Press Release

Brooklyn Tenants Launch Rent Strike

Tenants of Homewood Gardens in East Flatbiush, Brooklyn have announced a rent strike, accusing court-appointed property managers of failing to address worsening living conditions during the property’s ongoing bankruptcy case. Residents say they have endured years of inadequate heat and hot water, pest infestations, leaks, and structural deterioration, with conditions becoming especially severe during the winter after a new boiler was allegedly not installed. At a press conference outside 651 Brooklyn Avenue, tenants joined elected officials and advocates in calling for immediate repairs, stronger tenant protections, and long-term preservation of the property for current residents.

Chris Banks Law Aims to Prevent Evictions

New York City Council Deputy Leader Chris Banks announced that Local Law 155 of 2025 officially went into effect on May 8, alongside the launch of a new educational social media campaign designed to inform residents about the law’s protections for emergency assistance grant applicants. The legislation creates digital notification requirements for both applicants and landlords when emergency housing assistance grants are approved, helping to prevent evictions caused by delayed or lost mail. The law was inspired by a constituent in Brooklyn’s 42nd Council District who was evicted after a grant payment check never reached her landlord.

Mount Sinai Targets Colon Cancer Resistance

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center have identified a potential breakthrough approach to treating colorectal cancer by restoring communication between critical immune cells. Published in Cell Reports Medicine, the study found that combining multiple immunotherapy targets with strategies aimed at suppressive immune cells significantly improved tumor elimination in preclinical models, offering hope for patients whose cancers do not respond to existing immunotherapy treatments.

NY Approves 32 New Adult-Use Cannabis Licenses

New York’s Cannabis Control Board has approved 32 new adult-use cannabis licenses as the state continues expanding its legal cannabis market. The latest approvals include cultivators, distributors, microbusinesses, processors, retail dispensaries and branding licensees, reflecting continued movement across the state’s cannabis supply chain.

Mamdani Launches Bed-Stuy Housing Plan

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, alongside the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the Department of Social Services (DSS), announced the start of a public engagement process for Fulton-Howard West, a major new affordable housing and community services project in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The proposal would transform City-owned land on Fulton Street into a mixed-use development featuring 100% affordable housing, upgraded community spaces and expanded social services for local residents.

CUNY Beyond Council Connects Students to Careers

The City University of New York has launched the CUNY Beyond Advisory Council, bringing together leaders from business, philanthropy and academia to help strengthen career-connected learning across the University system. The initiative is part of CUNY Beyond, an ambitious effort designed to connect students with career exposure, internships, mentorship and professional opportunities from the start of their college journey.

Brooklyn Man Sentenced in Fake Plate Scheme

  • Law
  • 1 month ago

A Brooklyn man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to running a scheme that sold forged temporary license plates across multiple states, according to Letitia James. Authorities say the operation used social media to distribute fake plates, contributing to the rise of untraceable “ghost cars” and undermining roadway safety and enforcement efforts.

  • Law
  • 1 month ago

Jeffries, Velázquez Secure $1.85M for Broadway Corridor

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez have secured $1.85 million in federal funding to support the long-awaited reconstruction of Brooklyn’s Broadway Corridor. The investment will fund critical roadway and pedestrian safety improvements along a heavily trafficked stretch connecting Williamsburg to East New York. Local leaders say the project addresses years of infrastructure concerns and aims to improve conditions for residents, small businesses, and commuters who rely on the corridor daily.

Mamdani Unveils Brooklyn School Bike Safety Plan

New York City Mayor Mamdani joined families and students riding with the Bergen Bike Bus in Brooklyn to unveil a series of safety improvements designed to make biking to school safer and more accessible. The announcement highlights the city’s continued investment in protected bike lanes, traffic calming measures, and family-friendly street design, reinforcing a broader push to support sustainable transportation while prioritizing the safety of children and caregivers across New York City.