Brooklyn

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Alafia Brooklyn Secures $217.8M for Phase III Housing

Construction is set to move ahead on the next stage of the Alafia Brooklyn redevelopment after the development team finalized more than $217 million in financing. The third phase will add 273 affordable apartments, expand public green space with a one-acre park, and continue the project's focus on environmentally sustainable design as part of the larger plan to transform the former Brooklyn Developmental Center site into a mixed-use, wellness-centered community in East New York.

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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.

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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.

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Judge Carmen Pacheco: A Brooklyn Story

Judge Carmen Pacheco has dedicated more than three decades to serving the people of New York through legal excellence, judicial leadership, and community service. A lifelong Brooklynite, she currently serves as Supervising Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York, Kings County, while also serving as an Acting Supreme Court Justice. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to fairness, integrity, equal justice, and strengthening the communities she has served throughout her life.

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Voices of NYC: AI Starts With Teacher Learning

As schools rapidly adopt artificial intelligence tools, the conversation often centers on how students will use them. In this Voices of NYC commentary, Brooklyn College professor Dr. Sonia Murrow argues that the greater challenge is ensuring teachers receive the ongoing support needed to adapt their instruction. Drawing on interviews with New York City educators, she contends that while AI technology is advancing quickly, professional learning has not kept pace. Rather than relying on occasional workshops, she makes the case for sustained collaboration that helps teachers thoughtfully integrate AI while preserving critical thinking and meaningful learning in the classroom.

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Kota the Friend Announces Album Out July 30

Brooklyn's Kota the Friend, known globally for his independent success, will release his new album on July 30 while continuing his nationwide Just Happy To Be Here Tour. The upcoming project has also inspired him to showcase more of his musical background on stage, where fans are seeing him perform acoustic guitar alongside a live group of musicians for the first time. The release marks another chapter in Kota's independently built career and ongoing connection with audiences across the country.

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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.

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Homeownership 101 Workshop for First-Time Homebuyers

A free Homeownership 101 Workshop will be held on Saturday, July 25, in East New York to help first-time homebuyers better understand the homebuying process. Hosted by 60th Assembly District Leader Michael Rosendary in partnership with Heather-Sky McField and Mylah's Organization Inc., the workshop will cover mortgage basics, financial readiness, credit, financing options, and practical steps toward achieving homeownership in New York City.

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Kings County Performs First Sensation-Preserving Surgery

NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County has successfully performed its first sensation-preserving nipple-sparing mastectomy, expanding access to an advanced breast cancer surgery within New York City's public hospital system. The innovative procedure is designed to preserve or restore sensation while maintaining effective cancer treatment, helping improve patients' long-term quality of life. Hospital leaders say the milestone reflects Kings County's commitment to bringing advanced, patient-centered surgical care to the diverse communities it serves.