Brooklyn News

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OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Nikki Lucas Announces Dem Chair Bid

Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas has issued the following statement announcing her candidacy to serve as the next Chair of the Kings County Democratic Party:

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Brooklyn Nets Name Alibaba Official Technology Partner

The Brooklyn Nets are partnering with Alibaba Group in a multi-year agreement that will bring new technology to Barclays Center while placing the company's brand on the team's jerseys. Alibaba will serve as an official technology and cloud partner of the Nets and become the team's official jersey patch partner during its 60th anniversary season. Beginning with the 2026–27 NBA season, Alibaba technology will power a Real-Time 360° Replay system designed to give fans more immersive views of game action. The partnership will also introduce an in-arena Nets Figure Lab where fans can create personalized collectible cards. The Nets and Alibaba plan to test additional technology and marketing applications throughout the season.

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Brooklyn Unveils Little Panama Way in Crown Heights

Brooklyn's Panamanian community has received permanent recognition in Crown Heights with the unveiling of Little Panama Way along Franklin Avenue. The ceremonial street co-naming honors generations of Panamanians who established families, businesses, institutions and cultural traditions in the neighborhood beginning decades ago. Panama 507 Roundtable Group organized the September 24 celebration with community organizations, elected officials and Panamanian dignitaries. The recognition comes as a related effort advances to establish a Little Panama Cultural District in the area, creating a framework for preserving Panamanian heritage while supporting cultural programming and economic activity. State legislation authorizing the cultural designation has passed both houses of the New York State Legislature

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City Tech Gets $200K for Hospitality Scholarships

New York City College of Technology, a CUNY college located in Downtown Brooklyn, will receive another $200,000 for scholarships supporting students pursuing careers in New York City's hospitality industry. The Francesco and Mary Giambelli Foundation renewed its four-year commitment to the City Tech Foundation, providing $50,000 annually for Hospitality Management students. The new grant will bring the foundation's total support for the program to $400,000 after an initial commitment funded scholarships for 50 students between 2022 and 2026. Awards range from $500 to the cost of a full semester's tuition and are available to eligible full- and part-time students based on financial need, academic achievement or a combination of both.

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NYU Langone Named No. 1 U.S. Health System Again

NYU Langone Health has earned the top position in Vizient's national health system rankings for the fifth consecutive year, becoming the first system to hold the organization's No. 1 ranking for five straight years. Its Manhattan campus also ranked first among 122 comprehensive academic medical centers, while NYU Langone's network of more than 400 outpatient practices placed first among 70 participating physician networks. Other facilities across the New York region also appeared in the rankings, with NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island placing No. 3 and NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn reaching No. 6 in their cohort. Vizient evaluates healthcare organizations using measures including safety, mortality, effectiveness, efficiency and patient experience.

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East New York Concert Series Draws Over 10,000

More than 10,000 people attended the fourth annual East New York Concert and Wellness Series, according to organizers. The four-day community event took place September 17 through September 20 on Van Siclen Avenue. Presented by Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas and DJ Keith Watkins, the free series combined live performances with health screenings, wellness information and community resources.

The lineup included Doug E. Fresh, Nice & Smooth, Angela Winbush, Howard Hewett, Crystal Waters, Byron Stingily, Hildemaro, DJ Famoso, Bri Babineaux, The Walls Group and numerous DJs and other performers. Each day featured a different musical focus, ranging from Caribbean and Latin music to House, Hip-Hop, R&B, Gospel and Jazz, bringing residents together from across East New York and East Brooklyn.

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209 New Brooklyn Affordable Apts: $830+, Apply by Sept. 25

Residents throughout East New York, and Brooklyn, have until Friday, September 25, 2026, to apply for 209 brand-new affordable apartments at Alafia in Spring Creek. With studios through three-bedroom apartments and rents ranging from $830 to $2,745, the new development offers multiple housing options along with modern amenities and a focus on healthy, sustainable living. With the deadline just days away, Brooklyn residents looking for affordable housing should review the available apartments and eligibility requirements now.

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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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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.