Press Release

"> ">

The Orion Unveiled With Nearly 1,000 New Homes in Queens

A major redevelopment project is moving forward in Hunter's Point South, replacing an underused site with a new residential community that will combine affordable and market-rate housing with services designed for long-term neighborhood growth. Beyond creating nearly 1,000 apartments, the development will include childcare, job training, recreational facilities, and retail space, reflecting a broader effort to expand housing opportunities while adding resources that serve both residents and the surrounding community.

"> ">

Brooklyn Assemblyman Urges DOJ to Investigate Mamdani

Brooklyn Assemblyman, Michael Novakhov, who represents New York's 45th Assembly District covering Sheepshead Bay, Midwood, Manhattan Beach, Gravesend, and Brighton Beach, has called on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate New York City, New York State, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani over alleged civil rights violations affecting Jewish New Yorkers. The request asks federal officials to review a series of allegations related to public safety, anti-Semitic hate crimes, government actions, and civil rights protections, while noting that the claims are being submitted for federal review and have not been adjudicated.

"> ">

Kota the Friend Releases Just Happy To Be Here

Independent artist Kota the Friend has released his new album, Just Happy To Be Here, a 10-track project featuring Loony and Lisa Chiodo with production from Eeryskies, Powers Pleasant, ORIGAMI, Aja Grant, MAX HE, Bobby Wooten, and Pat Finnerty. The album arrives as part of New Music Friday while Kota continues his nationwide Just Happy To Be Here Tour.

"> ">

Farah Louis Introduces SCRIE, DRIE Expansion

A new bill introduced by New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis would expand access to the City's SCRIE and DRIE rent freeze programs by increasing the household income eligibility limit to $75,000. The proposal aligns New York City with recently approved state legislation and is intended to help more seniors and New Yorkers with disabilities remain in their homes despite rising housing costs. Supporters say the measure would reduce displacement, strengthen housing stability, and provide financial relief to residents living on fixed or limited incomes while maintaining reimbursement protections for landlords.

"> ">

Bellevue Expands ER CT Imaging for Faster Care

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue has completed a nearly $7 million modernization of its Emergency Department CT suite by bringing a second advanced CT scanner online. The expanded imaging capacity is expected to speed the diagnosis of strokes, traumatic injuries, and other medical emergencies while improving patient flow in one of the nation's busiest emergency departments. Hospital leaders say the upgrade strengthens Bellevue's ability to provide uninterrupted, around-the-clock emergency imaging for the more than 110,000 patients treated annually.

"> ">

NY AG James Sues Trump Admin Over Mental Health Cuts

New York Attorney General Letitia James has joined a coalition of 14 attorneys general in filing a new lawsuit to block the U.S. Department of Education from ending federal grants that support school-based mental health services. The coalition argues the administration is attempting to bypass a previous court ruling that prevented similar funding cuts by using a different legal approach. If the funding is eliminated, schools across New York could lose millions of dollars used to hire counselors, psychologists, and social workers, potentially reducing access to critical mental health services for thousands of students.

"> ">

Elmhurst Brings Bedside MRI to Critically Ill Patients

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst has unveiled a new portable point-of-care MRI system that allows clinicians to perform advanced brain imaging at a patient's bedside, eliminating the need to transport critically ill patients to a traditional MRI suite. The $500,000 investment, funded by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, is expected to improve care for patients in intensive care, neurosurgery, trauma, and other critical settings by providing faster diagnoses, reducing patient risk, and enhancing the overall hospital experience. Hospital leaders say the technology strengthens Elmhurst's commitment to equitable, patient-centered care while positioning the hospital as a national leader in innovative neuroimaging and critical care.

"> ">

$255M River Commons to Deliver 328 Bronx Homes

A major redevelopment project is moving forward in the South Bronx that will combine affordable housing, expanded medical services and community amenities on the campus of NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Morrisania. The development will create 328 affordable and supportive apartments, new health care facilities, public open space and neighborhood-serving community organizations, with completion expected in 2027.

"> ">

NYC Opens Outdoor Pool Season Across Five Boroughs

New York City's outdoor pool season is officially underway, giving residents free access to dozens of public pools just as summer temperatures begin to rise. City leaders marked the opening at Thomas Jefferson Pool in East Harlem while highlighting expanded swim lessons, additional lap swim opportunities and senior programming. The 2026 season also commemorates the 90th anniversary of the City's iconic WPA-era pools, recognizing a public investment that has served generations of New Yorkers.