NJ Congressmember's Case Proceeds, NYC Scale Model Exhibit, Elizabeth Street Garden Becomes Park

Federal Case Against Congressmember McIver

• 🏛️ The federal assault case against New Jersey Congressmember Lamonica McIver will proceed.
• ⚖️ District Court Judge Jamal Seer rejected McIver's request to dismiss the case, which stems from charges of assaulting federal immigration officers.
• 🗣️ McIver, who argued she was selectively and vindictively prosecuted, stated she is disappointed and will continue to fight the charges.

Viral NYC Scale Model Exhibit

• 🏗️ Joe Mackin's scale model of every building in New York City, built over 21 years, will be exhibited at the Museum of the City of New York.
• 📱 The model gained viral attention after Mackin posted about it on TikTok.
• 🗓️ The exhibit, titled "He Built This City, Joe Mackin's Model," is scheduled to open on February 12, 2026.

Knicks Game and Sports Update

• 🏀 The New York Knicks lost their first home game of the season to the Orlando Magic, with a score of 124-107.
• 🤕 Jaylen Brunson scored 31 points but appeared to sprain his ankle in the final minutes; the severity is currently unclear.
• 🗓️ The Knicks are scheduled to play the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Nets will face the Orlando Magic in Florida.

Elizabeth Street Garden Becomes City Park

• 🌳 The Adams administration has decided to turn the Elizabeth Street Garden in Nolita into a city park.
• 🏘️ This decision resolves a decade-long debate over the city-owned lot, which had been a site of contention between housing advocates and garden supporters.
• 🤝 The agreement, facilitated by First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, stops the plan for affordable senior housing at the site in exchange for support for affordable housing at three other locations, though these are in early stages.
• 📣 Critics, like Mayor Lex Zoran Mdani, view the move as a legacy of dysfunction, while supporters see it as a victory for preserving the garden.