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Blossom Parris, who is entering her junior year at Poly Prep, has been cited for her efforts to promote reading in Guyana. Photo courtesy Poly Prep

Poly Prep student helps kids in Guyana

Blossom Parris, a student at Poly Prep Country Day School, is receiving international recognition for her efforts to help children in the South American country of Guyana to develop a love of reading. … Full Article

U.S. Rep. Dan Donovan says he voted against the bill because it seeks to cut off funding to police. Eagle file photo by Paula Katinas

Donovan votes against bill Dems call ‘Donald Trump Act’

A bill that would cut federal funding to cities that don’t crack down on undocumented immigrants committing crimes was approved by the House of Representatives by a wide margin, 241-179, but it passed without the support of freshman U.S. Rep. Dan Donovan, who voted against the measure. … Full Article

As this map from Comptroller Scott Stringer’s office shows, the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn tops the list of major roadways that generate lawsuits against the city. Image from www.nyc.gov

Belt Parkway drives pothole lawsuits, Stringer says

What are the most pothole-plagued highways in Brooklyn? Judging from the number of lawsuits filed against the city by drivers whose cars have been damaged by potholes, the answer would have to the Belt Parkway. … Full Article

Josephine Beckmann (left), a member of the 68th Precinct Community Council, works the raffle booth at last year’s Night Out Against Crime event in Shore Road Park. Dozens of prizes were given away. Eagle file photo by Paula Katinas

68th Precinct council hosts barbecue for Night Out Against Crime

Cops from the 68th Precinct and the members of the 68th Precinct Community Council are teaming up to host a major crime fighting event on Aug. 4, but there won’t be guns, handcuffs or arrests involved. It’s going to be a barbecue in Shore Road Park in Bay Ridge. … Full Article

The MTA should be doing a lot more to improve service on the R train, according to Councilmember Vincent Gentile. The R train pulls into the 86th Street station in Bay Ridge. Eagle file photo by Paula Katinas

Gentile demands MTA fix ‘drastic dysfunction’ on R train

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is rolling in dough, according to Councilmember Vincent Gentile, who said the agency has a surplus of $1 billion. … Full Article

Writer-director Jason Cusato (standing third from right) and members of the cast and crew of “A Box Came to Brooklyn” celebrate the award. Photo courtesy of Jason Cusato

Bay Ridge movie wins Manhattan Film Festival award

Hey Bay Ridge, you’re a star! A movie filmed on a street in the Southwest Brooklyn community has won an award at a major film festival. “A Box Came to Brooklyn” was named Best Comedic Short at the 2015 Manhattan Film Festival, making writer-director Jason Cusato very happy. … Full Article