Brooklyn News

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NYC Voters Get Federal Election Protection Hotlines

New York City voters preparing for the November 3 general election will have direct access to federal prosecutors if they encounter possible voting rights violations, intimidation or election-related misconduct. The U.S. Attorney's Offices covering the city's five boroughs have designated attorneys to coordinate complaints during early voting, which begins October 24, and on Election Day. Separate telephone lines will serve Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, and Manhattan and the Bronx, helping residents reach the appropriate federal district. The Justice Department's program addresses potential violations of federal election law, while local boards of elections remain responsible for routine voting questions. Federal officials also emphasize that immediate threats or violence at polling places should be reported to 911.

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MTA Launches $1.9B A and C Subway Signal Upgrade

Subway riders traveling between Brooklyn and Queens are set to benefit from a major infrastructure investment aimed at addressing one of New York City's persistent transit problems: delays caused by aging signal equipment. The MTA has begun a $1.9 billion modernization of the A and C subway corridors, replacing technology dating to the 1930s with a computerized system that can better manage train movements. Funded through congestion pricing revenue, the project covers 42 track miles and 23 stations used by approximately 350,000 passengers each weekday. Construction will begin with track and switch replacements in Queens, while the full modernization is scheduled for completion in 2032. The investment is intended to support more frequent and reliable subway service.

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NYU Langone Opens Psychiatric Emergency Unit in Brooklyn

Brooklyn residents experiencing serious mental health crises will have another dedicated treatment setting as NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn expands its psychiatric emergency services in Sunset Park. The hospital's new Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program provides space for immediate evaluation, short-term observation and treatment, with access to inpatient care when necessary. The expansion also strengthens the connection between hospital services and community-based mental health support through a mobile crisis team and outpatient facilities. NYU Langone is simultaneously investing in the city's psychiatric workforce through a residency program focused on underserved communities, including immigrant families and patients who need care in languages other than English. Together, the initiatives reflect a broader effort to make psychiatric treatment more accessible across Brooklyn.

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NYC Red Light Cameras Now at 600 Intersections

New York City has completed the expansion of its Red Light Camera Program, installing cameras at 600 intersections across all five boroughs, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn announced. The expansion reaches the maximum number of intersections permitted under current state law. According to NYC DOT, red light running has declined by more than 80% at camera locations, while injuries from rear-end collisions have fallen nearly 60% and injuries from T-bone crashes have decreased 70% since installation. The city selects camera locations based partly on crash and injury histories. Officials say the expanded program will strengthen efforts to prevent dangerous driving and improve street safety.

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NYC Expands $4.8M Violence Prevention Programs

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced an expansion of New York City's Crisis Management System to Bushwick, Harlem and Washington Heights/Inwood, strengthening community-based efforts to prevent gun violence. The initiative provides $1.6 million in city funding for each designated service area and supports trained outreach workers who mediate conflicts, prevent retaliation and connect residents with employment, education, mentorship and mental health resources. In Bushwick, funding will expand The Wick Against Violence, operated by Southside United. Harlem's Living Redemption will increase neighborhood outreach, while Grow Up Grow Out Jr., operated by United Way, will establish a new street-outreach team in Washington Heights and Inwood. The city's Crisis Management System currently operates across 46 neighborhood service areas.

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Brooklyn Opens Applications for 18 Community Boards

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso has opened applications for New York City residents interested in serving on Brooklyn's 18 community boards. The volunteer boards provide input on neighborhood issues including land use, liquor licenses, transportation projects and local development. Each board can include up to 50 members who live, work or have a significant interest in the community they represent. Residents age 16 and older are encouraged to apply before the February 8, 2027 deadline at 11:59 p.m. Reynoso said he wants the boards to reflect Brooklyn's diverse neighborhoods and has directed Borough Hall resources toward supporting their operations and long-term sustainability. Applications and additional information are available through the Brooklyn Borough President's Office.

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NYC Expands Free 2-K With 10,000 New Seats in 2027

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to add 10,000 free 2-K seats in fall 2027, expanding New York City's early childhood education program to 22 school districts across all five boroughs. The expansion will introduce programs in 17 additional districts, including neighborhoods in East New York, Brownsville, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, Bushwick and parts of Queens, while extending coverage to every Bronx school district and all of Staten Island. The initiative builds on approximately 2,000 seats launched in fall 2026 and is supported by a $1.2 billion state investment. Programs are expected to operate full-day and full-year, with family application details to be announced in the coming weeks.

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CUNY Opens 14 NYC Campuses for 2026 Election Voting

The City University of New York will provide polling locations across 14 campuses for the November 3, 2026 general election, expanding access to voting across New York City. Ten CUNY locations will host early voting from October 24 through November 1, while seven locations will serve voters on Election Day. Participating campuses include Brooklyn College, Baruch College, Queens College, City College and Hostos Community College. Early voting hours vary by date, while Election Day polls are scheduled to operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. CUNY is also providing nonpartisan voter education through its CUNY Votes initiative. Residents should verify their assigned polling location through the NYC Board of Elections before traveling to a campus.

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CUNY Raises Record $312M in Donations, Up 26%

The City University of New York raised a record $312 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2026, a 26% increase from the previous year and the first time the university surpassed $300 million in annual fundraising. CUNY has raised nearly $1.1 billion over four years, with donations supporting scholarships, student assistance and career development across its colleges. The year's largest contribution was a $50 million gift from MacKenzie Scott to Lehman College. Brooklyn College raised $32.4 million, while Baruch College received $34.8 million. Community colleges collectively raised $36.7 million, up from $30.3 million the previous year. CUNY officials said the fundraising growth will expand resources that help students complete degrees and prepare for careers.