NYC Mayor Mamdani and Gov. Hochul announce a plan for free childcare for two-year-olds, building on existing programs without tax hikes, as reported by the New York Post.

New York has passed a law requiring social media platforms to display warning labels about potential mental health risks, such as anxiety and depression, to protect users from excessive use.

An 8-year-old boy, Tayvion, was rescued by Suffolk County Police after falling through ice on a pond in East Patchogue on Christmas Day and later reunited with the officers.

NYC educators struggle with AI-assisted student cheating and await clear policies, while the City Council advances bills to assess AI's impact on workers.

Harlem Hospital celebrated New York City's first baby of 2026, a girl born to the Niang family, while NYU Langone welcomed a boy named Liam shortly after.

NYC launches "Birth-to-2 Child Care Initiative," offering free child care at 16 sites for families in select communities, as part of a $167-million investment in early education.

Governor Hochul announces a $20 million investment in New York youth programs to counter violence and economic instability, administered by the Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Governor Kathy Hochul launches a $100 million initiative to boost child care facilities in New York, aiming to create up to 10,000 new slots for children.

A Long Island student, Francesco Allocca, was saved from cardiac arrest by coaches and a custodian during basketball tryouts, with the timely use of CPR and an AED.

A Queens teacher, Alanna O'Donnell, uses a chicken coop at P.S. 177Q to teach life skills to students with disabilities, earning her a $25,000 FLAG Award for excellence.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos have reduced class sizes by over 60%, ahead of 2025-2026 goals, investing $450 million in education and creating 3,700 teacher positions.

Hofstra University celebrates Resa Nelson, the school's first Rhodes Scholar, who plans to pursue stem-cell research and has made advancements in biofuel from sargassum seaweed.

A dog named Chase alerted a family to a fire in their Long Beach home, enabling them to escape without injury. The fire also affected the neighboring house, leading to evacuations.