and Programs and Initiatives divisions. Together, these offices handle permitting and licensing, workforce development, incentives for creative projects, and oversight of the City’s public media outlets. In 2017, more than 293,000 people were employed in New York City’s creative economy, generating billions in economic activity. MOME will continue advancing work that keeps creative jobs in New York City, powers tourism, and ensures the people who do this work can afford to live here. 

STATEMENT FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN RAJKUMAR ON FATAL STABBING IN WOODHAVEN

 

Our community is grieving the devastating loss of 17-year-old Josue Argudo, whose life was taken far too soon in a violent act that has shaken Woodhaven to its core. From the beginning, I have been in communication with the 102nd Precinct on this heartbreaking ordeal.

I want to acknowledge that two alleged attackers have been apprehended and charged, and I commend law enforcement for their swift action. The investigation remains ongoing, and I urge anyone with information to come forward.

But an arrest alone does not bring peace to a family who has lost a child — nor does it answer the deeper questions we must confront.

This could have been anyone’s child.
How did this happen here, in our neighborhood?

This is the question keeping parents awake at night, and they demand more than condolences — they demand accountability, reflection, and action.

We must fully understand the circumstances that led to this tragedy, examine where systems failed, and ensure that we are doing everything possible to prevent violence from stealing another young life. In partnership with the 102nd Precinct I am closely following this investigation and working with our community, schools, and law enforcement to address both the immediate concerns and the root causes that put our youth at risk.

To Argudo’s family: Woodhaven stands with you. We mourn with you. And will honor the memory of Josue Argudo.

Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square Completes Reconstruction In Hunts Point, The Bronx

 

The City of New York has completed a $12 million reconstruction of Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square in Hunts Point, The Bronx. The project was a joint effort by NYC Parks, the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), and the Department of Transportation (DOT). Managed by DDC, the initiative transformed the high-traffic plaza into a safer, more accessible public space and was completed on time and nearly 20 percent under its $14.8 million allocated budget. The square is located at the intersection of Bruckner Boulevard, East 163rd Street, and Hunts Point Avenue.

Members of the various city agencies responsible for the project joined local leaders for a ribbon cutting ceremony on January 8.

The redesign addressed longstanding pedestrian safety concerns by realigning roadways to reduce traffic, adding a new traffic lane, and improving signage. The upgrades also included 30 ADA-compliant ramps, 35,000 square feet of sidewalk, 3,500 feet of curb, and new asphalt paving, along with connections to the city’s bike lane network.

New amenities were also installed within the plaza, such as seating, bike racks, movable planters, and a water fountain. Improvements to infrastructure included upgraded lighting, a new bus shelter, drainage enhancements with new catch basins, and replacement water mains. Community artwork created by local students was also installed along the site’s fencing during construction.

The closest subway from Del Valle Square is the 6 train at the Hunts Point Avenue station. Several MTA bus lines have stops nearby, including the Bx6 and Bx19.