News outlets reported that New Yorkers started 2026 with the NYRR Midnight Run in Central Park. Over 4,300 people, including news anchors Sam Ryan and Liz Cho, ran the 4-mile course, combining fitness and celebration with a race party and fireworks.

A hit-and-run in Queens on New Year's Day left one man dead and another critically injured. The driver of a white SUV fled after striking both men and is being sought by authorities.

A Queens apartment fire left one person burned; its cause remains under investigation. Lithium-ion batteries were found but not linked to the fire yet. Another fire in Queens hospitalized one person; the cause is unknown.

A rideshare driver was found shot dead in the Bronx, marking New York City's first homicide of 2026, with an ongoing investigation and no arrests made.

Thousands braved the cold in Times Square on New Year's Eve, entrepreneurs sold diapers for convenience, security was tightened, and New York City swore in its first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani.

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.

Former head of Queens Defenders, Lori Zeno, and her husband are set to plead guilty to federal theft, including misuse of nonprofit funds for personal luxuries.

Sprinkles, a renowned cupcake brand, is shutting down unexpectedly, joining other iconic NYC businesses that closed in 2025. The founder is saddened by the closure due to financial issues, despite the brand's previous success and expansion plans.

Zohran Mamdani became NYC's 112th mayor, vowing to improve affordability and public services. He was sworn in at the old City Hall subway station, emphasizing transit revamp plans.

New York implements affordable health care laws, including coverage for EpiPens, cancer screenings, and scalp cooling, with Governor Hochul citing a need to reduce medical costs for New Yorkers.

New York's MTA completes 10 accessibility projects, increasing accessible subway stations to 154 and LIRR stations to 117, with funding from congestion pricing and Capital Plan.

Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez reports 2025 as the safest year in the borough's history, highlighting decreases in violent crime including a 25% drop in homicides.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Mike Flynn as Commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation during a midnight ceremony at Old City Hall subway station.