Author: Newyorki

A coalition of homeless advocacy groups has filed a lawsuit against the City of New York, accusing officials of violating state housing laws by attempting to roll back incentive programs that help homeless residents secure permanent housing. The legal action, filed in Manhattan Supreme Court on Thursday, seeks to block the city’s plan to limit rental assistance vouchers that tens of thousands of low-income families rely on to avoid returning to shelters. The lawsuit, led by organizations including the Coalition for the Homeless, Legal Aid Society, and VOCAL-NY, argues that the city’s decision to tighten eligibility criteria for housing vouchers…

The race for New York City’s mayoralty has entered a decisive phase, with candidates intensifying their campaigns ahead of the much-anticipated televised debate set to take place next week. The contest, marked by sharp exchanges, contrasting visions, and deep voter polarization, has turned into one of the most closely watched political battles in the nation. At the center of attention are the two leading contenders — incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, seeking re-election on a platform of stability and public safety, and State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, representing a progressive wave focused on housing reform, economic justice, and civil rights. Their upcoming…

A state-issued history exam review packet has sparked intense backlash among parents, educators, and advocacy groups after its definition of “Zionism” was criticized as politically biased and historically misleading. The controversy, which began earlier this week, centers on material distributed to high school students preparing for the New York State Global History Regents Exam, a key standardized test required for graduation. The packet, circulated by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), described Zionism as “a movement that led to the displacement of Palestinians and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.” Critics argue that the wording presents a one-sided and…

A powerful nor’easter storm swept through the New York metropolitan area early Friday, causing flash floods that submerged sections of the subway system, blocked roadways, and led to widespread transportation delays across the city. The National Weather Service reported that parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and Lower Manhattan received over 3 inches of rain in less than two hours, overwhelming drainage systems and flooding multiple subway stations. Videos shared by commuters showed water cascading down stairways and platforms as MTA workers scrambled to contain the flooding. “We’re seeing significant impacts across the system,” said MTA spokesperson Eugene Resnick. “Several lines, including…

A shocking incident on Manhattan’s popular High Line walkway has led to the arrest of a 32-year-old man from Brooklyn, accused of assaulting two children — including a toddler — in broad daylight, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD). Witnesses say the suspect, identified as Kevin Morales, approached two families walking near the West 23rd Street section of the elevated park late Thursday afternoon. Without warning, he allegedly slapped the first child, who appeared to be around 5 years old, and moments later struck a toddler being carried by their parent. Bystanders immediately intervened and restrained the man…

In a major step toward addressing domestic violence, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has launched a specialized unit of 450 officers dedicated exclusively to handling domestic violence cases across the city’s five boroughs. The initiative, announced by NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban and Mayor Eric Adams, aims to provide faster response times, stronger victim support, and more effective prevention strategies in cases of abuse within families and households. According to city officials, this newly established division will operate 24/7 and will be trained in trauma-informed approaches to ensure victims are treated with sensitivity and respect. The officers, drawn from multiple…

Health officials have confirmed the first locally acquired case of chikungunya virus in New York State, marking a concerning development in the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses within the United States. The New York State Department of Health announced that the infected individual had no recent history of international travel, meaning the virus was likely transmitted by a mosquito within the state — a sign that local transmission has occurred for the first time. Chikungunya, a virus spread primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes — the same species known for transmitting dengue and Zika — causes symptoms such as…

A federal judge in Manhattan has blocked the U.S. administration’s attempt to withhold approximately $34 million in counter-terrorism funding earmarked for New York City’s transportation sector, ruling that the decision was “arbitrary and unlawful.” The ruling came after city and state officials filed an urgent motion challenging the Department of Homeland Security’s plan to reduce funding from the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) — a federal grant that helps cities strengthen their preparedness and response against terrorism and large-scale emergencies. Judge Katherine Polk Failla, who presided over the case, stated in her opinion that the federal government failed to provide…

In a major initiative to strengthen public safety and protect victims of domestic abuse, Mayor Eric Adams announced the launch of a new unit within the New York Police Department (NYPD) composed of 450 specially trained officers. The unit will focus exclusively on handling domestic violence cases across the city’s five boroughs — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. According to city officials, the move comes in response to a noticeable rise in domestic violence reports over the past year, with many cases involving repeat offenders and victims who struggled to access timely protection. “This new division will…

The race for New York City’s next mayor is heating up as candidates sharpen their messages and prepare to face each other in a series of public debates scheduled over the coming weeks. With the election approaching, discussions across the city have focused on key issues such as public safety, housing affordability, transportation, and climate resilience. The debates are expected to provide voters with a clearer view of each candidate’s priorities and leadership style. Among the top contenders are Zohran Mamdani, known for his progressive stance on social and housing policies; Curtis Sliwa, the conservative activist and founder of the…