New York news · 26 October 2026
New York Archdiocese and Clergy Abuse Survivors Agree to $800 Million Settlement
The Archdiocese of New York and about 1,300 survivors of clergy sexual abuse reached an $800 million legal settlement on October 26, the second-largest of its kind in U.S. history. The deal includes public disclosure of documents about accused clergy.
Early Voting Under Way in New York as Hochul and Blakeman Campaign Statewide
New Yorkers began casting early ballots in the 2026 general election, with the governor's race between Democrat Kathy Hochul and Republican Bruce Blakeman the top contest. Early voting runs through November 2, ahead of Election Day on November 3.
Woman Sexually Assaulted at Knifepoint in Central Park, Suspect Sought
A 39-year-old woman was sexually assaulted at knifepoint near East 66th Street and Fifth Avenue in Central Park on Saturday evening. No arrests have been made and police have increased patrols throughout the park.
Brooklyn Woman Arraigned on Hate Crime Charges in Midtown Syringe Attacks on Jewish Men
A 32-year-old Brooklyn woman was arraigned Sunday on multiple hate crime charges after allegedly stabbing two Jewish men with a syringe in Midtown Manhattan's Diamond District last week. A third man was approached but spared after saying he was Muslim.
Queens Home Invasion Leaves Three Men Stabbed and Woman Shot by Police
A violent home invasion in South Jamaica, Queens on Friday night left four people injured: three men stabbed inside the home and a woman shot by responding officers after she advanced toward them with a knife.
GWB Road-Rage Killing: Victim's Widow Speaks Out as Accused Former NYPD Detective Posts Bail
The widow of a man fatally shot in an alleged road-rage incident near the George Washington Bridge is publicly questioning why the accused — a former NYPD detective — was released after posting bail. Records confirmed bail was posted Friday.
Nearly 5,000 Young Runners Sweep All Five Boroughs in NYC Marathon Kids Kickoff
About 5,000 children aged 2 to 18 participated in the TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff across all five boroughs for the first time on October 25 and 26, doubling last year's turnout. The expansion celebrates the marathon's 50th anniversary.
Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul Break Ground on $35.7 Million Central Park Flood Project
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul broke ground on a $35.7 million project to connect three water bodies at Central Park's north end, aiming to keep 132 million gallons of water out of city sewers annually and reduce flooding in Harlem and East Harlem.
Man in Skull Mask Sought After East Village Halloween Stabbing
Police are searching for a suspect who wore a Halloween costume and skull mask when he allegedly stabbed a 32-year-old man in the stomach in the East Village after an argument. The victim was hospitalised and no arrests have been made.
Health Insurance Open Enrollment Starts Nov. 1 — Many New Yorkers Face Higher Premiums for 2027
Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance on New York's state marketplace runs from November 1 through January 31, and many residents are bracing for higher costs. The share of private-plan enrollees receiving financial assistance dropped to 43 percent in 2026, and those who still qualified saw their monthly premiums rise by an average of $104.
NYC Urges 26,500 Residents Who Lost SNAP Benefits to Reapply for More Aid
The Mamdani administration is calling on the 26,500 New Yorkers stripped of SNAP food assistance under new federal work requirements to reapply, as an October reset grants them at least three more months of eligibility.
Mayor Mamdani Offers 350 Free Tickets to NYC Marathon Finish Line Grandstand
Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched a lottery for 350 free tickets to the TCS NYC Marathon grandstand finish line — normally $55 each — with entries accepted until 11:59 p.m. on October 26. The giveaway marks the marathon's 50th five-borough anniversary.
'You Can See Everything' Look-Alike Contest Brings Dozens of Nathan Fielder and Elizabeth Holmes Impersonators to Washington Square Park
Dozens of New Yorkers dressed as Nathan Fielder and Elizabeth Holmes converged on Washington Square Park on Sunday for an unofficial look-alike contest tied to the documentary 'You Can See Everything.' A comedian and a PR worker took home the top prizes.
NYC's Autumn Foliage Expected to Be Especially Vibrant and Long-Lasting This Year
New York City is heading into an unusually long and colorful fall foliage season, thanks to extra rainfall brought by this year's El Niño weather pattern, with peak color predicted from mid-to-late October and lasting through November.
NYC Schools' AI Tool Restrictions Spark Pushback From Education Companies
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced restrictions on more than 38 AI tools used in New York City public schools, but after more than a month of requests, Chalkbeat obtained the list — and several companies are disputing why their products were flagged at all.