Author: Newyorki

New York City’s new free child care program for two-year-olds is facing questions about funding, provider stability and its ability to meet overwhelming demand as the administration of Mayor Zohran Mamdani prepares to expand the initiative. More than 5,700 families applied for just over 2,000 places in the inaugural 2-K class, meaning nearly three applications were submitted for every available seat. City officials said the program could save each participating family an average of approximately $26,000 annually in child care expenses. The initial rollout depends heavily on community-based and home-based child care providers. However, many of these providers have historically…

New York State’s Medical Aid in Dying law has officially taken effect, allowing eligible terminally ill adults to request prescription medication that they may self-administer to end their lives. Effective August 5, 2026, the law applies to New York residents diagnosed with a terminal illness or condition expected to result in death within six months. The diagnosis and prognosis must be confirmed by both an attending physician and a consulting physician. The patient must personally make both an oral and a written request without coercion. The oral request must be recorded by audio or video, while the written request must…

New York police have issued a warning about a sophisticated gold bullion scam that has reportedly cost hundreds of victims more than $100 million. The scheme typically begins with a fake computer alert or message claiming that the victim’s device has been infected with a virus or that their financial accounts are at risk. Scammers then contact the victim while posing as government officials, Treasury representatives or police officers. Victims are pressured into withdrawing large sums of money and converting the funds into gold bars. The scammers then arrange for the bullion to be collected, claiming that the transfer is…

A six-month-old child died after being found unconscious inside a home in the Canarsie neighborhood of Brooklyn, authorities said. Police responded to the residence near Flatlands Avenue and East 99th Street, where officers discovered the baby unresponsive. Emergency medical personnel transported the child to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police are continuing to gather evidence and interview individuals connected to the incident as they work to determine what happened inside the home.

Authorities have arrested a 24-year-old man accused of setting the fire that destroyed the historic South Bushwick Reformed Church in Brooklyn. The suspect, identified as John Jones, allegedly started the blaze that caused extensive damage to the 175-year-old church, a longstanding religious and architectural landmark in the South Bushwick community. Emergency crews responded to the fire, but the building suffered severe destruction. Authorities have not yet released full details about the suspected motive or the evidence linking Jones to the incident. Jones is expected to appear before a federal court in Brooklyn to face charges connected to the fire. The…

A 25-year-old store employee was injured during an attempted armed robbery in Manhattan’s Lower East Side early Thursday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. inside a store on Rivington Street. Police said the suspect attempted to rob the business while armed and a confrontation followed. The employee suffered a minor injury to the leg and was taken for medical treatment. His condition was not considered life-threatening. The suspect fled the scene on foot before officers arrived. Police have not announced any arrests, and the investigation remains ongoing.

New York City is expected to experience hot and humid conditions on Thursday, with temperatures reaching approximately 33°C and thunderstorms possible during the afternoon. High humidity could make conditions feel considerably warmer, increasing the risk of heat-related illness for people spending extended periods outdoors. Residents have been advised to remain hydrated, limit strenuous activity during the hottest hours and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors. Forecasters said thunderstorms developing later in the day could produce heavy rainfall, gusty winds and localized flooding. Sudden downpours may cause water to accumulate quickly on roads and in low-lying areas. The hot and unsettled…

New York City has activated its Heat and Flash Flood Emergency plans as officials prepare for dangerous temperatures, heavy rain and severe thunderstorms expected across the five boroughs on Thursday and Friday. Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration announced that hundreds of cooling centers will open throughout the city, including accessible and pet-friendly locations. Residents can locate their nearest center through the city’s online cooling-center map or by calling 311. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory from 11 a.m. Thursday until 8 p.m. Friday. Heat index values—the temperature felt when humidity is taken into account—could reach approximately 100°F, or 38°C.…

One person was killed and 14 others were injured after a powerful explosion triggered a five-alarm fire at a residential building in the Norwood neighborhood of the Bronx. The incident occurred on East 209th Street, where flames rapidly spread through the building and prompted a major emergency response. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze as residents were evacuated from the property. Several residents reported smelling gas shortly before the explosion, although authorities have not yet confirmed whether a gas leak caused the incident. The exact cause remains under investigation. Dozens of families were displaced as a result of the fire,…

A three-wheeled motorcycle crashed into a crowd inside Commodore Barry Park in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, injuring 12 people and turning a community gathering into a chaotic emergency scene. The crash happened on Sunday evening, shortly before 6:40 p.m., near Flushing Avenue and Navy Street. Police said a 53-year-old woman, identified as Neisha Atkinson, failed to navigate the roadway, entered the park, and struck pedestrians who were gathered inside. According to officials, the victims included seven men and five women between the ages of 36 and 73. Early reports said four of the injured were in critical condition, while the remaining…