Smoke from two manholes triggered a carbon monoxide scare for Kensington residents, prompting firefighters to evacuate a building Thursday.

The post Manhole smoke sparks carbon monoxide scare appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

A teacher’s aide at Kingsborough Early College Secondary School allegedly conspired with her 18-year-old brother to attack a student.

The post Teacher’s aide implicated in Brooklyn school attack appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) hosted its first Digital Discovery Day at the Saratoga branch in Bedford-Stuyvesant on May 15, connecting residents with the technological tools and resources it offers.

The interactive event featured workshops, tech demos and community resources for all ages and levels of tech (dis)comfort. Attendees explored STEM activities for kids and teens, virtual DJing, LEGO Robotics League, Meta Quest virtual reality, video and photo editing, 3D printing, podcasting, heat press mug and shirt printing, engraving, and one-on-one “Ask a Tech” sessions.

Librarians were also on hand to share information about assistive technology, free databases, and online tools for job seekers and researchers.

BPL has been working with the Big Apple Connect program as part of a broader effort to boost digital literacy in local neighborhoods and highlight the resources available at branches near NYCHA housing.

Onyi Egbochue, a project manager at BPL, told Brooklyn Paper the resource fair introduced community members to the library’s “amazing” technology.

“We’re targeting the tech-savvy, but also the tech-curious, and let them know that the library is an excellent hub to come to up your skills, digital literacy, and technology overall,” Egbochue said.

Cheila Cruz, technology training coordinator at BPL, said she wants the community to know the library is a trusted resource where both tech-savvy individuals and those less familiar with technology can learn, explore and create.

“If you feel like technology hates you, then this is a place to come to explore, and we can hand-hold you through the whole process until you feel a little more comfortable,” Cruz said. “If you have more advanced skills and you want to connect your skills with some creativity, you can come and do that too.”

Kenia Homely’s 8-year-old daughter, Bliss Gooden, was busy assembling a STEM kit.

“I just happened to walk by on my lunch break, and I said, let me go in, because [Bliss] is into STEM, and she learns a lot about it in school,” Homely said.

Kazembe Batts rode three roller coasters through virtual reality glasses and told Brooklyn Paper it felt just like the real thing — complete with dips and loops.

Batts attended the event to become more tech-savvy.

“I think young folks and older folks like me need to be more into tech, and for the library to [host a digital tech day], it’s great,” Batts said. “I went to the 3D modeling, and I think that’s incredible. I need to upgrade my own personal tech skills, and I think this is very inspirational.”

Technology resource specialist Adrian helped BPL patron Laquisha with her tech questions, showing her how to download the BPL app and use e-books.

“Now I can just download books and listen to them or read them,” said Laquisha, who also planned to try the virtual games and attend some of the computer literacy classes and resume workshops BPL offers.

“The last time I used the computer to do actual work was in 2019,” she said. “Well, everything’s been updated. I don’t even speak the computer lingo. I don’t know what people are talking about. So this is going to help a lot.”

Friends Bryanna, Marvin and Dreshawn visit the Saratoga Library’s teen tech center almost every day after school. They said they enjoyed Digital Discovery Day.

“There’s a lot to do and a lot to experience new things, and you can just have fun,” said Bryanna, who is interested in STEM.

Music lovers Marvin and Dreshawn dabbled with the virtual DJ, mixing music.

“The DJ is fire,” Dreshawn said. “It’s fun to try new things. I never tried that. It would be good to learn it.”

“The experience was fun,” Marvin added. “I love music, so it was something I’d be interested in the future.”

The Brooklyn Public Library, one of the nation’s largest library systems, has provided innovative services for more than 125 years. It offers a wide range of technology programs for all ages, including Library Labs for kids and courses for adults covering digital art, photography, artificial intelligence and online safety.

BPL is home to the Kings Highway Best Buy Teen Tech Center, along with four additional teen tech centers at the Saratoga, Crown Heights, Bay Ridge and Adams Street libraries. Teens can also apply for tech internships.

First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro announced that New York City will halt new enrollments for its child care subsidy program.

The post <i>Week in Review: </i>May 9 – 16 appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

Tenants at Band Spaces NYC, a rehearsal venue at 255-261 Douglass St., have raised $820 to test for carcinogenic vapors in the space.

The post Gowanus musicians fund toxic vapor tests appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

As New York’s primary election approaches, several City Council races are drawing increased public attention — including the contest in South Brooklyn’s District 47.

The district includes Bay Ridge, Coney Island and Sea Gate, as well as parts of Dyker Heights, Gravesend and Bath Beach. It is currently represented by Democrat Justin Brannan, who is running for New York City comptroller.

Four candidates are competing in the June primary — two Democrats and two Republicans. The winners will advance to the general election in November. The Democratic candidates are Kayla Santosuosso and Fedir Usmanov. The Republican candidates are George Sarantopoulos and Richie Barsamian.

Meet the candidates

Kayla Santosuosso

Chief counsel for Council Member Justin Brannan

Kayla Santosuosso has lived in Bay Ridge for more than a decade, where she has owned small businesses and led a local nonprofit. She is also a lawyer with experience working with city agencies.

Santosuosso has been endorsed by Council Member Justin Brannan, the Working Families Party and the Bay Ridge Democrats. According to her campaign website, her priorities include affordability, support for small businesses, parks and green space, and improving South Brooklyn for working families.

“Southern Brooklyn is home to some of the hardest working people in the City, who deserve a government that makes their lives easier, not harder,” she writes. “Starting from day one, my number one goal will be to make your life in this city easier. No matter what party you belong to, how long you’ve been here, what you do for a living, or what language you speak, I hope I can earn your support.”

Fedir Usmanov

A first-generation immigrant, currently studying political science and operations management at CUNY Baruch

Usmanov feels called to public service, and to address the problems faced by his fellow New Yorkers. 

“Unlike career politicians who rely on popular slogans and empty promises, I am action-oriented. I am running for NYC Council to bring real accountability, smarter budgeting, and policies that make every dollar work for the people — whether in education, public safety, transportation, or small business growth,” he writes on his campaign website.

Richie Barsamian

Chair of the Kings County Republican Party 

A retired policeman, Barsamian is a frequent attendee of 68th Precinct meetings, where he speaks on issues impacting his community. He has received the endorsement of the Kings County Republican Party. 

On Barsamian’s platform page, he lists two policies: his desire to hire more police officers, and his intention to protect Medicare.

“As part of my campaign to represent the 47th NYC Council District and the people of Southern Brooklyn, I pledge to fully support City Council Bill 1096 and any legislation that will end the threat of Medicare Advantage plans replacing traditional Medicare benefits for our municipal retirees,” he states.

George Sarantopolous

A cancer survivor and business leader

Born-and-raised in New York, Sarantopolous is a Bay Ridge resident who has decades of experience in business, including as the founder of the credit card processing company Access One Solutions. 

“George has built and led successful businesses and nonprofits across a variety of industries,” his campaign informs. “He also served as Chairman Emeritus of a national trade association, giving voice to thousands of small business owners across the country. In public service, George worked as Communications Director for a New York State Assemblyman and has played key roles in numerous local and state campaigns.”

He wants to make District 47 a safer and more affordable home for its residents, and has a detailed list of policies that make it easy for voters to get to know him. His goals include an increase in funding for police, an expansion of mobile health clinics, and a lower cost of living.

New York’s primary election will be held June 24, with early voting scheduled from June 14 to June 22. To find your pollsite, visit vote.nyc.

This roundup is part of an ongoing series. Check back for more information on candidates in other competitive races across the borough.