NYC Press Releases

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NYC U20 Summit Ends With Global Mayors’ Action Plan

New York City's 2026 Urban 20 Mayors Summit concluded with participating city leaders adopting a joint agenda focused on housing affordability, climate change and migration. Co-chaired by New York City and Los Angeles, the gathering brought together mayors, deputy mayors and senior officials representing 34 cities across G20 countries. The U20 communiqué calls for national governments to provide cities with greater authority, funding and access to financing to address affordable housing, climate resilience and services for immigrants and displaced communities. Among its proposals are expanded housing tools, direct access to certain international financing and a greater role for cities in climate and migration policy. The summit's conclusion coincides with the beginning of Climate Week NYC.

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NYC Hosts Global Mayors for 2026 Urban 20 Summit

New York City is hosting mayors and senior city leaders from around the world for the 2026 Urban 20 Mayors Summit, a three-day gathering focused on major challenges facing urban communities. NYC and Los Angeles are co-chairing this year's U20, which brings together representatives from 34 cities across G20 countries. Discussions will focus on affordable housing and homelessness, climate resilience, immigration and ways cities can share strategies addressing rising costs and other pressures on residents. The September 19–21 summit also leads into Climate Week NYC. The gathering is expected to conclude with participating cities adopting a joint communiqué outlining priorities and recommendations that will be presented to national governments and international organizations.

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Brooklyn Man Charged in East New York Sex Trafficking

A Brooklyn man has been charged in a federal sex trafficking case involving allegations that women were forced or coerced into commercial sex along Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York and elsewhere. Federal prosecutors allege that Michael Brown, also known as “Mack Bills,” controlled women working along a stretch of the corridor known as the “Penn Track” and transported women from New York to at least one other state. Brown is charged with sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, interstate prostitution and promotion of prostitution. Prosecutors allege that he collected proceeds and used threats, manipulation and violence to maintain control. Brown was arrested September 18. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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NY Groups Sue Over New Federal Public Charge Rule

New York organizations are challenging a new federal immigration policy that could affect how the use of certain public benefits is considered when immigrants seek lawful permanent resident status. Make the Road New York, the New York Legal Assistance Group and other organizations filed a federal lawsuit against U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of Homeland Security. The plaintiffs argue that the new public charge rule exceeds federal immigration law and could discourage immigrant families from using health, food, housing and other assistance programs. The lawsuit also raises concerns about benefits received by dependent children. The organizations are asking the court to vacate the policy. Their claims are allegations, and the court has not yet ruled on the merits of the challenge.

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NYU Langone Reaches $8.5M DOJ Settlement in NYC

NYU Langone Health has reached an $8.5 million agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice resolving a federal investigation involving gender-affirming medical care provided to patients under 18. Under the agreement, the New York City-based health system will cease providing minors with specified treatments, including puberty blockers, hormones and surgical procedures. The resolution is part of a broader federal investigation involving hospitals and potential violations of federal health care and billing laws. NYU Langone said the agreement protects the confidentiality of patients, families and providers while avoiding prolonged litigation. The health system expressly denied wrongdoing or liability, and the Justice Department stated that the claims resolved through the agreement are allegations and that there has been no determination of liability.

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East Williamsburg Seeks Projects for $20M NYC Revamp

East Williamsburg is beginning the process of deciding how to invest $20 million in state funding aimed at strengthening the Brooklyn neighborhood’s commercial corridors and public spaces. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative has opened a call for capital projects within the designated East Williamsburg investment area, with potential proposals ranging from building rehabilitation and new development to public-space improvements, storefront enhancements and neighborhood signage. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who helped lead the funding application with the Graham Avenue and Grand Street business improvement districts, is encouraging residents and local stakeholders to participate in the planning process. A public workshop is scheduled for September 23 at the Williamsburg Community Center, where community members can learn about the program and provide input on neighborhood priorities.

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NY Moves to Protect Historic Queens Burial Ground

A historic burial ground in Elmhurst, Queens, believed to contain the remains of more than 300 New Yorkers, many of whom were formerly enslaved, is at the center of a state legal effort as the property approaches a foreclosure sale. New York Attorney General Letitia James is seeking to intervene in the case involving 47-11 90th Street so prospective buyers are informed about the human remains and their responsibilities under state burial-site protections. The property’s history as a burial ground dates to 1818 and is connected to the United African Society of Newtown, which later became St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church. State officials are seeking safeguards intended to prevent additional disturbance of remains still believed to be at the site.

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AOC Helps Win $351M Authorization for NYC Flood Projects

Flood prevention and water infrastructure projects in the Bronx and Queens could receive a major federal boost under legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The Water Resources Development Act of 2026 includes authorization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to spend up to $351 million on projects serving New York communities, including improvements to stormwater, wastewater and flood-control infrastructure. The provision was requested by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other members of New York’s congressional delegation following previous federal efforts to address flooding in Queens. The legislation also includes provisions involving community outreach and environmental restoration in local waterways. The House-passed measure must still go through additional congressional steps before becoming law.

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NYC Reaches 200,000 Pothole Repairs in Brooklyn

New York City has reached 200,000 pothole repairs for the year, marking the milestone on Troutman Street in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood. NYC Department of Transportation crews continue to address damaged roadways while carrying out a broader street repaving program across all five boroughs. The agency reports that crews are repairing an average of approximately 3,000 potholes each week and have paved 757 lane miles so far this year. The latest milestone follows the city’s 100,000th repair, completed earlier this year on Staten Island. Residents can report damaged street conditions through NYC311, which routes pothole complaints and other nonemergency service requests to the appropriate city agencies for review and response.